$25M Transferred from Cook County Transportation Funds to be used for Backlog of Forest Preserve Projects

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners Meeting       
February 25, 2020

What was Decided:

• Agenda Item 20-0161 - Com. Silvestri moved to approve the resolution to support an independent Forest Preserve District (FPD) police and oppose HB 2297 in the state legislature.  He stated that the HB seemed to be made in reaction to something that occurred over 1 year ago that has been addressed within the FPD by providing better overall training for the FPD police, particularly within the past 5 years, and focusing on the environmental mission of the FPD. Forest Preserve police receive training for concerns specific to the work within the forest preserves, including the Zoo and Botanic Garden, and the concern is that this would be lost if the work was handled by county police.  Also they question that it would save money for the FPD since costs would be borne by the county police and payment would be expected. Supt. Randall will speak to members of the the IL. Gen. Assembly on Feb. 26 concerning this bill.  Resolution was passed. 
  
• Agenda Item 20-0007 - Move to approve proposed transfer of funds from Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (CCDOTH) . This Intergovernmental agreement is for use of funds from the Motor Fuel Tax through Rebuild Illinois to clear up a backlog of projects including resurfacing, drainage, access roads and parking in forest preserves.  This will occur at 52 forest preserve locations around the county that do not charge admission. So, Brookfield Zoo and the Chgo Botanic Gardens will not be included in these projects. Work will take place over a period of 5 years.  CCDOTH Supt. Yonan addressed questions and stated that compliance was verified for this use of funds.  Supt. Randall explained that the first year of projects is firm in cost estimates.  Projects for years 2-5 require further research and once established will require board approval.  Resolution was passed.
  
• Agenda Item 20-0120 - Move to refer to Real Estate Committee also included Items 20-0123,-20-0118, 20-0119, 20-0121. One of several license requests to authorize the FPD as Licensor to grant a license to Commonwealth Edison to locate, operate and maintain electric lines, poles, and equipment. Supt. Randall explained the there is a long history of utility lines passing through the forest preserves.  The District has moved from open-ended agreements to 10-yr agreements. Some license requests are for moving lines to a location where there will be less disruption.  The FPD receives income from the licenses and has a process in place by the land use committee to review impact of use. Approved.
  
• Agenda Item 20-0151 - Move to receive and file report from Adler Planetarium Far Horizons program.  Working with the Forest Preserve Dist, Far Horizons program at Adler Planetarium works with teens following STEM guidelines for student engagement in studying light pollution. Students have helped design, build, and use an instrument for monitoring the impact of light pollution in the field. The darkest places in Cook County are in the forest preserves.  The program is applying for International Dark Sky Association Urban Dark Sky Place Designation for the area surrounding the Little Red School House in Palos Hills.  This would be the second in the world.  Teens will be presenting their device and findings this summer at its conference in Spain. Approved.

​Observed by Carolyn Cosentino                    Meeting length: 55 min.