DeKalb County Forest Preserve Operations Committee met Feb. 26.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
The Forest Preserve Operations Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in the Legislative Center’s Freedom Room in Sycamore, Illinois. Chair Roy Plote called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM The members present were Mary Cozad, Meryl Domina, Benjamin Haier, Chair Roy Plote and Vice Chair Chris Porterfield. A quorum was established with five members present and two absent.
DeKalb County Forest Preserve Superintendent Terry Hannan and former County Board President Bob Pritchard were also present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
An amendment to rearrange Agenda Items Executive Session from item 7 to item 5, and New Business from item 9 to item 6 was moved by Haier and seconded by Cozad. The amended agenda was approved unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of minutes was moved by Cozad, seconded by Domina and carried unanimously by voice vote to approve the minutes of the January 22, 2026 meeting of the Forest Preserve Operations Committee.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments, however, Bob Pritchard was noted to be present for the discussion of Amended Agenda Item 5 (Executive Session).
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Haier motioned to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Land Acquisition per 5 ILCS 120/2C5 at 6:07 PM, Domina seconded the motion. The members present were Mary Cozad, Meryl Domina, Benjamin Haier, Chair Roy Plote, and Vice Chair Chris Porterfield. DeKalb County Forest Preserve Superintendent Terry Hannan, former County Board President Bob Pritchard, and Recording Secretary Erica Ellison were also present. Motion carried unanimously. The Committee entered back into their Open Meeting at 6:35 PM.
NEW BUSINESS
a. A virtual meeting was held with ComEd, regarding a project to upgrade utility poles at Wilkinson Renwick Marsh. ComEd explained that the upgrades are needed to support a new solar farm by adding an additional electrical feeder, which will also improve overall reliability for the surrounding area. The project would involve replacing existing poles with slightly taller and stronger ones, without adding new poles, and reviewing design options for the changes.
One option would replace two of the poles with slightly taller ones and route part of the new line underground to avoid disturbing the middle pole, while another option would move more of the line underground starting at one pole to minimize visible changes. They also talked through technical details like pole height, wires, underground placement, and how construction would avoid disrupting nearby roads and property.
They clarified that any underground work would require a new easement, which would be handled and negotiated by the solar developer rather than ComEd. The committee noted that going underground would likely cause the least disruption and visual impact, but no final decision was made. Next stepsinclude receiving a draft easement map, reviewing options, and bringing the proposal to the full board for approval in a future meeting.
b. Afton Township Supervisor, Randy Bourdages, presented a proposal to host a free “Movie in the Park” event at the local forest preserve to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The event would include an outdoor movie on a large LED screen, along with family-friendly activities like face painting, snacks, and food trucks, with an expected attendance of around 200–250 people. The goal is to create a fun community event while encouraging more residents to visit and enjoy the forest preserve.
He also outlined logistics such as safety, lighting, parking, restrooms, and promotion, with an estimated budget of $12,000–$13,000 funded by the township and potential sponsors. The committee responded positively, discussing ideas like making it an annual event or expanding it for county employees, and expressed general support for moving forward pending formal approval.
REPORTS OF FOREST PRESERVE OFFICIALS
The Quarterly Reports are confirmed to be available next month (March).
ORDINANCES
No Ordinances to discuss.
OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business to discuss.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was moved to adjourn at 7:33 p.m. by Haier, seconded by Domina, and carried unanimously by voice vote.
https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/minutes-fpoc-02262026.pdf
