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Meeting Name: FPD Board of Commissioners Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 12/16/2025 10:00 AM Minutes status: Draft  
Meeting location: Cook County Building, Board Room, 118 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois
Issued On: 12/11/2025
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Not available  
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25-0438 1  Consent Calendar ResolutionPROPOSED RESOLUTION HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SHARON WILLIAMS-WATKINS TO THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY WHEREAS, Ms. Sharon Williams-Watkins served in various capacities at the Forest Preserves of Cook County from November 2013 to December 2025, being an integral part of the leadership team for over seven years; and WHEREAS, Sharon’s professional journey has been supported by a strong academic foundation, including earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Business at Chicago State University, and later completing a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development and Management at National Louis University - achievements that reflect her commitment to growth, leadership, and service; and WHEREAS, her career began in Human Resources and Accounting roles in Cook County government and the private sector, as well as being an instructor at Moraine Valley Community College where she taught computer applications and accounting principles; and WHEREAS, Sharon began working at the Cook County Clerk’s Office in March 1992, supervising a team in the Accounting Division that ov   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
25-0423 1  Partnership AgreementPROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into a Partnership Agreement with the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”) and the Beverly Area Arts Alliance (the “Alliance”) for the preservation, restoration, operation and long-term maintenance of the Eugene S. Pike House located at 1826 W. 91st Street, Chicago, Illinois (the “Pike House”). Reason: This former watchman residence that was built in 1894 has fallen into disrepair and requires significant expenditure to restore the building. Under the proposed agreement, the building and adjacent yard area, approximately 0.3 acres (the “Licensed Area”), would be restored and maintained by the Foundation and the Alliance as a community center at no cost to the Forest Preserves for uses that support the Forest Preserves mission by providing nature-based education, recreation and cultural opportunities. The critical repairs necessary to stabilize and preserve the Pike House would need to be completed by the Foundation within th   Not available Not available
25-0400 1  ReportREPORT Department: Department of Planning and Development Request: Refer to Capital Development & Ecological Restoration Committee Report Title: 2026 Update to the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan Report Period: Five (5) Years, 2026-2030 Summary: This report is an annual update of capital improvement projects and funding needs for the next five (5) years (2026-2030). 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 the Capital Improvement Plan webpage on the Forest Preserves website. The draft report and appendix can be downloaded from the Forest Preserves’ Capital Improvement Plan webpage via the Forest Preserves website. Comments may be submitted to planning@cookcountyil.gov until December 19th. The final report will be issued in January 2026.   Not available Not available
25-0418 1  ReportREPORT Department: Department of Law Enforcement Request: Refer to Law Enforcement Committee Report Title: Model Policing Report Period: 7/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Summary: Report on the status of achieving the goal of a Model Forest Preserves Police Department   Not available Not available
25-0328 1  Grant AwardPROPOSED GRANT AWARD Department: Department of Resource Management Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) Grantor: The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois Request: Authorization to accept grant and enter into subrecipient agreement Purpose: To conduct 35 acres of habitat restoration at King’s Grove Grant Amount: $100,000.00 Grant Period: 8/1/2025 (retroactive) - 5/23/2029 Fiscal Impact: $107,300.00 in direct cash match Accounts: Professional Services 51036.520840; Grant and Mitigation 51010.521314 and 51010.521444; and all future Professional Services accounts Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval. District(s): 6 Summary: The Forest Preserves has been sub-awarded grant funds from the Morton Arboretum via the U.S. Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration Program to conduct 35 acres of habitat restoration at King’s Grove in southeast Cook County. Restoration activities will include invasive species removal and installation of native grasses and   Not available Not available
