Kendall County Forest Preserve District Commission met April 17.
Here is the minutes 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
Commissioners Cullick, Davidson, Flowers, Gryder, Hendrix, Kellogg, Prochaska, Purcell and Gilmour all were present.
V. Approval of Agenda
Commissioner Hendrix made a motion to approve the Commission meeting agenda as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Prochaska. Aye, all. Opposed, none.
VI. Citizens to Be Heard
Budd Wormly of Millbrook, Illinois remarked that the comprehensive land use plan for Millbrook includes the Millbrook bridge as part of the regional trail plan. This plan includes a mission statement correlated with future use of the Millbrook bridge. The plan also suggests restoring the bridge as a priority for future use.
Todd Milliron of Yorkville, Illinois remarked with attention and efforts from citizens and the Village of Millbrook, the bridge could be repaired. It was noted that the Village of Millbrook does not have the revenue to replace or repair the bridge themselves, but could possibly assist in maintenance of the bridge since it is a part of the community and county.
President Gilmour thanked Budd Wormly and Todd Milliron for their comments.
VII. Approval of Claims in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $19,687.13
Commissioner Cullick made a motion to approve claims in an amount not-to-exceed $19,687.13. Seconded by Commissioner Flowers.
Commissioner Davidson asked about the garage door repair.
Director Guritz remarked that the charge was for a lift spring replacement on the interior bay door at the Harris Shop.
Motion: Commissioner Cullick
Second: Commissioner Gryder
Motion unanimously approved.
VIII. Operations Committee Report
Commissioner Flowers reported that the Operations Committee reviewed special use permits and proposals for Phase II of the Hoover Nature Play Space. Fees and charges were reviewed. Meadowhawk lodge solar light repairs were discussed. The status of Ellis House and Equestrian Center lesson horses was discussed.
Commissioner Hendrix remarked that this fiscal year has shown improvements in the District’s budget.
Director Guritz remarked that the improvements were a direct result of Commission support and guidance.
IX. Approval of Minutes
• Kendall County Forest Preserve District Commission Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2018
• Kendall County Forest Preserve District Operations Committee Meeting of April 4, 2018 Commissioner Gryder made a motion to approve the Commission meeting minutes of April 3, 2018, and the Operations Committee meeting for April 4, 2018. Seconded by Commissioner Hendrix. Aye, all. Opposed, none.
Old Business:
X. Motion: Providing Direction to HLR Engineering Inc. to Modify the
Millbrook Bridge Permit Application to the Army Corps of Engineers to Include Removal of the Two Center Support Piers within the Scope of Construction Activities
Commissioner Flowers made a motion to provide direction to HLR Engineering Inc. to modify the Millbrook bridge permit application to the Army Corps of Engineers to include possible removal of the two center support piers. Seconded by Commissioner Hendrix.
Director Guritz remarked that after speaking with the Army Corps of Engineers, HLR reported that there was concern expressed over leaving the center piers in place citing safety and future liability. This modification to the permit is part of the current phase for permitting. Director Guritz noted that there could be alternative uses for the pier limestone blocks.
Commissioner Davidson remarked that a cost amount is needed to decide on the motion.
Commissioner Kellogg asked if there were pilings under these piers, asking whether the piers have shifted over time.
Director Guritz stated that one of the engineering reports indicated that one of the piers has a documented shift.
Commissioner Purcell asked whether there was a cost to modify the permit direction.
Director Guritz replied that there is no cost difference in the permitting.
Commissioner Gryder clarified that the motion is only to modify the permit application and that there is not an additional cost at this time.
Director Guritz confirmed both.
Commissioner Kellogg asked if the not-to-exceed amount would increase in the contract with HLR because of additional work.
Director Guritz replied that it is a clarification to a question from the Army Corps of Engineers and will not increase the contracted cost.
Commissioner Purcell remarked that the District could transfer ownership to the Village of Millbrook, along with the available demolition funds, if the Village is interested in taking on future ownership.
Director Guritz replied that all possibilities will be discussed as required as part of this permitting phase of the project.
Commissioner Hendrix asked the proposed cost to repair the bridge was $1.2M.
Director Guritz replied that the estimated cost of repairs was $1M and replacement was $1.2M per the HR Green 2015 engineering report.
Motion: Commissioner Flowers
Second: Commissioner Hendrix
Motion carried by a vote of 7:2.
