The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday, November 18, 2003 in the East Conference Room at the DeKalb County Administrative Building, at 6:00 p.m. Chairman Mr. Simonson called the meeting to order with Mrs. Fauci, Mr. Gudmunson, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lyle and Mr. Rosemier. Mr. Hannan, Mr. Milburg, Mr. Xidis, Mr. Schreider and Mr. Fogel were also present.

There was a brief discussion on hypothetical situations of opposition. No one from the public spoke at this time.

Mr. Hannan gave an overview of the budget process and explained the components of the Forest Preserve budget: Capital Outlay, Contractual Services, Commodities, and Personnel Services. Mr. Hannan stated that the County Farm Woods Forest Preserve was in a TIF district and received $2300 in reimbursement for maintenance and development expenses.

Mr. Hannan added that $8,000 came in from an IDNR C-2000 grant to reimburse line item 7252.

Mr. Hannan explained that line item 8024, Building and Grounds Maintenance, was higher this year due to storm clean-up such as wires knocked down from storms, tree cutting and tree trimming and other contracted maintenance.

Mr. Rosemier asked if the Forest Preserve District could carry funds over from one year to the next. Mr. Hannan responded that yes, as a separate taxing district, it was possible.

Mr. Hannan explained that line item 8411 is for NREC salaries and supplies for the Natural Resource Center. He added that the University of Illinois Extension wanted an additional $2,000 in revenue. Mr. Hannan explained that $18,000 is reserved in an NREC account.

Mr. Hannan stated that one other committee created a discussion regarding the depth of conversation reflected in committee minutes.

Mrs. Fauci stated that she like to see the opinions of other committee members on various topics.

Mr. Rosemier stated that if a committee member wanted to see particular wording in the minutes, it should be up to that committee member to state to the minute taker the exact wording requested or contact the secretary directly.

Mrs. Fauci stated that she liked to read both sides of a discussion to fully understand that point of view.

Mr. Simonson stated he felt that the Forest Preserve Committee was the most agreeable committee within the County Board.

Mrs. Fauci stated that she has been pleased with the Forest Preserve minutes.

Mr. Lyle said that Mr. Hannan does a lot more for the Forest Preserve District than anyone realizes. Mr. Rosemier and Mrs. Fauci agreed. Mr. Hannan said thank you and extended the appreciation to the forest preserve staff for all that they do.

Mrs. Fauci wished to explore the other options of fund-raising as well.

Mr. Rosemier asked if the DeKalb County Soil and Water District still had a tree and shrub sale. Mr. Milburg stated that indeed they do. Mr. Rosemier felt this was an appropriate fund-raise. Mr. Hannan stated that he would look into it.

Mrs. Fauci thought that the Steam and Power Club would be interested in renting farm land from the district and this would be a possible revenue source. Mr. Hannan stated that he thought that organization was looking to purchase their own land.

Mrs. Fauci asked the committee if any other member had any ideas for fund raising.

Mr. Rosemier asked Mr. Hannan if the district could sell prairie seed. Mr. Hannan responded that this would be too labor intensive for the limited forest preserve staff.

Mr. Hannan stated that on November 8, 2003 a volunteer event for tree planing took place at Potawatomi Woods. Mr. Hannan stated that approximately 30 volunteers turned out to plant 50 oak trees and 100 native shrubs. The volunteers had beautiful weather and ended their work with hot chili and cider.

Mr. Hannan added that the new sign is in place at Potawatomi Woods and the outhouses should be completed in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Hannan added that the DeKalb/Sycamore Rotary Club is planning to raise $20,000-$25,000 in a centennial fund-raiser to provide a new shelter and possibly new play equipment at Potawatomi Woods.

Mr. Hannan stated that in 2005 there would be handicapped accessible trails added from revenue brought in (by an anonymous donor) that would connect the prairie, woods and wetlands.

Mr. Hannan said that he plans to apply for an IDNR OSLAD (Open Space Land and Development) grant in the spring of 2004, which is funded through real estate transfer taxes to preserve land. He stated that this is a 50% matching grant and in-kind donations can be used as a match. He added that the district would have 18 months with this grant to add the shelters, trails, water, landscaping, etc. for the forest preserves. He added that he would see if the old well was functional and safe first.

Mr. Gudmunson asked Mr Hannan if he knew what size casing the well had. Mr. Hannan replied that he did not have that information yet, but was open to upgrading the existing system if possible.

Mr. Hannan recapped the Wetland Bank that was approved in 1997 for the committee. He stated that this 57 acre sight is south of the barn at Afton Prairie Forest Preserve. He explained that just under 5 acres have been presold, and the district has 5 years to begin construction on these. Mr. Hannan added that due to this agreement with the Illinois Army Core of Engineers, this spring construction was due to begin on 15 acres.

Mr. Hannan updated the committee on staff activities adding that they have been upgrading roads with new gravel, cutting wood for the shelter houses/ campfires, and installing new wood stoves and chimneys.

Mr. Rosemier asked if all of the shelters that are equipped with stoves and chimneys have fire extinguishers. Mr. Hannan responded yes, the enclosed shelters are.

Mr. Rosemier asked what buildings were insured within the forest preserves. Mr. Hannan responded that the house and barn at Afton, the house and lodge at MacQueen, the morton building at Potawatomi Woods and the Natural Resource Center at Russell Woods were all insured.

Mr. Gudmunson asked about the electrical wires that Mr. Hannan wanted to bury underground. Mr. Hannan responded that at Potawatomi Woods, Chief Shabbona, Sannauk and MacQueen all have lines that he would like buried. Mr. Hannan explained that he gives the bills for this work to the Finance Office and they pay this bill out of OLT Community Grant for capital improvements.

Mrs. Fauci asked when these burial projects would start. Mr. Hannan stated they would start asap and that right now he is accepting bids.

Mrs. Fauci asked if solar would be an option at Potawatomi Woods. Mr. Hannan responded that once there was a building there it would be considered.

Mr. Simonson told Mr. Hannan that he was very impressed with the photography in the minutes.