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Meeting Details

Meeting Name: FPD Board of Commissioners Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 11/17/2026 10:00 AM Minutes status: Draft  
Meeting location: Cook County Building, Board Room, 118 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois
Issued On: 11/12/2026
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Not available  
Agenda packet: Not available
Meeting video:  
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26-0449 1  Consent Calendar ResolutionPROPOSED RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING POLICE OFFICER SHAWN CASEY OF THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, FOR HIS BRAVERY, LIFESAVING ACTIONS, AND DEVOTION TO THE CITIZENS OF COOK COUNTY WHEREAS, On August 10, 2026, Police Officer Shawn Casey of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Department of Law Enforcement, was securing the Harms South Forest Preserve for the evening when he observed a woman who appeared to be unconscious and unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a U-Haul truck; and WHEREAS, Officer Casey immediately recognized that the woman might be experiencing a serious medical emergency and attempted to check on her welfare and awaken her; and WHEREAS, while approaching and attempting to gain access to the woman, Officer Casey encountered a large and aggressive dog inside the vehicle, creating an additional and significant safety concern; and WHEREAS, despite the potential danger posed by the animal, Officer Casey stayed focused on the preservation of human life and continued his efforts to reach the woman after determining that she remained unre   Not available Not available
26-0451 1  Consent Calendar ResolutionPROPOSED RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING POLICE OFFICER BRUCE COLLINS AND SERGEANT DANKA MILESIC OF THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY, DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, FOR THEIR BRAVERY, COMPASSION, AND DEVOTION TO THE CITIZENS OF COOK COUNTY WHEREAS, Police Officer Bruce Collins and Sergeant Danka Milesic serve the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Department of Law Enforcement, with professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to protecting the lives and well-being of the citizens of Cook County; and WHEREAS, on May 4, 2026, Officer Collins responded to Thatcher Woods regarding a young woman experiencing a mental health crisis and actively contemplating suicide while standing on a bridge; and WHEREAS, upon arriving on the scene, Officer Collins quickly located the young woman and, recognizing the immediate danger and seriousness of the situation, remained calm and relied upon his training, experience, and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) principles to establish communication with her; and WHEREAS, through patience, empathy, compassion, and exceptional interpersonal skills, Officer Collin   Not available Not available
26-0118 1  ReportREPORT 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.   Not available Not available
26-0434 1  AppointmentPROPOSED APPOINTMENT Appointee(s): Chris Rudd and Robert A. Weinstock Position: Council Members Department/Board/Commission: Conservation & Policy Council Effective date: 1/1/2027 Expiration date: 12/31/2029 Summary: The Nominating Committee for the Conservation and Policy Council is committed to nominating candidates from across Cook County who bring different perspectives to the Council, reflect the diversity of Cook County, and provide a broad range of expertise. This commitment has led to a council which includes members from northeast, northwest, south, and central Cook County. The Nominating Committee recommends the appointment of Chris Rudd and Robert A. Weinstock to fill two upcoming vacancies from the retirement of Council members Mark Templeton and Laurel Ross as of 12/31/2026. President Preckwinkle concurs with the committee's recommendation and seeks the Board's advice and consent related to the two appointments. The Conservation and Policy Council advises the President, Board of Commissioners, and General Superintendent and develops and annually update   Not available Not available
26-0435 1  ReappointmentPROPOSED REAPPOINTMENT Appointee(s): Henrietta “Hank” Saunders Position: Council Member Department/Board/Commission: Conservation & Policy Council Effective date: 1/1/2027 Expiration date: 12/31/2029 Summary: The Nominating Committee for the Conservation and Policy Council is committed to nominating candidates from across Cook County who bring different perspectives to the Council, reflect the diversity of Cook County, and provide a broad range of expertise. This commitment has led to a council which includes members from northeast, northwest, south, and central Cook County. The Nominating Committee recommends the re-appointment of Henrietta “Hank” Saunders to an additional term on the Conservation and Policy Council. President Preckwinkle concurs with the committee's recommendation and seeks the Board's advice and consent related to the re-appointment. The Conservation and Policy Council advises the President, Board of Commissioners, and General Superintendent and develops and annually updates a strategic plan to operationalize the Next Century Cons   Not available Not available
26-0474 1  Grant AwardPROPOSED GRANT AWARD Department: Department of Planning and Development Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) Grantor: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Request: Authorization to accept grant Purpose: Authorization is sought for the Forest Preserves to enter into an agreement with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (“DCEO”) to accept grant funding to support accessibility upgrades and renovations to the restroom facilities at the River Oaks Golf Course Clubhouse in Calumet City, IL. Grant Amount: $200,000.00 Grant Period: 8/1/2026 (retroactive) - 7/31/2029 Fiscal Impact: N/A. There is no required match. Accounts: Building Improvements 51010.560106 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final grant agreement is subject to legal review and approval. District(s): 4 Summary: The Forest Preserves has been awarded grant funding from the DCEO to support accessibility upgrades and renovations to the restroom facilities at the River Oaks Golf Course Clubhouse   Not available Not available
