Cook County Forest Preserve
Forest Preserve District Cook County Virtual Board Meeting
July 28, 2020
LWVCC Observer Report
Habitat Restoration, Wetlands Mitigation, Contracts, and More Remain on FPDCC Agenda during Covid19 Crisis
Meeting opened at 10 am. No public comments.
20-0241: FPDCC regular board meetings, for the remainder of 2020 will be held as scheduled at 10 am; those dates are Sept. 22, 2020; Oct. 20, 2020, Nov. 17, 2020, Dec. 15, 2020. The Sept. 20 meeting, scheduled to be held at the Chgo Botanic Garden Farm will be a virtual meeting. Approved.
20-0304: Resolution, sponsored by Com. Britton and Miller, in support of the 10 Shared Principles of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois NAACP to guide reforms that eliminate disproportionate negative impacts of policing on people of color. To be adopted for FPD Police Dept. Approved.
20-0301: Authorization requested to extend grant agreement with IL Dept of Transportation for a trail system inventory for $240,000. Extension would be through Sept. 2022. Work was slowed due to Covid19. This would support a systematic approach to review over 350 miles of trails, paved and unpaved, to prioritize what need to be done, and monitor progress. Approved.
20-0260: Authorization to extend IGA with UIC for consulting services to FPD’s Racial, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (REDI) Committee for Phase 2 work. The work is on further improving business processes, training, and strategic planning which would promote organizational change. Approved.
20-0288: Corporate Fund Revenue and Expenses through May, 2020 shows Revenue YTD $30,897,369 which is $316,000 below last year. Non tax revenue is down $1,117,000 from last year which was not unexpected. $412,000 has been refunded in permit fees, $92,000 in campground fees. YTD expenditures are $19,105,875; this is $1,064,000 above last year. Hiring freezes and cost cutting measures that have taken place since May are not yet reflected. Corporate expenditures are down $3.8 million. A hiring freeze is now in place with some exceptions where serious need exists. Budget reductions include $2 million in non-personnel expenses; most departments have cut 12% in non-personnel costs. Construction and development projects are on hold until the end of the year. At that time, there will be a review to determine whether monies need to be re-appropriated to support the budget or if they can be returned to departments for their original intent.
Other items of interest
County CFO’s are being directed to apply to FEMA first for costs insured due to COVD19. FPD has incurred $260,000 in related cots through May 20.
Application can be made to the City to fill gaps in CARES Act reimbursement. There is no reimbursement for refunded revenue in CARES Act. All items listed as Proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement, Salary Schedule, Wage Adjustments, and Healthcare Plan Resolutions were accepted.
All nature centers are open for restrooms; outdoor spaces are being used for programming in small groups. See website. fpdcc.com/events , for current list of events at forest preserves.
Meeting length: 1 hr 15 min
Observer: Carolyn Cosentino
July 28, 2020
LWVCC Observer Report
Habitat Restoration, Wetlands Mitigation, Contracts, and More Remain on FPDCC Agenda during Covid19 Crisis
Meeting opened at 10 am. No public comments.
20-0241: FPDCC regular board meetings, for the remainder of 2020 will be held as scheduled at 10 am; those dates are Sept. 22, 2020; Oct. 20, 2020, Nov. 17, 2020, Dec. 15, 2020. The Sept. 20 meeting, scheduled to be held at the Chgo Botanic Garden Farm will be a virtual meeting. Approved.
20-0304: Resolution, sponsored by Com. Britton and Miller, in support of the 10 Shared Principles of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois NAACP to guide reforms that eliminate disproportionate negative impacts of policing on people of color. To be adopted for FPD Police Dept. Approved.
20-0301: Authorization requested to extend grant agreement with IL Dept of Transportation for a trail system inventory for $240,000. Extension would be through Sept. 2022. Work was slowed due to Covid19. This would support a systematic approach to review over 350 miles of trails, paved and unpaved, to prioritize what need to be done, and monitor progress. Approved.
20-0260: Authorization to extend IGA with UIC for consulting services to FPD’s Racial, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (REDI) Committee for Phase 2 work. The work is on further improving business processes, training, and strategic planning which would promote organizational change. Approved.
