Kendall County Forest Preserve District Commission met February 20.
Here is the minutes as provided by the commission:
I. Call to Order
President Gilmour called the meeting to order at 9:00 am in the Kendall County Board Room.
II. Pledge of Allegiance
All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Invocation
Commissioner Prochaska offered an invocation for the meeting.
IV. Roll Call
X Cullick X Gryder
X Davidson X Hendrix
X Flowers X Kellogg
X Gilmour X Prochaska
Giles X Purcell (Entered the meeting at 9:07 am)
Commissioners Cullick, Davidson, Giles, Gryder, Hendrix, Kellogg, Prochaska, and Gilmour all were
present. Commissioner Purcell entered the meeting at 9:07 am.
V. Approval of Agenda
Commissioner Prochaska made a motion to approve the Commission meeting agenda as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Hendrix. Aye, all. Opposed, none.
VI. Citizens to Be Heard
No public comments were offered by citizens present at the meeting.
VII. Approval of Claims in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $36,217.44
Commissioner Cullick made a motion to approve claims in an amount not-to-exceed $36,217.44.
Seconded by Commissioner Hendrix.
Motion: Commissioner Cullick
Second: Commissioner Gryder
Roll call
Aye Opposed Commissioner Aye Opposed Commissioner
X Cullick X Gryder
X Davidson X Hendrix
X Flowers X Kellogg
Giles X Prochaska
X Gilmour Purcell
Motion unanimously approved.
VIII. Approval of Minutes
Kendall County Forest Preserve District Commission Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2018
Kendall County Forest Preserve District Operations Committee Meeting of February 7, 2018
Kendall County Forest Preserve District Finance Committee Meeting of February 14, 2018
Kendall County Forest Preserve District Committee of the Whole Meeting of February 14, 2018
Commissioner Cullick made a motion to approve the Commission meeting minutes of February 6,
2018; the Operations Committee meeting for February 7, 2018; the Finance Committee meeting
February 14, 2018, and the Committee of the Whole meeting minutes for February 14, 2018.
Seconded by Commissioner Flowers. Aye, all. Opposed, none.
IX. Operations Committee Report
Commissioner Flowers reported that the Operations Committee reviewed the public program fee
changes.
The Operations Committee also reviewed the year-to-date rental contracts for Meadowhawk
Lodge. Commissioner Flowers reported that Meadowhawk Lodge rental contracts are ahead of
prior year bookings.
The Operations Committee reviewed the special use permit for the Shoop Scoot 5k Run at Baker
Woods Forest Preserve.
X. Finance Committee Report
Commissioner Cullick reported that the Finance Committee reviewed claims which included the
Harris Shop boiler replacement, Hoover fuel delivery, and culvert pipe replacement at Harris.
The Finance Committee reviewed the Top Notch events rental proposal for the Ellis tent, and the
proposed promotional discount of $500.00 for 2018 Special Event rentals at Ellis House and
Equestrian Center.
Old Business
XI. 2018 IDNR-FHA Regional Trails Program – Public Hearing Results and Comments
Director Guritz reported on the FHA-Regional Trails Program required public hearing held on
February 15, 2018. During the hearing, the Fox River Bluffs trail maps, access road configuration,
parking lot, and future trails were discussed with public hearing participants.
The Recreational Trails Program grant provides a maximum of $200,000, with a required match of
20%, or $50,000.
The Committee of the Whole reviewed the draft ordinance, which included updated costs for
initial site improvement projects. The resolution was redrafted based on projected costs to include
a District grant request of $177,179 with a required 20% match of $44,299.
Commissioner Davidson asked what occurs if the grant is not received. Director Guritz reported
that that trail would not be constructed.
Commissioner Davidson asked whether the District had anticipated the required match in the
FY18 budget. Director Guritz reported that the $44,299 will need to be included in the FY19 capital
fund appropriations because the grant will not be rewarded until half way through FY19. There
are sufficient appropriations in the capital fund’s FY18 appropriations as well.
Commissioner Purcell entered the meeting at 9:07 am.
