DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Board met Aug. 20.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

1. Roll Call

2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

3. Approval of Agenda

4. Approval of Minutes:

a. June 18, 2025 County Board Meeting

5. Communications & Proclamations:

a. Employee Service Awards – July & August 2025

6. Public Comments

Any member of the public may address the County Board for up to 3 minutes on any topic of their choosing. There will be no yielding of time to other members of the public and agenda time for public comments is limited to 30 minutes in total.

7. Approval of Appointments for this Month:

• County Board District-5: Suzanne Fahnestock appointed immediately to fill the unexpired term of Savannah Ilenikhena until November 30, 2026.

• County Board Committee Assignments:

o Patrick Deutsch appointed immediately to the County Board’s Highway and Executive Committees in place of Savannah Ilenikhena until November 30, 2026.

o Suzanne Fahnestock appointed immediately to the County Board’s Finance & Administration Committee in place of Patrick Deutsch until November 30, 2026.

o Suzanne Fahnestock appointed immediately to the County Board’s Health & Human Services Committee until November 30, 2026.

• Highway Committee Chair: Patrick Deutsch appointed immediately to fill the unexpired term of Savannah Ilenikhena until November 30, 2026.

• Shabbona Fire Protection District:

o Jamie Deutsch appointed for a three-year term beginning May 1, 2025 and expiring April 30, 2028.

o Nicolas Gaston appointed for a two-year term beginning May 1, 2025 and expiring April 30, 2027.

• Regional Planning Commission – Alternates: Jeff Jefko (Shabbona) appointed for an unexpired three-year term beginning April 1, 2025 and expiring March 31, 2028.

• Emergency Telephone Systems Board (E911): Luke Howieson appointed to fill a four-year unexpired term beginning January 1, 2024 and expiring December 31, 2028.

8. Reports of Standing Committees with Ordinances & Resolutions

PLANNING, ZONING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

a. Ordinance O2025-10—An Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit for a 5-Megawatt Commercial Solar Energy System Located on West Side of Polk Road, approximately 2,000 Feet South of Poplar Road, in Genoa Township.

In 2023, DeKalb County Ordinance O2023-023 granted approval to Trajectory Energy Partners, LLC for the establishment and operation of a 5-megawatt commercial solar facility, to be known as Polk Road Solar, LLC, on a 40-acre property located on the west side of Polk Road, approximately 2,000 feet south of Poplar Road, in Genoa Township. Approval of this Special Use was subject to thirty-two conditions, one of which required that Site Development Permits be sought within 18 months of the approval date of the Ordinance, otherwise it would expire. The permit expired and Trajectory Energy Partners still desires to move forward with this project and are seeking approval of a new Special Use Permit for this project. The required public hearing for the Special Use Permit was conducted by Hearing Officer Dale Clark on May 22, 2025. Mr. Clark has made his findings of fact and recommended that the Special Use Permit be granted with conditions. (Petition GE-25-08)

Committee Action: The Planning, Zoning & Development Committee considered Ordinance O2025-10 on July 30th and forwarded the Ordinance to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.

b. Ordinance O2025-11—An Ordinance Approving a Map Amendment to Allow for the Expansion of the Self-Storage Facility Located on the Property at 25330 Five Points Road, in Mayfield Township.

Spaceco Inc., on the behalf of Space Squared Self Storage – Sycamore, is seeking the expansion of the self-storage facility located on the property at 25330 Five Points Road, in Mayfield Township, with an approximately one hundred fifty-four (154) foot by forty and twenty-nine one hundredths (40.29) foot addition. In order to accommodate the proposed change, an amendment must be sought to DeKalb County Ordinance 2018-05, which established a Planned Development – Commercial District that allowed for the operation of the self-storage facility on the subject property. The required public hearing for the Map Amendment was conducted by Hearing Officer Dale Clark on May 22, 2025. Mr. Clark has made his findings of fact and recommended that the Map Amendment Permit be granted with conditions. (Petition MY-25-09)

Committee Action: The Planning, Zoning & Development Committee considered Ordinance O2025-11 on July 30th and forwarded the Ordinance to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.

c. Ordinance O2025-12—An Ordinance Approving an Interim Special Use Permit for the Installation of a Temporary Wind Measurement Tower for Eighteen (18) Months on Property Located on the North Side of West Clare Road, approximately 1600-feet East of Malta Road, in South Grove Township.

Clare Wind 2, LLC is seeking an Interim Special Use Permit for the installation of a temporary wind measurement tower for eighteen (18) months on property located on the north side of West Clare Road, approximately 1600-feet east of Malta Road, in South Grove Township. The subject property is zoned A-1, Agricultural District. The required public hearing for the Special Use Permit was conducted by Hearing Officer Dale Clark on June 26, 2025. Mr. Clark has made his findings of fact and recommended that the Interim Special Use Permit be granted with conditions. (Petition SY-25-10)

Committee Action: The Planning, Zoning & Development Committee considered Ordinance O2025-12 on July 30th and forwarded the Ordinance to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.

