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Update from Conservation and Policy Council Provided to Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board

12/21/2020

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Cook County Forest Preserves District (FPDCC) Board Meeting
December 15, 2020 (Meeting held virtually)


Conservation and Policy Council Update
  • The Next Century Conservation Plan for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) was created and adopted in 2014.  It is a blueprint for the district's future.  The plan calls for massive restoration of habitats in this 21st century due to urban sprawl and climate change, expansion of protected lands by at least 30% and a commitment to making the preserves more accessible to the diverse population of Cook County (CC). 
  • The Conservation and Policy Council was created in 2014 to advise in implementing the Next Century Conservation Plan.  The Conservation and Policy Council also advises CC President, Board of Commissioners and Superintendent regarding the  annual budget, policies and long term strategic issues. 
  • The CC Board honored Wendy Paulson  for her service as the inaugural chair of  the Conservation and Policy Council with a resolution as she now leaves the chairmanship.   She has past and current conservation and educational experience.  
  • Henrietta Saunders  has been appointed to the Conservation and Policy Council.  She has a background and is currently involved in conservation. She also has business and civic experience and is also a member of the League of Women Voters of Glenview/Glencoe..

FPDCC is contributing $6,000 from a previous grant to Audubon Great Lake so it can take interested community members on four field trips to restored and enhanced coastal wetlands at Burnham Prairie Nature Preserve and Eggers Marsh in the Calumet region.  Forest Preserve Foundation grants have been accepted for ecological restoration at Cranberry Slough Preserve near Village of Palos Park and at Schubert's Woods Preserve near the Village of Park Forest.  A third Foundation grant was accepted for the "Forest Preserve Experience Program", an outdoor learning and basic job skill training summer program available to 75 to 100 high school-aged youth whose families are clients of the Housing Authority of CC.  Activities include  hands-on restoration, environmental education, job skills training.  This program is administered by Friends of the Forest Preserves. 

NeighborSpace is a nonprofit urban land trust in Chicago established in 1997 by the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District and FPDCC overseeing ownership of vacant/untended lots used for community developed gardens and play areas.  An intergovernmental agreement was approved for continued funding to NeighborSpace  for the period 1/1/2021 to 12/31/2025.

Advertising and promotional services were approved for 2021, targeting groups throughout  CC across all media, with attention to economically disconnected areas and those diverse black and Latino populations that usually don't go to preserves.  The pandemic has affected distributing copies of event guides to physical locations.   Winter programs/activities/information  are on the FPDCC website HERE

A contract extension was approved  for one year with busing companies.   FPDCC's Conservation & Experiential Programming  Dept connects community members to nature through a wide range of educational and outdoor experiences.  This Dept and the Volunteer Resources Center provides bus transportation for school and community groups to attend programs/events.

The FPDCC calendar 12/15/20 to 12/30/20 is on the website.  The nature centers are open only for restrooms.  With Covid-19 restrictions, there are no in-person events. Information on virtual programs can be found on their website.

The Forest Preserve Foundation was founded in 2006 to help supplement tax dollars in support of FPDCC.  In 2012 it launched an annual golf benefit  the "Conservation Cup".  In Sept 2020 over 100 golfers at George Dunn National helped the foundation raise $137,000.  Since the foundation's beginning, it has awarded $2.5 million.

It was noted that President Preckwinkle and Superintendent Randall have served 10 years in their positions.  The 2021 Jan-Dec  yearly Wall Calendars are out, featuring photos of Forest Preserves landscapes, close-ups of plants, insects, birds and other wildlife.  Calendars are available at nature centers.

Observed by:  Michele Niccolai                     Meeting Length:  1.5 hour
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Tree Mitigation Plan Amended by Cook County FPD Board

10/3/2020

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Forest Preserve District (FPD) Cook County Board Meeting
Sept. 22, 2020


​Meeting called to order at 10:00 am  
          
Agenda Item 20-0279  Adoption of Amended Tree Mitigation Plan.  Commissioner Arroyo made a motion to discharge this item from committee, substituting it for 20-0278 which was put into effect Nov. 1, 2020. This substituted item provides greater detail for planning tree mitigation projects within the forest preserves between public utilities and the FPD. Resolution was passed.  Other agenda items relating to tree mitigation, including 20-0320, were also passed.

Agenda Item 20-0303. Partnership Agreement with Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) Master Plan. This is a collaboration with over 90 organizations and agencies to leverage their knowledge, resources and expertise to build a healthier, more diverse and resilient regional forest.  Partners include Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL; Arborist Assoc., Antioch, IL; Chgo Dept of Health, Chgo, IL; Metropolitan Mayors Conference, Chgo, IL. Com. Britton stated that a healthy tree canopy is essential in addressing climate change.  Passed.

Agenda Item 20-0333  Corporate Fund Analysis of Revenue and Expenditures for July 2020.
Agenda Item 20-0334  Procurement and Disbursements Report, June 1, 2020-July 31, 2020
Agenda Item 20-0335  Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), Fiscal Year Ending 12/31/2019,    Audit completed. Ending balance for 2019 was $84.7 million, an increase of over $12.6 million from 2018.   
CFO Steven Hughes stated that cost cutting steps taken since April include a hiring freeze that has resulted in 50 open positions.  Only the most necessary will be filled; these are primarily law enforcement positions.  Budget for July was met. CFO reported a “healthy corporation fund balance” is expected this year, due in part to last year’s balance.  Vote to Receive and File was passed.  

