Kane County Forest Preserve District Commission met Aug. 9

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

Dec 7, 2022

Kane County Forest Preserve District Commission met Aug. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order

The Forest Preserve District Commission meeting was held at 9:00 AM at Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A, Geneva, IL 60134. The meeting was opened by President Chris Kious at 9:00 AM. Remote=*

II. Pledge of Allegiance

President Kious asked Commissioner Bill Lenert to lead the pledge.

III. Roll Call Status

Commissioner Dale Berman Present

Commissioner David Brown Present

Commissioner Drew Frasz Present

Commissioner Michelle Gumz Present

Commissioner Michael Kenyon Present

President Chris Kious Present

Commissioner Bill Lenert Present

Commissioner Anita Lewis Present

Commissioner John Martin Present

Commissioner Jarett Sanchez Present

Commissioner Cherryl Strathmann Present

Commissioner Clifford Surges Present

Commissioner Vern Tepe Present

Commissioner Barbara Wojnicki Present

Commissioner Deborah Allan Present*

Commissioner Mavis Bates Present*

Commissioner Mark Davoust Present*

Commissioner Ron Ford Present*

Commissioner Mo Iqbal Present*

Commissioner Myrna Molina Present*

Commissioner Monica Silva Present*

Commissioner Tom Koppie Absent

Commissioner Kenneth Shepro Absent

Board Member Todd Wallace Absent

Others Present:

Also Present: Exec. Dir. Meyers, CFO Stanish, Comm. Affairs Dir. Metanchuk & staff Kovach, Attorney Hodge, KCIT Peters, Tierney, NRM Dir. Haberthur & staff Chess; Chief of Planning & Land Rooks-Lopez; Dir. of Ops. Pentecost; Exec. Assist Figliozzi and members of the public.

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

None.

V. Presentation and Approval of the Minutes of July 12, 2022

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Michelle Gumz, Commissioner

SECONDER: Dale Berman, Commissioner

AYES: Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, Dale Berman, David Brown, Mark Davoust, Ron Ford, Drew Frasz, Michelle Gumz, Mo Iqbal, Michael Kenyon, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Anita Lewis, John Martin, Myrna Molina, Jarett Sanchez, Monica Silva, Cherryl Strathmann, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, Barbara Wojnicki

ABSENT: Tom Koppie, Kenneth C. Shepro, Todd Wallace

VI. Presentation and Approval of the Bills and Commissioners' Per Diem for July 2022

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Michael Kenyon, Commissioner

SECONDER: Barbara Wojnicki, Commissioner

ABSENT: Tom Koppie, Kenneth C. Shepro, Todd Wallace

VII. Bid and Proposals

A. FP-R-22-08-2963 Resolution Approving a Bid for Natural Areas Vegetation Management at Settler's Hill Golf Course

Natural Resources Manager Chess presented the bid for Settler’s Hill Golf Course. The Settler’s Hill Golf Course (224 acres) is located within Batavia, and is one of two golf courses owned by the District. In 2021, work began on updating select roughs, fairways, greens, tee boxes, bunkers and cart paths, and drainage issue repair. In addition to the course work itself, the quality of natural areas that make up the out-of-play area are also being addressed. Bids were sought from qualified firms for one year of management and naturalization of terrestrial vegetation within the non playing grounds of Settler’s Hill Golf Course (approximately 100 acres). The work will be conducted from August 2022 until June 30, 2023. The primary goal of this work will be to control invasive and non-native herbaceous species as well as invasive woody brush in the woodland areas and along the trail edges. Species to be controlled will include but not be limited to wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.). The bid was distributed to 27 vendors, with four responding. The qualified, lowest bid was received from Davey Resource Group, Inc. of Elmhurst, Illinois, in the amount of $96,120. Contractor oversite will be conducted by our Natural Resource Management department. Funds totaling $150,000 were budgeted in the 2022/23 fiscal year for natural areas management at Settler’s Hill Golf Course. Sufficient funds totaling $150,000 are available in the Construction and Development Fund for this expense totaling $96,120.

DISCUSSION: None.

RESULT: ADOPTED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Dale Berman, Commissioner

SECONDER: Bill Lenert, Commissioner

ABSENT: Tom Koppie, Kenneth C. Shepro, Todd Wallace

B. FP-R-22-08-2964 Resolution Approving a Bid for Three Years of Terrestrial Management at Oakhurst Forest Preserve

Natural Resources Manager Chess presented the bid for the Oakhurst Forest Preserve. Oakhurst Forest Preserve (395 acres) is located in the southeast corner of Kane County and remains a highly popular preserve, thanks in part to its multi-seasonal activities. The lower parking lot near Lake Patterson was renovated in 2021, with assistance from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Part of that renovation was the creation of a wetland complex immediately west of the new parking lot, which treats and directs stormwater from the lot and surrounding area, before it reaches Lake Patterson. Additional natural prairie/grassland nodes were constructed to the east, south and west of the parking lot. In accordance with the United States Department of Army-Corps of Engineers permit requirements, bids were sought from qualified firms for three years of health monitoring and management of terrestrial vegetation at Oakhurst Forest Preserve (approximately 1.4 acres). This work will be conducted from July 2022 until June 30, 2025. The primary goal of this work will be to control invasive and non-native herbaceous species as well as invasive woody brush in the woodland areas and along the trail edges. Species to be controlled will include but not be limited to wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.).

