The most important news discussed at the Forest Preserve Commmission was about upgrades on the ratings of the Forest Preserve District's $115 million in outstanding GO bonds. Both Standard and Poor's and Moody's have upgraded their ratings. One of the benefits of having separate budgets and administrations is that the Cook County Board's financial issues do not become the Forest Preserve District's issues. This has served the Forest Preserve District well up to now.
Another interesting development is the proposal of a "Sustainability Doctrine" which was referred to the Environmental Control Committee to be considered for adoption by the Board. This draft document is the culmination of a very important and successful conference sponsored by the Commission last year and held at the Brookfield Zoo. We will certainly hear more about this in the future.
Much of the meeting was taken up with the introduction and brief statements by interns from the many programs which the Chicago Botanic Garden manages over the summer for youth. Ranging from college-age scientists working at the CBG to Juvenile offenders with the Sheriff's Boot Camp program, the Forest Preserve District seems to be making many cost-effective contributions to the education and involvement in youth working to achieve the mission of protecting and promote nature and healthy lifestyles. The students were very positive and articulate in the appreciation for opportunities provided. It sounds like they work hard and interact well with the staff professionals who run these programs.
There was some discussion of a resolution to oppose the Entertainment
Tax that the Village of Brookfield proposed (but which is not in play at the moment). The Zoo and the District both feel that the Village benefits greatly by having the Zoo in its confines, and the the Zoo and District have been very good neighbors over the years. All the Commissioners supported the resolution to oppose the tax.
