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The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met
Tuesday, April 20, 2004 in the East Conference Room at the DeKalb County
Administrative Building, at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Metzger called the meeting to
order with Mrs. Fauci, Mr. Gudmunson, Mr. Lyle and Mr. Rosemier present.
Mr. Hannan and Mr. Milburg were also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Mr. Rosemier, seconded by Mr. Lyle, and it was
carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the minutes for February.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Mr. Rosemier, seconded by Mrs. Fauci, and it
was carried unanimously by voice vote to approve the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment at this time.
BID OPENING FOR BURIAL OF ELECTRICAL LINES AT SANNAUK AND
MACQUEEN FOREST PRESERVES
Mr. Hannan explained that these capital improvements are
a result of the OLT grant received through the IDNR. Mr. Hannan stated that
tonight they were opening the bids received for electrical work and line
burial at Sannauk and MacQueen Forest Preserves. He stated that this work is
for updated the Park Manager residence at MacQueen and line burial at both
of these preserves for aesthetic and safety reasons. Mr. Metzger opened the
following bids:
1) Mascal Electric: $11,874 MacQueen line
burial, $6,489 for residence rewiring, $15,902 for line burial at
Sannauk
2) Kishwaukee Electric: $13,589 for MacQueen
line burial, $6,500 for residence rewiring, $17,567 for line burial at
Sannauk
3) David Turner Electric: $13,900 MacQueen
line burial, $2,900 for residence rewiring, $15,900 for line burial at
Sannauk
Mr. Johnson arrived at 6:06 p.m.
Moved by Mrs. Fauci, seconded by Mr. Lyle, it was carried
unanimously by voice vote to accept the lowest bid (pending investigation by
Mr. Hannan) to pass on to the Forest Preserve Commissioners for approval.
The bid award is as follows: There were 3 bid components:
Low bid for Sannauk work: Turner Electric
$15,900
Low bid for MacQueen house: Turner Electric
$2,900
Low bid for MacQueen line burial Mascal
Electric $11,874
OSLAD GRANT APPLICATION/RESOLUTIONS (FOR POTAWATOMI WOODS
DEVELOPMENT)
Mr. Hannan explained that OSLAD requires a resolution to
apply for an IDNR matching grant for upcoming Potawatomi Woods development.
Mr. Metzger reiterated that this resolution must go to the Forest Preserve
Commissioners. Mr. Hannan stated that in addition to this grant, the Forest
Preserve District is expected to receive $50,000-$70,000 in donations from
the DeKalb Rotarians, DeKalb County Community Foundation, and a private
donor for Potawatomi Woods 2005-2006 project. This OSLAD grant, if approved,
will match the donated money.
Mr. Hannan stated that the Forest Preserve Committee
would review a breakdown of the development plans at the next Committee
meeting in May, and then to the County Board meeting for approval.
Moved by Mr. Rosemier, seconded by Mr. Lyle, it was
carried unanimously by voice vote to pass this resolution to the Forest
Preserve Commissioners.
Grant specifics will be attached to the resolution.
WETLAND BANK CREDIT SALE
Mr. Hannan stated that a developer from the east of
DeKalb County has purchased .24 acres at $10,080, to be deposited into
the wetland bank account. Mr. Hannan stated that currently the balance
is $182,000. He added that phase one development of 12-15 acres of the
57 acre wetland bank is scheduled to begin construction this summer.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
Mr. Rosemier inquired if Mr. Hannan had heard
anything further regarding Veteran’s Park in DeKalb. Mr. Hannan stated
that he has not heard from the DeKalb Park District in almost one year.
a. ANONYMOUS DONATION
Mr. Hannan stated he has been in contact with a
foundation and that an anonymous donation of $25,000 has been dedicated
to the Forest Preserve District with a request for these monies to be
used for a handicapped accessible trail to be developed at Potawatomi
Woods. Mr. Hannan added that this trail would also include a wildlife
observation deck and interpretative signs along the way.
Mr. Rosemier asked if these trails had to meet
certain standards to be considered handicapped accessible. Mr. Hannan
stated that indeed they do have to meet certain criteria regarding
slope, width, etc. He added that this donor has requested an asphalt
trail.
Mr. Gudmunson asked if it takes donation money to
maintain these trails. Mr. Hannan responded that these trails are good
for 15+ years. He added that these trails would be properly sealed for
foot and bike traffic with a four inch gravel base and a two inch lift
of asphalt.
b. SUPPORT FOR CONTINUING OSLAD GRANT PROGRAM
Mr. Hannan stated that Forest Preserve Commissioners
support to pass a resolution of support of the OSLAD grant program could
be beneficial. Mr. Hannan stated that the Forest Preserve Commissioners
should also send a letter of support. The OSLAD grant program is very
beneficial to forest preserve acquisition and development.
Moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Fauci, it was
carried unanimously by voice vote to approve a letter to be passed to
the Forest Preserve Commissioners asking the Governor for support of the
OSLAD grant program.
Mr. Metzger stated that he is on an Energy Task Force
at Fermilab that meets once a month for the upcoming year. He stated
that currently there are no projects planned for the DeKalb County area,
but encouraged the Committee members to attend one of these meetings.
Mrs. Fauci spoke in behalf of the DeKalb County
Greenways and Trails Coalition, stating that the planning stages have
begun and have been broken down into three demographic groups: Northern,
Central and Southern groups. She added that first these public meetings
will brainstorm and record all ideas presented. Next, she stated that
each group will meet with Ms. Anne Friewald, Project Planner, for
direction.
Mrs. Fauci stated that so far the community seems to
really be headed in a family/ children oriented trails to connect
schools, parks and communities.
Mr. Metzger asked if preplanning with annexation is
where the DCGTC comes in. Mr. Fauci responded that yes, the mindset is
for community planning.
c. MONTHLY REPORT
Mr. Hannan stated that the forest preserve staff has
been busy burning woodland and prairies as needed. Garlic mustard
continues to be a problem in woodland areas.
Mr. Hannan passed out photos of volunteers performing
clean-up at local preserves in celebration of Earth Week in April. Mr.
Hannan stated that the Forest Preserve District is very fortunate for
it’s large volunteer base for labor and donations. (see attached photos)
Volunteers again picked up many truck loads of
garbage and litter oat Potawatomi Woods, the Great Western Trail, the
DeKalb/ Sycamore Trail, County Farm Woods and Chief Shabbona Forest
Preserve. Thank you to DeKalb, Sycamore, Kirkland and Shabbona Scouts,
Sycamore Lions Club and the DeKalb Kishwaukee Kiwanis and others! (Earth
Day clean-up photos attached)
Mr. Hannan read a letter aloud from a citizen who was
very pleased and thankful for his Kishwaukee River fishing experiences
at Potawatomi and Russell Woods Forest Preserves.
Mr. Rosemier asked for an update on the Chronic
Wasting Disease as previously discussed. Mr. Hannan stated that he was
expecting an update soon and would pass this information along.
Mr. Metzger stated that he is currently working with
the County Administrator on setting up a forest preserve workshop date
and will advise the Committee as this timetable develops.
Mr. Hannan stated that it is morel mushroom season in
the forest preserves with many people out looking for this tasty meal.
Happy hunting.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Lyle, it was
carried unanimously by voice vote to adjourn the meeting.
_______________________________
Chairman, Mr. Metzger
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