Monday, April 20, 2015

Report of the Forest Preserve of Cook County (FPDCC) April 14, 2015 Meeting



Board meetings often begin with the reading of resolutions honoring an individual or organization for achievement, or commemorating the life, accomplishments, and memory of a notable person with Forest Preserve connections.  The April 14 meeting was no exception, as both the late Billy Casper and the non-profit Neighborspace were so honored.

Many commissioners remarked about the kindness and generosity of national golf champion Billy Casper the individual, as well as the professionalism of his business Billy Casper Golf, which has had a contract for a number of years to operate all the District's golf courses.  Prior to retaining Billy Casper Golf, the District golf courses were in poor shape; today, they are well-managed and in very good condition.  Billy Casper Golf also runs the FPDCC campgrounds.

Commissioner Deborah Sims sits on the board of directors of Neighborspace, a partnership between the private sector, community organizations (churches, block clubs, schools), and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, the City of Chicago, and the Chicago Park District.  Neighborspace secures land that is too small or too fragmented to be part of the FPDCC holdings.  It  has acquired more than 100  parcels that are utilized for nature play areas, community gardens, small parks, and natural areas and are maintained by volunteers.

Agenda items of interest included:

#15-0213 & 15-0214:  In Palos Park, the $5 million proposed acquisition from the Catholic Bishop of Chicago (aka the Chicago Archdiocese) of 162.64 acres of high quality open space that includes a large, mature oak woodlands, and a diverse habitat mixture of wetland, lake, and open field.  It is in the watershed and includes the headwater of the stream that created and still flows through the nearby Sagawu Canyon Nature Preserve.  This property is adjacent to the Cap Sauers Nature Preserve, one the District's largest natural areas. 

#15-0237 & 15-0243:  Proposed fee schedules for the new aerial adventure & zipline course (depending on activity, the rates will be $12-57 with a 30% reduction for nonprofit organizations) (15-0237); and boat rental fees (ranging from $15/hour for rowboats, single kayak, or paddle boats to $20 for canoes, tandem kayaks, &  electric motor boats)(15-243).   

#15-0245:  Proposed amendments to contracting provisions (Title 1 Chapter 8 Section2 of the FPDCC Code), including conditions & restrictions on awarding a contract, exceptions to those conditions & restrictions, and selection of professional services for debt transactions.

#15-0248:  Proposed changes to the section of the code governing when permits are required.

#15-0249:  Proposed change on the types of boating devices that can be used on designated District properties, to include kayaks and SUPs (stand-up paddleboards).  Advocates for SUPs, a newer phenomenon in Chicago but commonly used on the east & west coasts, supported their inclusion but encouraged the FPDCC to provide qualified instruction in their use. 

#15-0303:  Proposed amendment expanding the ban on use of tobacco and marijuana in any form  (smoking, inhaling, exhaling, burning, consuming, carrying of any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, vaporizer, snuff, snus, chewing tobacco) on FPDCC property or in owned or leased District vehicles.

#15-0238:  Approved a 3-year contract with Chicago Canoe and Kayak, Evanston to operate the boat concession at Busse Boat House.  At this time, canoes and kayaks only will be available but Superintendent Randall will explore the possible addition of stand-up paddleboards. #15-0239:  T&M Lakes, Inc., Orland Park was awarded the 3-year boat concession contracts for the Tampier and Maple Lake Boat Houses.

#15-0257:  Receipt of a 3-year, $452,000 grant (through the Cook County Department of Public Health) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Prevention Partnerships to Improve Community Health program.  The purpose is to increase residents' awareness and promote physical activity in the forest preserves as part of the Healthy HotSpot Initiative.  #15-0246 goes into detail about preparation of a 10 site "Gateway Plan"  to engage visitors.

#15-0263:  Approval of an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Rosemont to construct a pedestrian bridge over the Des Plaines River near Bryn Mawr Avenue that would provide access to the Catherine Chevalier Woods.  Rosemont will be responsible for the design, construction and maintenance and there will be no cost to FPDCC.  Rosemont Mayor Bradley Stephens was in attendance.

#15-0272:  Through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant ($439,000 + $95,000 match by FPDCC) is for control of buckthorn and garlic mustard at the Calumet City Prairie, Jurgensen Woods, Thornton-Lansing Road Woods, and Wampum Lake.

#15-0291:  Filing of the FY2014 Business Diversity Report

The final item of business is always a list of the upcoming monthly conservation and experiential programming activities occurring throughout the FPDCC. Publicity does not appear to be the District's forte.  Please consider contacting your local media to post these events, most of which are free.

Submitted by Sheri Latash

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