Kane County Forest Preserve, Executive Committee Met Feb. 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
I. Call to Order
The Forest Preserve District Executive Committee meeting was held at 8:30 AM at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A, Geneva, IL 60134. The meeting was opened by President Kious at 8:30 AM. Remote=*
Members Present:
Attendee Name:
President Christopher Kious Present
President Pro Tem Mavis Bates Present*
Treasurer Drew Frasz Present*
Secretary Myrna Molina Present*
Commissioner Dale Berman Present*
Commissioner Michael Kenyon Present
Commissioner John Martin Present*
Commissioner Jarett Sanchez Present
Commissioner Barb Wojnicki Present
Others Present:
Commissioners Allan*, Davoust*, Gumz*, Tepe*, Strathmann*; Exec. Dir. Meyers; CFO Stanish* & staff Petschke*; Dir. of Ops. Goreth*; Dir. of NR Haberthur* & staff Rodeghero*; Dir. of Comm. Affairs Metanchuk*; HR Dir. Yee*; Attorney Hodge*; Recording Secretary Figliozzi; KCIT Peters.
II. Approval of Minutes from December 4, 2020
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Barb Wojnicki, Commissioner SECONDER: Michael Kenyon, Commissioner AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
None.
IV. Presentation and Approval of Bills and Commissioners' Per Diem from January 2021
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 2/9/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Forest Preserve District Commission MOVER: Drew Frasz, Treasurer SECONDER: Michael Kenyon, Commissioner AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
A. Presentation and Approval of a Bid for a Replacement Vehicle for the Planning and Operations Department
In the 2020/21 budget, the Commission approved the purchase of one-replacement vehicle for the Planning & Operations department. The vehicle to be replaced is truck #422 assigned to the South Operations division. The new vehicle will be a 2021 Ford 1-1/4 ton 4x4 with a 6.7-liter diesel engine, with a snowplow and stainless steel dump box and salt spreader. The truck will be purchased through National Auto Fleet Group from Watsonville, California, for a price of $83,315.64.
DISCUSSION: None.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 2/9/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Forest Preserve District Commission MOVER: Drew Frasz, Treasurer SECONDER: Barb Wojnicki, Commissioner AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
The Commission approved the latest revisions to the Organization Ordinance on April 14, 2020. According to the Organizational Ordinance, this ordinance is to be ratified annually.
A few changes have been incorporated into the document as follows:
1. Additional detail to the voting procedure of the President.
2. Additional detail to the procedure in the case of filing a commissioner vacancy.
3. Clarifications to the annual meetings structure.
4. Other minor clarifications.
Modifications have been developed with the District’s legal counsel.
DISCUSSION: None.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 2/9/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Forest Preserve District Commission MOVER: Dale Berman, Commissioner SECONDER: John Martin, Commissioner AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
A change in the agenda order as follows, item A was presented after Executive Closed Session.
A. Updated Resolution Authorizing Condemnation Action Against the Union Pacific Rail Road for the Acquisition of a Section of Abandoned Rail Line Connecting Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve to Randall Road in St. Charles Township.
DISCUSSION: None.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 2/9/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Forest Preserve District Commission MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Commissioner SECONDER: Dale Berman, Commissioner AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
Per the existing IDNR agreement, following the completion of the Fabyan Forest Preserve Causeway Removal Project, the District would move forward with the Carpentersville Dam Removal Project. In 2020, the District retained V3 Companies, Ltd., of Woodridge, Illinois to completed engineering and environmental professional services. As part of this work it has been determined an Access and Land Transfer Agreement with Otto Engineering is necessary. The District has been working with Otto Engineering for several months to develop the Access and Land Transfer Agreement. The agreement provides for an access easement over Otto Engineering property on the east side of the river and utilize the mill race to dewater the site to whatever extent needed and the transfer of the small parcel of land on the west side of the river to the District.
DISCUSSION: Commissioner Sanchez presented the item noting owner has maintained this area and continues to do so providing access to the public. Commissioner Bates asked about walking access, Commissioner Sanchez responded that there is a walking bridge for access.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 2/9/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Forest Preserve District Commission MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Commissioner SECONDER: Barb Wojnicki, Commissioner AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
Items A-C were moved together.
A. Presentation and Approval of Bids for Control of Reed Canary Grass at Various Preserves Reed canary grass is abundant across county wetlands and forests. Contractors were sought to bid on spring/summer 2021 control projects of multiple, separate infestations of reed canary grass, across seven different preserves. The bid was sent to 29 vendors and publicly advertised, with 7 responding.
DISCUSSION: None.
