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The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met
Tuesday, May 18, 2004 in the enclosed shelter at Afton Forest Preserve, at
6:00 p.m. Mr. Metzger called the meeting to order with Mrs. Fauci, Mr.
Gudmunson, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lyle and Mr. Rosemier present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Mrs. Fauci, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and it was carried
unanimously with a voice vote to approve the minutes for April.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Mr. Rosemier, seconded by Mr. Lyle, and it was carried
unanimously by voice vote to approve the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment at this time.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
Mr. Metzger stated that he invited Mr. Sands to attend tonight’s meeting
to hear the thoughts regarding the future for the Forest Preserve District
from the Committee.
Mr. Sands asked if there were written plans or a development plan/ map
for the plans at Potawatomi Woods. He asked how far as a Committee those
plans were developed.
Mr. Metzger stated that Mr. Hannan is "roughing out" the plan and that he
wasn’t sure what the budget was currently for this project.
Mr. Metzger asked about follow up with the Potawatomi Tribe.
Mrs. Fauci replied that there had been some contact, but nothing to
report at this time.
Mr. Sands stated that he would be interested in seeing the plans when
they were near final stages. He asked if MacQueen Forest Preserve would be a
separate park with a separate Park Manager. The Forest Preserve Committee
Secretary responded that yes they would remain as separate parks with
separate Park Managers.
Mr. Sands asked if there were equestrian trails at Potawatomi Woods.
Mrs. Fauci responded yes, there are equestrian trails. She added that
there are also homes being built nearby.
Mrs. Fauci stated that she and a volunteer group met recently at P.A.
Nehring Forest Preserve to pull Garlic Mustard, an invasive species. She
stated that this group calls themselves the "Garlic Mustard Brigade". Mrs.
Fauci distributed informative sheets on Garlic Mustard to the Committee.
Mr. Sands talked about the possibility of a casino coming to DeKalb
County and advised the Committee to think ahead with planning. Mr. Sands
stated that the Forest Preserve District would not be able to sell Chief
Shabbona Forest Preserve to the Potawatomi Indian Tribe, but could possibly
trade land. He added that they would need to trade at market value adding
ten percent.
Mr. Sands pointed to a map to demonstrate the lands he felt would be
utilized for this possible casino. He stated that the Potawatomi people were
mostly interested in acquiring their ancient burial grounds. Mr. Sands added
that before a casino could be built, a gaming license would have to be
obtained from the Governor of Illinois. He stated that the Potawatomi people
are interested in keeping the park area as a public park.
Mr. Gudmunson added that if Chief Shabbona sold for residential prices it
would be worth a fortune.
Mr. Metzger stated that he felt larger signs were needed for the forest
preserves so that citizens would be able to better locate them.
Mr. Sands stated that the DeKalb County Highway Dept. may be able to help
out in the sign shop.
Mr. Rosemier and Mrs. Fauci agreed that these road signs are necessary
and should be considered a priority.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Rosemier, it was carried
unanimously by voice vote to adjourn the meeting.
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Chairman, Mr. Metzger
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