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 Zoological Society (“CZS”), Brookfield, Illinois.
Reason: The Forest Preserves and the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, seek to amend their Partnership Agreement in order to engage a veterinary technician position and coordinate the donation of a decommissioned Forest Preserves vehicle.
The veterinary technician position will be recruited and hired by the CZS to assist Forest Preserves wildlife biologists and provide field veterinary support, lab diagnostics, and research coordination associated with the ongoing veterinary residency and PhD programs (Board Items Nos. 22-0108, 24-0192, and 24-0326). The CZS will staff the position beginning in 2026, at a cost to the Forest Preserves of $45,000.00 annually or not-to-exceed $135,000.00 over the remaining term of the agreement.
Additionally, the Forest Preserves would like to donate a fleet vehicle to support veterinary residency program operations unless otherwise prohibited by ethical considerations and applicable law. The vehicle will be utilized by veterinarians and residents for the public purpose of educational, clinical, and outreach activities associated with veterinary training and wildlife care. The vehicle is anticipated to be approved this year for disposition by the Vehicle Steering Committee (VSC) pursuant to the Forest Preserves Code of Ordinances. Instead of being sold at auction, the proposed donation is intended to reduce barriers to transportation across the county and support more efficient travel for program-related activities. While no longer suitable for the rigors of Forest Preserves operations, donation of the vehicle to the CZS ensures the vehicle continues to provide community and educational benefit. Vehicle ownership and maintenance will be transferred to the CZS after (1) legal review of proposed amendment and proposed vehicle transfer, (2) approval of vehicle for disposition by VSC, and (3) board approval.
The original Partnership Agreement (Board Item No. 24-0326), allocated funding to support a post-residency veterinary PhD program, purchase veterinary diagnostic equipment, and provide funding for task order-based wildlife research initiatives resulting from shared collaborations with partners such as the University of Illinois and other visiting field researchers engaged by the CZS. The total costs of the Partnership Agreement, including funding under this proposed amendment, are not to exceed $1,235,000.00
Contract period: 11/14/2024 - 11/13/2029
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: Not to exceed $1,100,000.00 (up to $375,000.00 for PhD program, $625,000.00 for research collaborations, and $100,000.00 for equipment).
This Increase Requested: Not to exceed $135,000.00
Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $122,500.00, FY 2027 $245,000.00, FY 2028 $245,000.00, FY 2029 $122,500.00 (totals include other previously approved but unspent costs and the requested additional funding).
Account(s): Professional Services 51034.520840; Grant and Mitigation 51010.521444 and 51010.520840; and all future Professional Services and Grant and Mitigation accounts
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final partnership amendment is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): Districtwide
end