Forest Preserve District of Cook County - Meeting of FPD Board of Commissioners on 4/14/2026 at 10:00 AM

26-0229

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:24:47 GMT

File #: 26-0229
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Consent Calendar Resolution
Title: PROPOSED RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE CAREER AND HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF THERESA ODUM WHEREAS, on February 17, 1991, Theresa Odum was sworn in as a Patrol Officer for the Chicago Police Department and over the next 26 years moved up the ranks from Patrol Officer to Sergeant; and WHEREAS, in 2018, Theresa Odum worked as a State’s Attorney Investigator, assigned to Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Security Detail; and WHEREAS, in 2019, Theresa Odum worked as Chief of the Security Detail for Toni Preckwinkle, President of Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners; and WHEREAS, in 2020, Theresa Odum also became Interim Chief of Police of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Department of Law Enforcement, and in 2021 was appointed to the position of Chief of Police; and WHEREAS, as Chief of Police, Theresa Odum was responsible for a staff of over 120 members of all ranks for sworn and civilian employees, including President Preckwinkle’s Security Detail; and WHEREAS, Chief Odum led years-long effort to implement initiatives to mov
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26-0235

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:45:28 GMT

File #: 26-0235
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Consent Calendar Resolution
Title: PROPOSED RESOLUTION PROPOSED RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING APRIL 22, 2026 AS EARTH DAY FOR THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY WHEREAS, Earth Day was first established in 1970 as a way to recognize the environmental disasters faced by communities throughout the United States, including oil spills, power plants, toxic dumps, pesticides, the extinction of wildlife, and the loss of wilderness; and WHEREAS, throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s, environmental awareness increased due to declining air and water quality, increased knowledge about Earth’s finite resources, and increasing popularity in environmental publications showcasing the consequences of environmental disasters; and WHEREAS, Senator Gaylord Nelson, a junior Senator from Wisconsin, was concerned about the deteriorating environment in the United States; and WHEREAS, Senator Nelson, together with a young activist named Denis Hayes, organized a series of teach-ins on April 22, 1970, on college campuses, which utilized economics, science, community organizing, ethics, and spirituality to promote environmental educati
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26-0118

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0118
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Report
Title: REPORT Department: Office of the General Superintendent Request: Receive and File Report Title: Conservation and Policy Council Monthly Report Summary: Created in 2014, the Conservation and Policy Council advises the President, Board and the General Superintendent about conservation policies and practices, including the implementation of the Next Century Conservation Plan’s vision of vibrant, ecologically healthy and welcoming forest preserves system. Each month, a member of the Conservation and Policy Council will provide a verbal report detailing the work that the Conservation and Policy Council is doing as well as their recommendations to the Board regarding policies, practices, and other strategic initiatives of the Forest Preserves.
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26-0197

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0197
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Intergovernmental Agreement
Title: PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Department: Department of Landscape Maintenance Other Part(ies): City of Evanston, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”) with the City of Evanston. Goods or Services: Refuse collection services at Perkins Woods by the City of Evanston’s Public Works Department. Agreement Number(s): N/A Agreement Period: Five (5) years from the date of execution with an option to extend at the discretion of the General Superintendent for one (1) additional five-year renewal term. Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $4,073.68, FY 2027 $4,236.63, FY 2028 $4,406.10, FY 2029 $4,582.34, FY 2030 $4,765.63. Optional years - FY 2031 $4,956.25, FY 2032 $5,154.50, FY 2033 $5,360.68, FY 2034 $5,575.11, FY 2035 5,798.11 Accounts: Refuse and Disposal 51001.520050 District(s): 13 Summary: Under this proposed IGA, the City of Evanston’s Public Works Department would provide refuse collection services at Perkins Woods in exchange for a small annual fee to be pa
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26-0195

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0195
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Report
Title: REPORT Department: Office of the County Auditor Request: Refer to Audit Committee Report Title: OCA - Forest Preserve District of Cook County Law Enforcement Time and Attendance Internal Audit Report Report Period: April 21, 2025 - September 17, 2025 Summary: This audit was designed to determine if the time and attendance processes in FPDCC’s Law Enforcement Department had adequate controls to ensure information was captured correctly and working as intended.
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26-0140

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0140
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Easement Request
Title: EASEMENT REQUEST Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to grant two small permanent easements to the Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) at Whistler Woods in Riverdale, Illinois totaling 0.26 acres (11,326 square feet) for storm sewer improvements. Staff recommends that the easements be donated without easement fees because the storm sewer improvements will benefit the Forest Preserves by reducing flooding of the Forest Preserves’ property and nearby streets. Construction is expected to require removal of four (4) trees; however, additional trees may need to be removed than originally estimated. IDOT has agreed to pay tree mitigation fees. Any increase in the tree mitigation fee will be in accordance with the Tree Mitigation Plan (see Board Item No. 20-0279), and if such increase is more than 20% of the original estimate, then approval will be sought from the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners. Reason: IDOT is proposing to replace existing storm sewer pipes located on the east side of IL 1
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26-0142

