Cook County Forest Preserve Commissioners Board Meeting 
January 24, 2023

Results of a 15 week customer service survey by the Forest Preserves had a 25% response rate.  Results indicated:

•  Dan Ryan Woods is rated #1 Forest Preserve
•  Walking in the woods increases respondents’ agreement with Forest Preserve initiatives
•  Vendors hired by the Forest Preserves delivered
•  African Americans rated Forest Preserve police higher than other groups

Board Action:

• #22-0551 - The Board unanimously approved a resolution calling for a twelve week paid parental leave policy financial impact analysis supported by Commissioner Bridget Degnen.   Comments included the position of the Forest Preserves as being family friendly and the need to recruit and retain qualified personnel. 
• #23-0109 - Forest Preserves will purchase 130 acres of land near Sweet Water Woods, Glenwood, in south suburban Cook County with grants from IDNR (Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  This land will be reforested and contribute to reduce flooding.

Public comments:

• Several requests were to move the coyote from River Trail Nature Center to a wildlife sanctuary in Colorado. Superintendent Arnold Randall responded that the Forest Preserves will be working on a new larger enclosure and the delay was due to finding a contractor. 

Observer:   Laura Davis 

Forest Preserve District (FPD) of Cook County Board Meeting
July 26, 2022

A long awaited report was shared today with the Cook County Forest Preserve Commissioners.  The coyote living at the River Trail Nature Center has been determined to be well cared for and healthy.  Recommendations suggested such as increasing the size of the enclosure,  creating a more natural environment and increasing enrichment opportunities will be pursued.  Many public speakers, including during this meeting, suggested moving the coyote to a Wildlife Sanctuary in Colorado.  The Wildlife Sanctuary responded to the Cook County Forest Preserve that they turn down as many animals every year as they take in. Furthermore, it would be very stressful to move this animal to the sanctuary.  The coyote will stay and live in an enhanced enclosure and continue to broaden the learning opportunities for the over 10,000 preserve visitors, field trip attendees and school children. The enclosure will have improved interpretation and messaging and a camera is planned to be installed.

Another topic of interest discussed was the amount of capital improvement ongoing in the Preserves.  The list included:
*    improvements to boat docks
*    repair of Nature Centers
*    meeting ADA access needs 
*    parking lot removals and restoration
*    repair of bike trails
*    culvert removal and repair
*    water filtration related to picnic areas
*    replacement of FP Police vehicles 
*    paving 

The Forest Preserves discussed expansion of the Conservation Corps which has worked to restore and conserve 400 acres so far.   Money from the federal infrastructure bill will allow the FPD to put in electric car charging stations. 

The Cook County Forest Preserves was awarded the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award” for the 14th year in a row.  “The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment by a local government. The award is given by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) upon its review of the Forest Preserves’ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for FY 2020.” 

Observer - Laura Davis                                          Meeting Length: 2 hours virtually on Facebook

Forest Preserve District (FPD) of Cook County Board Meeting 
June 14, 2022

Board Actions:

• Calendar of Events for June 14-July26, 2022 was received and filed. Supt. Randall noted that several commissioners have already held community events this summer at Forest Preserves in their districts – eg.Swallow Cliff Stair Walk with Com. Miller and a Swimming Derby at Busse Lake with Com. Morrisson.  Juneteenth celebration at Sand Ridge highlighted the connection to the forest preserve and the Underground RR in that area. See FPDCC.com for scheduled events (22-0264).
• CFO Hughes submitted Procurement and Disbursement Report for April, 2022  and the Corporate Fund Analysis of Revenue and Expenditure Report for Jan. 1 - April 30, 2022.  Mr Hughes reported that revenues for fees, permits, and camping are above last year’s (22-0271) (22-0272).
• Collective bargaining agreement for Salary Schedule, Wage Adjustments and Health Benefits of union employees was approved as amended (22-0118) and the agreement for non-union employees was approved (22-013).
• Trail Capital Planning and Guiding Principles Report was received and filed.  The goal of the report is to explain capital needs, opportunities, and limitations for FPD as it makes decisions on its trail systems (22-0248).
• $334,400.00 contract, over 3 yr, was approved for professional civil engineering services for bridge and structure inspection/design Districtwide. Prior inspection was 10 yr ago (22-0274).

Recognition:

• Tom Rohner (22-0282) was honored for his career as Director of Facilities and Fleet Development since 2019.  He also served as Ciovd-19 OSHA officer at a time of evolving guidelines and recommendations.   
• David H Kircher (22-0285) was recognized for his 37yr career as landscape architect with FPDCC, the last 20 of which he served as Chief Landscape Architect.  He was only the 5th Chief Landscape Architect in the history of the FPDCC.

Also observed:

• Several speakers addressed their concerns regarding the Animal Ambassador Program and the coyote currently in its care. Several others expressed concerns regarding the time being spent on these concerns. 
  
• Gen. Supt. Randall stated that the full report with recommendations on the FPD Animal Ambassador program is expected to be ready for presentation at the July Board meeting.  Best practices research and third-party assessments are part of their study. 
• Later in the meeting, Com. Daley thanked Gen. Supt. Randall and Pres. Preckwinkle for their serious, hard work.

Observer:  Carolyn Cosentino 

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting  
January 26, 2021

A successful rollout of a vaccine site has opened in the Tinley Park Convention Center.  The challenge is having enough vaccine to meet the demand. 

Public Comment:
Written public comment from Benjamin Cox, Friends of the Forest Preserve, requested that the board set up live video for public speakers, similar to other government units. Commissioners agreed to pursue this option. 

Board Meeting:

• File# 21-0012 - Honored the Forest Preserve of Cook County’s southeast plan for land acquisition and overall planning.  The plan won a Green Ribbon Award from Friends of the Chicago River.  In 2020, the plan won the Healthy and Active Community award from the American Planning Association.  Many organizations were involved including Conservation Fund, Entero Group and Metro Planning Council.  The plan is recognized as a unique and innovative way to identify and protect valuable open space and natural areas that are considered having ecological value. Much of the land is currently in agricultural use.  The plan identified key factors for consideration such as public health, flood mitigation and climate resiliency.  Local communities were involved and interviewed as to needs and wants they would like such as fishing or picnic areas for families. The overall plan criteria includes racial and health equity and future development.  
• File# 21-0106 - REDI (Racial Equity Diversity and Inclusion) Committee shared a report on hiring, training, operations, policy and procedures.  The committee was created after an incident in 2018 when a Forest Preserve patron was harassed by another patron on the basis of her race.  One of the committee’s goals is to strengthen a work culture that embraces diversity and is inclusive and welcoming to all employees and all people of Cook County. All staff goes through the training with the goal of operationalizing equity. It is described as bottom up and strengthening the organization from the inside out. Changes have also been made in Human Resources regarding hiring and communications, with the website being accessible in other languages. The committee will continue to offer yearly updates. 
• File# 21-0114 - Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement between the Forest Preserve District and Cook County Health and Hospital System to use district property in order to set up vaccine sights throughout Cook County. 
• The Forest Preserves are transitioning back to more live events. Group camp sites will be reopened, but limited to 25 campers.  Indoor room rentals will be limited to 25% capacity. 

Observed online by Laura Davis                                         Meeting length:    2 hours — 10am to 11:57am

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

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