Chairman Pritchard added 5b. to reflect Sale of Real Estate.

Chairman Prichard recommended the following appointments:

911 Emergency Telephone
Systems Board:                             Mr. William Feithen
                                                       Mr. William Riddle
                                                       Mr. Larson Russell
                                                       Mr. Richard Olson
                                                       All reappointments for a term of 2 years, until 12/01/2005.  

DeKalb County Nursing
Home Foundation Board:             Mr. A. A. (Bud) Burgin, reappointment for a term of 3 years, until 12/01/2006.
                                                       Mr. Eugene Pottenger
                                                       Mr. James Huntley
                                                       Both appointments for a term of 3 years, until 12/01/2006.

Chairman Pritchard informed the committee that next month there will be 1 position still open on the Workforce Investment Act Board, 3 positions open on the Board of Health and 2 positions open on the Community Mental Health Board.

Mr. Bockman, DeKalb County Administrator, reviewed the county board agenda for the board meeting to be held on November 19, 2003.

Chairman Pritchard informed the committee that someone who is interested in purchasing some county property near Market Square for some non-commercial activity approached the county board office. Do we wish to entertain such an offer or not? Mr. Bockman said that they are willing to buy the entire 11.8 acres but that they were only asking initially for a minimum of 5 acres. The property is across the street from the old Caterpillar plant off of Barber Greene Road. The most likely use of that land would be commercial or industrial. The consensus of the committee was to preserve this property for commercial and/or industrial future use.

Ms. Leifheit, Chairman of the Administrative Services Committee, said that the credit card resolution will allow all the county departments to accept credit card payments just like a few of the departments have been doing for awhile. It’s a service to the people that can use it. Mr. Slack asked if only the Discover credit card is the card that will be accepted? Ms. Leifheit said yes.

Ms. Leifheit said that they are also bringing the tax abatement item is for a company that is looking to relocate in Sycamore. They are looking at 3 large lots and about $5 million in improvements. What it would mean to the county totally is just over $25,000 in abated taxes. After the three years are over in abatements, then the county will receive approximately $13,000 each year in real estate taxes. This is our second abatement that we have done with Sycamore. The first one was with Sycamore Ford Mazda.

Ms. Fauci, Member of the Forest Preserve Committee, said that they had a bid award on a new truck purchase. They will save approximately $600.00 through the state bid process. Ms. Fauci said that the price also includes delivery of the vehicle. She also mentioned the volunteers that came last Saturday to Potawottami Woods to help plant about 50 new native trees.

Mr. Steimel, Chairman of the Planning & Regulations Committee, said that they held a second hearing for the Gun Club. About 75 people attended the hearing and Mr. Kevin Buick was the hearing officer. He did a very good job of running the hearing. Chairman Pritchard asked him if there was any new information that was presented at the second hearing? Mr. Steimel yes, because there were no objectors at the first hearing. It lasted about 3 hours and a-half hours long. He felt because of this, that it was worth having the second hearing.

Mr. Slack said that another thing that came out of the hearing was the environmental impact. He explained that people asked how would it be possible to monitor the lead levels for any lead that would accumulate there? It was suggested to use non-leaded shot and rake up the grounds afterwards on a regular basis. Chairman Pritchard asked if there was any reference as to what other permitted gun clubs have done with this problem? Mr. Steimel said that there was reference made to other gun clubs but no testimony.

Mr. Steimel also briefly explained Ordinance #2003-29 on the county board agenda that refers to the amendment to the fee schedule for zoning action applications. He said that it would give the planning and regulations committee authority to reopen hearings. Ms. Leifheit asked if the committee could deny reopening the hearing without the county board’s input? Mr. Steimel said that they can do it now. Chairman Pritchard said that the county board still has the final decision. He also explained the second part of the ordinance that speaks about the fee amendment. It states that if the committee or the county board decides to send an issue back for another public hearing then the county pays for the costs for that second hearing. However, if the petitioner or a third party requests that the item is sent back for a public hearing then they may have to reimburse for the costs.

Chairman Pritchard said that the Public Policy Committee discussed the state legislative agenda items again and that they will be bringing it to the full board for approval in December.

Ms. Leifheit said that at the Public Services Committee, Mr. Jerry Lane, Director of the Community Mental Health 708 Board, said that the mental health system in the State of Illinois is in a crisis right now.

Before adjourning, Chairman Pritchard said that despite our efforts in managing growth, we are getting a lot of it right now. At the Regional Planning Commission, he continued, it was mentioned that Waterman, Somonauk, Maple Park, Malta and Cortland are looking at large development(s). What we have been able to do is update their comprehensive plans, to foster communication, to raise awareness and to offer county staff services. DeKalb and Sycamore are piddling away while the smaller communities are adding thousands of homes. Chairman Pritchard said that he brings this to the members’ attention as an awareness issue that these discussions are going on.

Moved by Ms. Leifheit, seconded by Ms. Fauci, and it was carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting.

Respectively submitted,

_______________________________
Robert W. Pritchard, Chairman