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0142
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Easement Request
Title: EASEMENT REQUEST Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to grant a permanent easement to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) at Willow Road and Hibbard Road in Winnetka, Illinois of 0.073 acres (3,172 square feet) for road improvements. Construction is expected to require removal of only one (1) smaller tree. IDOT has agreed to pay easement fees. Staff recommends that the tree mitigation fee be waived due to minimal tree impact. Reason: IDOT is seeking a small permanent easement for a road improvement project at the intersection of Willow Road and Hibbard Road. An existing sidewalk on the south side of Willow Road has been located on Forest Preserve land for many years and will be reconstructed as part of this project. There are no records of license or easement allowing the existing sidewalk, traffic light or mechanical box to be located on Forest Preserve land. IDOT, in coordination with the Village of Winnetka, is seeking to formalize the right to locate such improvements on Forest Preserves’ land through
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26-0194

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0194
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Partnership Agreement Amendment
Title: PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT AMENDMENT Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to amend its Partnership Agreement with the Chicago Horticultural Society, Glencoe, Illinois. Reason: The Forest Preserves seeks to increase the spending authority under its Partnership Agreement with the Chicago Horticultural Society, which operates the Chicago Botanic Garden (the “Garden”), in order to staff native plant Nursery Manager and Nursery Technician positions through the Garden for an additional year. These positions were recruited, hired, and trained by the Garden to assist with the launch of the Forest Preserves’ in-house seed amplification program through the development of seed beds, greenhouse infrastructure, and protocol for seed collection and propagation. These positions were originally funded for an initial two-year period beginning in mid-2024. The Forest Preserves now requests an additional year of financial support (not to exceed $191,360) to ensure continuity in nursery operations during peak growing season while perman
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26-0019

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0019
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Grant Award
Title: PROPOSED GRANT AWARD Department: Department of Planning and Development Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) Grantor: Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (“CCDOTH”) Request: Authorization to accept grant Purpose: Authorization is sought for the Forest Preserves to accept and enter into an agreement with CCDOTH for Invest in Cook grant funding for Phase II Design Engineering for the South Connections of the Des Plaines / Salt Creek Trail that runs through Lyons, Brookfield, Riverside, and North Riverside, Illinois in Cook County. Grant Amount: $217,900.00 Grant Period: 4/14/2026 - 11/30/2029 Fiscal Impact: $217,900 required match (2026) Accounts: Professional Services 51009.520830, 51010.520830, 51033.520830, 51034.520830, 51036.520830, 51037.520830 and future Construction and Development accounts Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final grant agreement subject to legal review and approval District(s): 16 Summary: The Forest Preserves has been awarded an Invest in Cook grant from
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26-0200

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0200
Ver.: 2
Agenda #:
Type: Contract
Title: PROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Department of Landscape Maintenance Vendor: Arlington Power Equipment, Inc., Palatine, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Purchase of Exmark wide-area mowers, outdoor power equipment, parts, and supplies Contract Value: Not to Exceed $600,000.00 Contract Period: 4/14/2026 - 5/14/2027 Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $276,880.00, FY 2027 $323,120.00 Accounts: Operations and Maintenance 51037.540350 Contract Number(s): #74000017997 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval. Piggyback contract based on Cooperative Procurement Agreement with no MWBE goals. District(s): Districtwide Summary: The Forest Preserves seeks authority to purchase mowers, power equipment, parts, and supplies from Arlington Power, based on Omnia Partners Contract #20469 with Exmark Manufacturing Company, Inc. The Landscape Maintenance Department would like to purchase four (4) Exma
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26-0201

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0201
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Contract
Title: PROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Department of Landscape Maintenance Vendor: Mowerworks, Ltd., D/B/A Gravely of Chicago (“Mowerworks”), Barrington, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Purchase of Stihl electric mowers, power equipment, and parts Contract Value: Not To Exceed $1,500,000.00 Contract Period: 4/14/2026 - 1/31/2029 with three (3) one-year renewal options at the discretion of the General Superintendent and subject to extension of the underlying contract Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $446,400.00, FY 2027 $175,600.00, FY 2028 $175,600.00, FY 2029 $175,600.00, FY 2030 $175,600.00, FY 2031 $175,600.00, FY 2032 $175,600.00 Accounts: Operations and Maintenance 51037.540350 and all future Operations and Maintenance accounts Contract Number(s): #74000017998 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval. Piggyback contract based on a Sourcewell Cooperative Procurement Agreement with n
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26-0188

