Will County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners met June 9
Here is the agenda provided by the board:
A. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order by President VanDuyne at 9:30 AM.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Tyson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. INVOCATION
D. INTRODUCTION OF THE NEWS MEDIA
There were no media present.
E. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Judy Ogalla | District 1 (R - Monee) | Absent | |
| Donald Gould | District 6 (R - Shorewood) | Present | |
| Steve Balich | District 7 (R - Homer Glen) | Present | |
| Herbert Brooks Jr. | District 8 (D - Joliet) | Present | |
| Mike Fricilone | District 7 (R - Homer Glen) | Present | |
| Jim Moustis | District 2 (R - Frankfort) | Present | |
| Jacqueline Traynere | District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) | Present | |
| Tom Weigel | District 12 (R - New Lenox) | Present | |
| Denise E. Winfrey | District 8 (D - Joliet) | Absent |
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Annette Parker | District 9 (R - Crest Hill) | Absent | |
| Gretchen Fritz | District 5 (R - Plainfield) | Present | |
| Tyler Marcum | Treasurer | Present | |
| Amanda Koch | District 2 (D - Frankfort) | Absent | |
| Meta Mueller | District 5 (D - Aurora) | Present | |
| Joe VanDuyne | President | Present | |
| Rachel Ventura | Vice President | Present | |
| Julie Berkowicz | District 11 (R - Naperville) | Present | |
| Mimi Cowan | Speaker, District 11
(D - Naperville) | Present | |
| Margaret Tyson | District 3 (D - Bolingbrook) | Present | |
| Sherry Newquist | District 1 (D - Steger) | Present | |
| Raquel M. Mitchell | District 3 (R - Bolingbrook) | Present | |
| Mica Freeman | Secretary | Present | |
| Debbie Kraulidis | District 13 (R - Joliet) | Absent | |
| Natalie Coleman | District 10 (D - Plainfield) | Present | |
| Frankie Pretzel | District 12 (R - New Lenox) | Absent | |
| Saud Gazanfer | District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) | Present |
Presentation of Certificate of Mailing and Certificate of Publication was put on file.
1. President VanDuyne asked for a motion to move the Forest Preserve District of Will County Volunteers of the Year Award and The Nature Foundation of Will County Presentation to the beginning of the Agenda.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
1. Minutes of May 12, 2022
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Steve Balich, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
1. Monthly Financial Statements - May 31, 2022
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tyler Marcum, Treasurer SECONDER: Saud Gazanfer, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
President VanDuyne entertained petitions from the public. There were none.
J. FINANCE COMMITTEE - COLEMAN
K. SCHEDULE OF BILLS
1. Schedule of Bills - May 2022
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Natalie Coleman, District 10 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
1. Approval of Ordinance No. 617 Authorizing One Residential License Agreement and Two Non-Residential License Agreements
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) SECONDER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Natalie Coleman, District 10 (D - Plainfield) SECONDER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Natalie Coleman, District 10 (D - Plainfield) SECONDER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
1. Next Meeting Date - Wednesday, July 6, 2022 immediately following the Operations Committee Meeting but no earlier than 8:45 AM at the Sugar Creek Administration Building, 17540 W. Laraway Road, Joliet, Illinois
N. OPERATIONS COMMITTEE - NEWQUIST
O. BUSINESS
1. Award of Contract in the Amount of $105,000.00 to Thornton Equipment Services, Inc., of Mokena, Illinois, for Habitat Enhancement at Kankakee Sand Preserve
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) SECONDER: Donald Gould, District 6 (R - Shorewood) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) SECONDER: Saud Gazanfer, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) SECONDER: Tom Weigel, District 12 (R - New Lenox) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) SECONDER: Saud Gazanfer, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) SECONDER: Saud Gazanfer, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
1. Next Meeting Date - Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 8:30 AM at the Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Road, Joliet, Illinois
Q. AD HOC COMMITTEE - TYSON
R. BUSINESS - NONE
S. REPORTS
1. Next Meeting Date - TBD
T. EXECUTIVE SESSION
No closed session occurred on June 9, 2022
U. COMMENTS BY PUBLIC
Executive Director Schultz read a public comment from Mr. Robert Widuch regarding Hidden Oaks Nature Preserve.
