Board tables special-use permit after member seeks Army Corps wetland review

A board member moved that the LaSalle County board postpone a vote on a special-use permit until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes its wetland review, citing concern that a Corps finding could change the project timeline or preclude construction.

"I'd like to make a motion that we postpone voting on this until the Army Corps of Engineers completes their slides," the member said, prompting a brief exchange about whether tabling the amendment or the full permit would change the project's schedule.

Board members discussed whether local soil-and-water rules or Corps jurisdiction applied and whether the petitioner must complete required tape walks and other preconditions. After discussion the maker of the motion rescinded and then the board proceeded to consider tabling the amendment; the clerk conducted a roll-call vote.

The clerk read responses for named members, recorded in the transcript as, among others: "Mister Gasso? Nay." "Mister Templeton? No." "Miss Burnall? Nay." "Mister Miller? Aye." "Mister Walsh? Aye." "Mister Aubrey? Aye." "Mister McEmory? Yes." "Miss Sinecki? Nay." "Mister Blue? Nay." "Miss Yerrick? Nay." The spoken tally in the record is "7 ayes." No further project approvals occurred during the meeting.

What happens next: The board discussion left the substantive wetlands question to the Army Corps and to the petitioner's required steps; the county indicated staff will verify whether local soil-and-water requirements and Corps jurisdiction have been satisfied before the board acts on the permit.