Kane County Forest Preserve District appoints new president

By Lhalie Castillo

Jan 25, 2017

Kane County Forest Preserve District met Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The mission of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County is to acquire, hold and maintain lands within Kane County that contribute to the preservation of natural and historic resources, habitats, flora and fauna; and to restore, restock, protect and preserve such lands for the education, recreation and pleasure of all its citizens.

Here are the minutes as provided by Kane County:

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF KANE COUNTY

FOREST PRESERVE COMMISSION MINUTES

I. Call to Order

The Forest Preserve Commission meeting was held Tuesday December 13, 2016 at 9:00 AM at the County Board Room located at Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A, Geneva, IL 60134. The meeting was opened by President Michael Kenyon at 9:00 AM.

II. Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Smith.

III. Roll Call

Members Present:

Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Deborah Allan Commissioner Present Margaret Auger Commissioner Present Theresa Barreiro Commissioner Present Brian Dahl Commissioner Present Mark Davoust President Pro Tem Present Drew Frasz Commissioner Present Rebecca Gillam Commissioner Present John Hoscheit Commissioner Present Don Ishmael Commissioner Present Kurt R. Kojzarek Commissioner Present Bill Lenert Commissioner Present Philip Lewis Secretary Present John Martin Commissioner Present Myrna Molina Commissioner Present Douglas Scheflow Commissioner Present Monica Silva Commissioner Late 9:10 AM Thomas Smith Commissioner Present Susan Starrett Commissioner Present Barbara Wojnicki Commissioner Present Michael Kenyon President Present Barbara Hernandez Commissioner Present Jarett Sanchez Commissioner Present Angela C Thomas Commissioner Present Penny Wegman Commissioner Present

Others Present: Monica Meyers, Executive Director John Goreth, Director of Operations Ken J. Stanish, Director of Finance Ellen J. Maglio, Administration Jerry Culp, Director of Planning and Development Brittany Kovach, community Affairs Laurie Metanchuk, Director of Community Affairs Jerry Hodge, Attorney Tracey Smith, Director of Human Resources Patricia Hestekin, Recording Secretary Mike Gilloffo, Director of Public Safety

IV. Public Comment (Each Speaker is limited to 3 minutes)

Robert Oury of Gilberts, Illinois addressed the Commission in regards to his property and the first right of refusal on his property. Approximately 13 years ago Mr. Oury sold 100 acres to the District along with giving the District the first right of refusal on the balance of the property. Unfortunately, the property went into foreclosure and the bank has recently evicted his Oury's son and family from the house they were living in on the property. He said the foreclosure is under appeal and a law suit is being filed against the bank. Further legal action will be taken against the Forest Preserve District if necessary. Mr. Oury was asked the Commissioners to return the 3 1/2 acres, back to the family.

V. Presentation and Approval of the Minutes from November 8, 2016

RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Brian Dahl, Commissioner SECONDER: Bill Lenert, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz,

Rebecca Gillam, John Hoscheit, Don Ishmael, Kurt R. Kojzarek, Bill Lenert, Philip Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Douglas Scheflow, Monica Silva, Thomas Smith, Susan Starrett, Barbara Wojnicki, Michael Kenyon

VI. Presentation and Approval of the Bills for November 2016

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Deborah Allan Commissioner SECONDER: Brian Dahl, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz,

VII. Election of the President

A. Nomination of Temporary Chairman

Motion to nominate Executive Director Meyers, to temporary Chairman of the meeting to conduct bi-annual presidential voting.

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Thomas Smith, Commissioner SECONDER: Kurt R. Kojzarek, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz,

B. Nominations for President

Commissioner Smith nominated Michael Kenyon, seconded by Commissioner Martin. Commissioner Starrett nominated John Hoscheit, there was no second. Commissioner Hoscheit called for the nominations to be closed, seconded by Commissioner Lewis.

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John Hoscheit, Commissioner SECONDER: Phil Lewis, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz, Rebecca Gillam, John Hoscheit, Don Ishmael, Kurt R. Kojzarek, Bill Lenert, Philip Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Douglas Scheflow, Monica Silva, Thomas Smith, Susan Starrett, Barbara Wojnicki, Michael Kenyon

Commissioner Smith nominated Michael Kenyon, seconded by Commissioner Martin.

RESULT: ADOPTED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Thomas Smith, Commissioner SECONDER: John Martin, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz, Rebecca Gillam, John Hoscheit, Don Ishmael, Kurt R. Kojzarek, Bill Lenert, Philip Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Douglas Scheflow, Monica Silva, Thomas Smith, Susan Starrett, Barbara Wojnicki, Michael Kenyon

C. Roll Call Vote

Executive Director Meyers called for a vote on the motion to ratify Michael Kenyon as President

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [23 TO 1] MOVER: Thomas Smith, Commissioner SECONDER: Kurt R. Kojzarek, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz,

Rebecca Gillam, John Hoscheit, Don Ishmael, Kurt R. Kojzarek, Bill Lenert, Philip Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Douglas Scheflow, Monica Silva, Thomas Smith, Barbara Wojnicki, Michael Kenyon NAYS: Susan Starrett

VIII. Bids and Proposals

FP-R-16-12-2505 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Four Zero Turn Mowers From the State of Illinois Bid Contract Program for the Operations Department

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Drew Frasz, Commissioner SECONDER: John Hoscheit, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz, Rebecca Gillam, John Hoscheit, Don Ishmael, Kurt R. Kojzarek, Bill Lenert, Philip Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Douglas Scheflow, Monica Silva, Thomas Smith, Susan Starrett, Barbara Wojnicki, Michael Kenyon

FP-R-16-12-2506 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Two Ford F-250 Trucks and One Ford F-450 Truck From the State of Illinois Bid Contract Program for the Operations Department