V. COMMENTS BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Executive Director Schultz highlighted another one of our organizational principles, focusing on Wellness. Research shows that being in nature has a positive effect on mood, boosts energy, reduces stress and promotes overall health. The Forest Preserve strives to make nature accessible to all and to offer a variety of ways for people to engage with the outdoors in support of their mental and physical health. Schultz noted that we continue to offer programs that focus on a variety of groups to provide greater access for everyone. Programs were held for seniors, women, men, children, and families, individuals with sensory-processing needs, and even dogs and their owners. In addition, programs on trail, bicycle, and boating safety as well as environmental topics were included in the year's program lineup. Online programming and digital communications also provided other avenues for people to connect with the outdoors.
Looking forward in 2022, The Forest Preserve will:
• Complete and open to the public the new All-Abilities trail at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
• Develop an inclusion initiative consisting of a promotional campaign “The Preserves are for You”, a “Four Rivers for ALL” event, and additional programming for diverse audiences.
• Seek 2-4 opportunities to engage with undeserved communities.
W. COMMENTS BY COMMISSIONERS
X. APPOINTMENTS/COMMENTS BY PRESIDENT
1. Appointment Diana Jaworski to Serve as a Retiree Representative on the Forest Preserve District of Will County Retiree Health Insurance Trust
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Saud Gazanfer, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Steve Balich, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
1. Forest Preserve District of Will County Volunteers of the Year 2021
President VanDuyne and Executive Director Schultz presented the Forest Preserve District of Will County's 2021 Volunteer of the Year Awards to Scott Mortenson and Mark Bettin. Mark Bettin of Mokena and Scott Mortenson of Oak Park were named 2021 Volunteers of the Year during a recent Forest Preserve awards banquet. Awards were given out in several categories, including service awards for longevity, to honor the many individuals who donate their time to the District. Bettin's and Mortenson’s collaborative outreach efforts won them the top award.
The winners of the 2021 Volunteer of the Year award not only volunteered their time but also created opportunities for others to volunteer. Mr. Mortenson and Mr. Bettin organized groups, supported other stewards, and invited corporations to participate in natural resource management opportunities.
2. The Nature Foundation of Will County
Chair Pattison along with Secretary, DeMauro, Executive Director Harn, and Foundation members Gould, Mueller, and Ventura presented the Forest Preserve District of Will County with a check for $13,500.00. Portions of the check will be used for:
·The Diversity of Life Traveling Exhibition
·All Person Interpretive Trail Readers
·Woods Walk Program
·Nature Artist Guild at Hidden Oaks Preserve
Pattison continued to speak about the upcoming events; the next event is the Summer Blooms Native Plant Sale featuring late-blooming natives that are critical sources of pollen and nectar for native bees and other insects as they prepare for the change of seasons.
·Online sale begins Friday, June 17 at noon
·Orders must be placed by Sunday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m.
·Order pickup on Saturday, July 23 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Sunday, July 24 (9 a.m. to noon)
·Order pickup is held at Isle a la Cache Museum/Preserve, 501 E. Romeo Road
·List of plants available for online purchase.
On Saturday, August 20th, the Foundation will host the first-ever Summer Celebration Benefit Concert 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Whalon Lake Preserve - Lakeside Shelter along with the concert, the evening will include food and beverage trucks.
Z. ADJOURNMENT
1. Meeting ws adjourned at 10:18 AM
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raquel M. Mitchell, District 3 (R - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Julie Berkowicz, District 11 (R - Naperville) AYES: Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Fricilone, Moustis, Traynere, Weigel, Fritz, Marcum, Mueller, VanDuyne, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tyson, Newquist, Mitchell, Freeman, Coleman, Gazanfer ABSENT: Ogalla, Winfrey, Parker, Koch, Kraulidis, Pretzel |
Alerts Sign-up