Category: Partnerships

Veterinary Residency Partnership Outlined at Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting

2/18/2022

0 Comments

Forest Preserve District Cook County (FPDCC) Board Meeting
February 8, 2022

Board Action:

The 2021 Annual Report from the “Racial Equity Diversity Inclusion Committee” (REDI) was received and filed. The FPDCC is committed to advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion, striving to make everyone feel welcome in the Forest Preserves. This committee was formed November 2018 and consists of employees from across the Forest Preserves and continued in the past year to advance community engagement projects. In 2019 a Land Acknowledgment was created highlighting the relationship Native Americans in Cook County have with the forest preserves. FPDCC acknowledges the lands of the Council of Three Fires (Ojibwa, Ottawa, Potawatomi), the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sauk and Meskwaki peoples. The FPDCC continues to collaborate with organizations serving Native American communities. The REDI committee was awarded the 2021 Social Justice award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials.
Advertising and promotional services for FPDCC was approved. Advertising would align with the 2022 communication goal of focused outreach to communities and populations impacted by a history of racial inequity and would highlight goals of the FPDCC’s “Next Century Conservation Plan”
A partnership was authorized for the FPDCC, U of I Champaign, and the Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield to support a three-year veterinary residency program focused on wildlife health management in urban areas. The resident would provide veterinary care for FPDCC Nature Centers’ managed animals, wildlife field studies/disease management programs. The resident would work with U of I’s Wildlife Epidemiology Lab for health/disease studies and practice zoological medicine at Brookfield Zoo in association with FPDCC’s research programs. This partnership will further investigation into zoonotic disease (disease transmitted to humans from animals) and wildlife health as part of conservation efforts in Cook County. This veterinary residency would be one of only two programs focused on wildlife health management and lead to board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine.
Payment was approved for the Friends of the Forest Preserves to administer paid employment programs that provide youth and young adults job skills training within the conservation field, with a focus on ecological restoration in the preserves. The Palos Conservation Corps and Forest Preserve Experience program also provide, besides pay, environmental education. The Forest Preserve Experience program has a partnership with the Cook County Housing Authority to hire and train a diverse group of young people hopefully to be the next generation of conservation leaders.
The Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Plan Progress Report FY2018-FY2021 was received and filed: This report covers the progress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. This plan is found HERE.

Observer: Michele Niccolai

0 Comments

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting

7/24/2021

0 Comments

Forest Preserve District (FPD) of Cook County Board Meeting
June 22, 2021

Board Action:

Item #21-0315 Code of Ethical Conduct This was needed to comply with State Officials and Employees Act and needed to be updated to correspond with current County policy. Referral to Litigation and Governmental Relations Committee approved.
21-0302 Recognition of Dedication of Somme Prairie Grove and an Illinois Nature Preserve. This is the 27th nature preserve area for FPD that has been recognized by Illinois Nature Preserves Commission as restored to health and one of 600 restored nature preserves in Illinois. With 5 Land And Water Preserves, the FPD manages 10,405 acres with the support of many partner organizations. This is consistent with recommendations of the Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan. Approved.
21-0316. Proposed grant by Illinois Dept of Natural Resources. $1.2 million over 2 years to complete Caldwell Woods Wellness Studio located in Chicago. This will be a Renovation construction of a facility formerly used as a warming shelter. This is a matching grant with a $409,700 from FPDCC. Approved.
21-309 Proposed IGA with Dept. of Planning and Development and CC Sheriff’s Office to extend for 3 yr contract for building deconstruction and salvage service of vacant buildings through the assistance of men in the Sheriff’s Dept.’s Renew program. This is a vocational program for volunteers who are non-violent detainees. Work was delayed by Covid 19 restrictions. Participants receive an OSHA safety certification and learn construction skills, deconstruction skills and training in safe salvage removal practices. Participants volunteer and are not paid. Commissioners raised many questions which were answered by Joe DeLisi from the Sheriff’s Office Renew program. Comm. S. Morrison suggested that the dept. provide a briefing to the Board to more fully answer questions. Com Daley stated that Budget hearings are a good time to ask questions of the Sheriff’s Office. Approved.
21-0304 Corporate Fund Analysis of Revenue and Expenses Report. Motion to receive and file was approved. CFO Steven Hughes presented the report. In April, property tax collection was down from that time in 2020 by about $1M. By May, it had rebounded ahead of 2019 and 2020. Fees are trending up from 2020 for licensing agreements and use of campgrounds and picnic areas. YTD, Revenue exceeds expenses by $14.8M which is similar to though a bit behind 2019 and 2020.
21-0317 Proposed Calendar of Events. Received and filed. Supt. Randall reported that the FPD is operating at Phase 5 and continues to respond to Covid 19 guidance. He stated that many outdoor events are taking place throughout the FPD including the 8th year of Juneteenth celebrations, teacher workshops, Kids Fest and Insects Fest. Campground are fully open; there are no capacity limits for events. Visitors are asked to mask indoors if not vaccinated and outdoors if not vaccinated when maintaining social distance is not possible. FPD employees are masked. For details of events see FPDCC.com

New Business

21-0266 Clean Energy Framework - Proposed Resolution was approved. This was developed by the University of IL Prairie Research Institute with the collaboration of key stakeholders, content experts, climate experts and FPD staff. One goal change is that 100% of electricity consumed by Forest Preserves will be generated through renewable energy resources and associated technologies by 2050.
21-0346. Proposed Resolution to increase the tax levy rate for the FPD to be voted on in the General Election to be held on Nov. 8, 2022. Referred to Finance Committee. Com. Suffredin stated the final form for the Resolution will be submitted to the Board at the Dec. meeting.