B. Presentation and Approval of a Bid for Control of Canada Thistle at Brunner Family Forest Preserve
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) is a rhizomatous, perennial, herbaceous plant native to Europe. It has persisted in the landscape since its arrival to North America in the 1600s. It is an extremely aggressive, invasive species, spreading through both seed set and creeping root growth. The species is adaptable in its habit and has invaded both upland and wetland communities across Kane County. The District sought contractors to bid on spring/summer 2021 control of Canada thistle across 68 acres of Brunner Family Forest Preserve.
The District sent the bid to 29 vendors and publicly advertised, with seven vendors responding. The qualified, lowest bidder was Integrated Lakes Management of Waukegan, IL, in the amount of $7,581.06.
DISUCSSION: None.
C. Presentation and Approval of a Bid for Control of Garlic Mustard at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a non-native plant that has become well established in most woodlands owned by the District. This plant can tolerate shady conditions and produces prodigious amounts of highly viable seed. These two traits couple to make the weed a rapid invader of the forest understory and allows it to occupy land that would normally be filled with an entire complement of woodland grasses and wildflowers. The bid was sent to 29 vendors and publicly advertised, with 7 responding.
DISUCSSION: None.
| RESULT: A-C MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]Next: 2/9/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Forest Preserve District Commission MOVER: Mavis Bates, President Pro Tem SECONDER: Michael Kenyon, Commissioner AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County was awarded an Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Open Space Land Acquisition & Development (OSLAD) grant for the Oakhurst Forest Preserve Lake Patterson Access Area Renovation in 2019. As part of the grant agreement, all improvements are to be completed by the contract end date: July 29, 2021. Improvements include updated lower parking lot, boat/canoe/kayak launch and ADA accessible ramp, fishing pier, trails, shelter, restroom, interpretive learning area(s), fire pit, water access, electric panel, and corrections to the drainage systems. Bids were publicly advertised with 10 bidders responding. The lowest, responsible bidder was D. Construction, Inc., of Coal City, Illinois. The base bid came in at $871,936.78, within budget for the project.
DISCUSSION: Commissioner Bates asked about the location of the awarded bidder noting she would prefer local. Commissioner Frasz responded that legally the District awarded the lowest possible bidder, regardless of location. Dir. of NR responded to questions regarding the water quality. Commissioner Gumz expressed her enthusiasm of the project and was looking forward to the completion.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 2/9/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Forest Preserve District Commission MOVER: Barb Wojnicki, Commissioner SECONDER: Myrna Molina, Secretary AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
A. Presentation and Approval of the Closed Session Minutes of June 2007 through November 2020
The Executive Committee of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Illinois has reviewed the minutes of Closed Sessions pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2.06 and has made a determination as to whether the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of those minutes which have not been fully made public. The Committee has determined that the need for confidentiality still exists as to the Closed Session minutes of 06/01/2007, 07/06/2007, 03/02/2018, 04/06/2018, 10/05/2018, 06/28/2019, 11/01/2019, 12/06/2019, 02/07/2020, 03/06/2020, 04/03/2020, 10/02/2020, and 11/06/2020.
The Committee has determined that there is no longer a need for confidentiality as to all or part of the Closed Session minutes of 02/01/2019, 03/08/2019, 06/05/2020, 08/07/2020, 09/04/2020, and 10/02/2020.
DISCUSSION: None.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dale Berman, Commissioner SECONDER: Mavis Bates, President Pro Tem AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Barb Wojnicki, Commissioner SECONDER: Jarett Sanchez, Commissioner AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
X. Communications
Community Affairs Dir. Metanchuk promoted the Creek Bend Nature Center noting that we have moved into Phase 4 and are open for the public Monday through Thursday.
XI. President's Comments
President Kious commented on the great work the Operations Department has done with the snow removal. He also noted that citizens utilize the Forest Preserves all year including the snowy weather.
XII. Financial Reports
Items A-C under Financial Reports were moved together.
A. Revenue & Expense Report through December 2020
B. Cash & Investment Report: December 2020
C. Bond Investment Analysis Report: December 2020
| RESULT: PLACE WRITTEN REPORTS ON FILE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Commissioner SECONDER: Drew Frasz, Treasurer AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.
| RESULT: ADJOURNED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michael Kenyon, Commissioner SECONDER: Dale Berman, Commissioner AYES: Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, Drew Frasz, Michael Kenyon, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Barb Wojnicki |
Forest Preserve District Executive Committee
Forest Preserve District of Kane County
Adjournment until: Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. via zoom
http://kanecountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=2890&Inline=True
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