Meeting Name: FPD Board of Commissioners Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 1/23/2024 10:00 AM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: Cook County Building, Board Room, 118 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: FPD Journal 1-23-24 FPD Journal 1-23-24  
Meeting video:  
Attachments: Click to Watch Live, To comment on an item on this agenda, click here, written comment.pdf
File #Ver.Agenda #NameTypeTitleActionResultAction DetailsVideo
24-0095 1  Consent Calendar ResolutionPROPOSED RESOLUTION HONORING THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT ARNOLD RANDALL TO THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY WHEREAS, Arnold Randall has served as the General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County since his appointment in 2010, and as the leader of one of the country’s oldest and largest forest preserve districts, he has focused on restoring and protecting these lands and has been ardently committed to ensuring that all people feel welcome in the forest preserves; and WHEREAS, because of his leadership as General Superintendent, the Forest Preserves is forever committed to making everyone feel welcome and to being an important asset to Cook County residents. Under his direction the Forest Preserves dedicated itself to offering innovative new programs, expanding opportunities for collaboration, adopting strategies that ensure meaningful public engagement, and developing master plans and accelerating the work to expand and preserve the unique natural areas of Cook County; and WHEREAS, through Arnold’s visionary and transformative lsuspend the rulesPass Action details Not available
24-0095 1  Consent Calendar ResolutionPROPOSED RESOLUTION HONORING THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT ARNOLD RANDALL TO THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY WHEREAS, Arnold Randall has served as the General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County since his appointment in 2010, and as the leader of one of the country’s oldest and largest forest preserve districts, he has focused on restoring and protecting these lands and has been ardently committed to ensuring that all people feel welcome in the forest preserves; and WHEREAS, because of his leadership as General Superintendent, the Forest Preserves is forever committed to making everyone feel welcome and to being an important asset to Cook County residents. Under his direction the Forest Preserves dedicated itself to offering innovative new programs, expanding opportunities for collaboration, adopting strategies that ensure meaningful public engagement, and developing master plans and accelerating the work to expand and preserve the unique natural areas of Cook County; and WHEREAS, through Arnold’s visionary and transformative lapprovePass Action details Not available
24-0056 1  AppointmentPROPOSED APPOINTMENT Appointee(s): Eileen Figel Position: Interim General Superintendent Effective Date: January 24, 2024 Expiration Date: Upon the appointment of a permanent General Superintendent or another Interim General Superintendent Summary: The General Superintendent has full administrative authority in all matters pertaining to the Forest Preserves of Cook County, subject to the direction of the President of the Board of Commissioners. The current General Superintendent will vacate the position January 23, 2024. In the case of a vacancy in the position of General Superintendent, it is necessary to appoint an Acting or Interim General Superintendent to perform the duties of the General Superintendent and said Acting or Interim General Superintendent shall have the full authority to execute the duties and responsibilities of the General Superintendent position. It is imperative for the successful operation of the Forest Preserves of Cook County that the duties of the General Superintendent continue to be carried out in an efficient and transparent manner. Eileen suspend the rulesPass Action details Not available
24-0056 1  AppointmentPROPOSED APPOINTMENT Appointee(s): Eileen Figel Position: Interim General Superintendent Effective Date: January 24, 2024 Expiration Date: Upon the appointment of a permanent General Superintendent or another Interim General Superintendent Summary: The General Superintendent has full administrative authority in all matters pertaining to the Forest Preserves of Cook County, subject to the direction of the President of the Board of Commissioners. The current General Superintendent will vacate the position January 23, 2024. In the case of a vacancy in the position of General Superintendent, it is necessary to appoint an Acting or Interim General Superintendent to perform the duties of the General Superintendent and said Acting or Interim General Superintendent shall have the full authority to execute the duties and responsibilities of the General Superintendent position. It is imperative for the successful operation of the Forest Preserves of Cook County that the duties of the General Superintendent continue to be carried out in an efficient and transparent manner. Eileen approvePass Action details Not available
