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Meeting Name: FPD Board of Commissioners Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 11/18/2025 10:00 AM Minutes status: Draft  
Meeting location: Cook County Building, Board Room, 118 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois
Issued On: 11/13/2025
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Not available  
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25-0381 1  Consent Calendar ResolutionPROPOSED RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY AND ITS PARTNERS FOR RECEIVING MULTIPLE AWARDS FOR PLANNING & IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO THE DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL WHEREAS, in 2025, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) and its partners received four significant awards recognizing the Des Plaines River Trail for planning and trail improvement efforts; and WHEREAS, in February 2025, the Des Plaines River Trail received the Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies, Illinois Chapter, recognizing engineering excellence and honoring projects that demonstrate innovation, creative problem-solving, and engineering’s unique ability to improve communities; and WHEREAS, in April 2025, the Des Plaines River Trail received the Advancing Trails Award from American Trails, in the trail design and planning category, which recognizes a trail project demonstrating innovative planning and design techniques, while incorporating accessibility and making a positive impact to the community; and WHEREAS, in Ju   Not available Not available
25-0242 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
25-0393 1  OrdinancePROPOSED ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE A FOREST PRESERVE NEAR SPRING LAKE AN ORDINANCE CREATING A FOREST PRESERVE in part of Section 16, Township 42 North, Range 9, East of the Third Principal Meridian, all in Cook County, Illinois near Spring Lake 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 condition, for the purpose of the education, pleasure, and    Not available Not available
25-0394 1  Acquisition of Real EstatePROPOSED ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE Department: Legal Department Other Part(ies): Gulzina Eshbaeva (Owner of Record) Request: It is respectfully requested that this proposed purchase be approved. Description of Real Estate: 316 Old Sutton Road, Barrington Hills, Cook County, Illinois Section: N/A Parcel(s): PIN: 01-16-102-003-0000 THAT PART OF THE SOUTH 710.00 FEET OF THE EAST 768.00 FEET OF THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF THE NORTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 16, TOWNSHIP 42 NORTH, RANGE 9 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, LYING NORTH OF THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF ROUTE 62 (ALGONQUIN ROAD), IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 237,402 SQUARE FEET, OR 5.45 ACRES, MORE OR LESS Fiscal Impact: $600,000.00 purchase price plus closing costs up to $10,000.00 (up to $610,000.00 in total). Accounts: Real Estate and Land Acquisition Fund 51006.560010 District(s): 15 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 Spring Lake (th   Not available Not available
25-0395 1  OrdinancePROPOSED 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, pleasure, a   Not available Not available
25-0396 1  Acquisition of Real EstatePROPOSED ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE Department(s): Legal Department Other Part(ies): 1016A, LLC (Owner of Record) Request: It is respectfully requested that this proposed purchase be approved. Description of Real Estate: 3803 Gladstone Avenue, Unincorporated Riverside Township, Illinois Section: N/A Parcel(s): PIN: 15-36-313-032-0000 THE NORTH 12.5 FEET OF LOT 28 AND ALL OF LOTS 29 AND 30 IN BLOCK 8 IN RIVERSIDE LAWN, A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 14,061 SQUARE FEET, OR 0.32 ACRES, MORE OR LESS Fiscal Impact: $125,000.00 purchase price plus closing costs up to $10,000.00 (up to $135,000.00 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    Not available Not available
25-0378 1  ReappointmentPROPOSED REAPPOINTMENT Appointee(s): Ryen Nagle, Daisy Feidt, and Brandon Hayes Position: Council Members Department/Board/Commission: Conservation and Policy Council Effective Date: 1/1/2026 Expiration Date: 12/31/2028 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 re-appointment of Ryen Nagle, Daisy Feidt, and Brandon Hayes 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-appointments. 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   Not available Not available
25-0331 1  ReportREPORT Department: Department of Resource Management Request: Refer to Environment and Sustainability Committee Report Title: Chicago Wilderness Alliance Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan Report Period: August 2013 - June 2024 Summary: The Chicago Wilderness Alliance Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan (“CWPP”) was developed to guide wildfire mitigation and facilitate fire adapted communities in Lake, Cook, McHenry, Kane, DuPage and Will counties. The purpose of this CWPP is to: 1) reduce loss due to wildfires, 2) promote effective wildfire response, 3) bring awareness to land management in the wildland-urban interface, 4) promote effective fuels management, and 5) educate the public on wildfire prevention and mitigation. This plan reflects the collaborative effort and input of numerous community members, emergency responders, local organizations, and stakeholders from each of the six (6) represented counties to develop a comprehensive strategy to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfire risks in our region. Collaborators may use the risk analys   Not available Not available
25-0379 1  Grant AwardPROPOSED GRANT AWARD Department: Office of the General Superintendent Grantee: The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) Grantor: National Recreation and Park Association Request: Authorization to accept grant and to enter into grant agreement Purpose: Grant award for up to $15,000.00 from the National Recreation and Park Association through the Heart Your Park Volunteer Days grant program for the creation of a Trash Bash event at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont, Illinois. Grant Amount: $15,000.00 Grant Period: Date of execution - 6/30/2026 Fiscal Impact: N/A Accounts: Grant Fund 51010.521314 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval. District(s): 17 Summary: The Forest Preserves is the recipient of a National Recreation and Park Association Heart Your Park Volunteer Days grant to support the creation of a Trash Bash event at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont, Illinois. The Forest Preserves currently hosts three Trash Bash events    Not available Not available
