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 of Cook County (FPDCC) Board Meeting
November 17, 2020 

Finance Meeting:

• Agenda item 20-0389   Cook County Commissioners applauded Superintendent Arnold Randall for his fiscal 2021 budget which plans for no new fees or tax increases.  The budget is described as a “caretaker budget” which will use reserves to fill in budget holes. Commissioner Suffredin talked about the value of the forest preserves to all of Cook County, particularly during this time of pandemic.  He believes there needs to be a referendum next year in order for the forest preserves to expand land for preservation and more money for Brookfield Zoo and the Botanic Garden. He applauded the efforts of the Conservation Community Council, led by Wendy Paulson, for all the efforts by volunteers to support the forest preserves.
  

Board Meeting

• A public speaker requested increased security measures at Midlothian Meadows where a young woman was recently murdered.  Security measures could include increased patrols, emergency call boxes and cameras.  Superintendent Randall discussed some of the difficulties, but stated that patrols have increased and there continues to be investigation to determine who committed the crime.
• The Cook County Land Bank donated 5.84 acres of land/property by Cermac Woods which is on a flood plain, to the FPDCC.  The District cleared the property of the house. 
• The FPDCC has entered into a revenue generating agreement with Trailbound Trips, Barrington, IL.,  to offer hikes in the forest preserves.
  

Observer -  Laura Davis                                                             Meeting length:  Approximately 1 hour  

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 

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