Vermillion Cliffs SSD adopts Kane County procedures, names Gwen Brown chair and approves county staff support

The Vermillion Cliffs Special Service District on June 10 adopted Kane County'published rules of procedure and order, appointed Gwen Brown as board chair and voted to use county professional staff to provide administrative, legal, and billing services while the district establishes its own operations.

Adoption of rules and chair appointment: The board unanimously adopted the county rules to govern order and procedure. After that vote the board addressed appointment of a chair and moved to appoint Gwen Brown. Brown accepted the appointment and said she would rely on fellow board members for help while she settles into the role: “I accept with the understanding that we will help you quite a bit.” The appointment carried by voice vote.

Use of county professional staff and fees: The board voted to contract with county offices and departments (treasurer, attorney, government affairs and other offices) to perform initial administrative tasks, billing, and legal work. Board members noted a schedule of county fees had been approved at the previous county commission meeting and that use of county staff is contingent on departmental availability and subject to those fees. As one board member summarized: the fee schedule carries an asterisk that explains participation is contingent on staff willingness and availability.

Meeting schedule and public hearing planning: The board established a regular meeting schedule—the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m.—at the County Administrative Building, 76 North Main Street. Members agreed to hold the budget hearing and the fee-structure hearing together where practicable; staff was asked to determine the appropriate notice requirements and timing (the board referenced a seven-day notice requirement for fee hearings and noted some budget notices may require newspaper publication).

Planning and next steps: Board members discussed immediate operational priorities: identifying potential land for a fire station (county-owned parcels were noted as candidates), pursuing CIB (Capital Improvement Board) loans/grants, sourcing equipment (including donated equipment clearinghouses), and recruiting and training volunteer firefighters. The county has a new volunteer coordinator, Jana Corey, who the board said will be asked to help coordinate volunteer recruitment and training.

Votes and formal actions: The board adopted Kane County procedure rules, appointed Gwen Brown as board chair, approved use of county professional staff (subject to the county'adopted fee schedule and departmental availability), and established its regular meeting schedule. All actions passed by voice vote; the meeting record shows unanimous approval on each motion.

Ending: Board members emphasized that the district was newly formed, that establishing administrative processes quickly is important, and that staff will return to schedule a budget/fee public hearing once timelines and notice requirements are confirmed.