At the regular meeting of the Forest Preserve Commissioners of Cook County on March 5 2009 there was a legal report to start. Judge Anderson has entered a Supplemental Relief Order with no complaints, paving the way for the FP to have the earliest "out" of the Shakman Decree on June 2010. Judge Anderson complimented the District on keeping its costs down.
There was then an adjournment so the Finance Committee of the whole could meet. During this time many contacts and disbursements were ok'd without much discussion. One item discussed was the restoration of about 40 lakes which are in the Forest Preserve District and are being overrun with vegetation and becoming less usable for enjoyment by citizens. The restoration process and expense was discussed. Superintendent Bylina used this opportunity to explain that the District is one of the hosts of the IHSA State Championships for Fishing this year and they are very proud of this distinction and service.
Back to the regular meeting the Annual Watchman report was presented. It was reported that, in keeping with policy the number of homes has decreased with them being taken out of service when repair costs rise. There are now 47 homes in service as opposed to 57 in 2008. One is being repaired because it is worth it now so 9 have been taken permanently out of service. The rent for these homes is deducted from each watchman's salary so there is no one in arrears and there was a $50,000 profit to the FPDCC due to this program last year. Commissioner Peraica raised a concern about the in-house make-up of the committee which oversees this program, but there was no general discussion of that issue.
New items of business were:
Commissioner Suffredin moved to receive and file a report which is annually prepared by Kent Fuller, steward of the Miami Woods restoration efforts. Mr. Fuller reported phenomenol growth in the hours and efforts of volunteers. Since 2001 there have been more than 5194 volunteers working to help restore Miami Woods. They are recognized and thanked.
Commissioner Stroger and others honored Eileen Agnes O'Malley and sent condolences to her family upon her death. Mrs. O'Mally had donated 100 acres of open space to the Forest Preserve during her life.
Last issue was a big confused because the request was for approval to award an Auditing contract but the request had not been submitted early enough to warrant action under the Open Meetings Act. It could not be approved at this meeting, but there is some time pressure for the auditors to get started. The firm chosen gave the lowest bid and is a reputable firm, though they had also made one political contribution which made them suspect to Commissioner Peraica. In order to conform to the Open Meetings Act this request was discussed and deferred. A special meeting will be called for March 17 in the morning to vote on awarding this contract.
That's all.
