FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT COMMITTEE

MINUTES
January 19, 2010

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve District Committee met Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Administration Building, Conference Room East at 6:00 p.m.  In attendance were committee members, Ms. Fauci, Ms. DeFauw, Mr. Newport, Ms. Turner, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Augsburger, Mr. Walt, Mr. Gudmunson and Superintendent Hannan.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Ms. Fauci called the meeting to order and then asked if there were any changes to the December 15, 2009 minutes. Mr. Augsburger moved to approve the minutes as noted, seconded by Ms. Turner and the motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Ms. Fauci asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Hearing none, Ms. Turner moved to accept the amended agenda, seconded by Ms. DeFauw and the motion passed unanimously. 

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Ms. Fauci noted there were no guests or visitors at the meeting that evening. 

FOREST PRESERVE MONTHLY REPORTS AND GENERAL DISCUSSION

Mr. Hannan reminded the Committee that, as always, their packets contained the monthly reports.  He noted that snow plowing and attending to icy roads had taken a great deal of the staff’s time.  The recent ice storm caused some closures of the parks due to power lines and tree limbs being down, but at this time, all are again open. Thank you to the DeKalb County Highway Dept. for help sanding roads for Winterfest weekend at Russell Woods and other preserves.

He commented that Ms. Doty may be by later to report on the recent Winterfest activities held at the Natural Resources Education Center (NREC).  Ms Doty said that there was record attendance at this years Winterfest activities estimated at 200 people. He also noted that the DeKalb Park District had donated a sign making machine to the Forest preserve and that there had been recent reports of Bald Eagle sightings at Sannauk, Potawatomi Woods and Knute Olson Preserves.

Mr. Hannan then commented that the final bills for 2009 should be in by next month and the annual budget adjustment transfers and amendments to balance the FY 2009 budget will be completed at that time.  The larger transfers from designated reserved funds will be for new land improvements and wetland bank construction in 2009. 

He note that the FY 2010 budget allows of the purchase of a new tractor and mower for the northern preserves.  Following a review of estimates, all came in under $20,000.00 each, so no public bid will be required. 

A new 4wd  truck and plow and salt/ sand spreader for the northern preserves is also being procured and the State fleet bid process is being used for this. The truck bid came in at  $19,825.00 with additional cost for the plow package.  The old truck will be used for garbage disposal, maintenance work and snow plowing at MacQueen Forest Preserve. 

The Miller –Ellwood Cabin project will start again in May and discussions are being held with Tim Killby, the restoration expert.  At this time about $7,000.00 of the reserve funds for the project have been used for demolition, de- construction and payment for Mr. Killby and storage There is approximately $9,000.00 remaining for the new foundation and other expenses. The Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary is considering additional funding for this project.  Ms. Fauci asked if there were any plans to create a period appropriate lawn and garden around the cabin once it’s been given final placement.  Mr. Hannan noted that while there were no exact plans at this time, Peggy Doty had mentioned a Heritage Heirloom Garden this might be a good project for area Master Gardeners.  He also commented that Mr. J. Ellwood-Towle had offered to provide additional funding as needed to complete the project.

Mr. Hannan closed by noting that he had met recently with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regarding the Chronic Wasting project/hunt that will be taking place now through early March of this year.  He noted that the IDNR has seen a downward trend in the disease following the implementation of the annual herd reductions and testing.   The spread of the disease does seem to be showing signs of slowing and will be evaluated annually.

CHAIR’S COMMENTS

Ms. Fauci noted that she had attended the recent Winterfest at the NREC and was delighted with the attendance and with the positive comments from the parents and community members who attended.  She commented that everyone she spoke to seemed extremely supportive of the NREC and its activities.  

LAND ACQUISITION UPDATE

Ms. Fauci then asked for a motion to enter Executive Session.  Mr. Anderson moved the Committee into executive session for the purpose of discussing current information on District land acquisition, seconded by Mr. Walt. A roll call vote was held and the motion passed with 8 Committee members voting in the affirmative, and none in the negative.  Following the Executive Session, Ms. Turner moved to return the Committee to public session, seconded by Mr. Gudmunson.  A roll call vote was held and the motion passed with 8 Committee members voting in the affirmative and none in the negative.

ADJOURMENT

Ms. Turner moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Augsburger and the motion passed unanimously.  

 Respectfully submitted,

Julia Fauci, Chairperson

Forest Preserve District Committee

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