DeKalb County, Illinois
	Minutes of the Forest Preserve Committee December 18, 2001

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at the Chief Shabbona Forest Preserve, Shelter house #3, at 6:00p.m. Chairman John Morreale called the meeting to order with Mr. Dlabal, Mr. Guehler, Mr. Haines , Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. Simonson present. Mr. Terry Hannan, Mr. Greg Milburg, Mr. Bill Prain, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Wade, and Mr. and Mrs. Bulkley were also present. Mr. Robert Pritchard arrived at 6:10 p.m. Mr. Lyle and Mr. Sands were not present.

 

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

 

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

 

Mr. Hannan introduced the Forest Preserve staff to the Committee, and explained the day to day work that the forest preserve staff does to develop and maintain buildings and grounds and provide recreational opportunities for the public. The Forest Preserve staff included Mr. John Bulkley, Mr. Steve Wade, Mr. Bill Prain, and Ms. Paula Fisher. Mr. Hannan and Mr. Morreale and the Forest Preserve Committee thanked the entire staff for all of the hard work and effort that goes into maintaining and managing all of the DeKalb County forest preserves. Mr. Morreale stated that all of the forest preserves in the County were maintained beautifully. Mr. Morreale commented that Mr. Hannan and the Forest Preserve staff does an outstanding job. Mr. Morreale asked the staff if there was anything they felt they needed to continue doing their job so well. Mr. Bulkley stated that if the Forest Preserve District did acquire land in the future, additional staff would be necessary.

 

Mr. Morreale read aloud a letter from Mrs. Cheryl Scardato, President of the Genoa/Kingston School District, thanking the Forest Preserve District for the cooperation and support in working together in the projects involving the new high school.

Mr. Hannan stated that the DeKalb County State Attorney’s Office has reviewed the road agreement for the road sharing with the Genoa/Kingston School District, and the State’s Attorney’s Office suggested adding language to address the construction company having insurance. Mr. Morreale stated that this sounded appropriate and the Forest Preserve District would sign the agreement after the School Board has reviewed and signed it.

Mr. Hannan stated that the Forest Preserve District is close to reaching an agreement with Guardian Pipeline. Mr. Hannan stated that Guardian Pipeline has eminent domain authority. Mr. Hannan stated that the attorney felt that $12,000 was the best compensation the Forest Preserve District would receive for the work done under the Great Western Trail. The agreement will not be finalized for a few months.

Mr. Bulkley reported that the firewood cutting , as a result of a public lottery, at Chief Shabbona went well. He stated that 9 people came to cut wood, and no problems were reported two years in a row.

Mr. Hannan and staff gave an overview of the County’s parking regulations regarding the Variation applied for by the Forest Preserve District for the moving of Pierce Town Hall to Merritt Prairie. In order to relocate this building to Merritt Prairie, the Forest Preserve District is required to bring all of the regulations up to the current County codes and standards. In the FP/C Zoning District, a minimum of 1% of total land area is required in parking space. The Forest Preserve was granted a Variation from these regulations, sighting the loss of prairie land and the additional parking being not a necessity.

Mr. Hannan stated that the Kirkland Land Option Agreement for 300 forest preserve acres would be voted on tomorrow at the Forest Preserve Commissioners meeting. Mr. Hannan stated that there were a few issues that needed clarification such as any easements or existing leases on the property. Mr. Hannan stated that the Phase 1 Environmental Study, deed and a legal description were still needed. Mr. Hannan reported that the I.D.N.R. is planning to close the sale on the 582 adjacent acres south of the Kishwaukee River early in 2002 and that the front 116 acres is being sold to a private individual.

Mr. Haines questioned the easement on the forest preserve property. Mr. Morreale stated that this easement would be pre-existing. The State’s Attorney has reviewed this situation. (future shared road with the I.D.N.R.)

Mr. Hannan stated that the I.D.N.R. may consider using Motor Fuel Tax monies for access road improvements. Mr. Hannan also stated that this would be a primitive "walk in" forest preserve without water, toilets, shelters and other improvements until at least 2004. Development funds are not available at this time.

 

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Chairman, John Morreale

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