Commissioner Purcell asked how long of a time lapse there will be from when the District receives
the grant and when it appropriates the funds to complete the project. Director Guritz responded
that the grant is reimbursable, and the District will need to anticipate expending funds to
complete the project in fall 2019 following notification of award anticipated in June of 2019.
Commissioner Purcell asked Director Guritz to elaborate on any concerns expressed by the public
during the hearing. Director Guritz reported the only concern discussed was related to insuring
proper drainage from adjoining lands to the south through the preserve’s south-west corner,
noting that the entry drive will need to be constructed to allow water to continue to follow
through the existing drainage swale, with possible trail concrete spillways retrofitted to reduce
trail erosion following the initial installation.
Commissioner Davidson asked if the grant agreement and trail construction contract will be first
reviewed by a committee. Director Guritz reported that the grant agreement, if awarded, along
with subsequent project bid documents will be submitted to the State's Attorney's Office for
review prior to presenting these to District Committees and Commission for approval.
XII. Resolution #18-02-001: A Resolution Authorizing Participation in the 2018
IDNR-FHA Regional Trails Program, Including a Request of $177,179.00 of
Grant Funding Representing 80% of the Total Estimated Project Costs of
$221,474.00, including Payment of the Required $300.00 Application Fee,
for the Proposed Construction of a 1.05 Mile Multi-Purpose Trail Loop and
Spur, and ADA Parking Stall Improvements at Fox River Bluffs Forest
Preserve.
President Gilmour recited resolution #18-02-001.
Commissioner Gryder motioned to approve resolution #18-02-001 authorizing participation in the
2018 IDNR-FHA Regional Trails Program, including submission of a request for $177,179.00 of
grant funding representing 80% of the total estimated project costs of $221,474.00, including
payment of the required $300.00 application fee, for the proposed construction of a 1.05 mile
multi-purpose trail loop and spur, and ADA parking stall improvements at Fox River Bluffs Forest
Preserve.
Seconded by Commissioner Flowers.
Commissioner Purcell asked if the finances for resolution #18-02-001 will be funded by capital
expenditures.
Director Guritz responded the project would be funded from the District’s capital fund.
Motion: Commissioner Gryder
Second: Commissioner Flowers
Roll call: Resolution #18-02-001
Aye Opposed Commissioner Aye Opposed Commissioner
X Cullick X Gryder
X Davidson X Hendrix
X Flowers X Kellogg
Giles X Prochaska
X Gilmour X Purcell
Motion unanimously approved.
New Business
XIII. MOTION: Approval of a Letter of Intent to Purchase 132.49± Acres of
Property known as “Little Rock Creek Forest Preserve – Maramech Addition”
from The Conservation Foundation, Naperville, Illinois for an Amount NotTo-Exceed
$4,906.04 Per Acre, Representing a Total Extended Land Value
and Cost of $650.000.00, which Sum Represents 50% of the $1,300,000.00
Certified Fair Market Valuation of the Property, with the Remaining 50% of
the Certified Fair Market Valuation of $650,000.00 to be Donated to the
Kendall County Forest Preserve District by The Conservation Foundation
Commissioner Gryder made a motion to approve the letter of intent to purchase 132.49± acres of
property known as "Little Rock Creek Forest Preserve-Maramech Addition" from The Conservation
Foundation of Naperville, Illinois for an amount not-to-exceed $4,906.04 per acre, representing a
total extended land value and cost of $650,000.00, which sum represents 50% of the $1.3M
certified fair market valuation of the property, with the remaining 50% of the certified fair market
valuation of $650,000.00 to be donated to the Kendall County Forest Preserve District by The
Conservation Foundation.
Seconded by Commissioner Hendrix.
Director Guritz noted that the $650,000 that the Kendall County Forest Preserve District will
initially transfer at closing is fully reimbursable by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Land and Water Conservation Fund - Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant award.
Director Guritz thanked Brook McDonald, President and CEO of the Conservation Foundation for
their support of the land purchase agreement.
Brook McDonald thanked the Forest Preserve District for their partnership.
Director Guritz noted the formal notification has been received from the IDNR approving the grant
forms attached to the District’s Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent and Purchase Ordinance will
be brought forward to the Commission meeting on March 6, 2018. All documents have been
reviewed by The Conservation Foundation's attorney as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa
Coffey.
