DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Board met March 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The DeKalb County Board met in regular session at the Legislative Center’s Gathertorium on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Chair Frieders called the meeting to order, and the Clerk called the roll. Those present were Board Members Rukisha Crawford, Patrick Deutsch, Laurie Emmer, Rhonda Henke, Laura Hoffman, Tim Hughes, Savannah Ilenikhena, Kathy Lampkins, Jim Luebke, Elizabeth Lundeen, Michelle Pickett, Roy Plote, Chris Porterfield, Tim Bagby, Scott Campbell, Kim Coovert, Mary Cozad, and Chair John Frieders. Those absent at the time of roll call were Board Members Meryl Domina, Benjamin Haier, Terri Mann-Lamb, Joe Marcinkowski, and Vice-Chair Ellingsworth Webb. A quorum was established with eighteen Members present, five absent, and one vacancy.

Crawford led in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

It was moved by Deutsch and seconded by Emmer to approve the agenda as presented. Voice Vote

A voice vote was taken on the agenda as presented. The motion carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Cozad moved to approve the minutes of the February 19, 2025 County Board Meeting. Luebke seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

The Chair asked for a voice vote on the approval of the minutes. The motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS

Employee Service Awards – March 2025

The Board recognized and congratulated the following County Employees for their service to DeKalb County Government: Five Years: Gehrig Frost – Rehab & Nursing Center, Riley Brown – Sheriff’s Office, Mary Baccam – Public Defender’s Office, Robert Miller – Finance Office; Twenty Years: James Eklund, Jr. – Sheriff’s Office.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

William Heimbigner, Lee, addressed a ballot omission in Shabbona, stating that Clerk Sims acted swiftly to correct the issue the same day, ensuring minimal impact. He commended her professionalism and responsiveness but requested a detailed report on how the error occurred and was resolved. He also expressed concerns about a Deputy of Elections’ conduct, citing instances of unprofessional behavior in their interactions.

Berkeley Boehne, President of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, urged the board to unanimously support a resolution in support of DeKalb County agriculture, emphasizing the significance of the timing during National Ag Week. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the County Board and the Farm Bureau and expressed hope for continued collaboration on issues that both support and impact local agriculture.

Domina and Haier arrived. There were now twenty Board Members present. PUBLIC HEARINGChair Frieders opened a Public Hearing at 7:07 p.m. to obtain and consider the economic, social and environmental effects of the application for Public Transportation Assistance under Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act. After calling three times and hearing no comments, Chair Frieders closed the Public Hearing at 7:08 p.m.APPOINTMENTS MotionIt was moved by Crawford and seconded by Lampkins to approve the following appointments: DCRNC Oversight Board • Mary Hatch reappointed for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2025 and expiring December 31, 2026. • Dan Kenney appointed for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2025 and expiring December 31, 2026. Voice Vote The motion carried by voice vote.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

PLANNING, ZONING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Ordinance O2025-02: An Ordinance Approving an Amendment to a Special Use Permit to expand and continue operating an auction business at 16746 Chicago Road, in Sandwich Township. The property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District

Motion

Bagby moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves an amendment to a Special Use Permit (Ordinance 2005-14), with conditions, to Gavin Specialties Inc. for the expansion and continued operation of an auction business at 16746 Chicago Road, in Sandwich Township. Deutsch seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

Chair Frieders called for a voice vote to approve the motion. The motion carried.

COUNTY HIGHWAY COMMITTEE

Resolution R2025-019: A Resolution Awarding purchase and installation of dump body, snow plow, frame, hydraulic system, wing, spreader, and pre-wet tank system, each on one (1) 2025 Peterbilt 548 Dump Truck as specified, to Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc., of Monroe, WI in the Amount of $168,315.00

Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby awards the lowest bid meeting specification to Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc., of Monroe, WI for the purchase and installation of dump body, snow plow, frame, hydraulic system, wing, spreader, and pre-wet tank system, each on one (1) 2025 Peterbilt 548 Dump Truck in the amount of $168,315.00. Coovert seconded the motion as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Resolution R2025-020: A Resolution Awarding purchase and delivery of one (1) new 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, Mechanics/Service/Crane Truck as specified, to Uftring Chevrolet, Inc., of Washington, IL in the Amount of $173,408.00

Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the lowest bid meeting specifications to Uftring Chevrolet, Inc., of Washington, IL for the purchase and delivery of one (1) new 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, Mechanics/Service/Crane Truck in the amount of $173,408.00. Hoffman seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Resolution R2025-021: A Resolution Awarding the 2025 General County Letting in which all bids are accepted

Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board does hereby approve awards to Curran Contracting Co., of DeKalb, IL, Macklin Inc., of Rochelle, IL, Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC, of Naperville, IL, Wagner Aggregate Inc., of DeKalb, IL, Sicalco, Ltd, of Hinsdale, IL, and Gasaway Distributors, of Oak Brook, IL for the provision of certain, specified maintenance materials to the County of DeKalb and its nineteen Road Districts. The estimate of cost for the County’s portion is $170,000.00 and the Road District’s portion is $94,500.00. Deutsch seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Resolution R2025-022: A Resolution Awarding the 2025 Afton Road District Aggregate Project to Wagner Aggregate Inc., of DeKalb, IL in the Amount of $29,800.00

Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby awards the lowest bid meeting specifications to Wagner Aggregate Inc., of DeKalb, IL for the aggregate spread on road for the 2025 Afton Road District Aggregate Project in the amount of $29,800.00. Haier seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Resolution R2025-023: A Resolution Awarding the 2025 Malta Road District Aggregate Project to Wagner Aggregate, of DeKalb, IL in the Amount of $28,060.00

Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby awards the lowest big meeting specifications to Wagner Aggregate Inc., of DeKalb, IL for the aggregate spread on road for the 2025 Malta Road District Aggregate Project in the amount of $28,060.00. Coovert seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Resolution R2025-024: A Resolution Awarding the 2025 Paw Paw Road District Aggregate Project to Macklin Inc., of Rochelle, IL in the Amount of $49,800.00

Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the lowest bid meeting specification to Macklin Inc., of Rochelle, IL for the aggregate spread on road for the 2025 Paw Paw Road District Aggregate Project in the amount of $49,800.00. Henke seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Resolution R2025-025: A Resolution Awarding the 2025 Somonauk Road District Aggregate Project to Wagner Aggregate Inc., of DeKalb, IL in the Amount of $98,600.00

Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the lowest bid meeting specifications to Wagner Aggregate Inc., of DeKalb, IL for the aggregate spread on road for the 2025 project in Somonauk Road District in the amount of $98,600.00. Plote seconded. Roll Call Vote

Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Resolution R2025-026: A Resolution Awarding the 2025 South Grove Road District Aggregate Project to Wagner Aggregate Inc., of DeKalb, IL in the Amount of $25,300.00 Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the lowest bid meeting specifications to Wagner Aggregate Inc., of DeKalb, IL for the aggregate spread on road for the 2025 project in South Grove Road District in the amount of $25,300.00. Hoffman seconded. Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Resolution R2025-027: A Resolution Awarding the 2025 Squaw Grove Road District Aggregate Project to Wagner Aggregate Inc., of DeKalb, IL in the Amount of $167,500.00 Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the lowest bid meeting specifications to Wagner Aggregate Inc., of DeKalb, IL for the aggregate spread on road for the 2025 project in Squaw Grove Road District in the amount of $167,500.00. Haier seconded the motion as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Resolution R2025-028: A Resolution Awarding the 2025 County/Road Districts Drainage Pipe Project to Mid American Water, Inc., of Aurora, IL in the Amount of $39,139.29 Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the lowest bid meeting specifications to Mid American Water Inc., of Aurora, IL for the drainage pipes utilized by the County and Road Districts during 2025 for various drainage projects in the amount of $39,139.29. Pickett seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Resolution R2025-029: A Resolution Awarding the 2025 Road District Crack Routing & Crack Filling Project to SKC Construction Inc., of Elgin, IL in the Amount of $51,106.50 Motion

Ilenikhena moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the lowest bid meeting specifications to SKC Construction Inc., of Elgin, IL for the crack routing and filling on various roads throughout DeKalb County, in Afton Road District & Sandwich Road District in the amount of $51,106.50. Cozad seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Resolution R2025-031: A Resolution Authorizing Execution and Amendment of Federal 5311 Grant Agreement