Carolyn Cosentino - Observer Meeting Length: 1 hr 36 min

0 Comments

Vaccine Site Opens in Tinley Park Convention Center

1/28/2021

0 Comments

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

0 Comments

Proposed 2021 Cook County Forest Preserve Budget Presented at Board Meeting

11/3/2020

0 Comments

Cook County Forest Preserve District (FPDCC) Board Meeting
Regular Monthly Meeting Combined With FY2021 Budget Introduction
October 20, 2020 (Meetings were held virtually)

Board Actions:

The Elizabeth Conkey Woods in southwest Cook County (CC) was recognized as an Illinois Nature Preserve. This addition makes the 26th Illinois Nature Preserve for FPDCC. Also recognized was the registration of Bergman Slough in southwest CC as the 5th Land and Water Reserve for FPDCC.
Several partnership agreements were approved with conservation organizations. The organizations will fund various projects and FPDCC will provide coordination, overview and approval of activities. Friends of the Chicago River will improve habitat by removing brush to expand nesting habitat for native turtles at Sag Quarries East in Lemont IL. Save the Prairie Society (Westchester IL) wants to conduct restoration activities such as invasive plant control at Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve. Friends of Bluff Spring Fen (Elgin IL) wants to conduct restoration activities such as brush and invasive plant control in the preserve.
A contract was extended with Openlands, a conservation organization whose goal is to connect people with natural areas around the Chicago region, for ecological restoration at Deer Grove West Woodland and Wetland Nature Preserve in northwest CC. This project is part of the larger Des Plaines River Watershed restoration program and funded by O'Hare Modernization Program whose purpose is to offset the expansion of O'Hare's impact on aquatic resources. Interestingly, Deer Grove was the first property acquired by the FPDCC in 1916.
Several vendor contracts were amended for 2020 due to the vendors' loss of income due to Covid-19 restrictions. The amended contracts reduced the fees paid to FPDCC. Go Ape Bemis Woods, aerial adventure and zip line course, Glen Grove Equestrian Sports (Morton Grove) and the Oak Park Tennis Center opened late and/or had to reduce operations. Chicago River Canoe & Kayak (Evanston) had a big loss of revenue due to reduced operations and cancellation of boat rentals at two sites.
A position paper "Acquisition and Disposition of Land" by the FPDCC was approved and provides guidance on land acquisition/disposition and land use policies. The paper was developed by the Conservation and Policy Council of FPDCC. Goals are to continue to acquire more land, partnerships to protect and conserve land, and consider acquiring land that is more accessible to diverse and underserved communities.
A FPDCC Calendar for 10/20/2020 to 11/17/2020 was presented. EVENTS CALENDAR HERE

2021 Forest Preserve District Budget Recommendation Meeting

The FY2021 FPDCC Budget Recommendation was introduced at a special meeting of the FPDCC Board of Commissioners. The FY2021 starts on January 1st.
Due to the Covid-19 crisis, a 26% decrease in non-tax revenue from FY2020 is anticipated- revenue from permits, campgrounds, closing aquatic centers, less investment income, golf courses and other concessions. Departments have reduced non-personnel budgets by 10 to 13% from FY2020. There is a continued hiring freeze (exception is essential staff and law enforcement) for the foreseeable future.
The Corporate Budget request (which funds the day to day operations) is $62.2 million, a decrease of 1.9% from FY2020. FPDCC has reserve funds and $19 million from this reserve has been allocated to its total proposed budget of $134 million which is an increase of 7.6% and includes $23.3 million for Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic Garden.
This FY2021 FPDCC Budget will be presented virtually at the CC Board of Commissioners Finance Committee meeting, Thursday, Nov 5 at 10am. The Budget Recommendation can be found HERE

Other items of interest:

A resolution commended three officers from forest preserves CC dept of law enforcement for support and assistance in concert with other rescue personnel involved with water rescue of a girl and two men from Salt Creek in Brezina Woods this past July.
A resolution honoring Openlands for placement of interpretative trail elements. Deer Grove East interpretive trail elements: welcome sign, stone seats, topographic map, sundial, birds, signage for different habitats. Kildeer wetlands: Bartel grassland/Bobolink meadow is flat country and a raised bridge helps to see this important grassland bird area, especially Bobolinks.. Other new interpretative trail elements are welcome sign and topographic map.
A resolution honoring the retirement of John Sterenberg, an essential licensed land surveyor for the district with the important job that has led to reclaiming forest preserve property that has been encroached upon by private residents or business owners.
FPDCC received the 2020 Public Service Award from the Illinois Archeological Survey for outstanding efforts to promote, protect and preserve cultural resources in the district lands. The FPDCC has approximately 620 cultural/archeological sites in its lands and includes archeology in its educational programs.

Observed by Michele Niccolai Combined Meetings length: 2 hours

0 Comments

Cook County Forest Preserves Programs and Budget Disrupted by Coronavirus

5/25/2020

0 Comments

Cook County Forest Preserves District (FPDCC) Board Meeting (Virtual)
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 the FPDCC 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 Preserves 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

0 Comments

Cook County FPD Board Approves Contract for Tasers and Body Cameras for Officers

12/31/2019

0 Comments

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting - December 17, 2019

Board Reports and Actions:

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.

Retirements Noted

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.

Observer - Michele Niccolai

0 Comments

<<Previous

Veterinary Residency Partnership Outlined at Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting

Vaccine Site Opens in Tinley Park Convention Center

Proposed 2021 Cook County Forest Preserve Budget Presented at Board Meeting

Cook County Forest Preserves Programs and Budget Disrupted by Coronavirus

Cook County FPD Board Approves Contract for Tasers and Body Cameras for Officers

Author

Archives

Categories