24-0054 1  ResolutionPROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZED SIGNATORIES WHEREAS, the FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY (the “Forest Preserves”) has authorized various banks as depositories of its accounts; and WHEREAS, from time to time, the Forest Preserves may also seek to open lines of credit or purchase appeal bonds from various insurers, bond companies or other institutions to cover the costs of judgments against the Forest Preserves in the event the Forest Preserves, upon Board approval, decides to appeal such judgments; and WHEREAS, the various banks that serve as depositories of the Forest Preserves’ accounts require the manual or facsimile signature of duly elected or appointed Officers of the Forest Preserves for the warrants, checks drafts or other orders on these accounts; and WHEREAS, the various insurers, bond companies and other institutions with whom the Forest Preserves may seek to open a line of credit, or from whom the Forest Preserves may seek to purchase an appeal bond, may require the manual or facsimile signatures of duly elected or appointed Officers of the Forest approvePass Action details Not available
24-0097 1  ResolutionPROPOSED RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE FOREST PRESERVES TO ENTER INTO SUPPLEMENTAL LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN OF THE DES PLAINES TRAIL BRIDGE OVER THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD NORTH OF GOLF ROAD WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) has sought and been awarded the following: (1) Grade Crossing Protection Funds (“GCPF”) from the Illinois Commerce Commission (“ICC”), a federally-funded program administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”), and (2) Invest in Cook (“IIC”) funds from the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (“DOTH”) to facilitate engineering and construction of a multi-use bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad for the Des Plaines Trail (the “Project”); and WHEREAS, as a prerequisite for IDOT to reimburse the Forest Preserves for its awarded Phase II engineering expenses related to the Project, IDOT required a local public agency agreement to be in place between the Forest Preserves and IDOT; and WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners approved a prior Resolution on SeptemberapprovePass Action details Not available
24-0092 1  Grant AwardPROPOSED GRANT AWARD Department: Department of Resource Management Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) Grantor: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Request: Authorization to accept grant and permit the General Superintendent authority to execute the grant agreement on behalf of the President of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners. Purpose: Authorization is sought for the Forest Preserves to accept grant and enter into a grant agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore and enhance 63.4 acres of habitat and support a variety of community engagement activities at Bemis Woods. Grant Amount: $125,000.00 Grant Period: 1/1/2024 (retroactive) - 8/31/2026 Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed $126,000.00 in direct match, which includes approximately $1,000.00 of in-kind support for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the project. Accounts: Professional Services 51033.520840; Grant and Mitigation 51010.521444 and 51010.520840; and all future Professional Services and Grant and Mitigation accounts CapprovePass Action details Not available
24-0001 1  Intergovernmental AgreementPROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Department: Department of Planning and Development Other Part(ies): Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (“MWRD”), Chicago, Illinois Request: Authorization to enter into a new expanded intergovernmental agreement with MWRD Goods or Services: Master agreement for the following: (1) MWRD financial support for green infrastructure projects on Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) land; (2) mutual waiver of license and other fees for projects proposed by either agency that otherwise meet the respective agency’s permit or license review criteria; and (3) clarification of environmental inspection obligations for MWRD land leased by the Forest Preserves. Agreement Number(s): N/A Agreement Period: Five (5) years from the Effective Date regarding joint green infrastructure projects and the mutual waiver of fees, and thirty (30) years from the Effective Date with automatic one-year renewals regarding maintenance of the completed green infrastructure projects Fiscal Impact: Revenue Generating for Green InapprovePass Action details Not available
24-0004 1  Intergovernmental Agreement AmendmentPROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT AMENDMENT Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming Other Part(ies): City of Chicago and Chicago Park District, Chicago, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend and amend existing intergovernmental agreement. Goods or Services: Increased and continued funding of the not-for-profit NeighborSpace Agreement Number: N/A Agreement Period: Original: 1/1/2021 - 12/31/2025, with the option for a five (5) year renewal at the discretion of the General Superintendent. Proposed Extension 1/1/2026 - 12/31/2033, with the option for a five (5) year renewal at the discretion of the General Superintendent. Fiscal Impact: Original: Not to exceed $500,000; Proposed Amendment: Not to exceed $1,500,000 for years 2024-2038. FY 2024 $100,000.00, FY 2025 $100,000.00, FY 2026 $100,000.00, FY 2027 $100,000.00, FY 2028 $100,000.00, FY 2029 $100,000.00, FY 2030 $100,000.00, FY 2031 $100,000.00, FY 2032 $100,000.00, FY 2033 $100,000.00, FY 2034 $100,000.00 (optional), approvePass Action details Not available
