DeKalb County, Illinois

Minutes of the
Public Policy Committee

March 18, 2002

The Public Policy Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Monday, March 18, 2002 at 6:00p.m. at the DeKalb County Administration Building’s Conference Room East. Chairman Ruth Anne Tobias called the meeting to order. Members present were John Dlabal, Eileen Dubin and Pat LaVigne. Mr. Brown, Mr. Barr and Mr. Metzger were absent.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Moved by Mr. Dlabal, seconded by Ms. Dubin, and it was voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the February 2002 meeting.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Chairman Tobias mentioned that under item #5a.) it is a Proclamation not a Resolution for County Government Week. Moved by Ms. Dubin, seconded by Mr. Dlabal, and it was voted unanimously that the amended agenda be approved.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No one was present for public comment.

NEW BUSINESS – Proclamation for County Government Week

Chairman Tobias presented a proclamation for county government week. She said that she used one from NACO website and added some more information on DeKalb County. She said that she would like it to go before the full board for their March meeting.

Moved by Mr. Dlabal, seconded by Ms. LaVigne, and it was carried unanimously to recommend the Proclamation and to forward it to the full county board to be read at their March meeting.

OLD BUSINESS – Meetings in other areas – dates and places

Chairman Tobias said that the Mayor of Genoa suggested that we meet in May in Genoa an hour before their City Council meeting. If that is agreeable with the committee she would let the Mayor know. The committee agreed to the May meeting place and that we would be meeting at 6:00p.m. on the 20^th of May because the Genoa City Council meets at 7:00p.m. Chairman Tobias will let Ms. Supple know if that is the correct date.

OLD BUSINESS – Update on Planning for County Government Week

Ms. Supple, DeKalb County Coordinator, passed around a copy of the press release that appeared in the “Daily Chronicle” this past week with regards to County Government Week mentioning the essay contest. Ms. Supple said that there are three essays in as of right now. One was from the Sycamore area, one from the Sandwich area and one from DeKalb. She further stated that Ms. Sanderson, DeKalb County Webmaster, said that one was mailed and two were emailed, which is great because it shows that they are using the website, said Ms. Supple.

The other items regarding County Government Week are the three (3) radio broadcasts. The radio broadcasts at B95 and WLBK are done. We are only waiting for WSPY and Jeff Metzger to get back to us on the broadcast date and time, said Ms. Supple.

OLD BUSINESS – Update on Public Policy Committee and Comprehensive Plan

Chairman Tobias said that about two years ago we talked about the comprehensive plan and our goals and objectives at the committee level. All committees had this assigned to them by the Chairman of the Board, Bob Pritchard, at the time. After the comprehensive plan was passed, Bob Pritchard had asked each committee to take responsibility for the portion of the comprehensive plan that “fits” in with each committee. She felt that this was a good time to review it. Ms. LaVigne said that she was glad that we have public comment because there now is a place and committee for the public to come to and have their voice heard. With regard to Goal #10 – “develop and maintain transportation systems which serve existing and future residents, farms and businesses” the committee discussed that transportation issues will be part of the Regional Plan Commission. Mr. Bockman said that he is not certain how the MPO will interface with the Regional Plan Commission just yet. Ms. Dubin said that it would be nice if we have a head start on what needs and issues are out there with regards to the public and transportation needs. What role could the County play in this? Maybe we need to find the funds to hire an expert to do a needs assessment study, she suggested. Mr. Bockman asked what do we need a study done for if we already have a transit system that just doesn’t have enough resources - don’t we need more resources?” Ms. Dubin said that she felt that a study would show whether this is the way to really set up a transit system.

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Mr. Dlabal, seconded by Ms. Dubin, and it was carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting.

Respectively submitted,

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Chairman Ruth Anne Tobias

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Mary C. Supple, Secretary