DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Board met Sept. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The DeKalb County Board met in regular session at the Legislative Center’s Gathertorium on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Chair Frieders called the meeting to order, and the Clerk called the roll. Those present were Board Members Rhonda Henke, Laura Hoffman, Tim Hughes, Rebecca Johnson, Kathy Lampkins, Jim Luebke, Elizabeth Lundeen, Joe Marcinkowski, Michelle Pickett, Roy Plote, Vice-President Ellingsworth Webb, Tim Bagby, Scott Campbell, Mary Cozad, Rukisha Crawford, Pat Deutsch, Meryl Domina, Laurie Emmer, Suzanne Fahnestock, Benjamin Haier, and Chair John Frieders. Those absent were Board Members Tim Hughes, Chris Porterfield, and Terri Mann-Lamb. A quorum was established with twenty-one Members present and three absent.

Henke led in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

It was moved by Lampkins and seconded by Johnson to approve the agenda as presented. Motion to Amend

Vice-Chair Webb moved to strike Resolution R2025-076: A Resolution Modifying the Compensation of the Interim County Administrator under the Finance & Administration Committee from the agenda. Emmer seconded the amendment.

Vote on Amendment

The amendment carried by voice vote.

Voice Vote

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Luebke moved to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2025 County Board Meeting. Crawford 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 – September 2025

The Board additionally recognized and congratulated the following County Employees for their service to DeKalb County Government: Five Years: Kimberly Colness – Highway Department; Ten Years: Timothy Brann – Sheriff’s Office, David Miller – Forest Preserve District; Fifteen Years: Jill Riippi – Circuit Clerk’s Office; and Forty Years: Reid Rissman – Coroner’s Office.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Steve Hindi, Kane County, urged the County to enforce existing animal cruelty laws rather than rely on new legislation like SB 45, which only bans tail pulling. He stated that similar abuses occur in steer riding and roping events and criticized local authorities for failing to act on repeated cases of animal mistreatment. Hindi called on the Board to form a committee to investigate the issue and said DeKalb County’s moral character is being tested.

Adam Bend, Cortland Township, requested a brief moment of silence for recent national tragedies before his remarks. He expressed concern over reports of substantial pay raises for certain County employees, particularly the Interim County Administrator, while the County has yet to hire a permanent one. He stated that if such raises are approved, the Board should stop claiming financial hardship regarding the County Nursing Home. Bend urged that available funds instead be directed to the Sheriff’s Office, noting that Deputy staffing remains at 1999 levels, creating safety issues. He called on Board Members to prioritize law enforcement support and public safety over raises.

Trevor White, representing NIU’s Justice & Sustainability Association, voiced strong support for the proposed solar panel initiative. He shared that NIU students overwhelmingly favor the project for its environmental and economic benefits, citing its potential to create jobs, strengthen the tax base, and promote renewable energy. White urged the Board to approve the Burr Oak Solar Project as a step toward sustainability and innovation, emphasizing that rejecting it would mean turning away progress and investment beneficial to future generations.

Carole James of Pierce Township, urged the Board to require a $10,000 enforcement fund as part of the permit for the proposed 2,000-acre Burr Oaks Solar Facility. She said the fund would help nearby homeowners recover potential losses from issues such as flooding, drainage problems, glare, or water contamination caused by the project. James emphasized the long-term impact on residents living near the panels and stated that opposition to the project was greater than reflected in prior reports, noting she submitted petitions with nearly 190 signatures opposing the facility.

William Heimbigner of Willow Creek Township, thanked the Board for removing the proposal to retroactively increase Interim County Administrator Derek Hiland’s pay. He questioned whether the County would recover overpayments already made prior to Board approval and raised concerns about unapproved pay raises within Mr. Hiland’s Community & Development Department. Citing FOIA records, Heimbigner said some employees received raises exceeding 10% without Board action, while another long-term employee received none. He urged the County to investigate these pay changes and ensure proper oversight.

John Aspinwall of Afton Township, urged the Board to reject the Burr Oak Solar Project, citing the DeKalb City Council’s recent decision to vote down a similar solar data center proposal despite potential economic benefits. He argued that farmland is a finite, nonrenewable resource, that large scale solar projects harm rural quality of life, and that approving another facility would undermine public trust. Aspinwall emphasized the importance of valuing farmland, community character, and residents’ concerns over short-term economic gain.

Sam Beard, representing the Sierra Club, expressed strong support for the Burr Oak Solar Project. He shared that nearly all NIU students he spoke with favored the project after learning about its scale and benefits, including its ability to power 76,000 homes and support local school districts through increased revenue. Beard emphasized that young people overwhelmingly see solar energy as vital to the county’s future and urged the Board to consider the broader environmental, educational, and community benefits when making its decision.