Motion

Crawford moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes and directs the Interim DeKalb County Administrator to execute and file, on behalf of DeKalb County, a Section 5311 Grant Agreement ("Agreement") with the Illinois Department of Transportation, and amend such Agreement, if necessary, in order to obtain grant assistance under the provisions of Section 5311 for fiscal year 2026. The Board further acknowledges the Acceptance of Special Warranty, and understands as a condition of receipt of funds under 49 U.S.C. 5311 funds, that 49 U.S.C. 5311(b) requires fair and equitable arrangement must be made to protect the interest of employees affected by assistance. Deutsch seconded the motion as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. None were opposed. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Ordinance O2025-03: An Ordinance to Provide Public Transportation in DeKalb County, Illinois Motion

Crawford moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes and directs the Interim County Administrator to file on behalf of DeKalb County a Grant Application and all required Grant Agreements with the Illinois Department of Transportation to provide public transportation. Domina seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

The Chair called for a voice vote. All Members present voted aye. The motion carried.

FACILITIES & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

Resolutions R2025-032: A Resolution Authorizing the Procurement of an Air Conditioner Coil for the DCRNC Rooftop Unit from Helm Group in the Amount of $32,166.00

Motion

Pickett moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes the purchase of an Air Conditioner Coil for the DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center Rooftop Unit from Helm Group in the amount of $32,166.00. Crawford seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Resolution R2025-033: A Resolution Approving the Payment of County Claims for March 2025, and Off-Cycle Claims Paid During the Previous Month, Including All Claims for Travel, Meals, and Lodging, in the Amount of $6,782,504.13

Motion

Campbell moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the payment of claims for March 2025, and the off-cycle claims paid during the previous month, including all claims for travel, meals, and lodging, in the amount of $6,782,504.13. Ilenikhena seconded.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion to approve the March County Claims. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

Reports of County Officials

Motion

Campbell moved to accept and place on file the following Reports of County Officials:

Cash & Investments in County Banks – February 2025

Public Defender’s Report – February 2025

Adult & Juvenile Monthly Reports – February 2025

Pretrial Report – February 2025

Sheriff’s Jail Report – February 2025

Building Permits & Construction Reports – February 2025

DCRNC Monthly Report – February 2025

Crawford seconded the motion.

Voice VoteThe motion carried by voice vote.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Resolution R2025-034: A Resolution Designating an Authorized Agent of DeKalb County to Enter into Contract(s) with the State of Illinois

Motion

Chair Frieders moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes the Interim DeKalb County Administrator to enter into contract(s), to include joint participation agreements, on behalf of DeKalb County including any of its agencies or departments with the State of Illinois and any of its agencies or departments, and further authorizes the Interim DeKalb County Administrator, with full authority, to execute any documents or purchase requests which may in his/her judgement be desirable or necessary for said contract(s). Luebke seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

Chair Frieders called for a voice vote on the motion as presented. The motion carried.

Resolution R2025-035: A Resolution in Support of DeKalb County Agriculture Motion

Chair Frieders read aloud and moved that the DeKalb County Board acknowledges and supports agriculture within DeKalb County. The jobs created, taxes generated, technologies embraced and environmental practices implemented by farmers make agriculture a valuable industry within our County and further commits that the County of DeKalb elected board and county staff will work to support and promote the development of agriculture for the benefit of our county and all its residents. Henke seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote on the motion as presented. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. There was no opposition. The motion carried 20-0-3.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion

Emmer moved to enter in Executive Session for the purposes of discussing Probable or Imminent Litigation provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(ll) at 7:35 p.m. Deutsch seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote

A roll call vote was taken to enter into Executive Session. Those voting aye were Board Members Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Haier, Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Ilenikhena, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Bagby, Campbell, Coovert, Cozad, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 20-0-3.

The Board entered back into their Open Meeting at 8:03 p.m.

OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS

Chair Frieders acknowledged the passing of Sheriff Roger Scott. He commended those who assisted in coordinating his visitation and service.

Ilenikhena shared that the start of the 2-Year Peace Road Bridge Project will begin on Monday, April 17.

Tim Neubert, the County of DeKalb's Human Resources Manager, provided the Board with an update on the re-posted County Administrator search.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion

Henke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Pickett seconded the motion. 

Voice Vote

The motion to adjourn the meeting carried.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/minutes-cb-03192025.pdf