26-0457 1  Intergovernmental AgreementPROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Department: Department of Finance and Administration Other Part(ies): Cook County Government, Chicago, Illinois Request: Authorization to enter into the Fifteenth Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement between the County of Cook (the “County”) and the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) for the reimbursement or payment for certain services rendered by various County departments and by the Forest Preserves. Goods or Services: The County and the Forest Preserves wish to amend and restate the Fourteenth Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement (approved by their respective Boards of Commissioners on 10/23/2025 and 10/21/2025 for FY 2026) whereby they provide various services for each other. Agreement Number: N/A Agreement Period: 1/1/2027 - 12/31/2027 Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed $2,704,163.00 in expenditures and $1,860,533.00 in revenue Accounts: Various districtwide corporate expenditure and revenue accounts. District(s): Districtwide Summary: The County and the Forest Preserves   Not available Not available
26-0429 1  ContractPROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Department of Finance and Administration Vendor: AskReply, Inc. d/b/a B2GNow, Phoenix, Arizona Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Diversity Management Monitoring System Contract Value: $150,000.00 Contract Period: 2/1/2027 - 12/31/2029, with two (2) one-year renewal options to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2027 $30,000.00, FY 2028 $30,000.00, FY 2029 $30,000.00, FY 2030 $30,000.00 (optional), FY 2031 $30,000.00 (optional) Accounts: Computer Equipment and Supplies 51001.560226 Contract Number(s): #74000019003 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval. The Vendor has met the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Ordinance via direct participation. District(s): Districtwide Summary: The Forest Preserves requests authorization to enter into a contract on a sole source basis with AskReply, I   Not available Not available
26-0461 1  ContractPROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet Vendor: Alexander Equipment Company, Lisle, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Morbark OEM Parts and Service Contract Value: $250,000.00 Contract Period: 11/17/2026 - 11/16/2031 Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $10,000.00, FY 2027 $50,000.00, FY 2028 $50,000.00, FY 2029 $50,000.00, FY 2030 $50,000.00, FY 2031 $40,000.00 Accounts: Equipment, Supplies and Maintenance Service 51001.540275 Contract Number(s): #74000019227 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval. Sole Source contract with no MWBE participation goals. District(s): Districtwide Summary: The Department of Facilities and Fleet maintains Forest Preserves-owned Morbark chippers that are essential for processing tree limbs and trunks. These units are critical to supporting storm recovery and post-storm cleanup operations throughout the Forest Preserve   Not available Not available
26-0462 1  ContractPROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet Vendor: Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc., Monroe, Wisconsin Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Monroe Snow and Ice Equipment Upfitting and Repair Parts Contract Value: $1,325,000.00 Contract Period: 11/17/2026 - 6/11/2030 with three (3) one-year renewal options to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent, subject to the renewal of the underlying contract on which the piggyback contract is based. Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $25,000.00, FY 2027 $175,000.00, FY 2028 $200,000.00, FY 2029 $200,000.00, FY 2030 $125,000.00, FY 2031 $200,000.00 (optional), FY 2032 $200,000.00 (optional), FY 2033 $200,000.00 (optional) Accounts: Equipment Supplies and Maintenance Service 51001.540275; Vehicle Purchase 51001.560266 Contract Number(s): #74000019216 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval. Piggyback contract b   Not available Not available
26-0447 1  Contract AmendmentPROPOSED AUTHORITY TO EXERCISE CONTRACT EXTENSION OPTION Department(s): Department of Law Enforcement Vendor: Kentech Consulting, Inc., Chicago, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend and increase contract Good(s) or Service(s): Background Investigative Services for sworn law enforcement positions Original Contract Period: 1/1/2024 - 12/31/2026, with two (2) one-year renewal options Proposed Contract Period Extension: 1/1/2027 - 12/31/2028 Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $150,000.00 Original Approval: 1/1/2024, $150,000.00 Previous Increase(s): N/A This Increase Requested: $150,000.00 Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2027 $75,000.00, and FY 2028 $75,000.00 Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520830 Contract Number(s): #74000013457 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract amendment is subject to legal review and approval. The contract-specific Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise goal for this contract has been set to zero.    Not available Not available
