The meeting was a relatively short one, with the main public policy question being about the permission for a private gun club to continue using Forest Preserve land. Continuation of this arrangement had been ok'd by the Real Estate Committee but since that vote the Chicago Tribune, the Friends of the Forest Preserve, and a couple of vocal commissioners had weighed in against the committee vote and in favor of President Preckwinkle's position against it. (See this link for the Tribune editorial in support of the President's position: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-05-23/news/ct-edit-gun-20110523_1_forest-preserve-district-chicago-area-forest-forest-land) The outcome of the Gun Club question was that the Real Estate Committee report was approved without that particular item in it and that item was sent back to committee -- presumably to die. It seems that the Committee tried to do "business as usual" and pressure from the public and the new administration forced Commissioners to rethink their M.O. This outcome would be consistent with the LWVUS position on protection of Natural Resources, so observers present were quite pleased with the outcome but will continue to watch to see whether it re-emerges in the future!
Another item that arose was when a disbursement to Autumn Tree Care in Glenview was being discussed. Other landscapers have complained that they cannot win bids because Autumn Tree Care (and presumably others) do not pay the prevailing wage. Just recently, the FP voted to make themselves subject to the same prevailing wage guidelines as the Cook County government has been following. This contract was in the works and Arnold Randall addressed concerns by saying that his office just has not had time to process all the cost implications and plan changes that would be required by the new law. So basically it was not applied to this pending contract. The intent is to follow prevailing wages in the future, and the increased costs may limit what work can be done as a result.
The Botanic Garden representatives mentioned that World Environment Day is June 4 and there will be a lot of activities there for that event.
There will also be an open fishing tournament soon on Forest Preserve land. Those interested should check the Forest Preserve website for details.
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