Board of Commissioner Minutes July 19, 2017

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County

BOARD MEETING

Preserves Headquarters

July 19, 2017

PRESENT                                                                  STAFF

Judy Barnard                                                              Mike Holan, Executive Director

Audrey Johnson                                                         Steve Chapman, Finance

Gloria Lind                                                                  Vaughn Stamm, Preserve Operations

Cheryl Maggio                                                            Tom Hartley, Land and Development

Jeff Tilly                                                                       Ann Wasser, Education

Jake Henry                                                                  Kim O’Malley, Volunteer Coordinator

   Scott Stewart, North Area Manager

ABSENT                                                                    GUESTS

Mike Eickman                                                             Ray Ferguson

                                                                           Lee Johnson

ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 5:33 PM, by President Barnard.  Recording secretary Ronelle Johnson called the roll.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     Gloria Lind led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA and MINUTES      Judy reported a change to the agenda regarding the Land Advisory Council presentation regarding the Strategic Land Conservation Plan, in that part of the presentation will need to be in closed session.  Minutes for June 16 were approved.

PRESENTATIONS and PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Donation – Ray Ferguson presented a check to the Forest Preserve for approximately $45,000 to be designated for capital improvements for the Forest Preserve.  President Barnard thanked Ray and his wife for their generosity.  Audrey Johnson and Gloria Lind also thanked Ray.

New Employee – Mike Holan introduced Scott Stewart as the newest Area Manager.

Strategic Land Conservation Plan – Tom Hartley gave a background to the Greenways Plan. Jerry Paulson recognized Lee Johnson as also being on the Land Advisory Council.  Jerry distributed the final draft of the Strategic Land Conservation Plan.  Jerry gave an extensive and thorough presentation of the Land Advisory Council’s plan.  The Council is recommending that the Commissioners adopt and include this plan in the ongoing strategic plan process.  The meeting then went into closed session to further discuss land acquisition.

ACTION ITEMS

Bills for June – Audrey Johnson made a motion, Gloria Lind seconded, to authorize the payment of the bills for June, 2017 in the amount of $1,114,089.89.  Motion passed unanimously. 

Strategic Land Conservation Plan – The Land Advisory Council has been directed to advise the Forest Preserve Commissioners regarding land acquisition.  A Strategic Land Conservation Plan is part of the process.  That process is now complete.  The Land Advisory Council’s vision is that “The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County will have the resources to maintain all ecologically important land that is necessary to sustain populations of the animals, plants, and natural communities native to the County.”  Audrey Johnson made a motion and Jeff Tilly seconded to accept the Land Advisory Council Strategic Land Conservation Plan 2016-2020 for adoption by the Forest Preserve Commissioners.  Motion passed unanimously.

New Position – Mike Holan is proposing a new position be created.  The position would be a Human Resources Officer.  He is proposing that Kim O’Malley be selected for this position.  Kim would still also maintain her position as Volunteer Coordinator.  In closed session, the Commissioners interviewed Kim.   She also gave her qualifications and a copy of her resume.   Once the meeting returned to open session, Audrey Johnson made a motion and Gloria Lind seconded, to approve the new Human Resources position and that Kim O’Malley be given the position.  Motion passed unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS

Preserve Operations – Vaughn Stamm submitted a written report.  Vaughn also reported that traffic counts were done at Blackhawk Springs, Seward Bluffs, Hononegah and Sugar River Forest Preserves.  Vaughn will distribute those numbers to the Commissioners.

Land and Development – Tom Hartley submitted a written report.

Golf Operations – Mike Holan submitted a written report.  Liquor licenses have been obtained.

Marketing and Community Relations – Jamie Johannsen submitted a written report.

Environmental Education – Ann Wasser submitted a written report.

Law Enforcement – Sheriff’s Department submitted a written report.

CLOSED SESSION

Audrey made a motion to go into closed session at 6:03 PM to discuss land acquisition.  At 6:46 PM, the meeting returned to open session. No action was taken while in closed session.

Audrey made a motion to go into closed session at 7:02 PM to discuss personnel.  At 7:51 PM, the meeting returned to open session. No action was taken while in closed session.

ANNOUNCEMENTS and COMMUNICATIONS

August 19 Nurture Nature at a R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday at Severson Dells Forest Preserve, Sunday from 9:00 AM – Noon.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Next board meeting 5:30 PM, Wednesday, August 16, Forest Preserve Headquarters

Respectfully Submitted,

Ronelle Johnson

Recording Secretary