Meeting Details
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Meeting date/time:
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10/20/2026
10:00 AM
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Minutes status:
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Draft
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Meeting location:
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Cook County Building, Board Room, 118 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois
Issued On: 10/15/2026
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26-0118
| 1 | | | Report | 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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26-0193
| 1 | | | Ordinance | PROPOSED ORDINANCE
Ordinance for the Levy of Taxes for the Year 2026
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County:
Section 1. That this Ordinance is and the same is hereby termed the “Ordinance for the Levy of Taxes for the Year 2026.”
Section 2. That the Committee on Finance of the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois has considered the subject of the Annual Tax Levy for the year 2026 and the several sums necessary to be levied to meet the needs and requirements of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for said year and has recommended that this ordinance for the levy of taxes be adopted.
Section 3. That the Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, heretofore having approved and adopted the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for the year commencing January 1, 2026 at its meeting held November 18, 2025, which ordinance was published by authority of said Board as provided by law and which portion of said Appropriation Or | | |
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26-0420
| 1 | | | Ordinance | PROPOSED ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE A FOREST PRESERVE NEAR POPLAR CREEK LAND AND WATER RESERVE
AN ORDINANCE CREATING A FOREST PRESERVE in part of Section 15, Township 41 North, Range 9, East of the Third Principal Meridian, all in Cook County, Illinois near Poplar Creek Land and Water Reserve in District 15.
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois (the “District”), pursuant to the statutes in such case made and provided, has from time to time acquired by purchase, condemnation, gift, grant, devise, or otherwise, lands necessary and desirable for District purposes containing one or more natural forests or parts thereof, or lands connecting such forests or parts thereof, or lands capable of being reforested for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna, and scenic beauties within the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois, and to restore, restock, protect, and preserve the natural forests and said lands together with their flora and fauna, as nearly as may be, in their natural state and condi | | |
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26-0421
| 1 | | | Acquisition of Real Estate | PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE
Department(s): Legal Department
Other Part(ies): Roger R. Tuttle (Owner of Record)
Request: It is respectfully requested that this proposed purchase be approved.
Description of Real Estate: 253 Sutton Road, Unincorporated Hanover Township, Cook County, Illinois
Section: N/A
Parcel(s): 06-15-300-019-0000
THAT PART LYING NORTH OF LOT 5 IN SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTH EAST 1/4 OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 41 NORTH, RANGE 9, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 41 NORTH, RANGE 9, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, RECORDED AUGUST 12, 1971 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 21600790 AND LYING WITHIN THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED TRACT DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTH WEST CORNER OF SAID QUARTER SECTION; RUNNING THENCE EAST 1314 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 743 FEET 6 INCHES TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 2 DEGREES 37 MINUTES EAST 243 FEET TO A POINT, WHICH POINT OF THE BEGINNING OF TRACT OF LAND HEREIN DESCRIBED; RUNNING THENCE NORTH 2 DEGREES 37 MINUTES EAST 609 FEET 9 INCHES; THENCE WEST 780 FEET 6 INCHES | | |
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26-0360
| 1 | | | Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE OLD-GROWTH FOREST NETWORK TO INDUCT DEER GROVE WEST, BUSSE WOODS, CRANBERRY SLOUGH, AND SAUK TRAIL WOODS
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the "Forest Preserves") is committed to protecting, restoring, and stewarding the natural and cultural resources under its care for the benefit of current and future generations; and
WHEREAS, the Old-Growth Forest Network (“OGFN”) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to identifying, protecting, and promoting the nation's oldest forests and native woodlands; and
WHEREAS, only an estimated 5% of old-growth forests of the required age, size, and structural diversity remain in the west. Forests within the network are publicly accessible and protected from commercial logging, allowing present and future generations to experience native biodiversity and the beauty of nature; and
WHEREAS, participation in the OGFN demonstrates the Forest Preserves' continued commitment to conserving mature forest ecosystems, enhancing public appreciatio | | |
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26-0413
| 1 | | | Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR STATE PARTICIPATION WITH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (“IDOT”) FOR DES PLAINES TRAIL RECONSTRCUCTION AND TO PAY THE LOCAL SHARE OF ENGINEERING COSTS
WHEREAS, on September 17, 2024, the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution (Board Item No. 24-0360) authorizing the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to apply for an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (“ITEP”) grant, a federally funded grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) to support Phase II Engineering Services (“Engineering”) for 4.9 miles of improvements (now reduced to 3.73 miles), including an upgraded Metra rail crossing, a new bridge over Irving Park Road, and a boardwalk structure along the Des Plaines River Trail from Irving Park Road to Fullerton Road (known as Segments 5 and 6, Section No.: 19-00037-01-BT, Job No.: D-91-272-26), (hereafter the “Project”); and further committed the Forest Preserves to providing the require | | |
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26-0414
| 1 | | | Contract | PROPOSED CONTRACT
Department(s): Department of Planning and Development
Vendor: Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd., Rosemont, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Phase II Engineering Services for 4.8 miles of improvements, including an upgraded Metra rail crossing, a new bridge over Irving Park Road, and boardwalk structure along the Des Plaines River Trail from Irving Park Road to Fullerton Road (known as Segments 5 and 6).
