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Meeting date/time:
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6/10/2025
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: 6/5/2025
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25-0212
| 1 | | | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING THE CAREER AND HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MARTIN HASLER
WHEREAS, on March 7, 1983, Martin (Marty) Hasler was sworn in as patrol officer for the City of Berwyn, Illinois and over the next thirty (30) years, moved up the ranks from Detective, to Sergeant, to Watch Commander, to Division Commander; and
WHEREAS, in 2013, Marty worked as a Law Enforcement Professional with Engility Corporation and was deployed to Afghanistan where he trained the United States Army and the Afghan National Army on law enforcement-based operations; and
WHEREAS, upon returning from Afghanistan, Marty joined the Forest Preserves of Cook County in 2014 as Deputy Commander for the Department of Law Enforcement; and
WHEREAS, as Deputy Commander, Marty supervised sergeants and officers, managed the Field Training Program, conducted Internal Affairs Investigations and served as the Command Staff Supervisor of the FPCC-PD Investigations Unit. He managed law enforcement support for the Forest Preserves’ biggest events, including Maple Syrup Festival, Fall Festival, Frees | | |
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25-0230
| 1 | | | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING SHEDD AQUARIUM FOR RECEIVING AN OUTSTANDING SUPPORT ORGANIZATION AWARD FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION OFFICIALS
WHEREAS, in June 2025, Shedd Aquarium (Shedd) was honored with an Outstanding Support Organization award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials that recognizes organizations that make a significant contribution to benefit park and recreation programs, facilities, operations, or organizational support; and
WHEREAS, Shedd, a world-renowned aquarium, research and conservation institution and long-time partner of the Forest Preserves of Cook County (Forest Preserves), was recognized for its efforts to protect, restore, and research freshwater ecosystems with the Forest Preserves and to develop environmental education opportunities for visitors, local communities, and students of all ages; and
WHEREAS, Shedd biologists monitor and study the health and populations of frogs, salamanders, turtles and mussels and other wetlands species who make the forest preserves their home, in order t | | |
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25-0237
| 1 | | | Ordinance Amendment | PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Title 1 - Administrative, Chapter 5 - Forest Preserve District President and Board of Commissioners Rules of Organization and Procedure, Section 2-6 - Standing Committees of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Code of Ordinances is hereby amended as Follows:
Sec. 2-6. Standing Committees.
The standing committees of the Board, their standing subcommittees and the number of members to be appointed to each (including Chair and Vice-Chair) are as follows:
AUDIT (7) (Chief Financial Officer shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Audit Committee)
BOTANIC GARDEN (9)
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION (9)
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE (9) (11)
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY (7)
FINANCE (Committee of the Whole) with the following subcommittees with the number of members indicated:
Labor (9)
Litigation (7)
Workers' Compensa | | |
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25-0236
| 1 | | | Previously Approved Item Amendment | PROPOSED PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ITEM AMENDMENT
AMENDING RESOLUTION 25-0083 - APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, CHAIRS AND VICE-CHAIRS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES AND SUBCOMMITTEES AND MEMBERS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND SUBCOMMITTEES OF THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, that, effective upon passage, the following Commissioners are designated and appointed as President Pro Tempore, Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of the Standing Committees and Subcommittees of the Board.
Section 1. The President Pro Tempore of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners shall be Commissioner Daley.
Section 2. The Chair, Vice-Chair and members of the committees and of the subcommittees of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners shall be as follows:
AUDIT (7 members)
Chair: Degnen
Vice-Chair: S. Morrison
Members: Aguilar, Anaya, Britton, Lowry, Miller
BOTANIC GARDEN (9 members)
Chair: Britton
Vice-Chai | | |
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25-0221
| 1 | | | Ordinance | PROPOSED ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE A FOREST PRESERVE NEAR CERMAK WOODS
AN ORDINANCE CREATING A FOREST PRESERVE in part of Section 36, Township 39 North, Range 12, East of the Third Principal Meridian, all in Cook County, Illinois near Cermak Woods in District 16.