The bid was distributed to 27 vendors, with two responding. The qualified, lowest bid was received from Integrated Lakes Management of Waukegan, Illinois, in the amount of $12,598.95. Of that total, $5,340.15 is due in the first year, $4,409.40 in the second year, and $2,849.40 in the final year of the contract. Funds totaling $15,000 were budgeted in the 2022/23 fiscal year for three-year natural area management at Oakhurst Forest Preserve. Sufficient funds totaling $15,000 are available in the Construction and Development Fund to cover three years of tree and brush clearing and terrestrial management at Oakhurst Forest preserve, totaling $12,598.95.

DISCUSSION: None.

RESULT: ADOPTED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Michelle Gumz, Commissioner

SECONDER: Monica Silva, Commissioner

ABSENT: Tom Koppie, Kenneth C. Shepro, Todd Wallace

C. FP-R-22-08-2965 Resolution Approving a Bid For Three Years of Terrestrial Management at Fabyan Forest Preserve

Natural Resources Manager Chess presented the bid for the Fabyan Forest Preserve. Fabyan Forest Preserve (209 acres) is located within Geneva and remains one of the most-popular locations in the Forest Preserve District of Kane County “District,” primarily due to its dual-bank access to the Fox River and connection to the Fox River Regional Trail system. In spring 2019, work began on removing the causeway and installing a new bridge to connect Fabyan Island to the west bank of the Fox River. The work was completed in November 2019, and the west shoreline of the Fox River and west shoreline of Fabyan Island were replanted with a native-wetland species mix. In accordance with the U.S. Department of Army-Corps of Engineers permit requirements, bids were sought from qualified firms for three years of health monitoring and management of terrestrial vegetation at Fabyan Forest Preserve (approximately 1 acre). This work will be conducted from July 2022 until June 30, 2025. The primary goal of this work will be to control invasive and non-native herbaceous species as well as invasive woody brush in the woodland areas and along the trail edges. Species to be controlled will include but not be limited to wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.). The bid was distributed to 27 vendors, with 2 responding. The qualified, lowest bid was received from Encap, Inc. of DeKalb, Illinois, in the amount of $15,705. Of that total, $6,025 is due in the first year, $6,525 in the second year, and $3,155 in the final year of the contract. Funds totaling $15,000 were budgeted in the Construction and Development Fund in FY 2022/23, for three years of natural area management in the causeway project area, at Fabyan Forest Preserve. Funds totaling $15,000 were budgeted in FY 2022/23 for a separate three-year natural area management project at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora. That project came in under budget at $12,598.95. Sufficient savings of $2,401.05 are available to cover the remaining $705 overage of this project. Total project cost is $15,705. DISCUSSION: Commissioner Frasz discussed the positive results of removing the causeway. Commissioner Strathmann asked about the woody invasive plants that would be removed. Chess responded that the area has significant invasive species. He noted common thistle, honey suckle bush and buckthorn among others.

RESULT: ADOPTED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Drew Frasz, Commissioner

SECONDER: John Martin, Commissioner

ABSENT: Tom Koppie, Kenneth C. Shepro, Todd Wallace

VIII. New or Unfinished Business

A. Presentation and Approval of the Closed Session Minutes of April 2020 through June 2022 Exec. Dir. Meyers presented the Closed Session Minutes for review. No new minutes have been released at this time.

DISCUSSION: None.

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Dale Berman, Commissioner

SECONDER: Michael Kenyon, Commissioner

ABSENT: Tom Koppie, Kenneth C. Shepro, Todd Wallace

IX. Closed Session to Discuss Land Acquisition, License Agreements, Potential Litigation and Personnel

None.

X. Communications

Community Affairs Metanchuk reported approximately 515 people attended to the Rusty Rodeo Event on Saturday August 6, 2022. Photos and videos were made available on the Forest Preserve District website. Metanchuk promoted the 2023 native plant sale stating that the District will hold both in person and web based sales. Exec. Dir. Meyers introduced the new Director of Operations, Mark Pentecost. Commissioner

Martin reported the Settler’s Hill Golf Course opening to the public was a success. The course was in great shape, noting this was a positive investment for the District. Exec. Dir. Meyers stated that the grow-in project has been ongoing and rates have been reduced for that matter, a soft opening event will be scheduled for September 2022. Commissioner Gumz expressed her enjoyment at the Rusty Rodeo event. She plans to attend next year 2023 as well.

XI. President's Comments

President Kious stated that staff has done a wonderful job at the Settler’s Hill Golf Course. Commissioner Brown reported that the vegetation restoration is a wonderful improvement for a former land fill, a worthwhile investment. President Kious reported that the District is obligated to take care of this land, this is the best use for this property. Commissioner Davoust stated that this project had been in the making for years, this was the best way to care for this land. President Kious promoted an Event for the Boys and Girls Club, at Raceway woods Forest Preserve. (Wallace arrived via remote @ 9:29 AM)

XII. Department Reports for July 2022

RESULT: PLACE WRITTEN REPORTS ON FILE [UNANIMOUS]

ABSENT: Tom Koppie, Kenneth C. Shepro

XIII. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:33 AM.

RESULT: ADJOURNED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Michael Kenyon, Commissioner

SECONDER: Mark Davoust, Commissioner

ABSENT: Tom Koppie, Kenneth C. Shepro

http://kanecountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=3346&Inline=True

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