Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners met June 5.
Here is the agenda provided by the Board:
Public Testimony:
Authorization as a public speaker shall only be granted to those individuals who have submitted in writing, their name, address, subject matter, and organization (if any) to the Secretary 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Duly authorized public speakers shall be called upon to deliver testimony at a time specified in the meeting agenda. Authorized public speakers who are not present during the specified time for public testimony will forfeit their allotted time to speak at the meeting. Public testimony must be germane to a specific item(s) on the meeting agenda, and the testimony must not exceed three minutes; the Secretary will keep track of the time and advise when the time for public testimony has expired. Persons authorized to provide public testimony shall not use vulgar, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate language when addressing the Board; failure to act appropriately; failure to speak to an item that is germane to the meeting, or failure to adhere to the time requirements may result in expulsion from the meeting and/or disqualify the person from providing future testimony.
President
18-0202
Sponsored by: Toni Preckwinkle (President), Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners
Proposed Resolution
To Approve And Adopt Amended Employee Travel Policy
Whereas, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) recognized the occasional need for employees to travel to various conferences, seminars, meetings, and other work related events; and
Whereas, the Forest Preserves created the Employee Travel Policy to provide guidelines on the following: (1) the types of official business for which travel, meal, and lodging expenses are allowed; and (2) maximum allowable reimbursement for travel, meal, and lodging expenses; and
Whereas, the Employee Travel Policy was approved by Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners on October 25, 2016; and
Whereas, the Forest Preserves now would like to amend such Employee Travel Policy to (1) establish pre-approval process for overnight travel; (2) to specify when travel to and from alternate work locations would be reimbursed; and (3) to otherwise clarify rules and bring consistency to the reimbursement process; and
Whereas, the Employee Travel Policy, as amended, continues to be in compliance with the Local Government Travel Expense Control Act, 50 ILCS 150/1 et seq. (the “Act”).
Now Therefore Be It Resolved, by the President and the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County that the Employee Travel Policy, as amended, is hereby adopted by resolution effective immediately.
Be It Further Resolved, that the Forest Preserves is authorized to further modify such Amended Employee Travel Policy for the efficient operation of the Forest Preserves without further board approval as long as such modification does not increase the reimbursement rates referenced in the policy.
Office Of The General Superintendent
18-0223
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement
Department: Planning and Development
Other Part(ies): Village of Niles, Illinois
Request: Authority to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Village of Niles, Illinois.
Goods or Services: The Village of Niles is requesting an IGA to construct and maintain paved trail connections to the North Branch Bicycle Trail along the north and south sides of Howard Street on Forest Preserves property.
Agreement Number(s): n/a
Agreement Period: Perpetual, subject to termination after twenty (20) years
Fiscal Impact: None
License Fee: $11,400.00 (waived)
License Application Fee: $3,000.00 (waived)
YELAR Fee: $6,300.00 (waived)
Tree Mitigation Fee: TBD (none anticipated at this time)
Accounts: n/a
District(s): 13
Summary: The Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) operates and maintains the North Branch Bicycle Trail in Northern Cook County. The Village of Niles proposes to construct two trail segments, each approximately 300 linear feet in length, to connect residents and businesses to the trail as part of a larger bike and pedestrian improvement program.
The Village of Niles will be responsible for design, construction and future maintenance costs associated with the project. Minimal impact to trees on Forest Preserves land is anticipated, however, the Village of Niles will be responsible for submission of a tree survey and payment of tree mitigation fees for any impacted trees. The license fee, license application fee, and the YELAR fee will be waived, as is the typical practice for trail connection project requests from municipalities. There is no cost to the Forest Preserves.
Niles has funding for the design and construction of the trail segments. The IGA constitutes a license for Niles to construct and maintain the trail in perpetuity, subject to termination by the Forest Preserves after twenty (20) years. The IGA constitutes a license for Niles to construct and maintain the trail in perpetuity, subject to termination by the Forest Preserves after twenty (20) years.
Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
18-0266
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Contract
Department(s): Planning and Development
Vendor: Kayak Dock, Centreville, Maryland
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Purchase and delivery of two (2) floating canoe and kayak launch systems for Tampier Lake and Busse Lake
Contract Value: $33,125.46
Contract period: 6/5/2018 - 12/4/2018
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2018 $33,125.46
Accounts: Recreation Landscape 51009.560009, 51025.560055, 51026.560055, 51054.560055, 51055.560055, 51056.560055, 51057.560055, 51058.560055
Contract Number(s): 18-80-41
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): 15, 17
Summary: Boat rental concessionaires at both Tampier Lake and Busse Lake are requesting a better system for launching canoes and kayaks. Current facilities are designed for launching row boats. After research of several options, the Kayak Dock system is recommended based on cost, ease of installation, and maintenance. The same system is in use at Maple Lake and Bullfrog Lake. Staff is seeking approval of Kayak Dock as a sole source supplier, because the patented design of the system is only distributed by Kayak Dock.
