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Note: These minutes are not official until approved by the Union / Virgil Ditches & East Branch of the Kishwaukee River Watershed Steering Committee at a subsequent meeting. Please refer to the meeting minutes when these minutes are approved to obtain any changes to these minutes.

The Union /Virgil Ditches & East Branch of the Kishwaukee River Watershed Steering Committee (WSC) met on November 13, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in the DeKalb County Administration Building, in Sycamore, Illinois. In attendance were Committee members Paul Miller, Anita Zurbrugg, Dean Johnson, Karen Miller, and Nathan Schwartz. Also in attendance were Deanna Doohaluk (Hey & Associates) and Rebecca Von Drasek.

1. Roll Call -- Brian Gregory, Donna Prain, Roger Steimel, and Jeremy Lin were noted absent.

2. Approval of Agenda -- Mr. Schwartz moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Zurbrugg, and the motion carried unanimously.

3. Approval of Minutes -- Mr. Miller moved to approve the minutes from October 9, 2013, seconded by Ms. Zurbrugg, and the motion carried unanimously.

4. Discussion on Watershed Report Format

The Committee reviewed the draft Table of Contents for the Watershed Plan. Ms. Doohaluk went through the handout and highlighted the various components to be included within the Plan.

Mr. Miller asked for a reference within the Introduction that the Union/Virgil Ditches and East Branch of the Kishwaukee River Watershed Plan would serve as a model for future watershed plans.

Ms. Miller requested that a section of the plan reference the importance of Illinois Drainage Law. After a brief discussion the Committee observed that the speakers John Wills and/or John Church, with the Fox River Program, may be good resources to tap into for future outreach workshops.

5. Best Management Practice Fact Sheets

Ms. Doohaluk provided the Committee with a draft Best Management Practice Fact Sheets, which will be included within Chapter Four of the Watershed Plan.

The Committee suggested including a list of suggested native vegetation species within the Fact Sheets.

6. Status of Modeling

Ms. Doohaluk gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding the data from the HEC-HMS model of the watershed. She acknowledged some basic assumptions that were made regarding the hydrology within the model, (ie. Bulletin 70 and Muskingum-Cunge equation). She explained that the results from the modeling will provide a valuable framework for future site specific modeling of the watershed which could include cross-sections. Ms. Doohaluk also noted that the results from the modeling will also allow the consultants to pinpoint locations within the watershed to suggest projects and find solutions to reduce flooding and improve water quality.

Ms. Doohaluk offered to present the results from the PLOAD model at the December meeting.

Ms. Zurbrugg asked Mr. Schwartz if this information would be helpful. Mr. Schwartz responded that for future road projects the County would be required to complete a full study. Ms. Doohaluk hoped having a larger area of the watershed already modeled would make the future studies more precise.

7. Review of Solutions and Best Management Practices

The Committee had a brief discussion regarding possible solutions and best management practices. Ms. Doohaluk noted that the consultants will review the models and make suggestions to reduce erosion, improve water quality and habitat protection

Ms. Zurbrugg suggested that the Plan include a cost benefit analysis to show how the Best Management Practices will save money.

The Committee discussed the possible failures of existing features and suggested design improvements that might retrofit the features to improve the flow and water quality within the watershed.

Ms. Doohaluk observed that the EPA has targeted the Kishwaukee River for projects and informed the Committee that grant applications are due in August. She suggested a partnership with the Sycamore Park District might result in a desirable project for the watershed.

Ms. Doohaluk also promised to review the Stormwater Ordinance requirements within the County and municipalities and suggest revisions to regulations that would promote better stormwater and water quality practices.

8. Next Meeting -- The Steering Committee will next meet on December 11, 2013 at 3:00 pm in the Conference Room East.

Ms. Zurbrugg also suggested for a future meeting a need for a discussion with how the group will rollout the plan, begin to conceptualize the outreach meetings, and possible future 319 applications.

9. Adjournment -- Mr. Schwartz motioned to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Miller, and the motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Dean Johnson
Chairman, DeKalb County Union Ditch/Virgil Ditch Watershed Steering Committee

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