Cook County Forest Preserve Meeting July 1 2009

The July 1 meeting of the Forest Preserve Commission was held at the Swan Pavillion at the Brookfield Zoo in order to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Zoo. Ours is one of the oldest zoos in the nation. Construction began in 1926 following a countywide voter referendum. Historically we have been leaders in wildlife conservation technology, and now are a leader in green technology -- being the first zoo to obtain hybrid vehicles. The finances of the Zoo appear to be in very good order, especially considering the current state of the economy. Diversity among the staff has improved in recent years as well.

After some presentations by Brookfield Zoo officials, the regular meetings of the Forest Preserve Commission began. First off, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission named Deer Grove West as the 500th Nature Preserve in Illinois. This is an important honor and recognizes the critical habitat there. Interestingly, The Forest Preserve Commission bought Deer Grove in Palatine as the first piece of land in our Forest Preserve system in 1916.

There were various items on the agenda including more about the Bass Fishing Tournament and also the introduction of various interns and programs for teen-age students. The High School Service Learning Program involves 61 schools and thousands of hours of volunteer work in conjunction with area science teachers. The John Stroger interns who work at the Botanic Garden are college students.

The two most interesting things about the meeting were things that did not happen. One is that Commissioner Goslin had submitted for consideration on the agenda a resolution that the Forest Preserve District ought to go to referendum in February to raise money to buy more land, as land is relatively cheap and thus there is an opportunity. He rescinded the motion immediately before the meeting and without any discussion. Later, privately, he told me that his colleagues felt it would be perceived by voters as another tax and thus had no chance to pass.

Another thing that didn't happen was related to a real estate transaction sponsored by Commissioner Peraica which was a request from the Village of Westchester to use some Forest Preserve land for a water main. Commissioner Suffredin raised the issue that there had not been three days public notice before this was added to the agenda, and so, following the law, the proposal could not be voted on.

Cook County Forest Preserve Meeting May 6 2009

Quick light upbeat meeting started with FPD Police Department’s Chief Richard Waszak, giving commendations to many officers for their superior efforts on behalf of the public, including saving of a life.

A resolution was read into the record by Larry Suffredin (D-13) thanking the Forest Preserve Police Dept. and the Cook County Building and Zoning Department for their help with the grand opening, April 19th, of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Educational Center, located in the Village of Skokie.

A spokesman for the Museum said there is an excellent section in the museum for children under 12.

The (IHSA) Sectional Bass Fishing Tournament was a tremendous success.

Twenty eight schools competed in 3 locations.

Busse Lake
Winner: Wheaton-Warrenville South High School
Runners-up York Community High School & James B. Conant High School

Tampier Lake
Winner: Carl Sandburg High School
Runner-Up Brother Rice High School

Skokie Lagoons
Winner: Maine West High School
Runner-Up Taft High School & Regina Dominican High School

All winners and runner ups will advance to the downstate Illinois State finals. No date set at this time. (but soon I expect)

Mary Ann Tate
May 17, 2009

Many Commissioners like to fish, but few wish to cut bait

Cook Country Forest Preserve Meeting
April 2, 2009

Two excellent speakers presented information on the FIRST Illinois High School Association (“ISHA”) bass fishing tournament to be held in Tampier Lake, Busse Woods and Skokie Lagoon, on April 24, 2009.

Student-athletes from three Chicago area high schools, Oak Park, Regina and Simion Academy were in attendance.

The presentation of the planned statewide tournament was made by the Asst. Executive Director of IHSA, Dave Gannaway and radio personality, Chauncey Niziol of ESPN radio.

Mr. Niziol said that bass fishing, as a high school sport, has been well received nationally, but Chicago will have the first tournament on April 24, 2009..

The commissioners gave Mike Quigley (D-10) a rousing farewell as this meeting would very likely be his last as Chairman of Finance Committee of the Forest Preserve. He is a candidate for Rahm Emanuel’s seat in the 5th Congressional District, April 7th. Positive comments from the Commissioners ran 15 to 2 in Quigley’s favor.

--Submitted by Observer Mary Ann Tate