Minutes of the DeKalb County
Regional Planning Commission

1. Roll Call -- Mr. Pritchard acknowledged the members present and noted the absence of Mr. Gentile from Genoa, Mr. Pardridge from Shabbona, Mr. Allen from Sandwich and Mr. Nicklas from Sycamore.

2. Approval of Agenda -- Mr. Rasmussen moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Aldis, and the motion passed unanimously.

3. Approval of Minutes -- Mr. Bellah moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Mr. Luker, and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Miller began by noting that he had included a memorandum from July 14, 2003 that outlined where each municipality stood with respect to their Comprehensive Plan development. He stated that the Unified Comprehensive Plan project was nearing completion and the goal continued to be the adoption of updated County Comprehensive Plan, containing the future land use plans of each of the municipalities, and all applicable Intergovernmental agreements for mutual support of each other’s comprehensive plans, by no later than December of 2003, following a public hearing in November. Mr. Miller noted that he had made several contacts with the RPC members to establish times to meet with their Village Boards or Commissions to assist in moving the processes forward and establishing where the municipalities stood with respect to involvement of the city councils/village boards with the project. He commented that a letter is being developed by Land Vision that will be sent to each of the municipal board/council member with a copy of the future land use plan for their community, asking about their level of involvement and awareness of the comprehensive plan project, and inviting questions or comments. He reported that he had contacted Kirkland and noted that they are well on target. The Village Board seems supportive at this point. Mr. Miller stated that he also stressed to each community that there will be work beyond adoption of the comprehensive plan and prepared them for the process of a review of their ordinances to assure they support the comprehensive plan adopted. Kingston has not had a meeting yet with Mr. Miller and their Board, and there is a desire to have the letter from Land Vision precede such a meeting. Mr. Miller has held discussions with Mr. Gentile of Genoa and notes that their Plan Commission is currently working with the Plan and believes they will complete their work within the noted target dates. Malta is still in process and Mr. Miller is trying to establish a date to meet with their Village Board. The Plan Commission is working with the document, but they have expressed uncertainty as to what to do next. Mr. Miller will continue to give attention to Malta until their uncertainties are resolved. Mr. Miller has talked with Mr. Pardridge and the new Village President of Shabbona, and it has been agreed that they will continue to hold discussions to assure that their Village Board will be supportive of the Plan and process. Mr. Miller talked with Mr. Heiderscheidt as well as Village of Waterman President Roger Bosworth. Their Plan Commission has been working with the Plan to date and are on target and very committed to the process. The Hinckley Village Board seems to be extremely involved and positive about the process. They currently have a newly-formed Plan Commission and are moving along well. Mr. Miller will be meeting with the Somonauk officials in September following the Sandwich Fair. He noted that he and Land Vision will continue to work with them as well to keep them on track. Mr. Miller noted that he had met with Mr. Allen and the Sandwich City Engineer, Tom Horak, to discuss the comprehensive plan process for that city. The City Council and Plan Commission look to Mr. Horak for guidance in the process and Mr. Miller will continue to hold discussions with him. Overall the City seems to be on target and positive. Mr. Miller spoke with Mr. Ragan regarding the Village of Lee. At this time their Village Board is extremely aware and eager for the process to move forward. Mr. Miller hopes to be able to provide assistance when they reach the stage of updating their ordinances. DeKalb was not contacted as they are working toward their own process. Mr. Nicklas from Sycamore has completed that City’s Plan, and was looking forward to receiving the UDO disc distributed by Mr. Magdziarz. Cortland is also working through their Plan with a separate contract with Land Vision. Mr. Miller noted that he is also working with the Planning and Regulations Committee of the County Board on the goals and objectives from the County Comprehensive Plan, and they continue to keep work on the revised County Plan moving forward. Mr. Miller closed this discussion by noting his apologies of it seemed as if he was pushing any of the communities along, but that maintaining momentum was crucial at this stage of the project.

Mr. Pritchard asked for clarification that the goal is approval of all the municipal Comprehensive Plans by November 30, 2003. Mr. Miller noted that it is November 30 or before if the community can manage it. Mr. Madgziarz noted that some are moving ahead of that schedule and holding public meetings as early as next month. Mr. Altmaier asked when Land Vision would have the letters for the governing bodies ready to send. Mr. Magdziarz commented that they hoped to have them out within a week or so. Mr. Pritchard extended a request to the Commission members to keep things moving toward the target dates.