18-0269
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement Amendment
Department: Planning and Development
Other Part(ies): Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County, Illinois
Request: Authorization to extend
Goods or Services: Extension of an on-going partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for a fifth year to continue deconstruction and demolition of additional vacant Forest Preserve buildings at various locations.
Agreement Number: n/a
Agreement Period: Original contract period, 4/11/2014 - 3/10/2015; 1st amendment period, 3/11/2015 - 6/30/2016; 2nd amendment period, 7/1/2016 - 6/30/2017; 3rd amendment period, 7/1/2017 - 6/30/2018; and current extension period, 7/1/2018 - 6/30/2019
Fiscal Impact: None
Accounts: Buildings 51009.560106, 51025.560106, 51026.560106, 51054.560106, 51055.560106, 51056.560106, 51057.560106, 51058.560106 and Land Acquisition and Professional Services 51006.560012
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The Cook County Sheriff’s Office has a program to train inmates and participants from the Vocational Rehabilitation Impact Center to provide deconstruction and building material salvage services. Upon completion of the program, each participant will receive basic carpentry and building material reuse training and an OSHA 10-hour safety certificate. The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) seeks authorization to continue use of this program to remove unneeded buildings from recently acquired properties and on sites intended for redevelopment as needed.
Forest Preserve staff are seeking to extend an on-going partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for a fifth year to continue deconstruction and demolition of additional vacant Forest Preserve buildings at various locations. Work in the first two (2) years focused primarily on removal of old campground cabins with an original amount of $84,839.00. On June 7, 2016, the agreement was extended again to allow removal of buildings at other sites with an increase of $100,000.00 (Agenda Item 16-0234) and was extended again on June 6, 2017 for time only (Agenda Item 17-0229). Three (3) non-camp buildings were removed in 2017 after asbestos removal and utility disconnections were completed by others. Remaining funds are expected to be sufficient to cover the costs for the removal of 4-5 additional buildings in 2019. This fourth renewal is to extend time for an additional year.
18-0273
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Report
Department: Finance and Administration
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: Procurement and Disbursements
Report Period: 4/1/2018 - 4/30/2018
Summary: Submitting the Procurements and Disbursements Report for the period of April 2018. The Report is to be received and filed in compliance with Section 1-8-2 (BB) of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s Code of Ordinances
18-0265
Presented by: Arnold Randall, General Superintendent
Proposed Calendar Of Events
Department: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events - 6/5/2018 - 7/25/2018
Monday - Sunday, 5/26 - 9/3; All Day
Amazing Arachnids, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Join us for an aMAZEing time weaving your way through a new summer exhibit-Amazing Arachnids! The interactive and engaging experience has two components: The Art and Science of Arachnids, which features 100 live arachnids found around the world, and Mission Safari, an immersive experience that introduces different themes of species’ survival and protection through play-and-learn interactives.
Saturdays and Sundays, 5/26 - 10/7; 1:30pm and 2:30pm
Garden Chef Series, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Learn to cook with garden-fresh ingredients all summer long at the Garden Chef Series. Noted chefs prepare recipes in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden’s open-air amphitheater. The Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden is the Midwest's headquarters for fruit and vegetable gardening information. It exhibits the best edible plants to grow in the Chicago area.
Tuesday, 6/5; 5:30pm - 7pm
Camping 101 for Outdoor Youth Organizations, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Master the basics of camping during these free, hands-on workshops for camping skills and teamwork. Learn the basics of tent set-up, campfire building, proper dress, camping etiquette, and more. Registration and adult supervision required; space limited. See website for registration information.
Tuesday, 6/5 and Thursday, 7/19; 6pm - 8pm
Kayak the Pond, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Try kayaking on Trailside’s pond as the sun sets and a campfire crackles. All materials provided. All ages. Registration required.
Thursday, 6/7; 10am - 1:30pm
Kayak Des Plaines, Maywood Grove, Ohio & Des Plaines Ave, Maywood
Kayak nearly 6 miles of the Des Plaines River from Maywood Grove to Plank Road Meadow. Kayaks, equipment and instruction provided. Prior experience a plus. Registration required; call 312-533-5751.