Commissioner Kellogg commented that the motion is supported, but stated that Pickerill-Pigott
and Henneberry Forest Preserves should be opened before improvements are made within the
Little Rock Creek Forest Preserve.
Commissioner Purcell questioned when the Kendall County Forest Preserve District would be
reimbursed for the $650,000.00 initially expended on the Little Rock Creek Forest Preserve
acquisition.
Director Guritz stated that reimbursement is anticipated within 2-3 months following submission
of the final billing statement.
Motion: Commissioner Gryder
Second: Commissioner Hendrix
Roll call: Approval of Letter of Intent to Purchase
Aye Opposed Commissioner Aye Opposed Commissioner
X Cullick X Gryder
X Davidson X Hendrix
X Flowers X Kellogg
Giles X Prochaska
X Gilmour X Purcell
Motion unanimously approved.
XIV. Motion: Approval of a Proposal from Chamlin & Associates Inc. for the
Completion of Legal Descriptions for Those Portions of District-Owned
Property at Maramech Forest Preserve Located within the Rights-of-Way of
Fox River Drive and Griswold Springs Road in the Amount of $880.00
Commissioner Cullick made a motion to approve the proposal from Chamlin & Associates Inc. for
the completion of legal descriptions for those portions of District-owned property at Maramech
Forest Preserve located within the rights-of-way of Fox River Drive and Griswold Springs Road.
Seconded by Commissioner Hendrix.
President Gilmour noted that the cost had been reduced.
Director Guritz stated that the development of an exhibit was removed. Only the legal
descriptions are needed, with the cost reduced to $880.00.
Commissioner Davidson asked why the completion of the legal descriptions had not been
completed at an earlier date by the surveyors.
Director Guritz stated that the District’s legal descriptions in the District’s files covered the whole
property. Because Fox River Drive, Griswold Springs Road, and the Burr Oak Road rights-of-way
will be exempted from the conservation covenants separate legal descriptions are needed to
describe the exemptions.
Motion: Commissioner Cullick
Second: Commissioner Hendrix
Roll call: Completion of Legal Descriptions
Aye Opposed Commissioner Aye Opposed Commissioner
X Cullick X Gryder
X Davidson X Hendrix
X Flowers X Kellogg
Giles X Prochaska
X Gilmour X Purcell
Motion unanimously approved.
XV. Motion: Approval of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District’s Spring
Public Program Fees and Charges
Commissioner Hendrix made a motion to approve the Kendall County Forest Preserve District's
spring public program fees and charges. Seconded by Commissioner Flowers.
Director Guritz reported that the fees and charges were reviewed at Committee of the Whole
meeting.
Director Guritz noted that the District’s spring public programs primarily target younger
audiences; however the Forest Preserve District is meeting with Waubonsee Community College
to discuss development of programs based on interests of young and older active adults as part of
the Pickerill-Pigott Forest Preserve master plan discussions.
Motion: Commissioner Hendrix
Second: Commissioner Flowers
Roll call: Spring Public Program Fees and Charges
Aye Opposed Commissioner Aye Opposed Commissioner
X Cullick X Gryder
X Davidson X Hendrix
X Flowers X Kellogg
Giles X Prochaska
X Gilmour X Purcell
Motion unanimously approved.
XVI. MOTION: Approval a Promotional Discount of $500.00 for 2018 Special
Event Rentals at Ellis House and Equestrian Center, Subject to Date
Availability and Presentation of a Promotional Tracking Code, for Events
Contracted During the Promotion Period Beginning February 21, 2018 and
Ending July 30, 2018
Commissioner Hendrix motioned to approve the promotional discount of $500.00 for 2018 special
event rentals at Ellis House and Equestrian Center, subject to date availability and presentation of
a promotional tracking code. Seconded by Commissioner Cullick.
Commissioner Prochaska asked what the total cost for a special event rental would be with this
promotion.
Director Guritz remarked that prices vary by day of the week, with charges after the discount of
$3,300 for Saturday events, and $3,100 for Friday and Sunday events.
Commissioner Hendrix remarked that this promotion will help book rentals that are open and
otherwise not generating revenue.