Mr. Madgziarz then noted that he had distributed a complete copy of the UDO on disc for the Commissions use and to distribute to any individuals for whom they feel it would be useful. He further noted that some of the files are quite large and if any of the members have difficulty opening any of the chapters to please contact him. Mr. Miller added that many communities will be working on their revisions. Some such as Sycamore are working on this themselves and some communities may want to hire consultants to assist them. He noted that County staff would also be available to assist them. He again emphasized how critical this process is to make their Comprehensive Plans viable.

Mr. Thompson asked if this review of the ordinances was to be completed by November 30 as well? Mr. Miller replied that it was only the adoption of the Comprehensive Plans that carried the November 30 deadline. But, he reiterated that the review of the ordinances must follow that approval fairly quickly.

5. Limited Access Roads

Mr. Pritchard opened by noting that as the Comprehensive Plan revision for the County continues, one area of concern is how the Plans will affect transportation between communities. He noted that it has often been the case in development that had occurred in some of the eastern counties that many thoroughfares had become inadvertent collectors due to poor planning. He further noted that DeKalb County wished to look at these issues now and do what can be done to protect the roadways that must act as collectors from interruptions in the form of too many access points. He then introduced Mr. Lorence, the County Engineer, to share the County’s current policies and concerns.

Mr. Lorence began with an overview of the types of road classifications that are utilized and called the Commission’s attention to the materials included in their packets. He then went on to note that State and County Roads must have logical termination points, must go either from a generator to another generator, etc. The County Plan contains either collectors or arterials. He noted that it has been the County’s preference to have a ½ mile grid on collector roads, that is, ½ mile between intersecting road, with no stretch of County road having less than ¼ mile to make deceleration and turns safer. He commented that if the County wishes to keep collector roads flowing well, there must be frontage roads, minor collectors or interior local roads to achieve the ½ mile or ¼ mile grid. He further noted that looking at each of the municipalities Comprehensive Plans, it is important to look at how collector roads relate to the local roads. He noted that the County has identified how they want minor collectors to relate to major collectors. He closed by noting that within the next six months, the County will focus on reserving right-of-way for an extension of Malta Road west of the Village of Malta, south from State Rte. 38 and across the railroad tracks. In Sycamore, there is also an Airport Road extension right-of-way. He noted that Peace Road may extend south of Gurler Road. He commented that he will also be working with Tom Horak regarding Sandwich Road issues.

Mr. Pritchard commented that many local roads seemed to be evolving into collectors. Mr. Lorence acknowledged that this is sometimes the case by natural usage or following improvements. He added that his office often observes the natural traffic flows and changes designations accordingly. The County does stay attentive to conflict points (driveways, turns, etc) when making this consideration. Mr. Pritchard then asked if there has been an identification of township roads that may qualify for an increased status. Mr. Lorence responded that unofficially such roads as Melms, Derbyline, Baseline, North Grove and Plank would fall under that description. He noted that Sycamore was not encouraging a connection between Plank and Baseline. Mr. Bellah pointed out that Baseline between Anne Glidden and Malta Blacktop seemed to have a large volume of traffic. Mr. Lorence agreed and noted that the blacktop improvement had likely encouraged that use.

Mr. Lorence added that Keslinger Road was also rapidly developing as a major use road and Mr. Pritchard noted that was the rationale for a future tie to Peace Road. University Road has been determined to be a full collector rather than a township road. Ms. Aldis asked about the status of Bethany Road. Mr. Lorence relied that it is really a circular road, with limited access. It would then be a minor collector. He did note it is being used as a bypass, and that might make the usage seem greater. However, he commented that Barber Greene Road is actually carrying more traffic than Bethany.

Mr. Thompson asked if a road becomes a collector or major thoroughfare, does the County become responsible for its maintenance. Mr. Lorence responded that it is not an automatic process. Mr. Miller clarified that the road classification is a designation for use, not jurisdiction. Mr. Thompson asked if there might not be advantages of the County taking jurisdiction. Mr. Lorence noted that as the budget currently stands there is simply no room to take on additional roads unless others are removed. Mr. Pritchard noted that this could be a policy decision in future, based on growth. Mr. Lorence commented that the individual Township Road commissioners also have a monetary incentive to keep the roads that the County does not. Mr. Bellah noted that this is especially advantageous to the townships when roads are seal-coated and therefore may require less maintenance, However, Mr. Pritchard countered that seal coating is appropriate up to a certain level of usage. A conversation then followed regarding traffic usage measurements. Mr. Rasmussen then pointed out the potential for greatly increased traffic flow from Park 88 and the proposed Sycamore Industrial Park as well as impact from the upcoming Rochelle Railport.