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 condition, for the purpose of the education, pleas | | |
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25-0222
| 1 | | | Acquisition of Real Estate | PROPOSED PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE
Department(s): Legal Department
Other Part(ies): 3850 Columbus LLC (Owner of Record)
Request: It is respectfully requested that this proposed purchase be approved.
Description of Real Estate: 3850 Columbus Blvd, Unincorporated Riverside Township, Cook County, Illinois
Section: N/A
Parcel(s): PIN: 15-36-310-012-0000
LOT 10 IN BLOCK 5 IN RIVERSIDE LAWN, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 6,098 SQUARE FEET, OR 0.14 ACRES, MORE OR LESS.
Fiscal Impact: $130,000.00 purchase price plus closing costs up to $10,000.00 (up to $140,000.00 in total).
Accounts: Real Estate and Land Acquisition Fund 51006.560010
District(s): 16
Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) has identified a parcel of land for acquisition that would add to the Forest Preserves’ current holdings near Cermak Woods (the “Property”). The Property, commonly known as 3850 Columbus Blvd, Unincorporated Riverside Towns | | |
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25-0213
| 1 | | | Ordinance | PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
FEE SCHEDULE
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Schedule 22 of the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for the year commencing January 1, 2025 is hereby amended as follows:
TYPE Hourly Rate Discount Hourly Rate
Row Boat $30 $25
Single Kayak $25 $20 $22.50
Tandem Kayak $35 $30 $31.50
Canoe $30 $25
Electric Motor Boat $30 $25
Pedal Boat $30 $27
Fishing Boat with $35 $31.50
Battery and Trolling Motor
*Discount days apply to Mondays during the season
*Veterans, students and seniors, with proper documentation, may qualify for a reduced rate of 10% on stated Boat House rental fees only at the Maple Lake Boathouse.
*Fees listed above represent not to exceed fees that the District's vendor may charge
Effective date: This ordinance amendment shall | | |
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25-0196
| 1 | | | Ordinance Amendment | PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
AMENDMENT TO ETHICS ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Title 1 - Administrative, Chapter 13 - Code of Ethical Conduct, Sections 1-13-1 and 1-13-2 of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Code of Ordinances are hereby amended as Follows:
1-13-1: DEFINITIONS.
1-13-2: CODE OF CONDUCT.
Click for full text:
Effective date: This ordinance amendment shall be in effect immediately upon adoption. | | |
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25-0216
| 1 | | | Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF AN ADDITION TO BUSSE FOREST NATURE PRESERVE
WHEREAS, on May 13, 2025, at the 250th meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, a 767-acre expansion of Busse Forest Nature Preserve was approved for dedication and registration as an Illinois Nature Preserve; and
WHEREAS, dedication of a site as a nature preserve provides the highest level of protection for land in Illinois, and is granted only to natural areas of exceptional ecological or cultural significance; and
WHEREAS, this dedication and registration expands the boundaries of the existing 446-acre Busse Forest Nature Preserve by 493 acres, and adds 274 acres of adjacent buffer to the site located in Elk Grove Village in northwest Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Busse Forest Nature Preserve was first dedicated in 1965 as Illinois’ third nature preserve, and with these additions is now recognized as the 7th largest nature preserve in the state; and
WHEREAS, the site consists of high-quality remnant mesic upland forest, dry-mesic woodland, northern flatwoods, and freshw | | |
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25-0233
| 1 | | | Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY BOARD RESOLUTION FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS)
WHEREAS, in 2003, Homeland Security Directive (HSPD)-5 directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management System (NIMS), which would provide a consistent nationwide approach for Federal, State, and local governments to work together more effectively and efficiently to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity; and
WHEREAS, the collective input and guidance from all Federal, State, and local homeland security partners has been, and will continue to be, vital to the development, effective implementation and utilization of a comprehensive NIMS; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable that all Federal, State, and local emergency agencies and personnel coordinate their efforts to effectively and efficiently provide the highest levels of incident management; and
WHEREAS, to facilitate the most efficient and effect | | |
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25-0235
| 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 the American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
Reason: The proposed agreement will authorize the Forest Preserves to participate in the American Fisheries Society’s Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, a paid summer internship and mentoring initiative that recruits high school students from underrepresented backgrounds to engage in fisheries science and aquatic resource management. The 8-week summer program will provide an intern the opportunity to get hands-on experience alongside Forest Preserves fisheries biologists to manage lakes and fish populations in Cook County. Said intern will receive hands-on training in ecological restoration, monitoring, data collection, and analysis while exploring careers in fisheries conservation. The American Fisheries Society will recruit the interns for the program, while the Forest Preserves staff will supervise their daily programmatic activities.