Sam Torre, an NIU student speaking on behalf of the Justice & Sustainability Association, voiced support for the Burr Oak Solar Project. She urged the Board to consider the perspectives of younger generations and demonstrate commitment to a sustainable future. Torre emphasized that transitioning to renewable energy is essential as reliance on oil is unsustainable and said approving the project would show that DeKalb County values innovation and cares about the success of future generations.

Brad James of Pierce Township, expressed opposition to the Burr Oak Solar Project, citing concerns about environmental and safety impacts. He warned that runoff from coated solar panels could contaminate local water sources with PFAS chemicals and emphasized risks to nearby creeks, ravines, and farmland. James said he supports solar energy in principle but believes large-scale projects should not be placed on prime agricultural land.

Joanna Kot, a 30-year DeKalb resident, voiced support for the Burr Oak Solar Project, citing both environmental and financial benefits. She said climate change is already affecting local seasons and public health, making renewable energy essential. Kot added that the project would generate higher tax revenue than farmland, benefiting schools and libraries, and noted that planting native species would leave the soil in better condition once the land is restored.

Teresa Richmond, Squaw Grove Township, opposed the Burr Oak Solar Project, expressing concern over the loss of farmland and its impact on agricultural education and youth programs like FFA. She said the 2,000-acre project is excessive and urged Board members to personally view the site’s scale. Richmond cited issues with other solar farms, including damaged panels and poor maintenance, and questioned whether DeKalb County is monitoring those sites. She also raised concerns about inadequate screening, the visual impact compared to traditional crops, and the lack of a confirmed recycling facility for solar panels.

Chase Lyon, representing the Developer of the Burr Oak Solar Project, thanked the Board, staff, and community for their engagement. He stated that the project was designed with community input and emphasized that it will operate safely without hazardous or toxic materials, as detailed in the submitted application. Lyon encouraged the County Board to approve the project in accordance with the recommendations of the PZD Committee and the Hearing Officer.

Isabel Gregory, an NIU student, spoke in support of the Burr Oak Solar Project. She acknowledged the concerns of farmers and nearby residents but said the project reflects a balanced approach to sustainability—considering economic, environmental, and social factors. Gregory noted that the land could be restored for farming after the project’s lifespan and that renewable energy offers long-term environmental benefits compared to fossil fuels. She added that many in her generation value renewable energy when choosing where to live, urging the Board to consider future residents and the county’s sustainable growth.

Motion to Extend Public Comment Period

Luebke moved to extend the 30-minute time limit of public comments by 15 minutes provided for in County Board Rule 2-11. Emmer seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

The motion was carried by voice vote.

Barry Mandel, Pierce Township, stated the residents are not opposed to solar energy but object to its placement on farmland, emphasizing that farmland is a nonrenewable resource. They urged the Board to consider the long-term impact of the Burr Oak Solar Project, noting that many current residents will not live to see the land restored decades from now. Mandel asked Board Members to reflect on the legacy they will leave for future generations—whether it will be preserved farmland or large solar facilities that may never be fully removed.

Melody Aspinwall, Afton Township, expressed concern about the Burr Oak Solar Project’s impact on nearby residents, stating that those living closest have had little opportunity for input or compromise. While supportive of renewable energy, she urged the County to impose stronger, enforceable protections if the project proceeds. Aspinwall recommended 200–300-foot setbacks with maintained tree buffers, verified licensing and bonding of all construction workers, restricted construction hours (weekdays 8–4, no weekends), flood and aquifer protections for homes in designated flood zones, and an escrow fund of $10,000–$20,000 for affected nonparticipating residents. She emphasized that renewable energy should not come at the expense of community well-being or local safety.

Ron Ness, a local Pierce Township farmer with solar panels on his property, spoke against large-scale solar projects, citing concerns about energy reliability and economic impact. He explained that solar power production is highly variable and still requires thermal power plants for backup, which increases overall costs. Ness argued that renewable expansion leads to higher utility rates and tax burdens for residents while offering limited capacity benefits. He referenced energy issues in other regions, such as California and Europe, as cautionary examples and urged the Board to consider the financial strain that rising electricity costs place on working families.

Porterfield arrived. There were now twenty-two Members present and two absent.

APPOINTMENTS

Motion

It was moved by Henke and seconded by Fahnestock to approve the following appointments:

• Normal Drainage District: Stephen Story reappointed immediately to fill an expired 3-year term until August 1, 2028.

• Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb: Jerry Wahlstrom reappointed for a five-year term beginning November 1, 2025 and expiring October 31, 2030.