New Business
XI. Motion: Approval of Payment to RJ Kuhn Plumbing of Oswego, Illinois for Completion of the Hoover Sanitary Water Lift Station and Ejector Pumps Inspection in the Amount of $1,963.50
Commissioner Gryder made a motion to approve the payment to RJ Kuhn Plumbing of Oswego, Illinois for completion the Hoover sanitary water lift station and ejector pumps inspection in the amount of $1,963.50. Seconded by Commissioner Cullick.
Commissioner Purcell asked if there will be an additional cost.
Director Guritz stated that the pumps will likely need to be bid out for replacement
Motion: Commissioner Hendrix
Second: Commissioner Cullick
Motion unanimously approved.
XII. Motion: Approval of a Bill of Sale for the Ellis Lesson Horse “Candyman” to Janelle Geiger of Lamoille, Illinois in the Amount of $1.00
Commissioner Flowers made a motion to approve the bill of sale for the Ellis lesson horse “Candyman” to Janelle Geiger of Lamoille, Illinois in the amount of $1.00. Seconded by Commissioner Hendrix.
President Gilmour remarked that Ordinance #18-04-002 was included in the Commission meeting packet.
Commissioner Gryder asked what has changed with the lesson horse and whether there was an issue when the horse was initially purchased.
Director Guritz stated that the lesson horse was inspected by the veterinarian prior to purchase with a known condition, but determined useable as long as the preexisting joint issue was managed. The horse is no long able to be used as a lesson horse, resulting in increased program load on the remaining lesson horses. Ellis Equestrian Center staff are working to identify a suitable replacement horse.
Motion: Commissioner Flowers
Second: Commissioner Hendrix
Motion unanimously approved.
XIII. Motion: Approval of a One-Year Residence Lease Agreement with Marshal Savitski, Grounds Maintenance Worker of Plano, Illinois with a Required Monthly Rent Payment of $500.00 for Use of the Pickerill Estate Home at Pickerill-Pigott Forest Preserve
Commissioner Flowers made a motion to approve the one-year residence lease agreement with Marshal Savitski, Grounds Maintenance worker of Plano, Illinois with a required monthly rent payment of $500.00 for the use of the Pickerill estate home at the Pickerill-Pigott Forest Preserve. Seconded by Commissioner Prochaska.
Commissioner Davidson asked if any animals, including outside animals, are allowed on the residence.
Director Guritz responded that no animals are allowed.
Commissioner Purcell asked whether Marshal is an employee of the District.
Director Guritz responded that Marshal is an intermittent part time Grounds Maintenance Worker.
Commissioner Purcell asked if the lease agreement will be terminated if Marshal is no longer an employee of District, and how the rent amount of $500.00 was decided.
Director Guritz responded that if Marshal no longer works for the District, the lease agreement will be terminated. The amount of $500.00 a month for rent was determined based on the additional work anticipated that will need to be performed to maintain the forest preserve building and grounds, with approximately 10-15 hours per week anticipated.
Commissioner Kellogg asked for explanation on the lease agreement showing market value of $600.00 a week.
Director Guritz responded that the market value of the Pickerill estate house is estimated at $600.00 a week, with a recommended $500.00 monthly rent offsetting anticipated hourly salary compensation for work to be performed.
Commissioner Purcell asked how renting the house affects taxability of the estate home.
Director Guritz responded that this question has been previously presented to the State’s Attorney’s Office, with a finding that the property is not taxable so long as the lease is fulfilling District needs.
Commissioner Hendrix asked what the conditions of Marshal Savitski’s return from Wisconsin as it related to his previous employment.
Director Guritz responded that Marshal wanted to move back home to Plano, Illinois.
Commissioner Hendrix asked if the District is aware of any conditions of his release from employment in Wisconsin.
Director Guritz responded that he was not aware of any issues, stating that the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office also reviewed his work history as part of his selection for employment with the Sherriff’s Office.
Undersheriff Martin stated that Marshal did meet all of the requirements of the Sheriff’s office and is now serving in a full time position.
Commissioner Gryder asked how much time will be put into maintenance of the house and grounds if Marshal is employed with the Sheriff’s Office.
Director Guritz responded that initial preserve maintenance activities will be limited to 10 to 15 hours a week.
Commissioner Gryder asked if there will also be a salary for the work done.
Director Guritz responded that Marshal will be paid an hourly rate as a part time District employee.
Commissioner Purcell asked for confirmation that Marshal will be paid for his work, as well as a rent subsidy.
Director Guritz responded that the residual market value is considered a benefit of employment. Labor law dictates that Marshal will be compensated separately for his work performed.
Commissioner Flowers asked how the benefit of the lowered rent translates into an additional hourly benefit.
Director Guritz responded that the number would depend on how many hours of work are actually performed, and that number will likely vary from month to month.