Contract Peri | | |
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25-0183
| 1 | | | Contract | PROPOSED CONTRACT
Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet
Vendor: Atlas Bobcat, LLC, Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Two (2) T770 T4 Bobcat Compact Track Loader 44 with options
Contract Value: $147,702.15
Contract Period: One-time purchase
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2025 $147,702.15
Accounts: ARPA 51032.560265; and Construction and Development 51031.560105
Contract Number(s): #7400016289
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval.
Piggyback contract based on a Cooperative Procurement Agreement with no MWBE participation goals.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County is requesting the purchase of an additional two (2) T770 T4 Bobcat Compact Track Loader 44 with options. Previous purchase of one (1) Bobcat Model T770 Track Loader with various attachments was approved by the Forest Preserves of Cook County Bo | | |
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25-0228
| 1 | | | Contract | PROPOSED CONTRACT
Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet
Vendor: Johnson Controls Security Solutions, LLC, Oak Brook, Illinois (Formerly operated as Tyco Integrated Security)
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Contract for Monitoring of Fire Alarm Services and associated specific pieces of equipment
Contract Value: $3,420.00
Contract Period: Five (5) years from the Date of Execution; after initial 5-year term, agreement auto renews annually until terminated
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2025 $342.00, FY 2026 $684.00, FY 2027 $684.00, FY 2028 $684.00, FY 2029 $684.00, FY 2030 $342.00
Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520840
Contract Number(s): #74000016341
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval.
The Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Ordinance is not applicable due to the contract value per year being equal to or less than $25,000.00.
District(s): 16
Summary: Th | | |
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25-0234
| 1 | | | Contract | PROPOSED CONTRACT
Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet
Vendor: Trane U.S. Inc., Davidson, North Carolina
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): HVAC Products, Installation, Labor Based Solutions and Related Products and Services
Contract Value: $1,000,000.00
Contract Period: Date of Execution through 8/31/2027, with one (1) five-year optional renewal 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 2025 $71,000.00, FY 2026 $142,000.00, FY 2027 $142,000.00, FY 2028 $142,000.00, FY 2029 $142,000.00, FY 2030 $142,000.00, FY 2031 $142,000.00, FY 2032 $77,000.00
Accounts: Property Maintenance 51001.540350
Contract Number(s): #74000016196 (Piggyback Contract - Omnia Partners Contract #3341
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval.
The Vendor has met the | | |
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25-0210
| 1 | | | Contract Amendment | PROPOSED AUTHORITY TO EXERCISE CONTRACT EXTENSION OPTION
Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet
Vendor: A B Petroleum Services, Inc., Crystal Lake, Illinois
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend and increase contract
Good(s) or Service(s): Supply and delivery of unleaded and diesel fuel
Original Contract Period: 7/6/2021 - 7/5/2025 with three (3) one-year optional renewal extensions to be exercised with the approval of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners.
