DeKalb County, Illinois
	Minutes of the Forest Preserve Committee November 20, 2001

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at the DeKalb County Administration Building, East Conference Room, at 6:00p.m. Chairman John Morreale called the meeting to order with Mr. Dlabal, Mr. Guehler, Mr. Haines , Mr. Lyle, Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Sands, and Mr. Simonson present. Mr. Hannan and Mr. Milburg were also present.

Mr. Hannan asked if one item could be added for a budget discussion, concerning a year end budget transfer. Moved by Mr. Guehler, seconded by Mr. Dlabal, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the amended agenda.

Mr. Hannan explained that there is an unforeseen item to be added to the budget. Two years ago, there was an anonymous donation of property. Mr. Hannan and Mr. Al Roloff have applied for and received a ($15,000) C-2000 grant to obtain funds to pay for the clean-up of a wetland on this property. Mr. Hannan explained that $8,000 needs to be added to the Special Projects Account to pay the contractor. Mr. Hannan stated that 40% of the grant money was advanced in FY 2001 and the balance of the grant money would be reimbursed through the grant in FY 02. Moved by Mr. Dlabal, seconded by Mr. Guelhler, and the amendment to the budget was approved to go before the Commissioners for tomorrow’s meeting.

Mr. Morreale opened the public hearing by asking if there were any questions about the levy and appropriation ordinance. There were no questions from the public or Committee members. Mr. Dlabal moved to go out of the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Simonson. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.

Mr. Hannan stated that a Labor Inspector from the State of Illinois visited various Forest Preserves and found a few safety and code upgrades that needed to be addressed. Mr. Hannan stated that forest preserve staff and contracted labor will add lights to the exit signs at the Natural Resource Center and forest preserve shelter houses, have hot water at the Resource Center, ground fault outlets, emergency evacuation plans and other minor items, etc. Mr. Hannan explained that there may be some additional expenses in the FY 2002 budget due to the necessity of bringing forest preserves up to the current safety codes.

Mr. Hannan stated that the forest preserve staff has planted prairie seeds by the new Genoa/ Kingston school site "buffer area".

Mr. Hannan added that this has been a very successful fall for woodland burns due to the warmer weather. Mr. Hannan said that Knute Olson and MacQueen Forest Preserves have been burned to help eliminate Garlic Mustard. Sannauk and Chief Shabbona are scheduled.

Mr. Hannan stated that the State of Illinois had an option contract to buy land Northwest of Kirkland. Mr. Hannan explained that biologists and appraisers from the State had visited the site, and the environmental survey came back positive.

Mr. Hannan stated that the O.L.T. grant would get approved or declined in April 2002, and if approved the Forest Preserve District could purchase 300 acres north of the Kishwaukee River in May or June of 2002. Mr. Hannan stated that the total purchase between the State of Illinois and the County of DeKalb totals approximately 882 acres of land. Mr. Hannan pointed out that the current land owner plans to keep 116 acres of buildable land.

Mr. Sands asked if it was helpful to have local Legislators and Senators supporting this endeavor? Mr. Morreale stated that it was very helpful to have gained their support. Mr. Morreale stated that Mr. Brad Burzynski was one of the most instrumental supporters, and each supporter is appreciated.

Regarding the Genoa/ Kingston road agreement: Mr. Morreale explained that the amended resolution will go before the Commissioners tomorrow night. Mr. Morreale stated for the record that the amendment was that the shared road was an exit only and would be 210 feet in length. Mr Morreale stated that he needed a motion to enter into a license agreement for the Genoa/ Kingston School Board to sign. Moved by Mr. Haines, seconded by Mr. Dlabal, and it was carried unanimously by a voice vote.

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Chairman, John Morreale

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