The DeKalb County Public Infrastructure and Development Sub-committee met on Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 7:30P.M. at the Legislative Center’s Freedom Room.  Chairman Frank Van Buer called the meeting to order.  Those present were John McBride, Nicholas Noe, Larry Lundgren, Thomas Zucker and Sandy Quiram.  Those absent were Haakon Andreasen, Bill Cross and Larry Lundgren.    Steve Slack was also present.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Moved by Ms. Quiram, by Mr. Zucker, and it was carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the December 2003 minutes.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Moved by Mr. Zucker, seconded by Mr. McBride, and it was carried unanimously to approve the agenda as presented.

PROPOSED REPORT FOR THE COUNTY BOARD      

Chairman Van Buer reviewed the discussion from the previous month regarding the compilation of a written report to be submitted to the full County Board.  Chairman Van Buer said that he would be appointing a sub-committee of John McBride, Tom Zucker, Sandy Quiram and himself to compile this report over the next two months.   He broke down the assignments as follows:

Mr. McBride will concentrate on water issues and for the county to continue the planning source of information for the smaller communities in the County.  The smaller communities do impact the larger ones, said Mr. McBride.

Mr. Zucker will concentrate on transportation issues and look at how we address social services to a broader range of human services.  He also offered to do research on economic development to attract new businesses here like high-tech jobs, i.e., nanotechnology. 

Ms. Quiram will concentrate on the roads issues like, the casino coming to Shabbona and the effect it will have on the County road system and inter-state highway system around DeKalb County.  Chairman Van Buer will concentrate on the Agricultural Development Rights and the tax abatement issue. 

The committee also discussed whether or not the County should look at becoming a Home Rule County.  The committee will layout the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a home ruled County. 

The sub-committee agreed to draft a written report by their March 2004 meeting.  The committee agreed to hold their next meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2004 @ 7:30p.m.  

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Mr. Zucker, seconded by Mr. McBride, and it was carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting.

                                                          Respectfully submitted,

                                                          _________________________________
                                                          Frank D. Van Buer, Chairman

______________________________
Mary C. Supple, Secretary