Voice Vote

A voice vote was taken on the motion to approve the appointments as presented. The motion carried.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

PLANNING, ZONING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Ordinance O2025-16: 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

Motion

Bagby moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves and grants a Special Use Permit, with conditions as outlined in the Ordinance, to TurningPoint Energy, LLC d/b/a TPE Development (TPE) to allow for the construction and operation of a 4.5-megawatt commercial solar facility, to be known as TPE IL DE447, LLC, on approximately 25.4-acres of the 48.33-acre former golf course property located at 6236 State Route 38, DeKalb, in DeKalb Township. Cozad seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

The Chair Called for a roll call vote on the motion as presented. Those voting aye were Board Members Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, and Chair Frieders. Those voting nay were Board Members Marcinkowski, Fahnestock, and Haier. The motion carried 19-3-2.

Ordinance O2025-17: An Ordinance Approving Special Use Permits to Burr Oak Solar, LLC, for a Solar Farm Located on Various Properties in Afton, Pierce and Squaw Grove Townships Motion

Bagby moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves and grants a Special Use Permit, with conditions as outlined in the Ordinance, to Burr Oak Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of Leeward Renewable Energy to allow for the construction and operation of a 300mw Commercial Solar Energy System (CSES) that will occupy approximately 1,984-acres of land in Afton, Pierce, and Squaw Grove Townships. The proposed CSES would be spread out over approximately twenty one separate properties; with the subject properties being located in the area roughly bounded by Perry Road to the north, Crego Road to the west, Lasher Road to the South, and Somonauk Road to the East. The proposed CSES will be a utility-scale development consisting of the component solar arrays, a project substation, a Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) Switchyard, and an “operations and maintenance” building. Vice-Chair Webb seconded the motion as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Those voting aye were Board Members Hoffman, Hughes, Lampkins, Luebke, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, and Chair Frieders. Those Board Members voting nay were Johnson, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Emmer, Fahnestock, and Hair. Henke abstained. The motion carried 15-6-1-2.

Ordinance O2025-18: An Ordinance Approving an Amendment to a Special Use Permit for a Concrete Business Located at 1275 E. State Street in Sycamore Township

Motion

Bagby moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves an Amendment to a Special Use Permit, with conditions as outlined in the Ordinance, to Tom and Sam Doty, representing Doty & Sons Concrete Products, to allow for the expansion to their concrete business located at 1275 E. State Street, in Sycamore Township. Vice-Chair Webb seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

The motion carried as a result of the Chair calling for a voice vote.

Ordinance O2025-19: An Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit for a 5-Megawatt Commercial Solar Energy System Located on the Southeast Corner of State Route 72 and Pleasant Hill Road, in Kingston Township

Motion

Bagby moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves and grants a Special Use Permit, with conditions as outlined in the Ordinance, to SunVest Solar, LLC to allow for the construction and operation of a Commercial Solar Energy System (CSES), to be known as SV CSG Kingston Solar 1, LLC, on a 43.28-acre property located on the southeast corner of State Route 72 and Pleasant Hill Road, in Kingston Township. Johnson seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Chair Frieders called for a roll call vote. Those voting aye were Board Members Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, and Chair Frieders. Those voting nay were Board Members Fahnestock and Haier. The motion carried 20-2-2.

COUNTY HIGHWAY COMMITTEE

Resolution R2025-077: A Resolution Approving a Preliminary Engineering Agreement with HR Green, Inc. of Aurora, Illinois for the Peace Road Structures & Road Widening Project from Freed Road to IL Route 23, Section 25-00287-00-WR, in the amount of $957,601.47

Motion

Deutsch moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves to enter into a Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with HR Green, Inc. of Aurora, Illinois for certain engineering services associated with the Peace Road Structures & Widening Project between Freed Road and IL Route 23, Sycamore, Illinois in the amount of $957,601.47. Hoffman seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

A roll call vote was taken. Those voting aye were Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Fahnestock, Haier, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 22-0-2.

Resolution R2025-078: A Resolution Approving a Preliminary Engineering Agreement with Willett, Hofmann & Associate, Inc. of Dixon, Illinois for the replacement of Various Structures Project, Section 25-00290-00-BR, in the amount of $698,895.00

Motion

Deutsch moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the enter into a Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with Willett, Hofmann & Associates, Inc. of Dixon, Illinois for certain engineering services associated with the replacement of structures in DeKalb County, including 7 structures and related road improvements. Cozad seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

The Chair called for a roll call vote. Those voting aye were Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Fahnestock, Haier, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 22-0-2.