Mr. Miller noted that this brought the discussion back to the connection between the new comprehensive plans and the traffic questions. He commented that since it is the County’s stance that it will not encourage new development in the rural areas, all the impact will come from the growth at the municipalities and outside influences such as the Railport. Therefore, conversations need to begin regarding sharing costs and resources when that development causes a need for the County to protect collectors and arterials.

Mr. Rasmussen asked about the County’s approach to roads used heavily by bicycle riders as well as automobiles. Mr. Lorence responded that this could be affected by proposed legislation that would change bicycle from permitted users to intended users of the roadways. However, he noted that this could prove problematic to bicycle riders as many townships may elect to simply post roads as prohibited for their use rather than make the expenditures necessary to accommodate both users as well as to avoid potential litigation.

Mr. Pritchard asked if it would be possible for Mr. Lorence and Mr. Miller to prepare some additional visual representations for a future meeting and further discussion. Mr. Miller commented that each municipality should also be making specific designations on their individual Comprehensive Plans as well and contain some language to address adopting policies to share capitol improvements with the County when opportunities arise to develop the roadways to everyone’s benefit. Mr. Pritchard concluded the discussion by asking the Commission members to observe the roads in their townships for usage and future usage discussions.

Ms. Morphey noted that Somonauk had finished the Farmer’s State Bank and was considering a four-plot subdivision as well as Alexander Place, a 33-unit townhouse development. She concluded by noting that the Village had also recently received a grant for $225,000 for a new water tower. Mr. Pritchard noted that there was a business in DeKalb that manufactured water containing devices and perhaps the Village may want to open discussions with them.

Mr. Rasmussen reported that conversations have finally reached conclusion on the new Kohl’s as well as a new Best Buy. He noted that one of the challenges Best Buy has presented is that it wants to open at the same time (mid- to end of March, 2004) as the new Kohl’s and that will require quite a bit of staff time to accomplish. He also added that the City has proposed a new tax rebate incentive plan for industrial development. This has risen in response to new information provided by a new brokerage firm hired to promote Park 88. He noted that many of the communities that DeKalb loses industrial opportunities to have pre-packaged tax rebate programs in place. The County has been positive about the program, but there is some reticence on the part of the local school district. He concluded by noting that the City has some money available for a street-scaping plan on Lincoln Highway from Castle Bank to the entrance to NIU. An unexpected series of discussions have begun from outside investors seeking to make investments in downtown DeKalb. Mr. Pritchard noted that the support for tax abatement has arisen from the almost uniform desire of the municipalities in the County wishing to improve their industrial base. The County has stated that it is willing to partner with communities that have plans that make sense and have value to the County as well as the local community. The relief of property tax burdens is dependent on the expansion of the industrial/commercial base. He further added that even with tax incentives reducing the tax income for some specified period of years, more dollars will still likely flow in than does for the undeveloped farmland. Mr. Rasmussen added that it is also important to look at the types of industries that are being courted to be sure they are clean and dry industries that do not present a burden to the City or the County overall.

Ms. Aldis reported that Cortland has a tax incentive concept on the agenda to be discussed this month. There are also two residential development plans before them and they have also been approached by three others who are promoting commercial and industrial areas in their plans.

Mr. Luker reported that Hinckley is also quiet at the present. Mr. Miller commended the Village on the creation of their new Plan Commission. He noted this will serve the town well in the future.

Mr. Thompson reported that the Malta Village Board gave approval for a preliminary plat for Eagle Homes to the west of the Village. They are also looking at a 50-acre plan from Anthony Homes. He added that Malta will also soon be opening talks with Kishwaukee College about mutually beneficial arrangements regarding sewer capacity. Conversations regarding annexation of the College area to Malta may result as well. Mr. Miller added that Malta had utilized his serves to assist the Village with its recent subdivision approval. The ordinance approving the plat has an extensive litany of conditions and is tied to a newly created TIF district. There will be need to review sanitary and water systems and needed improvements due to the size of the development. As it currently stands, Eagle Homes development would double the size of Malta, with the Anthony proposal adding a third again as muh population. Mr. Pritchard noted that the current population of Malta stands at about 900 currently, and all of this could take them, rapidly, to about 2,500.