20-0288: Corporate Fund Revenue and Expenses through May, 2020 shows Revenue YTD $30,897,369 which is $316,000 below last year. Non tax revenue is down $1,117,000 from last year which was not unexpected. $412,000 has been refunded in permit fees, $92,000 in campground fees. YTD expenditures are $19,105,875; this is $1,064,000 above last year. Hiring freezes and cost cutting measures that have taken place since May are not yet reflected. Corporate expenditures are down $3.8 million. A hiring freeze is now in place with some exceptions where serious need exists. Budget reductions include $2 million in non-personnel expenses; most departments have cut 12% in non-personnel costs. Construction and development projects are on hold until the end of the year. At that time, there will be a review to determine whether monies need to be re-appropriated to support the budget or if they can be returned to departments for their original intent.
Other items of interest
County CFO’s are being directed to apply to FEMA first for costs insured due to COVD19. FPD has incurred $260,000 in related cots through May 20.
Application can be made to the City to fill gaps in CARES Act reimbursement. There is no reimbursement for refunded revenue in CARES Act. All items listed as Proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement, Salary Schedule, Wage Adjustments, and Healthcare Plan Resolutions were accepted.
All nature centers are open for restrooms; outdoor spaces are being used for programming in small groups. See website. fpdcc.com/events , for current list of events at forest preserves.
Meeting length: 1 hr 15 min
Observer: Carolyn Cosentino
Program Planning Disrupted by Coronavirus
Cook County Forest Preserves District Virtual Board Meeting May 19, 2020
Superintendent Arnold Randall opened the remote online virtual meeting mentioning Covid-19 challenges. Posts regarding Covid-19 state that until May 31, all public restrooms are closed, visitors are to wear a mask and are asked to follow social distancing guidelines (staying 6 feet from others) and keep moving. Until further notice no picnics or sports on properties. Dog parks are closed, following CDC guidelines. For Memorial Day weekend FPCC asked people to stay home and preserves had parking closures to limit the size of crowds. Golf courses and fishing lakes in the City of Chicago are closed. The FPDCC meets daily regarding management of sites. On its website, there is a page dedicated to Covid-19 covering Events, Locations and Precautions. Because of Covid-19, there are revenue shortfalls.
The Des Plaines river and many waterways run through FPDCC properties and the district routinely deals with flooding and these properties hold the majority of rain runoff. During recent rains, trails and parking lots were flooded. No canoeing or kayaking was allowed on waterways due to danger of higher flow. Visitors should check site websites before going and exercise care near water.
A Forest Preserve Tree Protection and Preservation manual was adopted. This manual was developed after receiving a grant via the Morton Arboretum from the US Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program because of its goal to help people connect with nature in urban forests. This manual includes many of the district's practices with added detail and clarification. FPDCC has a diverse number of tree species and needed a handbook of policies for protecting trees and ecosystems and for construction projects involving outside workers.
Horizon Farms, around 400 acres, is a former equestrian estate in Barrington Hills. FPDCC owns most of the property. It is temporarily closed and the Board gave the go ahead to negotiate for the remaining property to secure the right for public access.
Two Intergovernmental agreements between FPDCC and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) were authorized. MWRD needed the right to used FPDCC property for two of its projects. First one is 1st Avenue in Maywood for storm water improvements to alleviate chronic flooding conditions that affect access to several hospitals including Loyola U Medical Center. The second MWRD project is the reconstruction and maintenance of the McCook levee along the Des Plaines river.
Authority was given to FPDCC to register Bergman Slough as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve (ILWR) through the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission. This approximately 280-acre preserve is adjacent to the Village of Palos Park. The addition of Bergman Slough would establish FPDCC's 5th ILWR
Authorization was given to accept a Grant Award from the Nature Conservancy via the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Save Our Great Lakes Program. This grant will help to restore and enhance habitats of Burnham Prairie, that are attractive to birds. It will also help the Sand Ridge Nature Preserve, South Holland, which contains a rare dune and swale remnant and a learning center for the natural and cultural history of the Calumet Region- the Illinois and Indiana counties on the south shore of Lake Michigan.
Financial arrangements were approved for the three Aquatic Centers, if needed, for the 2020 summer season. At this time, the centers will not open Memorial Day weekend and FPDCC is assessing and waiting for guidance from the state if they could be opened later in the 2020 summer season.
Calendar of Events: Due to Covid-19, all events have been canceled up to the beginning of August. On the website home page, under "The Latest" is "Nature at Home: Videos, Activities and More". At this time there is no Fall Program guide. Also recommended are the Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic garden websites for activities and things to do.
Due to Covid-19, FPDCC has a serious decline in revenue: loss of taxes, permit and pool fees, concessions. There is a hiring freeze and a hold on construction/development/landscaping projects.