Friday, 6/8; 7:30pm
Twilight Hike, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Learn about animals and more on a guided night walk. Registration required. $3/person.
Saturday, 6/9; 11am - 3pm
Beaubien Woods Celebration, Beaubien Woods, Chicago
Enjoy this annual event suitable for the whole family! Featuring various community partners offering fishing, canoeing, archery, and more. Canoe slots limited; all ages.
Sundays, 6/10 and 7/15; 1:30pm
The Buzz on Bees, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Visit our beehives and pollination garden as we learn about the important role honeybees play in nature.
Tuesday, 6/12; 10am - 2pm
Live Healthy Discover Nature, Daley Plaza, Chicago
The Forest Preserves comes downtown and takes over Daley Plaza with birds of prey, reptiles and information and prizes from many of our partners. This year a Forest Jam Band will perform along with young poets who have created poetry about nature and the preserves for a special 1 pm performance.
Thursday, 6/14; 5pm - 7pm
Sagawau Science: Oriole Express, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
These Orioles fly a long way to nest here. Last year, over 30 were banded. Discuss these colorful Icterids.
Saturday, 6/16; 10am
Sagawau Science: Stream Study, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Evaluate the health of the stream by chemical analysis and invertebrate survey sampling.
Saturday, 6/16; 10am - 3pm
Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us as we celebrate freedom, family and country with Underground Railroad interactive interpretive hikes, traditional music, a wild edibles display, period recipe samples, crafts and more.
Saturday and Sunday, 6/16 - 6/17; 9am, 11am, or 1pm
Father’s Day Weekend Canoe Adventure, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
How’s this for a unique way to spend part of Father’s Day? In partnership with Friends of the Chicago River, the Garden invites you to participate in a rare opportunity to canoe the lakes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Herons, ducks, small fish, and maybe even a few turtles and frogs will greet you as we explore their watery habitat. No experience with canoeing is necessary; instruction, canoes, life jackets, and paddles are all provided. Please choose one of the start times that are scheduled. You’ll enjoy a full hour canoeing the lakes of Chicago Botanic Garden. Be sure to register early, as this event always sells out. Location: Meet at Boat Launch, East Road. Children must be at least 5 years old to participate.
Maximum three participants per boat.
Sunday, 6/17; 10am - 12pm
Hiking 101: Father’s Day Hike, Orland Grassland and Water Reserve
Take Father’s Day out on the trails with a guided hike through rolling prairie and wetland. Recommended for ages 10 & up.
Sunday, 6/17; 1pm
Dads at Work, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
The roles that fathers play in the animal kingdom vary greatly by species. Enjoy a short hike to look for “dads at work.”
Thursday, 6/21; 9am - 6pm
Summer Solstice Event, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glancoe
Celebrate the longest day of the year and the 20th anniversary of the Chicago Garden’s Wellness Programs. The event includes a free yoga class, plant giveaway, and free drop-in classes and demonstrations.
Friday, 6/22; 6:30pm
Twilight Canoe Trip, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
Explore a local lake in a canoe at twilight. Ages 18 & up.
Friday, 6/22; 8:30pm
The Astronomer’s Night Sky, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
View celestial wonders through telescopes, clear skies permitting. In the event of poor skies, there will be an astronomy slide show.
Saturday, 6/23; 11am - 1pm
Paddle the North, Big Bend Lake, Des Plaines
Join us as we paddle Big Bend Lake and explore the Des Plaines River Watershed. Instruction and gear provided. Registration required. Space is limited. Ages 5 & up.
Monday, 6/25; 6:30pm (pre-movie activities start) (movie begins at dusk)
Movies in the Park: Films from the Forest, Carver Park, 939 E. 132nd St., Chicago
Join us for a movie night in partnership with the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks. “Black Panther” will be shown, complimented with family-friendly activities from the Forest Preserves and free popcorn courtesy of the Chicago Park District.
Wednesday, 6/27; 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Full Moon Frogs, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Use your sense of hearing to identify which frogs are calling tonight. Data will be used in a Calling Frog survey for the Chicago Wilderness Region. Ages 10 & up.
Wednesday, 6/27; 6:30pm (pre-movie activities start) (movie begins at dusk)
Movies in the Park: Films from the Forest, Willye White Park, 1610 Howard St, Chicago
Join us for a movie night in partnership with the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks. “Hidden Figures” will be shown, complimented with family-friendly activities from the Forest Preserves and free popcorn courtesy of the Chicago Park District.