Contract Value: $2,882,830.00 ($2,799,938.00 plus $82,892.00 to maximize the grant award)
Contract Period: 11/1/2026 - 10/31/2029, with two (2) one-year optional renewals (to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent)
Estimated Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed $2,882,830.00. FY 2026 $144,141.50, FY 2027 $1,441,415.00, FY 2028 $864,849.00, FY 2029 $432,424.50 (with up to 90% to be reimbursed by an IDOT grant)
Accounts: Professional Services (51009.520830, 51010.520830, 51029.520830, 51033.520830, 51034.520830, 51036.520830, | | |
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26-0415
| 1 | | | Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
2027 BOARD AGENDA MEETING ANNUAL CALENDAR DATES AND LOCATIONS
WHEREAS, in accordance with Title 1, Chapter 5, Section 4-1(a) of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Code of Ordinances, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners shall hold regular meetings pursuant to an annual calendar adopted by resolution of the Board; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 2.03 of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, every public body shall give public notice of the schedule of regular meetings at the beginning of each calendar or fiscal year and shall state the regular dates, times and places of such meetings; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by President Toni Preckwinkle and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners (the “Board”):
1. That the Board shall hold its regular meetings of the Board on the following dates during calendar year 2027, the time for holding the specified meetings is 10:00 a.m., local time:
Tuesday, January 26
Tuesday, February 9
Tuesday, March 9
Tuesday, April 13
Tuesday, May 11
Tuesday, June | | |
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26-0426
| 1 | | | Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR NON-UNION EMPLOYEES
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners passed resolutions to approve salary schedule, wage adjustments and healthcare plan revisions for non-union employees during Fiscal Years (FY) 2021 - 2025 on June 14, 2022 (Board Item No. 22-0132) and September 19, 2024 (Board Item No. 24-0335); and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer, Comptroller and Interim Director of Human Resources recommend the one-time payment and salary adjustments below to the previously approved salary adjustments and general wage increases approved for non-union employees on June 14, 2022 (Board Item No. 22-0132) and September 19, 2024 (Board Item No. 24-0335); and
a) Effective upon board approval, a $2,500 one-time payment to be paid to full-time non-union employees in active status on December 31, 2025 on payroll closest to forty-five (45) days after approval by Board, provided, however, the following employees shall be excluded from such payment: (1) seasonal employees, (2) employees with a current annual sal | | |
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26-0355
| 1 | | | Partnership Agreement | PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into a Partnership Agreement with 2110 44th Road, Sheridan LLC d/b/a Bee All About It, Villa Park, Illinois.
Reason: Bee All About It is a local company engaged in many aspects of beekeeping. Since early 2021, Bee All About It has maintained approximately eight (8) to ten (10) beehives at the River Trail Nature Center on a volunteer basis. The hives are primarily occupied by honeybees which cohabit well in the environment with native bees and other pollinators. In October of 2021, the Forest Preserves entered into a Partnership Agreement with Bee All About It (Board Item No. 21-0439). The Forest Preserves now seeks to extend its relationship with Bee All About It with a new partnership agreement. Under the proposed agreement, Bee All About It will continue to manage the hives and will be reimbursed by the Forest Preserves up to $1,000.00 annually for supplies purchased in connection with the hives and beekeeping, not including the bees. Addition | | |
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26-0431
| 1 | | | Partnership Agreement | PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into a Partnership Agreement with Shedd Aquarium Society d/b/a John G. Shedd Aquarium (“Shedd”), Chicago, Illinois.
Reason: The Forest Preserves desires to partner with Shedd to conduct at least five (5) acres of restoration work at Bob Mann and Skokie Lagoons in Central and North Cook County. The project aims to restore and enhance the ecological integrity of habitat at the site through invasive species management. The project will improve habitat quality for declining amphibian species, as well as other species of conservation concern.
The work will be conducted at no direct cost to the Forest Preserves. The work is valued currently at approximately $5,000.00 annually.
Contract Period: Five (5) years from the date of execution, with one (1) five-year renewal option to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent.
Fiscal Impact: N/A. The project will be conducted at no direct cost to the Forest Preserves, which may provide i | | |
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26-0417
| 1 | | | Grant Award | PROPOSED GRANT AWARD
Department: Department of Resource Management
Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”)
Grantor: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”)
Request: Authorization to accept grant
Purpose: Authorization is sought for the Forest Preserves to accept a grant and enter into a grant agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore and enhance 51 acres of habitat and support a variety of community engagement activities at Bemis Woods.
Grant Amount: $135,500.00
Grant Period: 9/11/2026 (retroactive) - 9/30/2029
Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed $136,500.00 in direct match, which includes $10,000.00 of in-kind support for a variety of wildlife monitoring, prescribed burns, and volunteer engagement activities undertaken in association with the project.