Observer: Michele Niccolai Meeting length: 1 hour
Cook County Forest Preserves District Virtual Board Meeting May 19, 2020
Superintendent Arnold Randall opened the remote online virtual meeting mentioning Covid-19 challenges. Posts regarding Covid-19 state that until May 31, all public restrooms are closed, visitors are to wear a mask and are asked to follow social distancing guidelines (staying 6 feet from others) and keep moving. Until further notice no picnics or sports on properties. Dog parks are closed, following CDC guidelines. For Memorial Day weekend FPCC asked people to stay home and preserves had parking closures to limit the size of crowds. Golf courses and fishing lakes in the City of Chicago are closed. The FPDCC meets daily regarding management of sites. On its website, there is a page dedicated to Covid-19 covering Events, Locations and Precautions. Because of Covid-19, there are revenue shortfalls.
The Des Plaines river and many waterways run through FPDCC properties and the district routinely deals with flooding and these properties hold the majority of rain runoff. During recent rains, trails and parking lots were flooded. No canoeing or kayaking was allowed on waterways due to danger of higher flow. Visitors should check site websites before going and exercise care near water.
A Forest Preserve Tree Protection and Preservation manual was adopted. This manual was developed after receiving a grant via the Morton Arboretum from the US Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program because of its goal to help people connect with nature in urban forests. This manual includes many of the district's practices with added detail and clarification. FPDCC has a diverse number of tree species and needed a handbook of policies for protecting trees and ecosystems and for construction projects involving outside workers.
Horizon Farms, around 400 acres, is a former equestrian estate in Barrington Hills. FPDCC owns most of the property. It is temporarily closed and the Board gave the go ahead to negotiate for the remaining property to secure the right for public access.
Two Intergovernmental agreements between FPDCC and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) were authorized. MWRD needed the right to used FPDCC property for two of its projects. First one is 1st Avenue in Maywood for storm water improvements to alleviate chronic flooding conditions that affect access to several hospitals including Loyola U Medical Center. The second MWRD project is the reconstruction and maintenance of the McCook levee along the Des Plaines river.
Authority was given to FPDCC to register Bergman Slough as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve (ILWR) through the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission. This approximately 280-acre preserve is adjacent to the Village of Palos Park. The addition of Bergman Slough would establish FPDCC's 5th ILWR
Authorization was given to accept a Grant Award from the Nature Conservancy via the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Save Our Great Lakes Program. This grant will help to restore and enhance habitats of Burnham Prairie, that are attractive to birds. It will also help the Sand Ridge Nature Preserve, South Holland, which contains a rare dune and swale remnant and a learning center for the natural and cultural history of the Calumet Region- the Illinois and Indiana counties on the south shore of Lake Michigan.
Financial arrangements were approved for the three Aquatic Centers, if needed, for the 2020 summer season. At this time, the centers will not open Memorial Day weekend and FPDCC is assessing and waiting for guidance from the state if they could be opened later in the 2020 summer season.
Calendar of Events: Due to Covid-19, all events have been canceled up to the beginning of August. On the website home page, under "The Latest" is "Nature at Home: Videos, Activities and More". At this time there is no Fall Program guide. Also recommended are the Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic garden websites for activities and things to do.
Due to Covid-19, FPDCC has a serious decline in revenue: loss of taxes, permit and pool fees, concessions. There is a hiring freeze and a hold on construction/development/landscaping projects.
Observer: Michele Niccolai Meeting length: 1 hour
Observed by: Henrietta Saunders Date: April 23, 2020
Meeting Name: FPCC Meeting Length: 1 hour
Uncertainty as COVID Crisis Unfolds
Categories
What did the Board decide?
They will have virtual meetings in May and June.
The Board passed a number of consent agenda items which were not controversial.
Committee Reports
There were no Committee Reports, and no Public Testimony.
CFO Steve Hughes reported that the Forest Preserves District is in a good cash flow position right now, since property taxes for spring just came in, but with all events cancelled and rescheduling or refunds in place, a significant decline in revenues is expected, perhaps 7-11% ($4.5 – 7 million) for the year.
Superintendent Randall noted staff is working from home as much as possible and that a hiring freeze has been put in place. Nature Centers are closed, but at the same time there is an unprecedented uptick in the number of visitors to the Forest Preserves. Many Commissioners noted that they were able to go enjoy the Preserves more than usual in their lives and were pleased with what they found.
Superintendent Randall also said that they will be following the Department of Public Health guidance and likely to close more parts of the Forest Preserves if too many people gather. (More closures were announced on April 24).
