Will County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners met Feb. 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
A. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM by President VanDuyne.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Moustis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. INVOCATION
President VanDuyne introduced Commissioner Brooks, Pastor of St. John's Missionary Baptist Church in Joliet, to deliver the invocation.
D. INTRODUCTION OF THE NEWS MEDIA
Representing the news media was Alex Ortiz, Herald News.
E. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Judy Ogalla | District 1 (R - Monee) | Remote | |
| Donald Gould | District 6 (R - Shorewood) | Remote | |
| Steve Balich | District 7 (R - Homer Glen) | Remote | |
| Herbert Brooks Jr. | District 8 (D - Joliet) | Present | |
| Mike Fricilone | District 7 (R - Homer Glen) | Remote | |
| Jim Moustis | District 2 (R - Frankfort) | Present | |
| Jacqueline Traynere | District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) | Remote | |
| Tom Weigel | District 12 (R - New Lenox) | Remote | |
| Denise E. Winfrey | District 8 (D - Joliet) | Absent | |
| Annette Parker | District 9 (R - Crest Hill) | Remote | |
| Gretchen Fritz | District 5 (R - Plainfield) | Remote | |
| Tyler Marcum | Treasurer | Remote | |
| Amanda Koch | District 2 (D - Frankfort) | Late | |
| Meta Mueller | District 5 (D - Aurora) | Remote | |
| Joe VanDuyne | President | Present | |
| Rachel Ventura | Vice President | Remote | |
| Julie Berkowicz | District 11 (R - Naperville) | Remote | |
| Mimi Cowan | Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) | Present | |
| Margaret Tyson | District 3 (D - Bolingbrook) | Remote | |
| Sherry Newquist | District 1 (D - Steger) | Absent | |
| Raquel M. Mitchell | District 3 (R - Bolingbrook) | Remote | |
| Mica Freeman | Secretary | Present | |
| Debbie Kraulidis | District 13 (R - Joliet) | Absent | |
| Natalie Coleman | District 10 (D - Plainfield) | Absent | |
| Frankie Pretzel | District 12 (R - New Lenox) | Remote |
1. President VanDuyne asked for a motion to move the Partnership Awards to the beginning of the Agenda.
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Jim Moustis, District 2 (R - Frankfort) SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
1. Minutes January 13, 2022
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
1. Monthly Financial Statements - January 31, 2022
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Tyler Marcum, Treasurer SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
President VanDuyne entertained comments from the public. There were none. J. FINANCE COMMITTEE - TRAYNERE
K. SCHEDULE OF BILLS
1. Schedule of Bills - January 31, 2022
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Jim Moustis, District 2 (R - Frankfort) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
1. Award of Contract in the Amount of $197,971.20 to Heritage F.S., Inc. of Peotone, Illinois for the Annual Vehicle Fuel Contract
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
1. Quarterly Investment Report
2. Annual Grant and Sponsorship Report
3. 4th Quarter Quote Approval Report
Executive Director Schultz provided an explanation of the quote and professional service proposal report for purchases between $5,000 and $20,000. This report is provided on a quarterly basis.
4. Annual Forest Preserve District of Will County Small Business Enterprise Initiative Report
5. Next Meeting Date - Wednesday, March 2, 2022 immediately following the Operations Committee Meeting but no earlier than 8:45 AM at the Will County Office Building, 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL
N. OPERATIONS COMMITTEE - COWAN
1. President VanDuyne asked for a motion to have Commissioner Cowan as Temporary Acting Chair
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
1. Award of Contracts in the Amount of $384,425.00 to Natural Resource Management, Inc. of Beecher, Illinois, for Ecological Management at Monee Reservoir, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, McKinley Woods Preserve, Hickory Creek Preserve, Hadley Valley Preserve, Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, and Forked Creek Preserve
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Rachel Ventura, Vice President AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Julie Berkowicz, District 11 (R - Naperville) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Jim Moustis, District 2 (R - Frankfort) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Julie Berkowicz, District 11 (R - Naperville) SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Rachel Ventura, Vice President AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 0]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Jim Moustis, District 2 (R - Frankfort) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman AWAY: Koch |
1. Capital Projects Quarterly Status Report
2. Annual Vandalism Report
3. Annual ADA Transition Plan Report
4. Quarterly Ordinance Ticket Report
5. Annual Forest Preserve District of Will County Small Business Enterprise Initiative Report
6. Annual Bid and RFP Report
7. Plum Creek Greenway Trail Informational Open House Summary Report
8. Next Meeting Date - Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 8:30 AM at the Will County Office Building, 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL
Q. AD HOC COMMITTEE - TYSON
R. BUSINESS - NONE
S. REPORTS
1. Next Meeting Date - TBD
T. EXECUTIVE SESSION
No closed session occurred on February 10, 2022.
U. COMMENTS BY PUBLIC
No comments were received.
V. COMMENTS BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Executive Director Schultz invited the Board members to a private reception of "The Way We Work" a Smithsonian exhibit at the Isle a la Cache on Friday, February 11th. This exhibit will run Saturday, February 12th through May 8th for the public.
Schultz also mentioned there will be an Ad Hoc meeting on March 2, 2022 immediately following the Finance Committee meeting. Brent Hassert of Brent Hassert Consulting will be presenting and he encouraged all interested Commissioners to attend.
W. COMMENTS BY COMMISSIONERS
X. APPOINTMENTS/COMMENTS BY PRESIDENT
President VanDuyne had just attended the IAPD/IPRA Conference and found it informative regarding Government, Forest Preserves, and Park Districts. He encouraged the Board members to attend next year.
Y. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
1. Partnership Award - City of Lockport
The City of Lockport has been a vital partner in establishing Phase 1 of the Veterans Memorial Trail, Spring Creek to 159th Street. Accepting this award on behalf of the City of Lockport was Ben Benson and Alderwomen Renee Saban.
2. Partnership Award - Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition
The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition partnered with the Forest Preserve as well as other municipalities to provide the support and resources to make the Hammel Wood's Dam modification possible. Accepting this award on behalf of the Coalition was Jennifer Hammer from The Conservation Foundation.
3. The Nature Foundation of Will County
Cindy Harn, Executive Director of The Nature Foundation, presented a 2021 Year- In Review and spoke about the Foundations two main goals:
Goal 1: Take action to ensure that The Nature Foundation of Will County continues to grow its operations.
Goal 2: Take action to create organizational sustainability.
Harn reviewed the programs they have supported in 2021 and several of those looking ahead to 2022.
Harn also presented the Forest Preserve District of Will County with a check for $17,200.00. Portions of the check will be used for:
• Willy Wilderness a nature web site for kids
• Preserve the Moment Photo Contest
• “The Way We Work” a Smithsonian exhibit
• "The Buzz"
• “The Preserves are for You” a marketing campaign inspiring people to get outdoors.
President VanDuyne thanked Ms. Harn and The Nature Foundation for their continued support.
Z. ADJOURNMENT
1. Meeting was adjourned at 10:37 AM
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Amanda Koch, District 2 (D - Frankfort) SECONDER: Margaret Tyson, District 3 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Ogalla, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Parker, Fritz, Marcum, Koch, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Mitchell, Freeman, Pretzel ABSENT: Winfrey, Newquist, Kraulidis, Coleman |
Alerts Sign-up