Accounts: Professional Services 51037.520840; 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 agreement is subject to lega | | |
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26-0375
| 1 | | | Intergovernmental Agreement | PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Department: Department of Planning and Development
Other Part(ies): Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”)
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the "Forest Preserves") to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”) regarding infrastructure repairs
Goods or Services: The Forest Preserves and IDOT would like to cooperate in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of emergency repair of a culvert headwall and other infrastructure in the Harlem Avenue right-of-way (“ROW”) at Tinley Creek.
Agreement Number(s): #26-0375
Agreement Period: 10/20/2026 - 10/19/2031
Fiscal Impact: Not to Exceed $300,000.00 ($250,000.00 estimate plus 20% contingency) to be fully reimbursed by IDOT
Accounts: Land Improvements 51010.560060 Grant Accounts
District(s): 17
Summary: While inspecting portions of the Forest Preserves’ Tinley Creek Trail at Harlem Avenue, Forest Preserves staff discovered a severely deteriorated culvert headwall in the Harlem Avenue ROW. Forest Preserves staff have reque | | |
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26-0436
| 1 | | | Intergovernmental Agreement | PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Department: Office of the General Superintendent
Other Part(ies): Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability, Cook County, Illinois
Request: Authorization to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (“DES”) for the purpose of sharing membership dues and other costs regarding ICLEI USA - Local Governments for Sustainability, U.S.A., Inc. (“ICLEI USA”).
Goods or Services: ICLEI USA - Local Governments for Sustainability, U.S.A., Inc. Membership and Related Services
Agreement Number(s): N/A
Agreement Period: 12/1/2026 - 11/30/2029
Fiscal Impact: N/A (Each party is directly responsible for its own share of the membership cost.)
Accounts: N/A
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) seeks authorization from the Board of Commissioners to enter into a three (3) year Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) with DES to share the costs of membership and other services with ICLEI USA.
This MOA is part of a coor | | |
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26-0423
| 2 | | | Contract | PROPOSED CONTRACT
Department(s): Office of the General Superintendent
Vendor: ICLEI USA- Local Governments for Sustainability, U.S.A., Inc., Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): ICLEI USA- Local Governments for Sustainability, U.S.A., Inc. Membership and Related Services
Contract Value: $20,000.00
Contract Period: 12/1/2026 - 11/30/2029
Estimated Fiscal Impact: Not to Exceed $20,000.00 (FY 2026 $14,852.00, FY 2027 $1,716.00, FY 2028 $1,716.00, FY 2029 $1,716.00)
Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520840
Contract Number(s): #74000019049
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The Forest Preserves seeks authorization to enter into a three-year sole-source membership agreement with ICLEI USA - Local Governments for Sustainability, U.S.A., Inc. (“ICLEI USA”) for membership services from December 2026 through November 2029. | | |
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26-0112
| 1 | | | Report | REPORT
Department: Department of Finance and Administration
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: Procurement and Disbursement Report
Report Period: 8/1/2026 - 8/31/2026
Summary: Submitting the Procurement and Disbursement Report for the period of August 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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26-0411
| 1 | | | Report | REPORT
Department: Conservation and Experiential Programming
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: University of Illinois Extension Quarterly updates for Quarters 1, 2 and 3, 2026
Report Period: 1/1/2026 to 9/30/2026
Summary: University of Illinois Extension Director Willene Buffett will present a quarterly report on Extension activities in the Forest Preserves of Cook County from January through September of 2026. In the future, this quarterly report will be presented twice a year, in January for the previous year’s final two quarters and in July for the first two quarters. The report will highlight the Extension’s programming and engagement, which are supported annually by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. It will include information on Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, Conservation@Home, volunteer hours and impact, and other programming conducted by Extension teams in the Forest Preserves. | | |
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26-0422
| 1 | | | Report | REPORT
Department: Office of the General Superintendent
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: Conservation & Policy Council Letter Regarding the Proposed 2027 Budget
Summary: Pursuant to the Forest Preserves of Cook County Code of Ordinances, Section 1-18-1(D), the Conservation & Policy Council is submitting a letter to the Board of Commissioners regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The letter provides the Council’s recommendation in support of approval of the proposed budget for the Board’s consideration. | | |
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26-0428
| 1 | | | Report | REPORT
Department: Departments of Legal and Finance
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: Workers’ Compensation Report (August 2026)
Report Period: 8/1/2026 - 8/31/2026
Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County Departments of Legal and Finance are submitting Workers’ Compensation Claim Payments for the month of August 2026. Payments total $94,753.82 for August 2026. | | |
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26-0424
| 1 | | | Calendar of Events | PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 10/20/2026-11/16/2026
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Wednesday, 10/21; 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.
Saturday, 10/24; 2pm-5pm
Spooky Stories and S’mores, Thatcher Woods Pavilion, River Forest
Participants can trick-or-treat, paint a pumpkin, listen to spooky stories and more. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes. This program is presented with the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library. For more information, please call (312)533-5751 or visit the website.
Saturday, 10/24; 6pm
Birding is Accessible: Owl Edition, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Patrons can enjoy a slow-paced accessible stroll to search for owls. Registration | | |
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