Commissioner Purcell asked if the special events rentals at Ellis House and Equestrian Center have
surpassed the breakeven point for revenues after costs.
Director Guritz responded that there are currently 9 events scheduled at Ellis House and
Equestrian Center, with 5-events included in the FY18 budget representing the break-even point
for the program.
Commissioner Davidson noted that the cost of maintenance should be included in the future
budget estimates within the Ellis rental cost centers.
Commissioner Hendrix questioned if the Ellis House and Equestrian Center current rentals will
exceed the breakeven point for operations.
Director Guritz responded that Ellis House and Equestrian Center carries maintenance cost as a
part of Baker Woods Forest Preserve. The costs for maintenance of grounds, including public use
areas and trails at Baker Woods Forest Preserve, are not covered by the revenue generated from
the special event rentals. The direct maintenance costs of the programs and special event rentals
are covered by the revenue generated by the programs, with net revenue gains helping to offset
the overall maintenance costs for the full operation of Ellis House and Equestrian Center, which
includes those costs for maintaining Baker Woods Forest Preserve.
Motion: Commissioner Hendrix
Second: Commissioner Cullick
Roll call: Ellis House and Equestrian Center $500.00 Promotional Discount
Aye Opposed Commissioner Aye Opposed Commissioner
X Cullick X Gryder
X Davidson X Hendrix
X Flowers X Kellogg
Giles X Prochaska
X Gilmour X Purcell
Motion carried by a vote of 8:1.
XVII. MOTION: Approval of a Request from the Forest Foundation of Kendall
County, Pursuant to Satisfying Two $5,500.00 Illinois Clean Energy
Community Foundation Amenities and Events Grant Application Submission
Requirements, to Allow the Forest Foundation of Kendall County to
Complete Grant-Funded Improvements and to Host Special Events at
Hoover Forest Preserve and Fox River Bluffs Forest Preserve
Commissioner Cullick mad a motion to approve a request from the Forest Foundation of Kendall
County, pursuant to satisfying two $5,500.00 Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
Amenities and Events Grant application submission requirements, and allow the Forest
Foundation of Kendall County to complete grant-funded improvements and host special events at
Hoover Forest Preserve and Fox River Bluffs Forest Preserve. Seconded by Commissioner Gryder.
Commissioner Purcell asked Director Guritz to go over the program details.
Director Guritz reported that this motion is to allow the Forest Foundation to apply for two
Amenities and Events grants through the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. The two
grants are reimbursable to the Forest Foundation, with the Forest Foundation reimbursed directly
by ICECF. For the Fox River Bluffs grant, $5,000.00 would help fund the preserve drive entrance
sign and required donor agency acknowledgement signage. The remaining $500.00 will be used to
offset costs associated with a public opening event.
The second grant for Hoover Forest Preserve will fund a second-phase improvement at the Hoover
Nature Play Space, and support the 2019 Winter Fest event currently under discussion for
development as part of the Community Restoration Challenge Grant program application.
Commission Davidson asked why this motion was on the agenda without going through
Committee of the Whole.
Director Guritz responded that do to timing issues with the grant application deadline, and
scheduling of the Forest Foundation’s recent meeting, President Gilmour decided to place the
motion on the agenda for consideration.
Director Guritz noted that the costs that would be covered by these grants would otherwise be
the responsibility of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District. Donor signage is required
because of previous grants accepted. The Forest Foundation was encouraged and invited to apply
by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to apply, with the ICECF extending land
acquisition grants for the purchase of both Hoover Forest Preserve and Fox River Bluffs Forest
Preserve.
Commissioner Purcell asked who would have the final approval of any signs.
Director Guritz responded that the Forest Foundation of Kendall County and District staff will work
collectively on the donor signage.
Motion: Commissioner Cullick
Second: Commissioner Gryder
Roll call: Forest Foundation Grant Application Request
Aye Opposed Commissioner Aye Opposed Commissioner
X Cullick X Gryder
X Davidson X Hendrix
X Flowers X Kellogg
Giles X Prochaska
X Gilmour X Purcell
Motion unanimously approved.