Agenda Item 20-0304 Proposed Resolution in Support of the 10 Shared Principals of the Illinois Assc. of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois NAACP was presented by Com. Britton and co sponsor Com Miller.  Com. Britton stated its purpose is to support continued progress in policing. Commissioners made comments and had questions for the sponsors. In response, Britton stated that every suburban police dept. with which they have communicated has already adopted this and adhere to its principles. The IL Association of Chiefs of Police have been involved in discussions with suburban and urban police in developing this and the Association approved this specific language. Com. Miller stated that this statement of principles allows police dept. to review and become current with present concerns in policing.  Supt. Randall stated that within the FPD, the focus of policing continues to be developing relationship with the public that is respectful.  Supt. Randall stated that the values and intent in the 10 Shared Principles initiative reflect standards the FPD police are expected to achieve. Com. Arroyo moved to refer this to the Law Enforcement Committee for further discussion. Com. S. Morrisson seconded. Com Moore, committee chair, stated this would be be called at next month’s meeting. Passed.

Other items of note:
  • FPD is in Phase IV of reopening.
  • Forest Preserve Foundation Executive Director, Shelly Davis, will be leaving the Foundation after 7 years of service. In that time the foundation has invested $2.5 million in restoration and youth programs.  Commissioners recognized her service since the Foundation began.
  • Schedule of events at the Forest Preserves is available at fpdcc.com/events.
  • Sand Ridge Nature Center will serve a s a public distribution location for cloth face masks in partnership with IL Dept. of Emergency Management.

Observer - Carolyn Cosentino                                         Length of meeting - 2 hr 8 min
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Proposal to Remove 635 Trees Under Consideration by Cook County Forest Preserve District Board

7/26/2019

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Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board Meeting - July 23, 201
​Meeting held at Brookfield Zoo


Board Actions:
  • Moved to committee:  A request for authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County to grant a license to Nicor “to locate, operate and maintain 7,368 linear feet of 36-inch and 24-inch natural gas pipelines along the north edge of the Busse North Forest Preserve and Nature Preserve”.  The new license will replace the existing license agreements which go back to 1958 and 1970. The existing pipelines currently cut through the Nature Preserve and are of different sizes which makes inspection difficult. The location for the new pipelines will run along and parallel with the south edge of the I-90 right of way.  Nicor has requested a 66-foot-wide license area for the “construction, maintenance, safety, and inspection of the pipelines”. This construction access area will require 635 trees to be removed.  Referred to committee.   Item 19-0284.
  • Moved to committee:  A motion to engage with a web-based evidence management system for the Forest Preserve Department of Law Enforcement. From a Request for Proposals, two responses were received.  Quicket Solutions, Inc. was determined to be the most responsive and cost-effective.  The system includes training and support for approximately 117 sworn law enforcement officers, sergeants and command staff and 6 civilians.  The goal is to move from a current paper based tracking system to a digital system.   Item 19-0320.

Other discussions of interest:
  • Stuart Strahl, PhD. President and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society, gave a presentation on the background, history and current programs/outreach at Brookfield Zoo.  Five thousand animals and five hundred-fifty species are represented at the zoo.  87% of Americans live in highly urbanized environments and benefit from access to the animals. and natural park space available at the zoo. 

Observed by: Laura Davis                                        Meeting Length: 1.15 hours 
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Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meets at River Trails Nature Center for May Board Meeting

5/21/2019

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Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting - May 21, 2019 

What did the Board Decide?
  • Approved the issuance of (not to exceed) $8,500,000.00 General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds of the Forest Preserve District. Passed unanimously.
  • Approved replacement of sixteen vehicles due to age and condition. Two will be outfitted with hybrid electric engines and fourteen will have dual fuel tank capability (propane/unleaded gas). This purchase will support the Forest Preserves sustainability goals and reduce greenhouse gas production. Eight Police Utility Interceptor vehicles were also approved for replacement. 
Three Intergovernmental Agreements were approved:
  1. An agreement to share stream and detention basin data collected in the North Branch Chicago             River Watershed for use in an update of the North Branch Chicago River Watershed-Based Plan.
  2. An agreement  with the University of Illinois for professional services to assist Forest Preserves in implementation of Climate Resiliency Plan and the Net Zero GHG Emissions goal. 
  3. An agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to accept an Open Space Land Acquisition & Development grant  of $673,900.00 with a local match of $673,900.00 for improvements at the Sand Ridge/Shabbona/Green Lake Nature Campus. This grant will fund nature-based building and site improvements to support development of a cohesive campus that will welcome and orient new visitors.
General Superintendent Arnold Randall shared the Summer 2019 Proposed Calendar of Events with the Board.       

Meeting Length: 90 minutes (including meetings of Rules, Finance, Real Estate & Law Enforcement Comm.)