COUNTY HIGHWAY COMMITTEE

No Actionable Items

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

a. Ordinance O2025-13—An Ordinance Amending Chapter 38 “Health and Sanitation” of the DeKalb County Code.

Ordinance O2025-13 amends Chapter 38 of the DeKalb County Code pertaining to health & sanitation. The amendments include updated definitions and amending language regarding Home Kitchens to reflect the widely accepted industry terminology of Cottage Food. Additionally, this Ordinance amends Chapter 38 to reflect changes to current practices & procedures, including Class A/B establishment inspection frequency and the use of technology for the completion of inspection reports.

Following approval, the amendments to Chapter 38 “Food Sanitation” of the DeKalb County Code shall take effect on January 1, 2026.

Committee Action: The Health & Human Services Committee considered Ordinance 02025-13 on August 4th and forwarded the Ordinance to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.

b. Ordinance O2025-14—An Ordinance Amending Chapter 39 “Water Wells” of the DeKalb County Code.

Ordinance O2025-14 amends Chapter 39 of the DeKalb County Code pertaining to water wells. The amendments include updated definitions and references to the Illinois Well Code. Additional amendments include recommendations for elimination of well pits upon property sales/transfers and for the Applicant to contact Community Development Department to assure all aspects of the application are covered. The amendments also formally address non-community water systems, right of inspection and enforcement procedures, and incorporate the fee for a Well Sealing Permit into the fee schedule and permit requirements under the general permit requirements.

Following approval, the amendments to Chapter 39 “Water Wells” of the DeKalb County Code shall take effect on January 1, 2026.

Committee Action: The Health & Human Services Committee considered Ordinance 02025-14 on August 4th and forwarded the Ordinance to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with the majority votes cast in the affirmative.

c. Resolution R2025-069—A Resolution Authorizing the Procurement of Vehicles from Suburban Purchasing Cooperative by the DeKalb County Health Department.

Resolution R2025-069 authorizes the procurement of a 2025 Ford Escape and a 2025 Ford Explorer for the Health Department. The Ford Escape would be purchased through the Public Health Fund, which budgeted $40,000 for the purchase of a vehicle in FY2025. The Ford Explorer would be purchased through the Solid Waste Fund, which budgeted $60,000 for the purchase of a vehicle in FY2025. The purchases would be made through Suburban Joint Cooperative, a joint purchasing cooperative, and would be in line with the County’s Procurement Policy.

Committee Action: The Health & Human Services Committee considered Resolution R2025-069 on August 4th and forwarded the Resolution to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with the majority votes cast in the affirmative.

d. Resolution R2025-070—A Resolution Authorizing the DCRNC Administrator to Execute the Residential Hospice Agreement with Transitions Hospice on behalf of the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

In August of 2024, the County Board approved Resolution R2024-008 which authorized the DCRNC to enter into a Residential Hospice Agreement with Transitions Hospice. Resolution R2025-070 authorizes the DCRNC to enter into a revised Residential Hospice Agreement with Transitions Hospice based on their new master agreement. This agreement has been reviewed by Staff and the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Committee Action: The Health & Human Services Committee considered Resolution R2025-070 on August 4th and forwarded the Resolution to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with the majority votes cast in the affirmative.

e. Resolution R2025-071—A Resolution Authorizing an Advance of GY2026 Senior Tax Levy Funds for the Voluntary Action Center in the Amount of $230,000.

In May of 2025, the County Board approved Resolution R2025-060 which allocated GY2026 Senior Tax Levy Grant Funds. As part of the Senior Tax Levy Grant allocation, the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) was awarded $230,000 for their nutrition programs. VAC has notified County Staff that they have yet to receive $300,000 in federal funding that has been allocated to them. Due to the need to cover expenses for their nutrition programs while awaiting the federal funding, VAC has requested to receive an advance on the funds allocated to them through the Senior Tax Levy program and to be provided with the funds in one lump sum. Resolution R2025- 071 authorizes the advance of the GY2026 Senior Tax Levy Funds for the Voluntary Action Center in the Amount of $230,000.

Committee Action: The Health & Human Services Committee considered Resolution R2025-070 on August 4th and forwarded the Resolution to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with the majority votes cast in the affirmative.

FACILITIES & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

No Actionable Items

LAW & JUSTICE COMMITTEE

a. Resolution R2025-056—A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association.