24-0005 1  Intergovernmental Agreement AmendmentPROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT AMENDMENT Department: Department of Planning and Development Other Part(ies): Illinois Department of Natural Resources (“IDNR”) Request: Authorization to amend an existing Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”) Goods or Services: For removal of certain dams on the Des Plaines River and North Branch of the Chicago River Agreement Number: Amendment #4 to OWR-292 Agreement Period: Original (10/23/2013 - 6/30/2016); Amendment #1 (1/9/2015 - 6/30/2016); IGA suspended by IDNR effective 6/30/2015; Amendment #2 (7/1/2016 - 6/30/2020); Amendment #3 (7/1/2020 - 6/30/2024); Proposed Extension Period for Amendment #4 (7/1/2024 - 6/30/2027) Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed $1,100,000.00 (fully reimbursable by IDNR to the Forest Preserves) Accounts: Professional Services 51010.520830; Special or Co-op Programs 51010.521313; and Land Improvements 51010.560019 District(s): Districtwide Summary: The Forest Preserves seeks authorization to amend and extend an existing intergovernmental agreement with IDNR. Under the existing intergovernmental agreemeapprovePass Action details Not available
24-0002 1  Contract AmendmentPROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT Department(s): Department of Planning and Development Vendor: Terra Engineering, Ltd., Chicago, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend and increase an existing engineering services contract Good(s) or Service(s): Engineering services for bridge over Union Pacific Railroad tracks on the Des Plaines River Trail Original Contract Period: 6/16/2020 - 12/31/2022; (Administrative Extension) 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2023 Proposed Contract Period Extension: 1/1/2024 (retroactive) - 6/30/2025 Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $292,296.01 Original Approval: 6/16/2020, $292,296.01 Previous Increase(s): N/A This Increase Requested: $82,500.00 Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2024 $82,500.00 Accounts: Professional Services 51010.520830, 51009.520830, 51033.520830, 51034.520830; and future Construction and Development accounts Contract Number(s): Contract #74000007884 issued under Solicitation #20-80-005199 per Request for Qualifications 17-80-31B, Des Plaines River Trail ProposapprovePass Action details Not available
24-0075 1  ReportREPORT Department: Department of Law Enforcement Request: Refer to Law Enforcement Committee Report Title: Model Policing Report Period: October 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Summary: Report on the status to achieve the goal of a Model Forest Preserves Police Department.referPass Action details Not available
24-0053 1 OCA FPD FY23 4th Quarter Open RecommendationsReportREPORT Department: Office of the County Auditor Request: Refer to Audit Committee Report Title: OCA FPD FY23 4th Quarter Open Recommendations Report Period: December 2023 Summary: Status Report on Open Recommendations regarding Forest Preserves of Cook County.referPass Action details Not available
24-0061 1  ReportREPORT Department: Department of Finance and Administration Request: Receive and File Report Title: Procurement and Disbursement Report Report Period: 11/1/2023 - 11/30/2023 Summary: Submitting the Procurement and Disbursement Report for the period of November 2023. The report is to be received and filed in compliance with Section 1-8-2 (BB) of the District’s Code of Ordinances.receive and filedPass Action details Not available
24-0060 1  ReportREPORT Department: Departments of Legal and Finance Request: Receive and File Report Title: Workers’ Compensation Report - November 2023 Report Period: 11/1/2023 - 11/30/2023 Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County Departments of Legal and Finance are submitting Workers’ Compensation Claim Payments for the month of November 2023. Payments total $186,582.61 for November 2023.receive and filedPass Action details Not available
24-0087 1  Calendar of EventsPROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities: 1/23/2024 -2/27/2024. Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes. Thursday, 1/25; 10am - 12pm Winter Workshop-Woodworking, Rolling Knolls, Elgin Repurpose the common European buckthorn into something new. Registration required. Ages 10 and up.?Equipment provided. Please call (773) 758-8899. Thursday, 1/25; 7pm Full Moon Walk, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Discover Crabtree at night by the light of the Wolf Moon. Registration required. Ages 8 and up. Please call (847) 381-6592. Friday, 1/26 through Friday 2/16; 9am - 4pm Story Trail: “Over and Under the Snow, Trailside Museum, River Forest Walk a short trail and read the posted story, then pick up a craft and activity bag.? ? Friday, 1/26; 4:30pm - 6:30pm Woodburning & Watercolors, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland Be inspired by the winter landscape and create pieces of arreceive and filedPass Action details Not available