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0188
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Contract Amendment
Title: PROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT Department(s): Department of Resource Management Vendor: Friends of the Forest Preserves, Inc. Chicago, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to increase contract Good(s) or Service(s): Forest Preserves Experience Program Original Contract Period: 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2024; 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2026 (Board Approved) Proposed Contract Period Extension: N/A Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $1,355,894.00 Original Approval: 12/13/2022, $1,170,000.00 Previous Increase(s): 11/19/2024, $185,894.00 (fully funded by additional ARPA grant funding) This Increase Requested: Not to exceed $180,000.00 (anticipated to be fully funded by additional ARPA grant funding) Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $50,000.00 (unexpended contingency, per original approval) Accounts: ARPA Conservation Corps 51032.521444; Professional Services 51037.520840; and all future Professional Services accounts Contract Number(s): #74000011530 issued under RFP #22-31-116 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Off
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26-0202

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0202
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Contract Amendment
Title: PROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT Department(s): Office of the General Superintendent Vendor: Various Vendors in Facilitation and Management Coaching Pool Contract No. Vendor Name #74000012813 Critical Thinking Partners, LLC, Chicago, IL #74000012814 Daylight L3C, Chicago, IL #74000012815 KS Goins and Associates, LLC, Plainfield, IL Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend all three (3) of these contracts Good(s) or Service(s): Facilitation and management coaching Original Contract Period: 6/1/2023 - 5/31/2026 Proposed Contract Period Extension: 6/1/2026 - 5/31/2027 Total Current Contract Amount Authority: Not to Exceed a combined total of $450,000.00 ($150,000.00 for each vendor in pool). Original Approval: 6/1/2023, $450,000.00 Previous Increase(s): N/A This Increase Requested: N/A Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $189,534.00, FY 2027 $189,534.00 (using funds remaining on contracts) Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520840 Contract Number(s): #74000012813, #74000012814, #74000012815 Concurrences
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26-0207

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0207
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Contract Amendment
Title: PROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT Department(s): Department of Landscape Maintenance Vendor: Red Wing Brands of America, Inc., Red Wing, Minnesota Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend and increase contract Good(s) or Service(s): Protective footwear Original Contract Period: 2/21/2023 - 2/20/2026 Proposed Contract Period Extension: 2/21/2026 (retroactive) - 9/28/2027; with one (1) five-year renewal option to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent pending extension of the underlying GSA contract Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $75,000.00 Original Approval: $75,000.00 Previous Increase(s): N/A This Increase Requested: $350,000.00 Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $50,000.00, FY 2027 $50,000.00, FY 2028 $50,000.00, FY 2029 $50,000.00, FY 2030 $50,000.00, FY 2031 $50,000.00, FY 2032 $50,000.00 Accounts: Wearing Apparel 51001.530110; Institutional Supplies 51001.530252 Contract Number(s): #74000011938 (GSA Contract No. 47QSWA22D00AB) Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer h
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26-0028

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0028
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Report
Title: REPORT Department: Department of Finance and Administration Request: Receive and File Report Title: Procurement and Disbursement Report Report Period: 2/1/2026 - 2/28/2026 Summary: Submitting the Procurement and Disbursement Report for the period of February 2026. The report is to be received and filed in compliance with Section 1-8-2 (BB) of the District’s Code of Ordinances.
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26-0187

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0187
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Report
Title: REPORT Department: Department of Finance and Administration Request: Receive and File Report Title: Vehicle Steering Committee Annual Report Report Period: 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Summary: This report is required per Section 1-14-1 (Districtwide Vehicle Steering Committee) of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Code of Ordinances. The report addresses changes to the District owned vehicle inventory for fiscal year 2025.
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26-0205

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0205
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Report
Title: REPORT Department: Departments of Legal and Finance Request: Receive and File Report Title: Workers’ Compensation Report - February 2026 Report Period: 2/1/2026 - 2/28/2026 Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County Departments of Legal and Finance are submitting Workers’ Compensation Claim Payments for the month of February 2026. Payments total $107,459.69 for February 2026.
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26-0208

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0208
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Report
Title: REPORT Department: Department of Planning and Development Request: Receive and File Report Title: Land Use Request Report 2025 Report Period: 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Summary: The Forest Preserves’ Code of Ordinances (Section 2-5-11.B.) requires the Forest Preserves’ General Superintendent to submit a list of rejected proposals for conveyance, license or easement to the Forest Preserves’ Board of Commissioners. The enclosed report is the annual report.
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26-0196

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:44:41 GMT

File #: 26-0196
Ver.: 1
Agenda #:
Type: Calendar of Events
Title: PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 4/14/2026 - 5/4/2026 Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes. Tuesday, 4/14; 10am-12pm Sensory Play Day, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Patrons can engage in activities that stimulate all five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. For more information, please call (847)381-6592. Tuesday, 4/14; 7pm Woodcocks at Dusk, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont Patrons can enjoy the spectacle of woodcocks’ courtship behavior. Registration required. Ages 10 and up. Please call (630)257-2045 or visit the website. Tuesday, 4/14; 8:30pm Look up at the Sky Day, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs Join us and celebrate International Dark Sky Week. Participants can pause, admire the beauty of the sky, and reconnect with nature’s quiet wonder. Registration required. Plea
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26-0235

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:45:28 GMT