Observer - Georgia Gephardt
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Cook County's Forest Preserve Superintendent Shares Urban Wildlife Management Techniques with Beijing

2/26/2019

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Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Of Commissioners Meeting
February 19, 2019
 


What did the Board decide?
  • The Board welcomed the Boy Scouts of America back to the Forest Preserves after some years of being denied usage due to the exclusionary nature of their membership some years ago.  Commissioners Sims and Suffredin heartily commended them for becoming inclusive and welcoming.

What else did the Board discuss? 
Most of the meeting consisted of two presentations.  
  • The first topic was the refurbishment and renovation of the Major Taylor trail, connecting the south suburbs to the city.  Major Taylor was the first African American cyclist to win the Cycling World championship in 1899.  He was active from 1895 to 1910 and spent most of his later years in Chicago.  The trail runs from Dan Ryan Woods to the Cal-Sag trail.  The surface has been refurbished and viaduct murals will be restored by the springtime.
  • The second presentation was by Superintendent Randall about his trip to Beijing (the Chinese paid for the trip) where he talked about how to manage nature preserves in urban areas.  The Chinese invited Cook County to teach Beijing about how to encourage participation and education, and create healthy eco-systems.  Beijing is home to 30 million people and they have just one nature center and one campground.  The eco-system is not healthy.  Supt. Randall described seeing no wildlife except for one squirrel and a few birds.  The climate is much drier than Chicago’s and they were very concerned about using controlled burns to manage underbrush.

Other Items of Interest
  • The FP signed an agreement with Bike and Roll to allow for bike rentals this year.
  • The County is hoping the State will allocate funds for a capital budget for the Forest Preserve this year.

Observer - Amy Little                                                                    Meeting Length: 53 minutes
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Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Adopts Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Plan

12/6/2018

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Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting - September 11, 2018

What did the Board decide? 

  • Adopt the Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Plan, which calls for the Cook County Forest Preserve District (FPD) to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050 and implement a roadmap that will allow the forest preserves to be resilient in a changing climate. Item 18-0313. 
  • Celebrate the late Donna M. Alexander, who had a special relationship with the FPD. Item 18-0308.
  • Authorize agreements to expand the Sand Ridge Bicycle Trail by 1.3 miles. 
    • FPD will pay 20% of the engineering costs for phase III the project estimated at $70,000. 
    • The FPD selected Christopher B. Burke Engineering to serve as consulting engineers for phases I, II and III, and FPD will pay 20% of their cost (13,939.21) for Phase III. Item 18-0349.
    • The FPD will pay 20% of the construction cost ($136,500).
    • The FPD will pay the full amount of the phase 3, and then get reimbursed for IDOT’s share, ending with only paying the above. Item 18-0356.
  • Accept a grant award from the Nature Conservancy (part of an award they were granted from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation) for habitat restoration activities at Thornton-Lansing Nature Preserve in Lansing, specifically to complete 56 acres of wetland restoration.  “In addition, through collaboration with other partners, 18 acres of wetland swale and adjacent upland habitat will also be revisited at Powderhorn Prarie and Marsh Nature Preserve in Burnham as well as comprehensive monitoring of wetland bird populations across the project sites” to measure impact of restoration activities. Item 18-0340.
  • Authorize FPD to enter into and amend the Sixth Amended and Restates Intergovernmental Agreement with Cook County.  The amendment adds reimbursable services. Item 18-0343.
  • Authorize FPD to enter into an execute a contract that would address energy efficiency improvements at the Central Garage Building in Maywood. The contract would be for two years, and there are two potential one year extensions. Item 18-0287.
  • Authorize FPD to enter into and execute a contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering to construct 1.3 miles of bicycle trail from Sand Ridge Nature Center to Green Lake Aquatic Center and the Burnham Greenway in South Holland and Calumet City. The contract is for $70,000, but 80% will be reimbursed by IDOT. Item 18-0348.  

The following items of interest were all referred to the Real Estate Committee:


  • Authorize FPD to grant a permanent easement of 0.492 acres to IDOT for the replacement of 2 existing culverts to reduce flooding and to do maintenance. The easement fee is $8,000.  Item 18-0297.
  • Authorize FPD to grant a temporary easement for five years to IDOT for 0.208 acres for regrading of existing berms to reduce flooding. 32 trees will be removed. Item 18-0300.
  • Authorize FPD to grant a permanent easement to IDOT for 0.281 acres for access to its pumping station.  No trees are expected to be removed.   Item 18-0305.
  • Extend an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Palatine that grants Palatine limited access to the FPD property to establish and maintain a vegetative buffer between the forest preserves and nearby homes.  No cost.  Item 18.0338.
  • Authorize the renewal for five years of an existing Intergovernmental Agreement with Northbrook Park District to use and maintain a chain link fence between the forest preserves and the Coast Guard Park in Northbrook, which has an off-leash dog area.  Item 18.0339.
  • Sell one of the 27 properties that were approved by the State Legislature for sale.  Item 18-0347.

Observer - Sarah Bury                    Meeting Length - 23 minutes

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