DeKalb County, Illinois
	Minutes of the Forest Preserve Committee May 21, 2002

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday , May 21, 2002 at Merritt Prairie Forest Preserve, at 6:00 p.m. Chairman Mr. Morreale called the meeting to order with Mr. Dlabal, Mr. Guehler, Mr. Haines, Mr. Lyle, Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Sands and Mr. Simonson present. Terry Hannan, Jim and Helen Merritt, Steve Johnson, and Mrs. Sands were also present.

 

Moved by Mr. Dlabal, seconded by Mr. Haines, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the minutes for April.

 

 

Moved by Mr. Guehler, seconded by Mr. McLaughlin, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the agenda.

 

Mr. Hannan stated that the forest preserve staff has been busy with mowing, new roof on lodge at MacQueen Forest Preserve, trail work, litter clean-up, road grading, spraying invasive species in woodlands, prairies and wetlands (burdock, thistle, garlic mustard, etc.) and general building maintenance. There was vandalism reported at Sannauk Forest Preserve, and Mr. Hannan stated that there has been an increased presence of County Sheriff patrols. (thank you Lt. Hickey and Sheriff patrols)

Mr. Hannan reported that the Nature Resource Center at Russell Woods Forest Preserve has had record attendance for outdoor education this year.

Mr. Hannan stated that the forest preserve staff has been preparing an area at Chief Shabbona for the new playground equipment, tree pruning and dead wood removal was done in picnic, playground and shelter house areas at Chief Shabbona also.

New entrance signs are being made for Chief Shabbona and Sannauk Forest Preserves.

Mr. Hannan updated the Committee on the DeKalb County Community Foundation Grant for $4,000.00 for the mowing of Pierce Town Hall. Mr. Hannan stated that Ray and Toby Petrie poured the concrete for the project, M&M Welding moved the building, and Mr. Steve Johnson and the Kishwaukee College Consortium and the building trade students from area high schools performed the building rehab.

Mr. Johnson explained the work that had been done to the building for this rehab, including window replacement and shutters, new rafters, new roof, and some siding replacement. Mr. Hannan shared photos of the actual building being moved and rehabed.

Mr. Hannan introduced Jim and Helen Merritt to the Forest Preserve Committee. He gave an overview of how the Forest Preserve District acquired the 40 acres in 1990. Helen Merritt explained how they arrived at the decision to donate the land.

Mr. Hannan stated that the prairie will be in full bloom in the mid-summer.

The appraisal for the Kirkland property will be done at the end of May and then has to be certified by I.D.N.R. Grant Administration. The Forest Preserve District has until June 2003 to finalize the purchase of this property. The DeKalb County Community Foundation has awarded the Forest Preserve District a $5,000.00 Grant towards the Kirkland project.

Mr. Hannan stated that DeKalb County had partnered with McHenry County for the Guardian Pipeline negotiations. A private attorney was hired that had previously worked with McHenry County on the LakeHead Pipeline a few years ago. Hopefully, the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District will have a settlement by July.

 

Moved by Mr. Haines, seconded by Mr. Lyle, and it was carried unanimously by voice vote to adjourn the meeting.