Proposed Contract Period Extension: 7/6/2025 - 7/5/2026
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $3,975,307.60
Original Approval: 6/22/2021, $3,125,897.60; Amended 7/27/2021 $3,125,307.60
Previous Increase(s): 11/22/2024, $150,000.00 Administrative Increase; and 12/17/2024, $700,000.00 Board Approved
This Increase Requested: $1,200,000.00
Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2025 $600,000.00, FY 2026 $600,000.00
Accounts: Automotive Operation and Maintenance 51001.540250
Contract Number(s): #74000009187 issued under solicitation #21 | | |
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25-0211
| 1 | | | Report | REPORT
Department: Department of Permits, Rentals and Concessions
Request: Refer to Finance Committee
Report Title: 2024 Fee Waiver and Discount Report
Report Period: 1/1/2024 - 12/31/2024
Summary: Under the Forest Preserves of Cook County Code of Ordinances, certain discounts are granted to veteran or non-profit organizations with respect to recreational use of Forest Preserves of Cook County property or amenities. Additional discounts may be offered at the discretion of the General Superintendent. The Forest Preserves of Cook County implemented a Fee Waiver Policy (Policy Number: 02.30.00) establishing the process for when discounts or waivers would be granted. The policy requires an annual report to the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners on discounts and waivers for the sake of transparency. The Fee Waiver and Discount Report describes specific discount categories and various passes issued pursuant to Forest Preserves of Cook County Board Approved Resolution No. 16-0314, approved July 12, 2016.
In 2024, the Forest Preserves of Cook County issued a to | | |
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25-0197
| 1 | | | Interagency Agreement Amendment | PROPOSED INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Department(s): Office of the General Superintendent
Other Part(ies): Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, Illinois
Request: To extend an agreement between the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) and the Chicago Zoological Society (the “Zoo”) for a period of one (1) year to allow time to adequately consider and negotiate a new agreement
Good(s) or Service(s): Maintenance and operation of a zoological park on lands of the Forest Preserves, commonly known as the Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Agreement Period: 4/8/1986 - 4/7/2026
Proposed Extension: 4/8/2026 - 4/7/2027
Fiscal Impact: N/A (other than funding through annual budget appropriation)
Accounts: N/A
Agreement Number(s): N/A
District(s): 16
Summary: The Forest Preserves and the Zoo seek authorization to amend Section 15 of the April 8, 1986 “Agreement Between the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois and the Chicago Zoological Society For the Maintenance and Operation of a Zoological Park on Lands of the Forest Preserve District,” to ext | | |
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25-0242
| 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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25-0029
| 1 | | | Report | REPORT
Department: Department of Finance and Administration
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: Procurement and Disbursement Report
Report Period: 4/1/2025 - 4/30/2025
Summary: Submitting the Procurement and Disbursement Report for the period of April 2025. 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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25-0226
| 1 | | | Report | REPORT
Department: Departments of Legal and Finance
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: Workers’ Compensation Report - April 2025
Report Period: 4/1/2025 - 4/30/2025
Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County Departments of Legal and Finance are submitting Workers’ Compensation Claim Payments for the month of April 2025. Payments total $108,714.24 for April 2025. | | |
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25-0215
| 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 6/10/2025 - 6/30/2025.
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County website for updates and changes.
Wednesday, 6/11; 8pm
Women’s Night Out: Full Moon Empowerment, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Join us for an evening designed to empower, connect and inspire women. Registration required. For women, ages 18 and up. The cost is $10 per person. Please call (847)824-8360.
Thursday, 6/12; 5pm-7pm
Wellness in Woods: Gardening 101, Caldwell Wellness Center, Chicago
Join us for a series of talks about gardening and the incredible effect plants can have on your well-being. Registration required. Please call (773)758-8899.
Saturday, 6/14; 8am-10am
Birding Is Accessible, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Join us for a short, slow-paced 0.3-mile walk along our ADA-accessible Pines Trail followed by a feeder watch. Registration required. Please call (708)868-0606.
Saturday, 6/14; 9am-12pm
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