XVIII. MOTION: Approval of a Proposal from Scott Kobal of Wheaton, Illinois for
Completion of Floristic Quality Inventories at Henneberry Forest Preserve
and Reservation Woods, and Plants of Concern Locating at Maramech Forest
Preserve, for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $2,500.00
Commissioner Prochaska made a motion to approve the proposal from Scott Kobal of Wheaton,
Illinois for completion of floristic quality inventories at Henneberry Forest Preserve and
Reservation Woods, and plants of concern locating at Maramech Forest Preserve, for an amount
not-to-exceed $2,500.00. Seconded by Commissioner Flowers.
Commissioner Gryder questioned if this proposal was related to the summer intern’s project.
Director Guritz remarked that the projected is directly connected. A floristic quality study has not
been completed for Henneberry Forest Preserve. $2,000.00 of the proposal cost will be offset by
an individual donor’s contribution to the Forest Foundation.
Commissioner Hendrix asked about the time estimate for completing the floristic quality
inventories.
Director Guritz responded that Scott Kobal will come out several times during the growing season
from April to July to inventory plant species at all sites, which includes assistance with relocating
plants of concern populations to support ongoing District monitoring and management efforts.
President Gilmour asked Director Guritz to explain the advantages to the District to have a floristic
quality study.
Director Guritz responded that floristic quality inventories are needed in many cases to secure
outside funding for restoration projects and wildlife conservation projects. The studies provide an
important baseline documenting preserve habitat types and quality.
Motion: Commissioner Cullick
Second: Commissioner Gryder
Roll call: Scott Kobal Floristic Quality Inventories
Aye Opposed Commissioner Aye Opposed Commissioner
X Cullick X Gryder
X Davidson X Hendrix
X Flowers X Kellogg
Giles X Prochaska
X Gilmour X Purcell
Motion unanimously approved.
XIX. Executive Session
None.
XX. Other Items of Business
Commissioner Purcell asked Director Guritz to comment on tick monitoring for Lyme disease.
Director Guritz responded that Lyme disease is known to be increasing in Kendall County, with
Maramech Forest Preserve found to have the highest number of ticks carrying the bacteria that
causes Lyme disease from Kendall County Health Department monitoring efforts. The District is
partnering with the Kendall County Health Department to expand tick collection efforts through
the iTick partnership which provides free testing of ticks collected from preserve areas. This will
allow Kendall County Forest Preserve District to know where Lyme disease is occurring to help
inform management strategies to reduce populations and preserve visitor education efforts.
Commissioner Gryder questioned what a citizen should look for if they have a possible tick bite.
Director Guritz responded that when a tick imbeds, the bacteria spreads within the first 24 hours
causing a red target-shaped rash to appear on the surface of the skin. However a rash does not
always present. Rapid tick assays can used to confirm whether individual ticks are carriers.
Health Department Executive Director, Dr. Aamal Tokars noted that the sampling underway is for
deer ticks. These are smaller than dog ticks, and might not be detected. If symptoms present,
individuals should always follow-up with their primary doctor.
Commissioner Flowers noted that Lyme disease is a very serious health risk and questioned what
symptoms should be watched for.
Dr. Tokars remarked that symptoms are vague, such as headaches and flu symptoms. If a citizen is
near an area where ticks are present then a tick body check should be performed when
conducting activities near or within these areas.
Commissioner Kellogg noted that the Health Department has a video presentation on ticks and
suggested it be linked to the Kendall County Forest Preserve District website.
Commissioner Flowers remarked that the chronic wasting disease has been documented as well,
and questioned if the Kendall County Forest Preserve District will be doing any testing for the
disease.
Director Guritz remarked that chronic wasting disease is not an immediate human health concern,
but is expanding in terms of both incident rate and range within the deer population in Kendall
County as part of the IDNR’s ongoing monitoring and management activities. The IDNR also has
begun to perform testing on deer harvested by local hunters at mandatory check stations, which is
increasing the data collected within Kendall County as part of the study.
XXI. Citizens to Be Heard
None.
XXII. Adjournment
Commissioner Prochaska made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Flowers. Aye,
all. Opposed, none. Meeting adjourned at 9:55 am.
https://www.co.kendall.il.us/wp-content/uploads/FP-Feb-20-2018-1.pdf
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