Commissioner Davidson remarked that with the lowered rent and payment for 15 hours a week of work performed would translate into a benefit of $32 an hour.
Commissioner Kellogg remarked that the $500.00 will not cover the heating and electric bills during the winter.
Commissioner Purcell motioned to refer the lease agreement back to the Committee of the Whole. Seconded by Commissioner Davidson.
Motion: Commissioner Purcell
Second: Commissioner Davidson
Motion unanimously approved.
XIV. Motion: Approval of a Request from the Forest Foundation of Kendall County Authorizing the Foundation to Proceed with Phase II Construction of the Hoover Nature Play Space to Include Construction of a “Hobbit” Play Tunnel and Landscaped Mound, and an Actuated, Self-Draining Stream Water Feature, with Final Scope Determined based on Final Grant Awards
Commissioner Purcell motioned to approve the request from the Forest Foundation of Kendall County authorizing the Foundation to proceed with Phase II construction of the Hoover Nature Play Space. Seconded by Commissioner Hendrix.
Commissioner Purcell asked if there will be any cost from the District.
Director Guritz responded that if the District is awarded all grants applied for, the District will serve as the fiscal agent for one of the grants, with corresponding direct expenditures.
Motion: Commissioner Purcell
Second: Commissioner Hendrix
Motion unanimously approved.
XV. Motion: Approval of a 2018 Farm Lease Agreement with Tom Anderson of Somonauk, Illinois for a Base Rent Amount of $100.00 Per Tillable Acre for Seven Acres of Property at Little Rock Creek Forest Preserve, Including Use of the Metal Equipment Storage Shed
Commissioner Hendrix mad a motion to approve a 2018 farm lease agreement with Tom Anderson of Somonauk, Illinois for a base rent amount of $100.00 per tillable acre for seven acres of property at Little Rock Creek Forest Preserve. Seconded by Commissioner Flowers.
Commissioner Davidson asked what the total acreage is.
Director Guritz responded that there are just over seven acres of tillable land in agricultural production, which includes a one-acre field that will be managed for weed control and converted over to natural area this fall.
Commissioner Purcell asked if the agreement will be for only one year.
Director Guritz responded that the remaining acres will be under production for three years prior to cropland conversion to natural area.
Commissioner Purcell asked if there is maintenance required for the storage shed.
Director Guritz responded the are not any expected maintenance needs for the shed.
Commissioner Gryder asked if Tom Anderson knows the expectations of the agreement.
Commissioner Davidson responded that he does.
Motion: Commissioner Hendrix
Second: Commissioner Flowers
Motion unanimously approved.
XVI. Motion: Approval of a Proposal from TCL Electrical and Lighting of North Aurora, Illinois for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $5,041.15 for Repair of the Seven (7) Selux Solar Light Fixtures at Hoover Forest Preserve – Meadowhawk Lodge
Commissioner Hendrix made a motion to approve the proposal from TCL Electrical and Lighting of North Aurora, Illinois for an amount not-to-exceed $5,041.15 for repair of the seven Selux solar light fixtures ate Hoover Forest Preserve. Seconded by Commissioner Flowers.
Commissioner Purcell asked if the solar lights are worth the cost being put into them.
Commissioner Gryder asked if there is an expected life span for the lights, and if the lights have ever worked.
Director Guritz responded that it is assumed the lights worked initially and then stopped working at some point. Until the trouble-shooting process is done, the condition of the remaining working components of the light fixtures is unknown.
Commissioner Hendrix asked if there are LED lights being used in the replacements.
Director Guritz responded that the parts that are needed to get the lights working are being used based on specifications.
Commissioner Davidson asked what the life expectancy is on solar lights and whether these types of fixtures are being used on Kendall County highway projects.
Fran Klaas remarked that solar powered lights are not used on highway projects due to their unreliability.
Commissioner Gryder motioned to refer the proposal approval to Committee of the Whole for additional discussion. Seconded by Commissioner Purcell.
Motion: Commissioner Gryder
Second: Commissioner Purcell
Motion unanimously approved.
XVII. Executive Session
None.
XVIII. Other Items of Business
None.
XIX. Citizens to Be Heard
Jim Wyman from WSPY asked whether the piers that are still in the Fox River at Silver Springs pose any danger.
The Committee responded that the remaining piers near Silver Springs State Park would be a question for the Highway Department, not the Forest Preserve District.
XX. Adjournment
Commissioner Purcell made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Flowers. Aye, all. Opposed, none. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 am.
https://www.co.kendall.il.us/wp-content/uploads/FP-Apr-17-2018.pdf
Alerts Sign-up