25-0410 1  Intergovernmental AgreementPROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming Other Part(ies): University of Illinois Extension, Champaign, Illinois Request: Authorization to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the University of Illinois Extension Goods or Services: Environmental education, engagement and outreach services Agreement Number(s): #74000017360 Agreement Period: 1/1/2026 - 12/31/2030 Fiscal Impact: $1,250,000.00 (FY 2026 $250,000.00, FY 2027 $250,000.00, FY 2028 $250,000.00, FY 2029 $250,000.00, FY 2030 $250,000.00) Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520840 District(s): Districtwide Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) has had an ongoing and positive partnership with the University of Illinois Extension (the “Extension”) since 2013 via successive intergovernmental agreements. Over the last five (5) years of the previous agreement, this partnership has resulted in the certification of one hundred forty-nine (149) Master Naturalists who have provided over eight thousand five hundred   Not available Not available
25-0344 1  Intergovernmental Agreement AmendmentPROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT AMENDMENT Department: Department of Planning and Development Other Part(ies): Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (“DOTH”) Request: Authorization to extend intergovernmental agreement Goods or Services: Grant funding in the amount of $176,000.00 to the Forest Preserves for Phase 2 Engineering Services for the Des Plaines River Trail Bridge at the Union Pacific Railroad tracks between Golf Road and Central Road. Agreement Number: N/A Agreement Period: 11/21/2019 - 12/31/2022 Proposed Agreement Extension: 1/1/2023 (retroactive) - 5/31/2026. DOTH administratively approved an extension to 6/30/2025 but the Forest Preserves inadvertently overlooked bringing the extension to the Board of Commissioners for approval. Fiscal Impact: N/A (No increase to original not-to-exceed amount of $88,000.00.) Accounts: Professional Services 51010.520830; and Grant Funds 51010.29992 District(s): 9 Summary: On 9/24/2019, the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the ac   Not available Not available
25-0387 1  Intergovernmental Agreement AmendmentPROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT AMENDMENT Department: Department of Resource Management Other Part(ies): University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois Request: Authorization to extend an existing sponsored research agreement Goods or Services: Research study investigating the first human occupants of Cook County, including modeling, public outreach, and archaeological field surveys of key glacial landscapes contained within the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”). Agreement Number: #74000011983 Agreement Period: 3/14/2023 - 1/31/2026 Proposed Agreement Extension: 2/1/2026 - 1/31/2027 Fiscal Impact: $299,826.00, per the original agreement. There is no additional cost associated with the extension. Accounts: Professional Services 51033.520840; and all future Construction and Development funds District(s): Districtwide Summary: On 3/14/2023, the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement between the Forest Preserves and the University of Illinois at Urb   Not available Not available
25-0337 1  ContractPROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet Vendor: Sutton Ford, Inc., Matteson, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Purchase of nine (9) 2026 Ford Vehicles: seven (7) Ford F-350 Supercab XL 4X4 Diesel Pickup Trucks and two (2) Ford F-550 Regular Cab 4x4 Chassis Diesel Trucks Contract Value: $581,108.00 Contract Period: One-time purchase Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2025 $581,108.00 Accounts: Vehicle Purchase 51009.560266 Contract Number(s): #74000017119 Concurrences: The Vehicle Steering Committee has approved the purchase of referenced vehicles. The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item. Piggyback contract based on a Cooperative Procurement Agreement with no MWBE participation goals. The vendor is a certified Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise. District(s): Districtwide Summary: The Department of Facilities and Fleet received permission from the Vehicle Steering Committee on 6/3/2025 to    Not available Not available
25-0385 1  ContractPROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet Vendor: 72 Hour, LLC D/B/A National Auto Fleet Group, Watsonville, California Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Purchase of eleven (11) 2026 Ford Vehicles: ten (10) Maverick (W8J) XLT AWD Supercrew Hybrids and one (1) Expedition Max (K1M) Platinum 4x4 Contract Value: $443,256.06 Contract Period: One-time purchase Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2025 $443,256.06 Accounts: Vehicle Purchase 51009.560266 Contract Number(s): #74000017250 Concurrences: The Vehicle Steering Committee has approved the purchase of referenced vehicles. The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item. Piggyback contract based on a Cooperative Procurement Agreement with no MWBE participation goals. District(s): Districtwide Summary: The Department of Facilities and Fleet received permission from the Vehicle Steering Committee on 6/3/2025 to decommission fifty-three (53) Forest Preserves vehicles due   Not available Not available