Saturday and Sunday, 6/30 - 7/1; 10am - 5pm
Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Stroll and shop among 100 juried artists on the Esplanade. This one-of-a-kind art festival brings botanic-themed and botanic-made photography, paintings, ceramics, cement, metal, fiber, wood, jewelry, and other pieces to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Find remarkable items to purchase or just admire them during your visit to this annual event.
Sunday, 7/1; 1:30pm
River Round-Up, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Bring a change of shoes. We will jump in the river to examine what lives below the surface of the water.
Sunday, 7/1; 10am
Prairie Wildflowers, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Go on an identification hike to see what’s blooming. During this Sagawau Science event you’ll learn the natural history and ethnobotany of the plants. Registration required.
Fridays and Saturdays, 7/6 - 8/18; 4pm - 9pm
Summer Nights, Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
This summertime event is back for a fifth season! Enjoy Brookfield Zoo in a new light with cooler evening weather, enhanced dining and drinks, live music, roaming performers, kids entertainment, and a new laser light show, all surrounded by wildlife and nature. Also join us for family-friendly programming on select Sundays throughout the summer.
Saturday, 7/7; 5pm - 7pm
Nature Obstacle Course, Twenty-Sixth Street Woods, La Grange Park
Attempt this obstacle course created from natural materials. Other nature play, exploration, and art activities too! All ages.
Saturday, 7/7; 1pm
Warrior Walk, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Enjoy a guided hike based on the Warriors book series. Featuring oak forests of the Thunder Clan & the Des Plaines River of the River Clan.
Saturday, 7/7; 12pm - 4pm
Outdoor Block Party, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Join us for nature play, pop-up adventure play, creative reuse, primitive skills, games, a hike and more! We’ll also have a good truck on site. Co-hosted by the Youth Outdoor Ambassadors and Alumni.
Saturday, 7/7; 1:30pm
Butterfly Bonanza, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
July is for butterflies! Enjoy a naturalist-led scavenger hunt for butterflies. All ages.
Sunday, 7/8; 1pm
Skeeters, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Hills
They buzz in your ears, drink your blood, and are known to make grown-ups cry! Learn about these bothersome insects.
Friday, 7/13; 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Painting by the Pond: Summer Edition, Rolling Knolls, Elgin
In this instructor-led course, create a beautiful summer landscape using a large tree slice as your canvas. Materials provided. Payment due upon registration. Limited space. Ages 21+. BYOB (no glass). $20/person. Refunds not available for any reason.
Friday, 7/13; 8:30pm - 10pm
Lucky Thirteen Teen Night Hike, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us on Friday the 13th to check out some of the local night life. Learn how the number 13 relates to nature.
Saturday, 7/14; 11am - 4pm
Kids’ Fest, Wampum Lake, Thornton-Lansing
Discover a new appreciation for nature while you hike, climb and paddle through this annual outdoor extravaganza for the whole family. Canoe slots limited; all ages. See website for registration information.
Saturday, 7/14; 8pm - 9:30pm
Bats-Night Stalkers, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Explore the world of bats by seeing and hearing them with special bat-detecting equipment. Adults and children ages 10 & up.
Thursday, 7/19; 11am - 2pm
Insect Fest, Cummings Square, River Forest
Come celebrate and learn about insects. Explore how pollinators help us build a bug playground and follow the migratory patterns of monarch butterflies. All ages.
Friday, 7/20; 8pm - 9:30pm
What Glows in the Dark? Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Discover why fireflies glow before hiking our 1.75-mile trail. Search for these insects on a flashlight free adventure. All ages. Limit 30.
Saturday, 7/21; 9am - 11am
Paddle the Northwest, Bode Lake, Streamwood
Join us as we paddle Bode Lake and explore the Poplar Creek Watershed. Instruction and gear provided. Registration required. Space is limited. Ages 5 & up.
Committee Items Requiring Board Action
Rules Committee Meeting Of 6/5/2018
18-0282 Journal Of Proceedings meeting held on 5/17/2018
Finance Committee Meeting Of 6/5/2018
18-0262 Recommendation Of The Finance Subcommittee (Workers’ Compensation) Finance Subcommittee Meeting on Litigation – 6/5/2018
18-0270 Report Corporate Fund Analysis of Revenue and Expense 1/1/2018 – 4/30/2018
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