Committee tables nonbinding letter request on Army Corps/IDNR dam study after debate over data vs. policy

City staff requested a nonbinding letter of support so the Army Corps and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) would include the City of St. Charles in upcoming Corps bathymetric and sediment surveys related to the Fox River dam study. Staff said the Corps had paused federal funding temporarily but planned a bathymetric survey and sediment sampling; IDNR holds $2.25 million they have allocated for dam work and has said it does not want dam liability on its books.

Staff emphasized the letter is nonbinding and would not commit the city to any future action; rather, it would allow Corps‑funded data collection that staff said would be useful if the council later decides whether to remove, modify or accept ownership of the dam. "This is a nonbinding letter. This does not dictate whether we do or do not remove the dam," staff said, adding that participation would allow the city to obtain Corps data without spending taxpayer dollars.

Several council members argued the request risked reopening divisive public debate and urged the council to first reach a consensus on dam policy before issuing any letter. One member suggested the city could simultaneously issue a statement expressing an intent to retain the dam while participating in the study. After discussion, a motion to table the request until the next Government Services Committee meeting — to allow further internal discussion and possible drafting of companion language about the city's intent — was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.