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Resolution R2025-079: A Resolution Authorizing the Surrender of Mobile Home Tax Certificate(s) Parcel Number 09-29-400-016 0015O

Motion

Campbell moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes the County Board Chair to execute a Deed of Conveyance for a mobile home (P.I.N.: 09-29-400-016 0045O), located in Cortland Mobile Home Community to Robert Dwyer. Deutsch seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Those voting aye were Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Fahnestock, Haier, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 22-0-2.

Resolution R2025-080: A Resolution Authorizing the Surrender of Mobile Home Tax Certificate(s) Parcel Number 09-29-400-016 0024O

Motion

Campbell moved that that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes the County Board Chair to execute a Deed of Conveyance for a mobile home (P.I.N.: 09-29-400-016 0024O), located in Cortland Mobile Home Community to Robert Dwyer. Luebke seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Those voting aye were Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Fahnestock, Haier, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 22-0-2.

Resolution R2025-081: A Resolution Authorizing the Surrender of Mobile Home Tax Certificate(s) Parcel Number 09-29-400-016 0025O

Motion

Campbell moved that that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes the County Board Chair to execute a Deed of Conveyance for a mobile home (P.I.N.: 09-29-400-016 0025O), located in Cortland Mobile Home Community to Robert Dwyer. Johnson seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Those voting aye were Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Fahnestock, Haier, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 22-0-2.

Resolution R2025-082: A Resolution Authorizing the Surrender of Mobile Home Tax Certificate(s) Parcel Number 03-30-131-001 0055O

Motion

Campbell moved that that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes the County Board Chair to execute a Deed of Conveyance for a mobile home (P.I.N.: 03-30-131-001 0055O), located in Forest View Manor to Guillermo Guzman. Porterfield seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Those voting aye were Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Fahnestock, Haier, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 22-0-2.

Resolution R2025-083: A Resolution Authorizing the Surrender of Mobile Home Tax Certificate(s)) Parcel Number 08-01-401-005 2327G

Motion

Campbell moved that that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes the County Board Chair to execute a Deed of Conveyance for a mobile home (P.I.N.: 08-01-401-005 2327G), located in Edgebrook Mobile Home Park to Dashi Ajdini. Hughes seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Those voting aye were Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Fahnestock, Haier, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 22-0-2.

Resolution R2025-084: A Resolution Authorizing the Surrender of Mobile Home Tax Certificate(s) Parcel Number 08-01-401-005 2405D

Motion

Campbell moved that that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes the County Board Chair to execute a Deed of Conveyance for a mobile home (P.I.N.: 08-01-401-005 2405D), located in Edgebrook Mobile Home Park to Leodegario Vargas. Pickett seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Those voting aye were Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Fahnestock, Haier, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 22-0-2.

Resolution R2025-085: A Resolution Approving the Payment of County Claims for September 2025, and Off-Cycle Claims Paid During the Previous Month, Including All Claims for Travel, Meals, and Lodging, in the amount of $9,630,768.77

Motion

Campbell moved to approve the payment of the County’s September 2025 claims, and the off cycle claims paid during the previous month, including all claims for travel, meal, and lodging, in the total amount of $9,630,768.77. Johnson seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

The Chair called for a roll call vote on the approval of the September 2025 County Claims. Those voting aye were Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Fahnestock, Haier, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 22-0-2.

Reports of County Officials

Motion

It was moved by Campbell and seconded by Pickett to accept and place on file the following Reports of County Officials:

Cash & Investments in County Banks - August 2025

Public Defender's Report - August 2025

Adult & Juvenile Monthly Reports - August 2025

Pretrial Report - August 2025

Sheriffs Jail Report-August 2025

Building Permits & Construction Reports - August 2025

DCRNC Monthly Report - August 2025

Voice Vote

The motion carried by voice vote.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Resolution R2025-086: A Resolution Selecting Slavin Management Consultants in the Not to Exceed Amount of $26,675 to Execute a Contract for Executive Recruiting Services for the Purpose of Hiring a Full-Time County Administrator

Motion

Vice-Chair Webb moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby authorizes the award of Executive Search Services to Slavin Management Consultants to conduct a national search for County Administrator in the amount not to exceed $26,675.00, excluding candidate travel expenses. Crawford seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

The Chair called for a roll call vote on the motion as presented. Those voting aye were Henke, Hoffman, Hughes, Johnson, Lampkins, Luebke, Lundeen, Marcinkowski, Pickett, Plote, Porterfield, Vice-Chair Webb, Bagby, Campbell, Cozad, Crawford, Deutsch, Domina, Emmer, Fahnestock, Haier, and Chair Frieders. The motion carried 22-0-2.

OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/minutes-cb-09172025.pdf