This agreement enters the DeKalb County Coroner’s Office into a mutual aid alliance through the Illinois Coroners and medical Examiners Association to further the provision of protection of life and property and provide for fatality management during an emergency or disaster. Each agency that enters into this agreement expresses its intent to provide mutual aid as circumstances permit and enhance provide additional resources, equipment and/or personnel as needed. Resolution R2025-056 authorizes the execution of this agreement.

Committee Action: The Law & Justice Committee considered Resolution R2025-056 on July 28th and forwarded the Resolution to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

a. Resolution R2025-076—A Resolution Modifying the Compensation of the Interim County Administrator.

On August 21st, 2024, the County Board appointed Derek Hiland as the Interim County Administrator to fulfill the duties of the County Administrator until a new one can be appointed. On August 25th, 2024, the County Board Chair set the compensation for the Interim County Administrator at 25% above the top of the salary range for the Community Development Director ($78.13 per hour or $158,448 annually) with a $200 car allowance per pay period for the interim period. Additionally, the FY2025 2.75% Cost of Living Adjustment that was given to non-union employees raised the compensation for the Interim County Administrator to $80.28 per hour or $162,808 annually with a $200 car allowance per pay period for the interim period, effective January 1, 2025.

At their March 5th, 2025, the Finance & Administration Committee discussed the structure and compensation of the DeKalb County Administration Office. During this discussion, the Finance & Administration Committee reached a consensus to recommend that the compensation of the Interim County Administrator be increased to the midpoint of the advertised range for the County Administrator position for the duration of the interim period. On March 12, 2025, the County Board Chair set the compensation for the Interim County Administrator at an hourly rate of $91.35 or $190,000 annually with a $250 car allowance per pay period beginning on February 2, 2025.

Resolution R2025-076 ratifies the compensation for the Interim County Administrator to be increased to the following, effective February 2nd, 2025:

FY2025 Budgeted Amounts (DOLLARS)Annual Deffered Comp Bonus Education Other Vehicle Clothing Health Total Stipend Stipends Allowance Allowance Insurance Salary Comp.

a. Reports of County Officials: Accept and place on file the following Reports of County Officials.

Cash & Investments in County Banks – June & July 2025

Public Defender’s Report – June & July 2025

Adult & Juvenile Monthly Reports – June & July 2025

Pretrial Report – June & July 2025

Sheriff’s Jail Report – June & July 2025

Building Permits & Construction Reports – June & July 2025

DCRNC Monthly Report – June & July 2025

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

b. Resolution R2025-072—A Resolution Entering into a Joint Federal Funding Construction Agreement with IDOT, State of Illinois for Various Traffic Signal Upgrades and Improvements, Section #22-00182-01-TL.

This Resolution is to necessitate an agreement with the State of Illinois for the use of Construction Federal STU Funds for various traffic signal upgrades (modernization) and ADA improvements throughout DeKalb County. This project is for various intersection locations in downtown City of Sycamore; the intersection of Annie Glidden/Dresser Road in the City of DeKalb; and Peace Road/Barber Greene Road in the City of DeKalb under jurisdiction of DeKalb County.

Committee Action: The Executive Committee considered Resolution R2025-072 on August 6th and forwarded the Resolution to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.

c. Resolution R2025-073—A Resolution Approving the Payment of County Claims for July 2025, and Off-Cycle Claims Paid During the Previous Month, Including All Claims for Travel, Meals, and Lodging, in the amount of $7,119,611.12.

Committee Action: The Executive Committee considered Resolution R2025-073 on August 6th and forwarded the Resolution to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.

d. Resolution R2025-074—A Resolution Approving the Payment of County Claims for August 2025, and Off-Cycle Claims Paid During the Previous Month, Including All Claims for Travel, Meals, and Lodging, in the amount of $7,110,805.58.

Committee Action: The Executive Committee considered Resolution R2025-074 on August 6th and forwarded the Resolution to the County Board with a favorable recommendation by a voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.

e. Resolution R2025-075—A Resolution Selecting Health Insurance Program Coverage for County Employees.

For purposes of offering medical and dental insurance benefits to employees and their dependents, DeKalb County Government has been a member of the Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative (IPBC) since 2019.

Staff recently received renewal rates for the 2026 plan year. Based on underwriting which assumes no changes to plan design, the rate increases would be 16.1% for the PPO, 16.1% for the HDHP, 16.1% for the Basic HDHP, 6.8% for the HMO, and 9.2% for the Dental plan.

Committee Action: The Executive Committee considered Resolution R2025-075 on August 6th and forwarded the Resolution to the County Board for further consideration by a voice vote, with all votes cast in the affirmative.

9. Executive Session

a. The appointment, compensation and employment of personnel pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). 10. Old Business

11. New Business & Referral of Matters to Committee

12. Adjournment

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/agenda-cb-08202025.pdf