25-0383 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 to accept grant funding to support signage and wayfinding improvements to the Palos and Sag Valley Trail System. The Forest Preserves' Palos complex - which includes Swallow Cliff, Red Gate Woods, and other preserves - lies in southwest Cook County and is over 10,000 acres in size. Grant Amount: $40,000.00 Grant Period: 9/1/2025 (retroactive) - 8/31/2027 Fiscal Impact: N/A Accounts: Land Improvement 51009.560019, 51010.560019, 510034.560019; and future Construction & Development accounts Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval. District(s): 16 Summary: The Forest Preserves has been aw   Not available Not available
25-0401 1  Grant Award AmendmentPROPOSED GRANT AWARD AMENDMENT Department: Department of Planning and Development Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) Grantor: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Springfield, Illinois Request: Authorization to extend grant agreement Purpose: Authorization to extend original grant agreement for a project to conduct improvements of the Gold Star Memorial within Dan Ryan Woods in Chicago, Illinois in Cook County. Supplemental Grant Amount: N/A Grant Period: 12/1/2023 - 11/30/2025 Extension Period: 12/1/2025 - 11/30/2026 Fiscal Impact: N/A (No increase to original match in an amount not to exceed $44,000.00) Accounts: Professional Services 51009.520830, 51010.520830, 51033.520830, 51034.520830; Land Improvements 51009.560019, 51010.560019, 51033.560019, 51034.560019; and all future Construction & Development accounts Date of Previous Board Authorization for Grant: 2/27/2024 Previous Grant Amount: $100,000.00 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final amendment is subject t   Not available Not available
25-0389 1  ContractPROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet Vendor: Brackenbox, Inc., Markham, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Spoils removal services Contract Value: $750,000.00 Contract Period: 12/1/2025 - 11/30/2028, plus one (1) two-year extension option to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent. Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2025 $12,500.00, FY 2026 $150,000.00, FY 2027 $150,000.00, FY 2028 $150,000.00, FY 2029 $150,000.00 (Optional), FY 2030 $137,500.00 (Optional) Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520840; and all future Construction and Development funds Contract Number(s): #74000017100 issued under Project 25-53-012767 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval. The contract-specific Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise goal for this contract was set to zero. District(s): Districtwide Summary: The Forest Preserves would li   Not available Not available
25-0390 1  ContractPROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Department of Resource Management Vendor: Vega Tree Service, Inc., Northlake, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Expansion of the pre-qualified vendor pool for districtwide tree removal and forestry services Contract Value: Not to exceed $500,000.00 per calendar year (or $1,500,000.00 over the entire term). With the addition of this seventh vendor to the pre-qualified vendor pool, the not-to-exceed amount of the entire pool increases from $15,000,000.00 to $16,500,000.00 Contract Period: 11/30/2025 - 6/30/2028 Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2025 $0.00, FY 2026 $500,000.00, FY 2027 $500,000.00, FY 2028 $500,000.00 Accounts: Professional Services 51036.520840; Grant and Mitigation 51010.521314 and 51010.521444; and all future Professional Services accounts Contract Number(s): #74000017151 issued under RFQ #25-31-106R Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and appr   Not available Not available
25-0397 1  Previously Approved Item AmendmentPROPOSED PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ITEM AMENDMENT Department: Legal Department Request: It is respectfully requested that this proposed amendment be approved in order to reflect revised acquisition deal terms, including (1) decreasing the purchasing price from $3,500,000 to $3,250,000, and (2) decreasing number of acres to be acquired from approximately 74.60 to 53. Item Number: 25-0126 Original Text of Item: PROPOSED PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE Department(s): Legal Department Other Part(ies): Hermann M. Caly Family Trust; 780 Group, LLC, an Illinois Limited Liability Company; Geh Day Holding Company, LLC, an Illinois Limited Liability Company (Owners of Record) Request: It is respectfully requested that this proposed purchase be approved. Description of Real Estate: Part of 20 Freeman Road & 18 N Freeman Road, South Barrington, Illinois Section: N/A Parcel(s): PINs: Part of 01-25-401-004-0000 & 01-25-401-003-0000 PARCEL 1 That part of Lot 1 in Geh Day Farm, being a subdivision of the East half of the Southeast Quarter of Section 25, Township 42 North, Range    Not available Not available
25-0090 1  ReportREPORT Department: Department of Finance and Administration Request: Receive and File Report Title: Procurement and Disbursement Report Report Period: 9/1/2025 - 9/30/2025 Summary: Submitting the Procurement and Disbursement Report for the period of September 2025. 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
25-0399 1  ReportREPORT Department: Departments of Legal and Finance Request: Receive and File Report Title: Workers’ Compensation Report (September 2025) Report Period: 9/1/2025 - 9/30/2025 Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County Departments of Legal and Finance are submitting Workers’ Compensation Claim Payments for the month of September 2025. Payments total $63,281.13 for September 2025.   Not available Not available
25-0382 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 11/18/2025 - 12/15/2025 Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes. Friday, through Monday, 11/14-1/4/2026; 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 Chicago Botanic Garden’s website. Tuesday, 11/18; 9am-3pm Mental Health First Aid Training, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington Patrons can learn about mental health and the training techniques to help those in    Not available Not available