The Executive Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 7:00p.m. at the Administration Building’s Conference Room East.  Chairman Ruth Anne Tobias called the meeting to order. Members present were Eileen Dubin, Julia Fauci, Pat LaVigne, Rich Osborne, Robert Rosemier and Roger Steimel.  Mr. Haines and Ms. Vary were absent. Others present were Ray Bockman, Gary Hanson, Anita Turner, Jerry Augsburger, Jeff Metzger, Sr., Marlene Allen, Paul Stoddard, Diane Strand, Steve Walt, Dustin McDonald and Dan Maldanado.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

            Moved by Mr. Rosemier, seconded by Ms. Dubin, and it was carried unanimously to approve the minutes from June 2008.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA      

            Moved by Ms. LaVigne, seconded by Mr. Steimel, and it was carried unanimously to approve the agenda.

APPOINTMENTS

1. River Valley Workforce Investment

Act Board:                                                             Mr. Thomas Choice, appointment for

a term of 2 years, until 07/01/2010.

2. Rehab and Nursing Center Operating Board:   Ms. Anita Turner, appointment for a

term of 1 year, until 07/01/2009.

Appointments expiring for August 2008:

1. River Valley Workforce Investment Act Board:       3 positions

2. Community Services Administrative Board:          1 position

3. Board of Review                                                     1 position

4. East Pierce Cemetery Association                          6 positions

5. Squaw Grove Drainage District                              1 position

6. Normal Drainage District                                       1 position

7. Coon Creek Drainage District                               1 position

8. Clinton-Shabbona Drainage District                     1 position

            Moved by Ms. Dubin, seconded by Ms. Fauci, and it was carried unanimously to forward the appointments to the full board for approval.

INTRODUCTIONS AND DISCUSSION WITH OUR LOBBYISTS – MARC ASSOCIATES

            Chairman Tobias introduced Mr. Dustin McDonald, Senior Legislative Associate and Mr. Dan Maldonado, CEO, both of Marc Associates to the committee.  She said that she invited them to the committee meeting because there are some newer county board members that did not have the advantage of their prior visit.  She thought that this would be good for those members to be able to ask questions of Mr. McDonald and Mr. Maldonado so that they can learn what their firm does for our County.

            Mr. Metzger, Sr., suggested that it may be a good idea to have someone from the Executive Committee who could be a direct contact with Marc and Associates to give regular reports to this committee so that the members would know what the firm is working on for our County. 

            Chairman Tobias said that it might be a good idea for Mr. Maldonado and Mr. McDonald to explain to the committee what the lobbying process is.

            Mr. Maldonado said that one of the things that he wanted to mention is what the involvement side of what the county board’s role is in this process.  He said that the appropriation process used to be hidden, but now a lot of it is a very open process and very partisan.

            Mr. Maldonado stated, when we look at the funding side there are a couple of things to take a look at.  He explained that there is a classic battle every year about where the money is better spent?  He further stated that any earmark that is tied to any specific program still has to meet grant requirements - there is still a level of accountability.  He informed the committee that if your County does not put forward your projects, then you won’t get any funding.

            Mr. Maldonado then stated that you need to reinforce your message, that is, Washington, D.C., needs to heard from you on your projects.  You should visit with your legislators in Washington, like contacting Representative Foster and Senator Durbin’s offices, he further stated. 

            Mr. McDonald said that the flood mediation is their top priority right now.  The Water Resources Development Act might include relocation money of 130 homes located at Evergreen Village.  He said that the timing on this subject is good, we are right at the beginning stages for funding requests.

            Ms. Fauci asked Mr. Maldonado if it would be better to meet with our legislators here in DeKalb County or in Washington, D.C.?

            Mr. Maldonado said both places.

            Mr. Haines asked Mr. Maldonado how many clients does their firm have?

            Mr. Maldonado said that they do business with San Mateo, California on affordable housing issues and issues with public health.  They have done business with Seattle on the climate changing issue, L.A. County on housing issues too.  The County of DeKalb is the only county that they do business with in the State of Illinois. 

            Mr. Maldonado said again, that there is a value in the County having a presence in Washington as well as locally. 

            Chairman Tobias thanked Mr. Maldonado and Mr. McDonald for visiting with the committee. 

APPROVAL OF THE COUNTY BOARD AGENDA

Mr. Ray Bockman, County Administrator, reviewed the County Board Agenda for the Board Meeting to be held on July 16, 2008. 

Moved by Ms. Fauci, seconded by Mr. Steimel, and it was carried unanimously to forward the county board agenda to the full county board for approval.

Mr. Haines arrived at 7:10p.m.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Mr. Steimel, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, said that his committee meeting was cancelled.

Mr. Haines, Chairman of the Finance Committee, said that his committee did not meet last week.

Ms. Dubin, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, said that her committee will be holding a joint meeting with the Health and Human Services Committee tomorrow evening regarding affordable housing.

Ms. LaVigne, Chairman of the County Highway Committee, said that she had no report.

Mr. Rosemier, Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, said that they will be meeting with the Economic Development Committee jointly tomorrow evening.

Ms. Fauci, Chairman of the Forest Preserve Committee, said that the Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary is interested in donating $15,000 to the Afton Addition.  The Power Adventures Group would like to come before the full board in August to make a brief presentation.  Ms. Fauci also informed the committee that the old Ellwood Cabin will be moved to Russell Woods for educational purposes.

Mr.   Osborne, Chairman of the Law and Justice Committee, said that the legislation on the juvenile age change is advancing and will create a hardship for housing juveniles in the future.  If this legislation does get adopted Kane County may not be able to house our juveniles anymore. 

Chairman Tobias said that she will be meeting with the McHenry County Board Chairman to discuss this matter in the near future.

Chairman Tobias also mentioned that she would be leaving this week to attend the NACo Annual Conference in Kansas City, Kansas and if anyone wanted her to gather any information for them on a certain topic to please call her.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Ms. Turner, and seconded by Mr. Osborne, to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was approved unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________________

Chairman Ruth Anne Tobias

RAT:mcs

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