25-0392 1  ContractPROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Legal Department Vendor: Rising Medical Solutions, LLC D/B/A Rising Medical, Chicago, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Workers Compensation Administrative Services Contract Value: $1,050,000.00 Contract Period: 1/1/2026 - 12/31/2028, with two (2) two-year renewal options to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent subject to renewal of underlying contract. Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $150,000.00, FY 2027 $150,000.00, FY 2028 $150,000.00, FY 2029 $150,000.00 (optional), FY 2030 $150,000.00 (optional), FY 2031 $150,000.00 (optional), FY 2032 $150,000.00 (optional) Accounts: Workers’ Compensation 51011.580111 Contract Number(s): #74000017168 (Piggyback contract on Cook County Contract No. 2423-020911) 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 participation goals wil   Not available Not available
25-0420 1  ContractPROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Office of the General Superintendent Vendor: Giraffe Financial, Inc., Sacramento, California Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Tax credit services Contract Value: Not to exceed $10,000.00. This contract is primarily revenue generating, with revenue anticipated to be upwards of $100,000.00. Amount payable by the Forest Preserves not to exceed 10% of revenue generated. Contract Period: One (1) year from date of execution Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026, $10,000.00 Accounts: General Revenue 51001.411467; and Professional Services 51001.520840 Contract Number(s): #74000017349 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval. District(s): Districtwide Summary: Tax credits are available for qualifying governmental and tax-exempt entities undertaking specific energy-related projects. To claim these credits, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) requires pre-filing   Not available Not available
25-0425 1  ContractPROPOSED CONTRACT Department(s): Department of Resource Management Vendor: Smits Farms, Inc., Chicago Heights, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute Good(s) or Service(s): Agricultural row crop farming at 20278 Cottage Grove Ave., Glenwood, Illinois 60411 Contract Value: N/A Contract Period: 1/1/2026 - 12/31/2026, with one (1) one-year extension option to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent or their designee Estimated Fiscal Impact: Revenue generation of up to $11,658.00 over two (2) years Accounts: Corporate Land Use Fees 51001.411366 (revenue generating) Contract Number(s): #74000017316 issued under Project #25RM 111 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract is subject to legal review and approval. District(s): 5 Summary: The Forest Preserves has solicited a contract for row crop production at 20278 Cottage Grove Ave in Glenwood. This site was historically used for agricultural purposes prior to acquisition by   Not available Not available
25-0391 1  Contract AmendmentPROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT Department(s): Office of the General Superintendent Vendor: GivePulse, Inc., Austin, Texas Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend contract Good(s) or Service(s): Volunteer Recruitment and Recordkeeping Software and Database Original Contract Period: 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2025 Proposed Contract Period Extension: 1/1/2026 - 12/31/2026 Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $75,000.00 Original Approval: $75,000.00 Previous Increase(s): N/A This Increase Requested: N/A Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026, $10,000.00 (using currently authorized funds) Accounts: Volunteer Resources Program 51001.521446 Contract Number(s): #74000011922 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract amendment 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): Districtwide Summary: GivePulse, Inc. is a   Not available Not available
25-0417 1  Contract AmendmentPROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT Department(s): Department of Finance and Administration Vendor: Insight Public Sector, Inc., Tempe, Arizona Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to increase contract Good(s) or Service(s): Computer Hardware Products Original Contract Period: 10/22/2019 - 9/8/2024, with three (3) one-year renewal options. 4/25/2023, 9/9/2024 - 9/8/2025 (Board Approved); 7/23/2025, 9/9/2025 - 9/8/2026 (Administrative Extension) Proposed Contract Period Extension: N/A Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $1,335,000.00 Original Approval: 10/22/2019, $600,000.00 Previous Increase(s): 2/7/2023, $60,000.00 (Administrative Increase); 4/25/2023, $275,000.00 (Board Approved); 7/23/2024, $400,000.00 (Board Approved) This Increase Requested: $270,000.00 Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $270,000.00 Accounts: Computer Supplies and Services 51001.530635 Contract Number(s): #74000006761 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract amendment is subject to legal rev   Not available Not available
