DeKalb County, Illinois
	Minutes of the Forest Preserve Committee September 17, 2002

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday, September 17, 2002, at Chief Shabbona Forest Preserve at 6:00 p.m. Chairman Mr. Morreale called the meeting to order with Mr. Dlabal, Mr. Guehler, Mr. Haines, Mr. Lyle, Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Sands and Mr. Simonson. Mr. Hannan and Mr. Xidis were also present.

 

Moved by Mr. Lyle, seconded by Mr. Dlabal, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the minutes for August.

 

Moved by Mr. Dlabal, seconded by Mr. Simonson, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the agenda with one addition for a resolution to temporarily vacate a portion of the DeKalb/Sycamore Trail for the GreenWood Acres extension.

 

Mr. Hannan stated that a few school groups had rescheduled their visits to the Nature Resource Center at Russell Woods until after the first frost due to the West Nile Virus. Mr. Hannan stated that the Illinois Department of Health sent posters and information regarding the West Nile Virus which are posted at both campsites at Russell Woods and MacQueen Forest Preserves. Mr. Hannan discussed with the forest preserve staff the precautions that were necessary for prevention and public information. Mr. Simonson asked about the variety of mosquitoes that could carry this virus stating that the population seemed to be smaller and grayer this year. Mr. Dlabal asked about the incubation period of the mosquito. Mr. Hannan stated that he thought the incubation period was approximately 5 days.

Mr. Hannan introduced Mr. Tony Xidis of the Kishwaukee Kiwanis Club. Mr Xidis stated that he is interested in pathway development throughout the DeKalb County area. Mr. Xidis has been the Chairman of the "Biking with Beanzie" fundraiser that is utilized for future pathways. Mr. Xidis is exploring the idea of creating a Committee for coordination efforts for connecting and planning pathways throughout DeKalb County. Mr. Xidis commented on the groups he would like to see participate such as governmental bodies, 4-H clubs, Sycamore Key Club, the Audubon Society, etc.

Mr. Morreale stated that the best resource around would be Mr. Hannan, in lieu of a formal Committee.

Mr. Sands stated that he would be interested in seeing a pathway that connected Shabbona to Waterman, and Malta to DeKalb. Mr. Sands added that he would be willing to volunteer his time to help this project along.

Mr. Morreale stated that his interest would be in a vision that connected the existing forest preserves to one another, starting with Russell Woods connecting to the newly acquired forest preserve in Kirkland.

Mr. Hannan stated 90% of the DeKalb/Sycamore Trail was funded by grants. Mr. Hannan added that there were many donations (all of the land was donated and there were partners that donated money) that made the DeKalb/Sycamore bike trail possible such as the Sycamore Lions Club, DeKalb Kiwanis, Sycamore Park District, DeKalb Park District, City of DeKalb, DeKalb County Community Foundation, Nancy Castle, Mike and Barbara Holtz, DeKalb County Farm Bureau, Commonwealth Edison, DeKalb County, Ideal Industries, and the Sycamore School District.

Mr. Xidis pointed out that the more community interest in a project the easier it becomes.

Mr. Sands inquired as to how one would go about utilizing old railroad right-of-ways. Mr. Xidis responded that Mr. Carl Heinisch has been handling the railways, and found utilities to be easy to work with on the bike path projects. Mr. Sands asked about active railroads. Mr. Xidis stated that active railroads are more involved. Mr. Hannan added that there are fencing requirements for liability purposes, causing a much more expensive project. Mr. Haines stated that the right-of-way for a railroad is 100 feet wide.

Mr. Morreale asked Mr. Xidis if his interest is to create new bike paths. Mr. Xidis stated that he has a broader vision, connecting communities, forest preserves, and possibly added new trails along the Kishwaukee River banks heading north. Mr. Xidis stated that his goal was to make DeKalb County a unique place for outdoor recreation via pathways.

Mr. Morreale stated that the Committee would support these efforts, adding that the Forest Preserve Committee does not have the funds at this time, but a partnership may be in order.

Mr. Morreale suggested to Mr. Xidis that the Regional Planning Commission would be a great way to introduce this idea to leaders throughout DeKalb County. Mr. Morreale stated that the Forest Preserve Committee would be willing to host a meeting in the Administration Building if needed.

Mr. Hannan stated that Mr. Guehler would be a great resource in the southern part of DeKalb County.

Mr. Hannan added that the "Biking with Beanzie" was an enjoyable event, including humorous signs for entertainment to those following the bike route. Mr. Hannan thanked Mr. Xidis for attending the Committee meeting. Mr. Xidis left.

Mr. Hannan stated that a month ago Mr. Pritchard was contacted by the Sunrise Rotary Club looking for a project for fundraising purposes to mark their 100 year anniversary. Mr. Hannan stated that this timing would work out well with the acquisition of the Kirkland forest preserve (yet to be named). Mr. Hannan spoke with the Sunrise Rotary Club and they would like to raise $25,000 by the year 2005 for park facilities.

Mr. Hannan announced that the Genoa School District has offered a tour of the school site to the Forest Preserve Committee. Mr. Hannan asked if the Committee would like to have the next Committee meeting at Russell Woods, and adjacent site. Mr. Lyle and Mr. Morreale stated that sounded great, and all members agreed.

Mr. Hannan stated that 1,446 feet of the DeKalb/Sycamore Trail behind Lowe’s needs to be vacated for the GreenWood Acres Drive Extension. Mr. Hannan stated that a copy of the resolution is included in the Committee packet for review. Mr. Hannan added that this would be performed at no cost to the Forest Preserve District. Moved by Mr. Guehler, seconded by Mr. Simonson, and it was carried unanimously by voice vote to approve the resolution to vacate the DeKalb/Sycamore Bike Trail for the GreenWood Acres Drive Extension.

 

BUDGET FY 2003

Mr. Hannan stated that in October the Forest Preserve Committee will review and vote on the budget and levy. This will then be forwarded to the DeKalb County Forest Preserve Commissioners. Mr. Morreale asked if the higher insurance rates were included. Mr. Hannan stated that yes, they were included. He added that approximately 2.7 cents per every $100 was accessed for the levy. Mr. Hannan also stated that this represents a 4.6% increase over last year. Mr. Morreale added that the Committee is asking for the maximum amount. Mr. Dlabal moved, seconded by Mr. Haines, and it was approved unanimously by a voice vote to place the proposed budget for fiscal year 2003 on file for public review.

Moved by Mr. Sands, seconded by Mr. Simonson, it was approved unanimously by voice vote to move into executive session for the purpose of Exempt Employee Evaluation.

 

Moved by Mr. Dlabal, seconded by Mr. Lyle, and it was carried unanimously by voice vote to adjourn the meeting.

 

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Chairman, Mr. Morreale                           

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