The regular monthly meeting of the Public Infrastructure and Development Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Thursday, February 2, 2001, at 7:00PM at the East Conference Room of the Public Administration Building. Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order.

Committee members present were Chairman Wilson, Ms. LaVigne, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Casella, Mr. Hoffman, Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. Sands. Mr. Guehler was absent. Also attending were William Lorence, County Engineer and Roger Hopkins, Executive Directive DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation.

Mr. Smith moved to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2001 meeting, Ms. LaVigne seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Smith moved to approve the minutes of the January 17, 2001 meeting, Mrs. Casella seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion to approve the agenda as printed and distributed was made and seconded. Mr. Lorence asked for two additional items to be added to the agenda, i.e. 1) Altered Speed Zone Ordinance and 2) Engineering Agreement for South Grove Rd. Dist.

Motion to approve the agenda as amended was made by Mr. Hoffman, seconded by Mrs. Casella. Motion carried unanimously.

Roger Hopkins updated the Committee on the Corporation. He distributed a pamphlet outlining various elements of the County and surrounding municipalities regarding such items as schools, housing, employment figures and growth. He noted that the growth within the County has been dominated by small business growth rather than large industrial growth. Due to the low 3.1% unemployment rate in the County, even in light of the slowing economy, it discourages larger employers from locating here due to the difficulty in obtaining a sustainable workforce.

The County also experiences a modest residential growth which influences retail growth.

When asked how the County could help support Economic Development, Mr. Hopkins responded he felt perhaps one way could be to establish a form of "consulting/planning" operation, reaching out to smaller communities...to help them establish growth management.

It was noted that regional planning would be one of the issues discussed at the upcoming County Board workshop on February 24th. Chairman Wilson encouraged the Committee to attend that workshop if they are available.

A Motor Fuel Tax resolution was presented requesting the authorization of $642,000 for the payment of labor and equipment rental for FY 2001. Motion by Mr. McLaughlin to pass the MFT resolution, seconded by Mrs. Casella. Motion carried unanimously.

A second MFT resolution was presented to the Committee requesting IDOT to authorize $48712.50 towards those County roads scheduled for seal coating this summer. Motion by Mrs. Casella to pass this resolution, seconded by Mr. Smith. Motion carried unanimously.

The ordinance presented for Committee action would define the existing 45MPH speed zone on Barber Greene Road from 1700' east of Route 23 to 1000' east of Peace Road. Motion by Mrs. LaVigne to pass Ordinance 2001-05, seconded by Mr. Smith. Motion carried unanimously.

An Engineering Agreement with Wendler Engineering & Surveying was presented for the design of the redecking of a structure located on Base Line Road in South Grove Road District. The agreement has a cap of $7600.00. Motion by Mr. Smith to enter into the agreement, seconded by Mrs. Casella. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Lorence reviewed the Transportation Improvement Program with Committee members. The Malta and Kirkland Road Structures have been rescheduled for letting on February 27th. The Peace Road/Barber Greene Road plans are moving along. The new highway facility is approximately 95% complete.

Motion by Mrs. Casella to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Smith. Motion carried unanimously and the February 2, 2001 meeting of the Public Infrastructure and Development Committee so adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

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John A. Wilson
Chairman