Board of Commissioner Minutes August 15, 2018
Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
BOARD MEETING
Preserves Headquarters
August 15, 2018
PRESENT STAFF
Judy Barnard Mike Holan, Executive Director
Mike Eickman Steve Chapman, Finance
Audrey Johnson Vaughn Stamm, Preserve Operations
Gloria Lind-5:40 pm Ann Wasser, Education
Cheryl Maggio Kim O’Malley, Human Resources/Volunteer Program
Jeff Tilly
Jake Henry
GUESTS
Alex Mills – Klehm Arboretum
ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM, by President Barnard. Recording secretary Ronelle Johnson called the roll.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Audrey Johnson led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA and MINUTES Minutes for July 18 and July 31 were approved. No changes or additions were made to the agenda.
PRESENTATIONS and PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No presentations or public participation on this date.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS/DISCUSSION
Golf Courses – Jeff Tilly had the opportunity to golf at a golf course near Huntley. He wanted to acknowledge our golf course staff on their hard work on the Preserves courses. He stated that the Preserves courses are far superior to the course he played. He went on to say that not only are the Preserves courses superior in play but they are much nicer, better maintained and gorgeous. He again thanked our golf course staff for an excellent job in keeping the courses so nice.
Frost Proofing Sewer Line @ Macktown – Jake Henry brought up the September 20, 2017 budget amendment in which there was frost proofing of the sewer line at Macktown Visitors Center. He is now noticing that there is a charge in the July 2018 bills that another repair was made. Mike Holan stated that the staff is looking into it. He also clarified that an ejector pump was bad due to water freezing in the line that ran under the road. Jake would like to have Mike Holan go back to the contractor and have him fix the problem and pay for at least half of the repairs and explain why it didn’t work. Mike and the staff are working with the contractor on getting the problem fixed and what went wrong. Mike will report back on the outcome.
NEW BUSINESS
Draft Budget – Fiscal Year 2018/2019 – Steve Chapman and Mike Holan presented the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Annual Appropriation Budget. Judy asked the Commissioners to look over the budget over the next month.
ACTION ITEMS
Bills for July – Audrey Johnson made a motion, Mike Eickman seconded to authorize the payment of the bills for July in the amount of $561,972.87. Motion passed unanimously.
Establishing a Not-for-Profit –The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County leverages its funds with grants wherever possible. Some grant opportunities are only available to not-for-profit groups and not available to governmental agencies. A not-for-profit arm of the Preserves could apply for and receive those grants on behalf of the Preserves. The Board of Commissioners of the Preserves would like to establish a not-for-profit arm of the Preserves to be a representative of the Preserves and to be named at a future date. Judy reminded the Commissioners that we do have an agreement with a grant writer. The grant writer would write the grant and their percentage paid out of the administration fees from the grant. Therefore, there is no cost to the agency. Audrey Johnson made a motion, and Gloria Lind seconded that a not-for-profit arm of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County be established and named at a future date. Motion passed 5-1. (Jake Henry voted no).
Trade of Equipment with Klehm Arboretum – Preserves staff is proposing an exchange of equipment assets between the Preserves and Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden involving a single piece from each organization that has been deemed unwanted or unused but would be of use and of value for the other organization. The Preserves agrees to turn over to Klehm, one John Deere 935 Front Deck mower unit, serial # MOF935X186391, with approximately 2192 hours. The unit is used, and in running condition with no warranty implied or provided. Approximate auction value range is between $1,500 – $2,000. In exchange, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden agrees to turn over one 1987-1990 Morbark Eager Beaver model 200 Brush Chipper, serial #6302 with approximately 1339 hours. This unit is used and in running condition with no warranty implied or provided. The approximately auction value range is between $1,500 – $2,000. Gloria Lind made a motion and Mike Eickman seconded, to approve a resolution to donate the 2001 John Deere Mower to Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden and accept the donation of the 1987 Morbark Brush Chipper in return. Motion passed unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS
Preserve Operations – Vaughn Stamm, Scott Stewart, Scott Wallace and Bryan Helmold submitted a written report.
Land and Development – Tom Hartley submitted a written report.
Golf Operations – Vaughn Stamm, Rich Rosenstiel, Tyler Knapp & Mark Freiman submitted a written report. Vaughn and Mike met with Jay Sandine and Dan Jacobson of the Rockford Park District and discussed the Park District’s most recent survey results, specifically relating to golf. The four talked about possible joint marketing and advertising.
Marketing and Community Relations – Jamie Johannsen submitted a written report.
Environmental Education – Ann Wasser submitted a written report.
Human Resources/Volunteer Program Report – Kim O’Malley submitted a written report.
Law Enforcement – Sheriff’s Department submitted a written report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS and COMMUNICATIONS
August 18 – Nurture Nature at a R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday at Sugar River Forest Preserve, Saturday from 9:00 am-Noon.
September 14 & 15 – Forest Quest Scavenger Hunt
September 15 – Nurture Nature at a R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday at Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve, Saturday from 9:00 am-Noon.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.
Next board meeting 5:30 PM, Wednesday, September 19, Preserve Headquarters
Respectfully Submitted,
Ronelle Johnson
Recording Secretary