Russ Couchman

The committee meeting commenced with the nomination and election of officers for the year, resulting in Alicia Rogers as chairperson, Suzanne Davis as vice chair, and Meredith as secretary. The committee then approved the minutes from the December 2nd meeting. The new business involved the review and approval of three plat petitions. Petition 26-01 requested a replat of Baron Estates Lot 3 to decrease acreage, which was approved with standard conditions including compliance with agency regulations and recognition of existing agricultural land usage. Petition 26-02 involved a minor subdivision for J. Acres, combining two parcels into one 12.62-acre buildable lot, which was also approved subject to required compliance documentation. Petition 26-03 involved a replat for Strong's Subdivision Lots 2 and 3 to redraw interior lot lines, which was discussed, though the outcome of the motion is not fully captured in the provided transcript excerpt.

The agenda for the meeting included the election of 2026 officers and confirmation of the 2026 Executive Committee. The board was set to welcome three new board members for four-year terms. Key financial discussions involved approving several transfers and reductions in appropriations within the Project Income Fund and State Grant Fund due to adjustments following the 2026 IDOC budget submission. Juvenile Programs required votes on the renewal of the CHANGE Academy annual funding via the FY27 JCC Grant application and the approval of the FY 2026-28 ICJI Juvenile Behavioral Health Grant, which would add a mental health professional to CHANGE operations. Other items included a vote on the investment of Project Income Funds, review of various reports (Residential Audit, 2025 Annual Report, Disciplinary Hearing Board, and Grievance Report), setting the Advisory Board Dates for 2026, and an update regarding the Order for Electronic Monitoring. The Director also provided updates on forthcoming 2027 grant funding and the passage of the community corrections commissary bill in the Senate.

The Plan Commission meeting focused on several key items, including the review and approval of the 2026 attorney fee agreement with Mr. Cruz, which included a slight increase in retainer and per-meeting fees. The main discussion revolved around Petition 25-38, a request by Leroy and Shila Draber for a development plan for a confined feeding operation intended for approximately 82,000 chickens for egg production. Staff reported that the proposed facility meets development standards, including setbacks, and discussed hydrological controls such as ditches, a sediment basin with a rock check dam, and the need for final approval from the drainage board and IDEM. The details of the free-range operation, manure removal process (weekly hauling and quarterly pit cleanout), egg collection system, and associated driveway access were presented and discussed.

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer and the pledge to the flag, followed by a request for council members to complete nepotism forms. Key discussions involved approving minutes from the November 12th, 2025 meeting. The council addressed several financial matters, including approving an additional $95,000 for the highway department's insurance fund due to higher than anticipated health insurance premiums. Multiple budget transfers were considered and approved, such as: $1,800 from other service fees to new computer equipment for the auditor's office; $3,000 from body pouches to deputy coroner pay in the corner's office to cover increased case loads; $3,042 from deputy prosecuting attorney salaries to other service fees for expert witness testimony in a murder trial; four transfers totaling $4,825 from developmental services (e.g., petroleum products, office supplies, furniture) to software maintenance and notary reimbursement; a $10,000 transfer for the courthouse to move funds from repair/maintenance to equipment purchase for security cameras; and several transfers totaling approximately $69,186 from Sunny Meadows department payroll appropriations to contract staff payments, which were noted as being needed to cover deficits from previous months.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes administrative items such as the Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer, and Election of Officers (President, Vice-President, and Secretary). Further items cover City/Town Representatives, appointment of a Board of Zoning Appeals Member, confirmation of Plat Committee Members, approval of the minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting, and consideration of claims for December 2025. New Business is scheduled to feature a Draft Presentation of the DeKalb 2040 Comprehensive Plan by HWC Engineering, followed by a public open house.