Mr. Bellah reported that the Kirkland Village Board has expressed support for continuing with the RPC and were not concerned with the proposed $500 per year cost. Their current street work is targeted to be completed November 26, 2003. Kennedy Homes is building aggressively and the Village recently annexed 53 acres which includes a golf school. He concluded by noting that the Village had also recently turned down a proposal for an four-unit apartment development on the grounds that it would reduce the property values of the adjoining houses.

Mr. Altmaier reported that Kingston’s only issue of note this month is that the Casey’s is scheduled to open soon.

Mr. Todd reported that Waterman is awaiting word on the bid letting project for Route 30 improvements. The deadline for that has been moved back to September, but there has been a determination of the local portion of the costs and their Village Board has approved the financing on their $414,000 portion of the project. The Board is also working with their School District on school fees for new development. The Board has also been contacted by a landowner who has been approached and presented a contract by a developer interested in 124 acres east of the Village. He noted that there have also been a contract offered on 145 acres also east of the Village. Both are for residential development. The well project is entering the final stages and they hope to begin operating from their in late September or early October. They are also working on a Park project on land donated by their local Lions Club. Mr. Pritchard noted that the community deserved commendation for the local money it was able to raise to move the project forward. Mr. Todd noted that the State had provided $236,000 and within about 36 hours the Village was able to raise approximately $100,000 from private donations. He concluded that Waterman is making great progress on the development of their TIF District and the work by consultant Pam Blickem has been very helpful. The TIF area would take in the Route 30 downtown business area as well as the commercial industrial area along Adams Street. They have also been approached by local business people interested in taking advantage of the program. Mr. Lorence commented that he is extremely pleased with the good working relationship with Waterman that the Highway Department has enjoyed.

Mr. Pritchard reported that the County had passed an ordinance this month to look at open space and transportation. In light of that, he had invited County Board member Julia Fauci to speak to the RPC along with Superintendent of the Forest Preserve, Terry Hannon.

Ms. Fauci began by noting that a new coalition had been formed, the DeKalb County Greenways and Trails Coalition. The group has formed a partnership with the Forest Preserve District. They wish to pursue a grant of $20,000 to hire a professional greenways and trails planner. The desire is to assure that as all the development and Comprehensive Plan discussion is proceeding, that development of the area greenways and trails are kept in consideration. She distributed a packet of information which addresses the grant as well as the group’s future plans and goals.

Mr. Hannon noted that on the Forest Preserve Committee there has been a long-running interest in trail connections between the communities and the Forest Preserves. However, such connections require resources and the newly-formed group is seeking to identify those resources and opportunities. The group is currently meeting on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Legislative Center.

Mr. Ragan asked why the maps that were just distributed does not include Lee. He noted that this seemed to be an ongoing issue. Mr. Hannon assured him they would look into this for the Forest Preserve maps. Mr. Miller also added that he has spoken with the Coalition and noted that all of the soon-to-be-adopted Comprehensive Plans do include greenbelts and areas that the municipalities wish to reserve. He further recommended that the Coalition contact Land Vision and obtain copies of the Plans and use them to craft an propose their vision for a series of trails and greenways for the County. He notes that such a map could be quite useful as funding is sought in the future.

Mr. Hannon noted that there has been great support by the municipalities and used the DeKalb/Sycamore Trail as an example with funding coming from many sources including land donation by private entities and engineering assistance from the Highway Department.

Ms. Aldis asked if the group had taken a firm position on the issue of the legislation to require the State to recognize bicycles as equal users of the roadways along with automobiles. Ms. Fauci noted that the group had not yet taken a formal position, but that they would certainly give the issue consideration.

Mr. Rasmussen noted that this was a very worthwhile Coalition given the issue of the 25,000 NIU students that are a part of the community. He commented that such issues too frequently become invisible to the road planners and general public without such organizations to keep the issue in the forefront.

Mr. Pritchard closed by thanking Ms. Fauci and the Coalition members for their information and invited continued discussions.

On an unrelated topic, Mr. Miller distributed a letter from IDOT asking for an RPC representative to a committee on the Prairie Parkway Study. Mr. Pritchard noted that the Commission can discuss and select a representative at the next meeting.

7. Adjournment – The next meeting of the Regional Planning Commission will be on August 28, 2003. Mr. Bellah moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Aldis, and the motion carried unanimously.