25-0419 1  Contract AmendmentPROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT Department(s): Department of Facilities and Fleet Vendor: Village of Hoffman Estates, Hoffman Estates, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend and increase contract Good(s) or Service(s): Fire alarm services and lease of wireless radio equipment and associated specific pieces of equipment. Original Contract Period: 1/1/2015 - 12/31/2019; 1/1/2020 - 12/31/2020 (Administrative Extension); 11/17/2020, 1/1/2021 - 12/31/2025 (Board Approved Extension) Proposed Contract Period Extension: 1/1/2026 - until terminated Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $30,870.00 Original Approval: 3/22/2016, $14,700.00 Previous Increase(s): 12/31/2019, $1,470.00 (Administrative Increase); and 11/17/2020, $14,700.00 (Board Approved) This Increase Requested: $14,700.00 Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $2,940.00, FY 2027 $2,940.00, FY 2028 $2,940.00, FY 2029 $2,940.00, FY 2030 $2,940.00 Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520840 Contract Number(s): #74000008461 Concurrences: The Ch   Not available Not available
25-0428 1  Contract AmendmentPROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT Department(s): Department of Planning and Development Vendor: Microsystems, Inc., Northbrook, Illinois Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to extend and increase contract Good(s) or Service(s): Documents Storage, Destruction and Transfer Original Contract Period: 1/1/2022 - 12/31/2024, 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 (Administrative Extension) Proposed Contract Period Extension: 1/1/2026 - 12/31/2028 Total Current Contract Amount Authority: $5,958.12 Original Approval: 11/2/2021, $4,359.60 Previous Increase(s): 12/5/2024, $1,598.52 (Administrative) This Increase Requested: $10,000.00 Estimated Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $3,300.00, FY 2027 $3,300.00, FY 2028 $3,400.00 Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520835 Contract Number(s): #74000009849 Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final contract amendment 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 equ   Not available Not available
25-0424 1  Easement RequestEASEMENT REQUEST Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to grant a temporary easement to the Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) at Forestway Drive for 0.1250 acre or 5,445 square feet for road improvements. Construction is expected to require removal of six (6) trees. In practice, more trees may need to be removed than originally estimated. Any increase in the tree mitigation fee will be in accordance with the Tree Mitigation Plan (see Board Item No. 20-0279), and if such increase is more than 20% of the original estimate, then approval will be sought from the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners. Reason: The request includes the granting of two (2) small temporary easement areas on either side of Forestway Drive to allow re-construction of the underlying culvert built in 1937 that is very worn and in disrepair. Work in the temporary easement areas would include some excavation and erosion control measures. The Forest Preserves would be responsible for long-term maintenance of the proposed im   Not available Not available
25-0091 1  ReportREPORT Department: Department of Finance and Administration Request: Receive and File Report Title: Procurement and Disbursement Report Report Period: 10/1/2025 - 10/31/2025 Summary: Submitting the Procurement and Disbursement Report for the period of October 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
25-0427 1  ReportREPORT Department: Departments of Legal and Finance Request: Receive and File Report Title: Workers’ Compensation Report (October 2025) Report Period: 10/1/2025 - 10/31/2025 Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County Departments of Legal and Finance are submitting Workers’ Compensation Claim Payments for the month of October 2025. Payments total $86,309.00 for October 2025.   Not available Not available
25-0404 1  ResolutionPROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 12/16/2025-1/12/2026 Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes. Tuesdays, 12/16 & 1/16; 10:30am-12:30pm Cozy Campground Book Club, Camp Reinberg, Palatine Join this camping themed book club. Registration required. Please visit the website. Tuesday, 12/16 through Sunday, 1/4; 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, 12/17; 10am Woodpecker Walk, Spears Woods, Willow Springs Patrons can search for woodpeckers an   Not available Not available