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Bill Lenert, Commissioner SECONDER: Philip Lewis, Secretary AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz, Rebecca Gillam, John Hoscheit, Don Ishmael, Kurt R. Kojzarek, Bill Lenert, Philip Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Douglas Scheflow, Monica Silva, Thomas Smith, Susan Starrett, Barbara Wojnicki, Michael Kenyon

FP-R-16-12-2507 Resolution Accepting a Bid for Trail Resurfacing within the Aurora West

Forest Preserve

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Theresa Barreiro, Commissioner SECONDER: Don Ishmael, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz, Rebecca Gillam, John Hoscheit, Don Ishmael, Kurt R. Kojzarek, Bill Lenert, Philip Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Douglas Scheflow, Monica Silva, Thomas Smith, Susan Starrett, Barbara Wojnicki, Michael Kenyon

FP-R-16-12-2508 Resolution Authorizing Change Order # 2 from Williams Architects for the Natural Resources Facility at the Expanded Mill Creek Forest Preserve

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Philip Lewis, Secretary SECONDER: Margaret Auger, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz, Rebecca Gillam, John Hoscheit, Don Ishmael, Kurt R. Kojzarek, Bill Lenert, Philip Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Douglas Scheflow, Monica Silva, Thomas Smith, Susan Starrett, Barbara Wojnicki, Michael Kenyon

IX. Policy

FP-R-16-12-2509 Resolution Authorizing the Establishment of a Policy for the Reimbursement of all Travel, Meal, and Lodging Expenses of Commissioners, Employees and Representatives of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Thomas Smith, Commissioner SECONDER: Drew Frasz, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz, Rebecca Gillam, John Hoscheit, Don Ishmael, Kurt R. Kojzarek, Bill Lenert, Philip Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Douglas Scheflow, Monica Silva, Thomas Smith, Susan Starrett, Barbara Wojnicki, Michael Kenyon

X. Land Acquisition

FP-R-16-12-2510 Resolution Authorizing a Lease / Donation Agreement with The Conservation Foundation for the Grabacki Property

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Deborah Allan, Commissioner SECONDER: Drew Frasz, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz, Rebecca Gillam, John Hoscheit, Don Ishmael, Kurt R. Kojzarek, Bill Lenert, Philip Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Douglas Scheflow, Monica Silva, Thomas Smith, Susan Starrett, Barbara Wojnicki, Michael Kenyon

XI. Ordinance

FP-O-16-12-0535 Ordinance Amending “A Ordinance for the General Use or the Forest

Preserve District of Kane County, Illinois” CHAPTER V – REGULATION OF PERSONAL CONDUCT & BEHAVIOR Section 5: Weapons and Harmful Substances

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Brian Dahl, Commissioner SECONDER: Barbara Wojnicki, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz,

XII. Discussion on Various Sources of Revenue for Land Acquisition

Executive Director Meyers stated that there was a meeting held by The Conservation Foundation with the Referendum Committee in November during which an update was given on the 2011 referendum; acquisitions and the three major capital projects completed. The committee raised the possibility of introducing another referendum. During the meeting Staff gave updates on the 3 major projects from the 2011 Referendum, which included, the Big Rock Campground, the Nature Center at the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve and the Brunner Family Forest Preserve development, 2,000 acres of open space was also acquired with those funds.

Brook McDonald, President of The Conservation Foundation then addressed the Commission. The Conservation Foundation is a non-for-profit foundation that works with forest preserve districts and park districts in acquisition of land for open space. The volunteer committee met in September and polled residents of Kane County in regards to another referendum by the District. 60% of those polled would support a referendum, 20% were opposed and 20% were switch voters. Support increased during the polling as recent land acquisition and preserve improvements were communicated. The voters are most interested in water - lakes, ponds, the Fox River, restoration of wildlife habitat, trails and outdoor activities and the protection of open space for future generations.

Since the District has recently refunded several bond issues, and will also be retiring debt tax bills will be reducing this coming year even if the referendum is passed.

Commissioner Hoscheit stated in the big picture the District began land acquisition in 1999 with its first referendum and has since then increased the land acquisition from approximately 5,000 acres to almost 21,000 acres. In the past the funds were used at 85% for land acquisition and 15% for capital projects, but since there is more demand for improvements and restoration, the funds could be used at 70% for land acquisition and 30% for capital projects. Staff would need to identify specific capital projects prior to the referendum.

The cost for the polling was $15,000 and the referendum is $50,000 all of which is paid for by donations to The Conservation Foundation as they go out and meet with residents to promote the referendum. This will be presented to the Commission in January for a vote, to be able to place it on the spring ballot.

XIII. Executive Session to Discuss Land Acquisition, Contracts, Litigation, and Personnel None.

XIV. President's Comments

President Kenyon announced that Commissioner Gillam received the Village of Dundee Volunteer Award at the recent luncheon.

Executive Director Meyers announced the retirement of Executive Administrative Assistant Pat Hestekin as of January 3. Pat has been an integral part of the District for 26 years, she will be missed. A retirement party will be held January 3 at Creek Bend.

A. Committee Appointments

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John Hoscheit, Commissioner SECONDER: Drew Frasz, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz,

XV. Reports: Department Reports

RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Bill Lenert, Commissioner SECONDER: Thomas Smith, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz,

XVI. Adjournment

RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Thomas Smith, Commissioner SECONDER: Susan Starrett, Commissioner AYES: Deborah Allan, Margaret Auger, Theresa Barreiro, Brian Dahl, Mark Davoust, Drew Frasz,

President Michael Kenyon, Chairman Forest Preserve Commission Forest Preserve District of Kane County

Adjournment until: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 9:00 am

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Kane County Forest Preserve District

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