RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AND SIGNATURE ON A 5311 APPLICATION FOR DEKALB COUNTY ON BEHALF OF TRANSVAC. 

            Mr. Tom Zucker explained to the Committee that DeKalb County has been the Grantee for TRANSVAC since the 2000 Census and this will be the second year they have come to this Committee to apply for operating funds.  Prior to that the City of DeKalb was their Grantee.  TRANSVAC has been applying for this 5311 grant for the last 19 years and it provides a large portion of their operating funds.  In the past this grant has provided up to $430,000 in funds to DeKalb County and last year was reduced to around $300,000. The grant will usually be increased by the cost of living index each year.  DeKalb County passes all of the responsibility of providing services, coming up with the match and compliance with all the regulations to TRANSVAC.  TRANSVAC is expanding their daily route service to better serve the southern part of the County.  Committee members inquired into the assistance they provide Veterans in this area.  Mr. Zucker explained they are providing service for Veterans to Rockford and other locations. It was discussed how important it was to provide services to the Veterans of DeKalb County as for some this was their only means to get to and from doctor’s appointments, get prescriptions filled and the like and that it was very important that the TRANSVAC schedule get these folks to their appointments on time.  Committee members inquired if this grant would involve new tax dollars being spent for the required match.  Mr. Zucker informed the Committee that all of the responsibility for the match required by DeKalb County falls on the shoulders of the non-profit, TRANSVAC and does not cost the County.  The County does however provide in-kind contributions that go toward the match.  For instance, the County owns TRANSVAC’s current building and that goes toward other match needs. Motion made by Ms. Fauci and seconded by Mr. Slack to present the resolution authorizing the submission of, and signature on, the 5311 Application for DeKalb County on behalf of TRANSVAC to the DeKalb County Board with a recommendation of approval.  Motion passed unanimously.   

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AND SIGNATURE ON A CONSOLIDATED APPLICATION FOR BUSES FOR DEKALB COUNTY ON BEHALF OF TRANSVAC. 

            Mr. Zucker informed the Committee that this request was similar to the one presented last year.  These buses are used for the specialized paratransit service that is essential in the transportation of the elderly, disabled and other transportation disadvantaged person.  DeKalb County was fortunate last year to receive one bus from the 2001 application with assistance from the City of DeKalb where the bus was originally scheduled to go.  The City of DeKalb agreed to one bus for the City and allowed the second bus to go to the County.  This application also would not require the increase in tax dollars for any purchase of these buses.  Motion made by Mr. Slack and seconded by Ms. Fauci to present the resolution authorizing the submission of, and signature on, a Consolidated Application for buses for DeKalb County on behalf of TRANSVAC to the DeKalb County Board with a recommendation of approval.  Motion passed unanimously.   

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO SIGN QUIT CLAIM DEED FOR SALE OF 610 SQUARE FEET OF COUNTY PROPERTY AT 1606 BETHANY ROAD AND GRANT A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT OF 380 SQUARE FEET AT THIS SAME LOCATION 

            Mr. Lorence explained to the Committee that the City of Sycamore needed to obtain right-of-way for the expansion of Bethany Road to four lanes.  The County owns the property at 1606 Bethany Road, which is the current location of the TRANSVAC vehicle maintenance facility as well as their kitchen.   The City of Sycamore needs to have all of their right-of-way obtained prior to the letting of this project.  The County is participating with the City in this project as far as the traffic signals are concerned at Peace and Bethany.  The City is offering $4,100.00 for 610 square feet, which is about $200,000 an acre.  Mr. Lorence recommended approving this resolution, as the offer appears to be a fair market value.  Motion made by Mr. MacMurdo and seconded by Mr. Slack to present the resolution to the DeKalb County Board with a recommendation of approval.  Discussion followed.  There was some concern about the drainage problems as well as approach problems at this location.  The Committee wanted assurances that whatever construction was done in this area those improvements would be made to both of these concerns or at the very least not made any worse.  The Committee wanted the resolution amended to indicate their concerns and also that no action would be taken unless the County Engineer states that he has reviewed the plans with the City of Sycamore and has determined that these issues would be addressed favorably for the County.  After completion of this discussion the above motion was restated to present the resolution as amended to authorize the Chairman to sign a Quit Claim Deed and grant a temporary construction easement at the above stated location.  Motion passed unanimously.   

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS: 

            Chairman Wilson thanked Vice-Chairman MacMurdo for all his hard work in Chairman Wilson’s absence.  Chairman Wilson reminded all Committee members present of the DeKalb County Township Officials Spring Meeting on April 15, 2004 at South Pointe Centre at 6:00pm.  If anyone would like to attend they need to contact Mary Supple at their earliest.  Chairman Wilson reviewed the remaining scheduled meeting with the Committee and asked for their input if they see any conflicts with our upcoming schedule.  None was noted.  Chairman Wilson inquired into the status of a trip to Global Park III in Rochelle.  During the February meeting it was decided that the May 6, 2004 date was not a good date to get everyone there so the tour has been put on hold.  It will be discussed at a later date.

COUNTY ENGINEER’S COMMENTS: 

Mr. Lorence informed the Committee that the Scout Road Bridge project is still at approximately 90% completed waiting on the weather to dry up the area to allow the backfill.  The asphalt plants will not open until May 1, 2004 so it will be after that date before this bridge can be completed.  As soon as the weather cooperates and allows for the backfill the road will be open for travel however.   We received the Memorandum of Agreement removing the Irene Road Bridge from the Historical Status.  The Road District Commissioner has obtained approximately 50% of the ROW and the County will schedule this project for a June letting.  Old State Road is on schedule for a May 1^st start date and South County Line Road/Leland Road projects will be completed this summer.  The Bethany Road extension is underway and waiting for the ROW to clear court proceedings before it is put out to bid. 

Mr. Lorence informed the Committee he would be attending the NACE 2004 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida from April 3 through April 8.  If any member needs to contact him he should be able to be reached through the Highway Department.   

OTHER COMMENTS: 

            Julia Fauci informed the Committee she would not be at the May meeting due to other commitments.  Mr. Slack requested the Chairman invite Mr. Hopkins to our May meeting for an update on economic development in DeKalb County.  Chairman Wilson stated he would extend the invitation. 

ADJOURNMENT: 

            There being no further business to be brought before the Committee Ms. Fullerton moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Faivre.   Motion carried unanimously and the April 1, 2004 meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted 

John A. Wilson
                                                                                    Chairman