26-0468 1  Contract AmendmentPROPOSED AUTHORITY TO EXERCISE CONTRACT EXTENSION OPTION Department(s): Department of Law Enforcement Vendor: Theodore Polygraph Service, Inc., Hillside, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend and increase contract Good(s) or Service(s): Polygraph services on candidates for sworn law enforcement positions. Original Contract Period: 1/1/2024 - 12/31/2026, with two (2) one-year renewal options Proposed Contract Period Extension: 1/1/2027 -12/31/2028 Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $150,000.00 Original Approval: 1/1/2024, $150,000.00. Previous Increase(s): N/A This Increase Requested: $100,000.00 Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2027 $50,000.00, and FY 2028 $50,000.00 Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520830 Contract Number(s): #74000013686 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract amendment is subject to legal review and approval. The contract-specific Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise goal for this contract has been set t   Not available Not available
26-0470 1  Previously Approved Item AmendmentPROPOSED PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ITEM AMENDMENT Department: Department of Facilities and Fleet Request: In connection with a previously board approved Intergovernment Agreement with the Illinois Finance Authority concerning the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at five (5) locations, it is respectfully requested that this proposed amendment be approved in order to: (1) revise the not-to-exceed amount payable by the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) for the cost-sharing of the EV charging stations; (2) provide authority to the General Superintendent to execute all ancillary documents necessary to effectuate the purposes of the Intergovernment Agreement, including, without limitation, site specific host agreements and project sign-off agreements detailing cost allocation; (3) add as an additional party the name of the EV charging station provider and installer, DynaChrg, Inc., and (4) add additional account numbers. Item Number: #26-0172 Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed 20% cost share or $135,000.00 for the installation expenses (incre   Not available Not available
26-0113 1  ReportREPORT Department: Department of Finance and Administration Request: Receive and File Report Title: Procurement and Disbursement Report Report Period: 9/1/2026 - 9/30/2026 Summary: Submitting the Procurement and Disbursement Report for the period of September 2026. The report is to be received and filed in compliance with Section 1-8-2 (BB) of the District’s Code of Ordinances.   Not available Not available
26-0466 1  ReportREPORT Department: Department of Planning and Development Request: Receive and File Report Title: 2027 Update to the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan Report Period: Five (5) Years, 2027-2031 Summary: This report is an annual update of capital improvement projects and funding needs for the next five (5) years (2027-2031). Capital improvement needs were identified by Forest Preserves’ staff, partner organizations, and members of the public. Requests for new or improved facilities, amenities, and infrastructure can be submitted at any time through the Forest Preserves’ website. The annual report draft can be downloaded from the Forest Preserves’ Capital Improvement Plan webpage via the Forest Preserves website. Comments may be submitted until the end of the year. The final report will be posted in January 2027.   Not available Not available
26-0471 1  ReportREPORT Department: Office of the General Superintendent Request: Receive and File Report Title: 2024 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Agreement 17-01038 Granted through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (“IDNR”) Summary: On 3/10/2026, via Board Item No. 26-0189, the Board of Commissioners authorized the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into a grant agreement on an expedited basis with IDNR for reimbursement of up to $1,150,000 in connection with the Forest Preserves’ acquisition of 25 acres in Barrington Hills in northwest Cook County (the “Property”), provided that the Forest Preserves reported back to the Board of Commissioners regarding the terms and conditions of any such grant agreement if so executed. The Forest Preserves hereby submits the executed grant agreement by and between the Forest Preserves and IDNR for Land and Water Conservation grant funding to support acquisition of the Property as required by Board Item No. 26-0189. The land has already been acquired by the Forest Preserves (See Board Items 23-0596, 23-059   Not available Not available
26-0477 1  ReportREPORT Department: Departments of Legal and Finance Request: Receive and File Report Title: Workers’ Compensation Report (September 2026) Report Period: 9/1/2026 - 9/30/2026 Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County Departments of Legal and Finance are submitting Workers’ Compensation Claim Payments for the month of September 2026. Payments total $186,944.81 for September 2026.   Not available Not available
26-0467 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 11/17/2026-12/14/2026 Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes. Tuesday, 11/17 through Monday, 12/14; 4:30pm-9pm Lightscape, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe Patrons can enjoy bold, artistic and unforgettable displays that are expertly curated each year at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate and step into an enchanting and showstopping 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights. Registration required. The cost may vary based on timeslot, age, and day of the week. For more information, please visit the website Wednesday, 11/18; 10am Nature Art Meetup, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest Participants can create independently with other artists. Participants can bring their own supplies, chairs, and laptops. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530. Wednesday, 11/18; 10am-12pm Photography Walk, Bemis Woods-South, Western Sp   Not available Not available