Board of Commissioner Minutes July 17, 2019
Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
BOARD MEETING
Forest Preserve Headquarters
July 17, 2019
PRESENT STAFF
Judy Barnard Mike Holan, Executive Director
Mike Eickman Steve Chapman, Finance
Jake Henry Vaughn Stamm, Preserve Operations
Gloria Lind Tom Hartley, Land and Development
Cheryl Maggio Kim O’Malley, Human Resources/Volunteer Program
Jeff Tilly-Late 5:35 Ann Wasser, Education
ABSENT GUESTS
Audrey Johnson Alex Mills
ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 5:36 PM, by President Tilly. Administrative Assistant Kristy Knapp called the roll.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Jake Henry led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA and MINUTES Minutes for June 19, 2019 were approved. No changes or additions were made to the agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
Gloria Lind complimented Steve Chapman regarding an article she read in the paper and said we are very lucky to have him with the Forest Preserve.
Mike Eickman received a call from a gentleman in Winnebago, concerning the road going into Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve. There is a sharp curve and the gentleman is concerned that someone will go over the edge. Vaughn Stamm said he also spoke to that same individual and as of today, he spoke to the area manager and they are putting some large boulders and reflective signs at the curve to catch people’s attention and help avoid any potential accidents. Mike Eickman also asked if the forest preserve has received the county sign for Colored Sands Forest Preserve. Vaughn Stamm and Mike Holan both said that there is a request in with the County for the sign.
Judy Barnard mentioned on the road going to Sugar River Forest Preserve, there is a sign that states “no through road”. She was wondering if we should put up a sign that tells people to keep going so they know they are entering the Forest Preserve.
Jake Henry mentioned that at Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve along the path there is a pile of tires and other things that have been sitting there for the last 90 days. He is wondering why it has not been cleaned up. Mike Holan told Jake that staff will look into the matter.
Jeff Tilly received a message from a gentleman that was at one of the campgrounds. The gentleman was concerned about RV’s doubling up on campsites. Vaughn Stamm also spoke to the gentleman and as it turns out the sites that he was mentioning at Seward Bluffs are sites that are almost back to back. They’re popular sites for families/friends that want to camp together. So it gives the impression that people are doubling up on those sites. Vaughn explained this to the gentleman and he understood.
ACTION ITEMS
Bills for June – Judy Barnard made a motion, Gloria Lind seconded to authorize the payment of the bills for June in the amount of $578,799.16. A duplicate invoice will be adjusted in next month’s bills. Motion passed unanimously.
Acceptance of Bids for Hononegah Rainbow Arch Bridge Renovation – The concrete bridge in Hononegah Forest Preserve was built in 1925 and may be the oldest concrete bridge in the County. Replacement of the bridge would be very expensive and nearly impossible to replicate. Small portions of concrete have broken away from the structure and exposed rebar. The contract calls for minor repairs: power washing, cleaning rust from rebar, patching or rebuilding chipped and deteriorated areas, and finally application of a penetrating sealer. All bidders were to have previous experience with bridge renovation. A total of seven contractors were contacted and the project was publicly advertised. Three contractors were present at the pre-bid meeting including a local contractor, Sjostom and Sons, but only Vector Construction submitted a bid. The base bid was $55,699 and the alternate $8,250. The alternate called for patching concrete in the non-visible portion of the bridge and will result in a better repair. The budget is $63,000. Staff recommends award of the contract to Vector Construction for both the base bid and alternate for $63,949. The additional $949 is available in the roads budget. The Board is requesting that staff call and check references on the contractor. Mike Eickman made a motion, Gloria Lind seconded to approve acceptance of bids for Hononegah Rainbow Arch Bridge Renovation. Motion passes 4-1 (Jake Henry voted no).
STAFF REPORTS
Preserve Operations – Vaughn Stamm, Scott Stewart, Scott Wallace and Bryan Helmold submitted a written report.
Golf Operations – Vaughn Stamm, Rich Rosenstiel, Tyler Knapp & Mark Freiman submitted a written report.
Land and Development – Tom Hartley submitted a written report.
Marketing and Community Relations – Jamie Johannsen submitted a written report.
Environmental Education – Ann Wasser submitted a written report. Ann spoke on the AmeriCorps grants that we did not have last year due to a technical issues with the state. She said we will have an education AmeriCorps member starting hopefully in September, a citizen science member starting later in the year and a volunteer support member next springs. Most of the members will be helping natural resources in the summer along with other local natural resource agencies like NLI, Boone County and DeKalb County.
Human Resources/Volunteer Program Report – Kim O’Malley submitted a written report. Kim would like to remind everyone of the Employee Appreciation Picnic on Wednesday, August 7th at Old Settlers shelter at Atwood Homestead. We will be eating at 11:30 and after we eat we will have the opportunity to play golf/footgolf. For those that do not want to participate in a round of golf are encouraged to use the putting/driving range.
Law Enforcement – Sheriff’s Department submitted a written report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS and COMMUNICATIONS
July 20 – Nurture Nature at a R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday at Severson Dells Forest Preserve, Saturday from 9:00am – 12:00pm
August 7 – Employee Picnic at Atwood Homestead (Old Settlers Shelter), Wednesday at 11:30am
August 17 – Nurture Nature at a R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday at Kieselburg Forest Preserve, Saturday from 9:00am – 12:00pmm
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:04 PM.
Next board meeting 5:30 PM, Wednesday, August 21, Severson Dells Nature Center
Respectfully Submitted,
Kristy Knapp
Administrative Assistant