Items to Watch for in the Future:
Revenues will continue to be a concern.
Meeting Name: FPCC Meeting Length: 1 hour
Uncertainty as COVID Crisis Unfolds
Categories
What did the Board decide?
They will have virtual meetings in May and June.
The Board passed a number of consent agenda items which were not controversial.
Committee Reports
There were no Committee Reports, and no Public Testimony.
CFO Steve Hughes reported that the Forest Preserves District is in a good cash flow position right now, since property taxes for spring just came in, but with all events cancelled and rescheduling or refunds in place, a significant decline in revenues is expected, perhaps 7-11% ($4.5 – 7 million) for the year.
Superintendent Randall noted staff is working from home as much as possible and that a hiring freeze has been put in place. Nature Centers are closed, but at the same time there is an unprecedented uptick in the number of visitors to the Forest Preserves. Many Commissioners noted that they were able to go enjoy the Preserves more than usual in their lives and were pleased with what they found.
Superintendent Randall also said that they will be following the Department of Public Health guidance and likely to close more parts of the Forest Preserves if too many people gather. (More closures were announced on April 24).
Items to Watch for in the Future:
Revenues will continue to be a concern.
Concern for Law Enforcement Officer and Citizen Safety
Cook County Forest Preserves District Board Meeting December 17, 2019
Observed by Michele Niccolai
Cook County Forest Preserves District Board Meeting December 17, 2019
- Report from Dept of Permits, Rentals and Concessions was given on the 2019 Customer Service Survey. People who held special events/picnics in groves were surveyed on a weekly basis during the summer and these results were reviewed weekly to assess and improve areas of operation. Customer satisfaction increased in 2019 over the last year. The permit, landscaping/maintenance, and law enforcement staff received the highest ratings. After starting this survey in 2018, ratings for overall experience are still high.
- The board approved a contract for taser weapons and body worn cameras for the Forest Preserves Law Enforcement dept. This was passed to aid in the safekeeping of thousands of visitors to nearly 70,000 acres of Forest Preserves property of trails, picnic groves, nature centers and campgrounds. In the rare situation, tasers will allow officers to de-escalate active resister and assailant subjects to avoid the use of deadly force with body cameras documenting encounters with citizens. Addition of tasers will be for the safety of citizens and for law enforcement officers.
- Authority was given by the board for the Forest Preserves to submit a portion of Elizabeth Conkey Woods located in the villages of Crestwood and Palos Heights to the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission for review as the first step for its formal dedication as an Illinois Nature Preserve. This designation preserves/protects Illinois' natural areas and endangered species habitats from rapid changes in land use/expanding urban development. The Forest Preserve of Cook County currently has 25 dedicated Nature Preserves and 4 Land & Water Preserves.
- The board approved the Forest Preserves Cook County Calendar of Events for the winter season: December 17, 2019 to January 21, 2020. Events include bonfires, snowshoe and outside activities.
- The board approved Brookfield Zoo increasing admission fees.
- Thomas Nissly retired from Chicago Botanic Garden after 24 years, having served as Executive Vice President, CFO, Treasurer. He joined in 1995 with a background in accounting/financial matters including issues of non-profit institutions. The Chicago Botanic Garden had its origins in 1890 as the Chicago Horticultural Society.
- Cynthia Moreno retired from the position of Director of the Conservation and Experiential Programming Dept after seven years of service. This department is responsible for all public educational and outdoor recreational programming and community outreach/engagement.
- Two Illinois Association of Park Districts Awards given:
- Intergovernmental Award given to the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Housing Authority of Cook County for their partnership/working together on the Conservation Corp's Forest Preserve Experience Program. The Conservation Corp provides paid summer hands-on employment restoring natural areas for high school youth and adults from diverse communities/populations.
- Award for Best in Green Practices for Forest Preserves of Cook County for its Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Plan. This plan includes environmentally friendly policies/strategies for climate change impacts to its lands and ecosystems.
Observed by Michele Niccolai
Harms Woods designated 25th Illinois Nature Preserve
Forest Preserve Board Meeting
October 22, 2019
The Forest Preserve Board meeting spent 40 minutes of the hour on the consent agenda thanking various employees for their time served.
The IL Nature Preserve Commission thanked the Forest Preserve for preserving species and habitat in many spots throughout Cook County. Harms Woods is just the most recent designation in the FP as a nature preserve.
Superintendent Randall reported that attendance is up, that fall is a lovely time to visit the forest preserve because there are fall colors and no insects. Permits go on sale November 15 and on-line use should make it especially easy.
