Board of Commissioner Minutes April 3, 2020
Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
BOARD MEETING
Preserves Headquarters
April 3, 2020
PRESENT STAFF
Judy Barnard – via phone Mike Holan, Executive Director
Mike Eickman – via phone
Audrey Johnson – via phone
Gloria Lind – via phone
Cheryl Maggio – via phone
Jeff Tilly– via phone
Jake Henry– via phone
ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 5:05 PM, by President Tilly. Executive Director Mike Holan called the roll. All Commissioners participated via telephone due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Pursuant to Governor Pritzker’s temporary change to the Open Meetings Act, the change allows for a remote meeting to allow Commissioners to participate via phone conference which will still be considered a quorum.
ACTION ITEMS
BOARD DISCUSSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Update on Preserves due to COVID-19 – Mike Holan informed the Commissioners that Governor Pritzker changed the Shelter in Place Order to a Stay at Home Order and that it is extended until the end of day on April 30. The Order will still require all golf courses, campgrounds, offices, playgrounds and other facilities to remain closed to the public during that time. Only essential services are allowed to operate. Preserve gates will remain closed but walk-in use will be allowed. Restrooms will remain locked.
Mike explained the Order contains a clause that allows maintenance of golf courses and maintenance of vital infrastructure. He interprets this to allow Golf Managers and staff to continue to mow and maintain golf course turf as needed to prevent loss or damage as well as to allow field staff to maintain turf areas as needed due to growth. Mechanics may need to be called in to repair equipment failure. Administrative staff will continue to work from home or report to the office as needed.
Mike asked the Commissioners for a consensus to pay staff regular wages during the duration of the Stay at Home Order through April 30 with the understanding that administrative staff will work from home as needed and essential staff will report to work sites only as needed. All Commissioners voted “yes” to pay staff during the duration of the Stay at Home Order.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:44 PM.
Next board meeting 5:30 PM, Wednesday, April 15, Preserve Headquarters
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael Holan
Executive Director