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County project to honor Revolutionary War patriots tabled after location and funding concerns
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Summary
A proposed Declaration Square with a Liberty Tree marker and surrounding hardscape will be tabled to May after staff and the State's Attorney recommended more work on location, the concept plan and donation-contracting safeguards; some committee members questioned whether the proposed courthouse parking location meets the original board intent.
A proposal to establish "Declaration Square" — a small honorary park and Liberty Tree marker to honor Revolutionary War patriots buried in Kane County — was tabled for further work at the Kane County Administration Committee’s April 15 meeting.
Roger Fonstock reported the state's attorney provided a draft resolution and that the county intends to fund the project through donations rather than the county general fund. Fonstock said staff have not completed plan sets or vendor agreements and recommended tabling the resolution to allow legal review and to confirm location, scope and contracting requirements for donated design or construction services. "We want to make sure the location and concept are good before we do that level of work," he said.
Public commenter William Worst urged the county to pick a more visible site than a courthouse parking area, saying the project should show due respect to veterans and their families and raising concerns about the cost: "I've heard estimates anywhere from $60,000 to $600,000," he said, adding that if donor funds fall short "it's coming back to the taxpayer."
Committee members noted that the original board intent referenced placing a memorial at the courthouse and asked whether an alternate location had been considered. Juby moved to postpone the resolution to the May Administration Committee meeting; the motion was seconded and approved by consensus so staff can refine the concept, consult the State's Attorney and return with location alternatives and a plan for managing donated services and contractual liability.
