5.            Comprehensive Plan Updates -- Mr. Miller briefly recapped that DeKalb County adopted the Unified Comprehensive Plan at the end of 2003.  The Future Land Use Plan for the County incorporated the future land use plans of the municipalities within DeKalb County (with the exception of Maple Park), creating a planning document that represented a collective vision for the future of the region.  However, in the five years since the Unified Comprehensive Plan was adopted, most of the municipalities have grown through annexation and development approvals.  He briefly noted that the priorities to preserve agriculture were reflected in the previous plan and he expected that the would continue in the unincorporated areas.   Several have adopted amendments to their comprehensive plans.  In order to remain effective as a guide for land use and development, comprehensive plans must occasionally be updated as conditions on the ground change and as new decision-makers lend their energy to the process of growth.  He noted that a few communities, including Cortland and Maple Park, had already provided their updated information.  Mr. Miller then explained the proposed review process for the update  would include the county-wide plan being presented at three open house (one north, one central, and one south) then one public hearing and that then, hopefully, adoption by the County Board  prior to the end of 2009.  He noted that the funding for the project would utilize an existing budget item from 2008 FY to 2009 FY, and would primarily be for printing costs.

Mr. Gentile suggested that a checklist be created of where and what information the municipalities are providing. 

Mr. Miller asserted that no municipality had any obligation to update, but if they had revised their plans or intended to the County was looking to them for their updated information.  He also noted that if any community decided to update its own comprehensive plan at the same time, there could be cost savings by “piggy-backing” on the County process.  For instance, the County Information Management Office might be able to do the mapping for cities, perhaps for a fee that would be less than the cost of an outside consultant.

Ms. Morphey noted that there had been no change to the Waterman plan since 2005. 

Mr. Gentile noted that the Genoa plan had not changed since its original date from November 14, 2003. 

Mr. Godhardt indicated that the Village of Hinckley had made no changes to their plan.

Mr. Beverly asked if the Prairie Parkway was a possibility within the County.  Mr. Miller noted that one possible path for the northern extension would go through DeKalb County.

Ms. Aldis stated that she would appreciate if the County were reprinting the comprehensive map if the information which overlays the County could be created on transparencies for the ability to easily present the information.  Mr. Beverly agreed that with transparent overlay would be a useful visual aid.  Mr. Miller noted that all of the maps were electronic if any member wished to print them off.  Mr. Tompkins noted that the information in electronic formats could be printed on Mylar to create the overlays which Ms. Aldis wanted.

Mr. Beverly informed Mr. Miller that he would need to find out when the last comprehensive plan was updated in the City of Sandwich.

Mr. Miller also shared the e-mail sent be Ruth Anne Tobias informing the RPC Members that the State had withdrawn funding of the CMAP water study, noting that some of the funding may be replaced by the University of Illinois.  He also asserted his hope that the study would include information regarding DeKalb County’s watersheds, which may be helpful information regarding the County and RPC concerns about ground and stormwater problems.

6.            Municipal Development Projects:

The Commissioners briefly updated the Current Development Projects report and highlighted ongoing projects within their municipalities.

Mr. Gentile stated that a NAPA Autoparts had moved into the old Ace Hardware location.  He also noted that the building’s appearance

Mr. Farnum informed the Commission of the City of DeKalb’s recent approval of a mixed use development on E. Lincoln Hwy, which will include two hotels, 200,000 sq. ft. of retail and 640 luxury apartments, to be developed by Shodeen.  Mr. Farnum further noted that the hotel anchor tenant hoped to be in the building by the fall 2009.  He added that there was also a mixed use project proposed by the same developer between the Walgreens and the NIU campus in downtown DeKalb.

Mr. Steimel informed the Commission that the water studies (both ground and stormwater) were tabled until the economy picks up.  Stating that both the Executive Committee and the Stormwater Management Planning Committee suggested the issue be tabled.  Mr. Steimel also informed the Commission about the proposal by Inland Real Estate group for a development north of Sycamore.  Mr. Steimel highlighted that it was the opinion of the Planning and Zoning Committee that development should take place within municipal boundaries.  Mr. Miller noted that the Inland plan is very preliminary and Mr. Steimel noted that Inland could now return to the City of Sycamore as the one year limitation had expired.

Mr. Beverly noted that there was a double-edge sword of the Comprehensive Plan because individuals sometimes interpret the plan as the future set in stone rather than the preference for future developments.

The Commission then briefly discussed the requirements on developers to provide infrastructure and road improvements.

Mr. Beverly then reported the Rte 34 widening project had begun and an extension will be requested to the state to extend the funding of the project.

Ms. Sedlacek reported that Kennedy homes is facing now foreclosure and three of the partially-constructed homes are scheduled for demolition or burning.  The Commission encouraged the reuse of the materials.  She also noted that a medical center was being discussed in town, and that other subdivisions in town were up for sale.  Ms. Sedlacek added that a $50.00 quarterly rate increase had been passed for water bills to cover the capital costs in Waterman.

Mr. Tompkins warned other Commission members to check the letters of credit that they have guaranteeing development projects because the cost of asphalt had increased so substantially many letters of credit are insufficient to complete the projects.  Mr. Tompkins also referenced Illinois State Statues 65 ILCS 5/11-39-3, which requires that the developers provide 110 % letter of credit.  Mr. Miller suggested Commissioners check their subdivision regulations to reiterate the municipalities right to review the surety.  Ms. Aldis suggested that Commissioners also require a developer bond, not just a public improvement bond.  Mr. Tompkins also noted that during a bankruptcy some surety  agencies may try to take the letter of credit as an asset, Ms. Aldis agreed and stated Cortland was able to have theirs letter of credit removed from the proceedings.

Mr. Steimel asked about the Chestnut Grove school site, and added that a stoplight might be necessary at the school’s entrance.  Ms. Aldis stated that the property transfer and finalizing of paperwork was underway.  Mr. Steimel noted that he had heard that the groundbreaking was planned.   

The next RPC meeting is scheduled for October 23, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Conference Room East.

7.            Adjournment -- Mr. Godhardt motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Farnum, and the motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Rich Gentile

Chairman, DeKalb County Regional Planning Commission

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