He thanked an employee for almost single-handedly updating the website, particularly with regard to mobile-friendly access. He mentioned Ryan Lothian by name and said that otherwise it would have cost the FP more than $100k to update and improve the website.
Observer: Amy Little
Forest Preserve Board Meeting
October 22, 2019
The Forest Preserve Board meeting spent 40 minutes of the hour on the consent agenda thanking various employees for their time served.
The IL Nature Preserve Commission thanked the Forest Preserve for preserving species and habitat in many spots throughout Cook County. Harms Woods is just the most recent designation in the FP as a nature preserve.
Superintendent Randall reported that attendance is up, that fall is a lovely time to visit the forest preserve because there are fall colors and no insects. Permits go on sale November 15 and on-line use should make it especially easy.
He thanked an employee for almost single-handedly updating the website, particularly with regard to mobile-friendly access. He mentioned Ryan Lothian by name and said that otherwise it would have cost the FP more than $100k to update and improve the website.
Observer: Amy Little
Forest Preserve Board Meeting
October 22, 2019
Observed by: Amy Little
Harms Woods designated 25th Illinois Nature Preserve
The Forest Preserve Board meeting spent 40 minutes of the hour on the consent agenda thanking various employees for their time served.
The IL Nature Preserve Commission thanked the Forest Preserve for preserving species and habitat in many spots throughout Cook County. Harms Woods is just the most recent designation in the FP as a nature preserve.
Superintendent Randall reported that attendance is up, that fall is a lovely time to visit the forest preserve because there are fall colors and no insects. Permits go on sale November 15 and on-line use should make it especially easy.
He thanked an employee for almost single-handedly updating the website, particularly with regard to mobile-friendly access. He mentioned Ryan Lothian by name and said that otherwise it would have cost the FP more than $100k to update and improve the website.
October 22, 2019
Observed by: Amy Little
Harms Woods designated 25th Illinois Nature Preserve
The Forest Preserve Board meeting spent 40 minutes of the hour on the consent agenda thanking various employees for their time served.
The IL Nature Preserve Commission thanked the Forest Preserve for preserving species and habitat in many spots throughout Cook County. Harms Woods is just the most recent designation in the FP as a nature preserve.
Superintendent Randall reported that attendance is up, that fall is a lovely time to visit the forest preserve because there are fall colors and no insects. Permits go on sale November 15 and on-line use should make it especially easy.
He thanked an employee for almost single-handedly updating the website, particularly with regard to mobile-friendly access. He mentioned Ryan Lothian by name and said that otherwise it would have cost the FP more than $100k to update and improve the website.
Observed by Laura Davis
Date Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Meeting Length : 11am until around 3pm. With a 1/2 hour lunch break
Meeting Name Cook County Forest Preserve District
Opening Day for Forest Preserve Permits will be November 15
Board agreed to move the opening day from January to November to accommodate folks planning events in 2019, more mild weather in November than January, and some folks have less cash after the holidays than in November.
Board approved a 3year, competitive bid contract for Billy Casper Golf, from Virginia, to staff and manage better coverage for park golf and pavilion facilities. Forest Preserve staff were unable to meet all the demands from constituents.
Wampum Lake and Thornton-Lansing Road preserves were elevated to Nature Preserve which is the highest level of protection and indicate important natural and cultural significance.
An agreement was renewed with University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute to continue research in Cook County Forest Preserves.
Any Other Comments or Observations:
I arrived for the meeting at 9:45. The Consent agenda was already underway and lasted until noon, when the 1/2 hour lunch was announced.
Date Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Meeting Length : 11am until around 3pm. With a 1/2 hour lunch break
Meeting Name Cook County Forest Preserve District
Opening Day for Forest Preserve Permits will be November 15
Board agreed to move the opening day from January to November to accommodate folks planning events in 2019, more mild weather in November than January, and some folks have less cash after the holidays than in November.
Board approved a 3year, competitive bid contract for Billy Casper Golf, from Virginia, to staff and manage better coverage for park golf and pavilion facilities. Forest Preserve staff were unable to meet all the demands from constituents.
Wampum Lake and Thornton-Lansing Road preserves were elevated to Nature Preserve which is the highest level of protection and indicate important natural and cultural significance.
An agreement was renewed with University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute to continue research in Cook County Forest Preserves.
Any Other Comments or Observations:
I arrived for the meeting at 9:45. The Consent agenda was already underway and lasted until noon, when the 1/2 hour lunch was announced.