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

Moved by Mr. Rosemier, seconded by Mrs. Fauci, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the agenda.

WELCOME NEW FOREST PRESERVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chairman, Mr. Metzger started the introductions with a warm hello and stated that he represented District 12 (Sandwich). Mr. Metzger stated that he was briefly on the Forest Preserve Committee before, has a love of the outdoors and conservation, and decided to return to the Forest Preserve Committee this term.

Mr. Lyle stated that he was from Genoa/Kingston representing District 2 and was returning for his second term on the Forest Preserve Committee. Mr. Lyle stated that he is a former farmer and police officer.

Mr. Gudmunson stated that he represents District11, owns 25 acres of woodlands and enjoys the outdoors.

Mr. Rosemeir stated that he represents District 5 and is retired from Northern Illinois University. He stated that forest preserves hold an unknown value here in DeKalb County, and he enjoys the diversity here.

Mrs. Fauci stated that she is from District 9 in DeKalb. She is a graphic designer, loves to hike and enjoys the outdoors. Mrs. Fauci is on the Environmental Commission in DeKalb.

Mr. Simonson stated that he is serving his 4th term on the Forest Preserve Committee. He stated that grew up and worked on his father’s farm. Mr. Simonson said that he has worked with land all of his life. He stated that he is most interested in economic sustainable use, such as farming.

Mr. Johnson stated that he is from District 6, and is originally from DuPage County. He said that he enjoys the open spaces in DeKalb County.

Mr. Hannan welcomed all of the new and returning members to the Forest Preserve Committee. Mr. Hannan stated that he has been with the District for 27 years. He stated that when he was hired by DeKalb County, there were only 3 forest preserves in DeKalb County. Mr. Hannan stated that today there are 14 forest preserves in the County, including a new preserve approximately 300 acres adjoining a State Park in Northwest Kirkland. Mr. Hannan stated that land acquisition has been a priority with the recent Forest Preserve Committee. Grant awards for land acquisition and development and natural resource management, along with the Wetland Bank have been essential for additional funds to the Forest Preserve District. He added forest preserves are more conservation type parks with passive recreation with more active type recreation being offered in city parks. He commended the Forest Preserve Staff for the work they do providing safe, well maintained forest preserves and their many skills in doing forest preserve development projects. Mr. Hannan added that forest preserves have economic value and adds quality of life to the surrounding communities. Mr. Hannan informed the new Committee that the Forest Preserve District receives 3/10 of 1% of the total tax collected as the total revenue for the District, the lowest taxing body in the County.

Mr. Metzger stated that in the past the Forest Preserve Committee has been tight knit and active. Mr. Metzger stated that he hopes to carry on the legacy.

FOREST PRESERVE INFORMATION/UPDATES

Mr. Hannan handed out information on the new forest preserve site located in Northwest Kirkland, tax information and the Forest Preserve District brochures.

Mr. Hannan stated that the Natural Land Institute, grant awards and other partnerships were instrumental in acquiring the land for the new forest preserve.

Mr. Hannan explained that the DeKalb County Community Foundation has a Land Acquisition fund for people interested in donating towards Land Acquisition.

Mr. Hannan presented a slide show as on overview of the forest preserves for the new members. The slides gave a sample of the wildlife, prairie burns, seasonal changes, park hours, and outdoor enjoyment used by all, year round.

Mr. Hannan explained the Afton Wetland Bank to the Committee.

FOREST PRESERVE COMMITTEE MEETING TIME/ DATE DISCUSSION

Mr. Metzger asked if there was any conflict for any member for the current meeting time and date. Mr. Simonson stated that he liked the current schedule. All members agreed that the current time and date worked well. The Forest Preserve Committee will continue to meet the third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Mr. Metzger asked each Committee member to come to the January meeting with a "punchlist" of tasks they would like to see accomplished during the course of their terms.

Mr. Hannan stated that the monthly reports are included in the minutes for their review

Moved by Mr. Rosemier, seconded by Mr. Lyle, it was voted unanimously to move into executive session for purpose of Land Acquisition at 7:05 p.m.

Moved by Mr. Rosemier, seconded by Mr. Johnson, it was carried unanimously by role call vote to return to regular session.

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Mr. Rosemier, seconded by Mr. Johnson, it was carried unanimously by voice vote to adjourn the meeting.

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Chairman, Mr. Metzger