The Planning and Regulations Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on July 25, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in the DeKalb County Administration Building, Conference Room East. In attendance were Committee Members , Marlene Allen, James Barr, Howard Lyle, Clifford Simonson, Thomas Smith, Roger Steimel, and Veronica Casella, and County staff Marcellus Anderson. Audience members included Greg Milburg and Jeffrey Meinz, Executive Director of the Walcamp facility and James Justis.

Mr Steimel, Vice Chairman, called the meeting to order.

Mr. Smith moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Simonson, and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Simonson asked to speak briefly before adjournment as did Mr. Steimel.

Mr. Anderson reported that Walcamp Outdoor Ministries, Inc. operates a recreational camp at 32653 Five Points Road in Kingston Township. Walcamp has requested an Amendment to its Special Use Permit to accommodate the addition of an amphitheater, four cabins, a small paved area, and new playground equipment. The property, Mr. Anderson added, is on the west side of Five Points Road immediately north of the Kishwaukee River, and is zoned A-1, Agricultural District with a Special Use Permit.

Mr. Anderson stated that the Hearing Officer, Ron Klein conducted a hearing on June 28, 2001. No members of the public spoke in opposition. Mr. Klein recommended approval of the Amendment with the stipulation that a Site Development Permit is applied for since the amphitheater and paving would be in close proximity to the floodplain of the river.

Mrs. Allen asked what type of playground is proposed and will it be on concrete or gravel? Mr. Meinz stated that it is a wooden playground and will be on gravel.

Mr. Simonson asked how many campers attend the recreational camp per year? Mr. Meinz answered that last year there were 852 campers. So far, this year, there have been 1,007. This increase is why the expansion is necessary, he added.

Mr. Smith recommended approval with the condition of Site Development Permit included, seconded by Mrs. Allen and the motion carried unanimously.

 

Mr. Simonson made observations regarding increase in property taxes since new development has occurred in DeKalb County. He said that his personal property taxes have quadrupled in the past 20 years. He stated that development of houses is not good for the community.

Mr. Steimel stated that next committee meeting will have a full agenda of petitions plus the annual Planning Department’s budget to be presented. He added that the Planning Director will be evaluated next meeting since it is an annual responsibility of the committee.

Mr. Lyle moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Casella and the carried unanimously.