Board of Commissioner Minutes July 20, 2016
Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
BOARD MEETING
The Ledges Golf Course
July 20, 2016
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
Mary McNamara Bernsten Mike Durand, Golf Operations
Jeff Tilly
ABSENT GUESTS
Mike Eickman Lee Johnson
Jerry Paulson
ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 5:35 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 June 15, 2016 were approved. No changes or additions were made to the agenda.
PRESENTATIONS and PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No presentations or public participation
CLOSED SESSION
Audrey made a motion to go into closed session at 5:37 pm. At 7:05, the meeting returned to open session. No action was taken while in closed session.
Land Acquisition – It is the consensus of the Board to proceed with the purchase of the Larson & Johnson’s properties. The Board directed Tom Hartley to move forward with both properties as well as get an appraisal on the Hoisington property.
ACTION ITEMS
Bills for June – Audrey Johnson made a motion, and Gloria Lind seconded to authorize the payment of the bills for July in the amount of $610,212.95. Motion passed unanimously.
Budget Amendment – At the May 18, 2016 Board meeting a resolution was passed to purchase fifty new 2016 EZGo TXT golf cars in the amount of $107,400 (net cost after trade allowance of existing fleet) from EZGo division of Textron, Inc. Funds were allocated in the 2016 capital budget for a 3 year lease/purchase agreement in the amount of $75,000 for the replacement of the rental golf cars at Atwood homestead Golf Course. Funds are available in the 2016 cash balance of the Corporate Fund in the amount of $32,400 in addition to the budgeted amount of $75,000 in the 2016 Capital Fund for the replacement of the rental golf cars. A Resolution to purchase fifty new 2016 EZGo TXT golf cars in the amount of $107,400 was passed by a 3-1 vote at the May 2016 Board of Commissioner meeting. Gloria Lind made a motion, and Audrey Johnson seconded, for an ordinance for a Budget Amendment using $32,400 from the Corporate Fund cash balance in addition to $75,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund is requested to make a total of $107,400 available for purchase of the fifty 2016 EZGo golf cars. Motion passes 4-1. (Cheryl Maggio voted no).
Union Contract – The Preserves has been operating with a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, which expired on October 31, 2014. After successful negotiations between the Preserves and Local 150, the bargaining unit members, who are employees of the Preserves, ratified the contract presented to them on July 18, 2016. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement will be in effect from November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2018. The staff is recommending approval of this contract subject to the terms being reduced to writing and included in the final and binding collective bargaining agreement between the parties. Audrey Johnson made a motion, and Gloria Lind seconded, to approve the contract with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 for a 4 year period commencing on November 1, 2014 and ending on October 31, 2018, subject to the terms being reduced to writing and included in the final and binding collective bargaining agreement between the parties. Motion passed unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Electrical Upgrade – Campground – Tom Hartley gave an update on the electrical improvements. Phase 1 is done at Seward. Judy Barnard would like to call a separate meeting to discuss specifically the campgrounds, including the electricity upgrades needed in the campgrounds, possible future expenditures, as well as brainstorming ideas to use partnerships in the campgrounds.
BOARD DISCUSSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Board Canoe Trip – Don Miller has suggested August 1 at 5:30 at Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve for the Board canoe trip. The trip will include a 20 minute safety instruction session before the trip continues and will then float down to Atwood Park, which will take approximately an hour and a half. On this tour, four or five preserves will be seen. Commissioners are to let Mike Holan know by July 28 if attending.
STAFF REPORTS
Preserve Operations – Vaughn Stamm submitted a written report. Vaughn announced that on August 11 there will be a canoe river trash sweep. The canoes will be leaving out of Espenscheid at 8:30. Vaughn also distributed a thank you note from National Multiple Sclerosis director thanking them for the use of Oak Ridge Forest Preserve and accommodating 1500+ cyclists for their fundraiser.
Golf Operations – Mike Durand submitted a written report.
Land and Development – Tom Hartley submitted a written report.
Marketing and Community Relations – Jamie Johannsen submitted a written report.
Education – Don Miller submitted a written report.
Law Enforcement – Terry Nordberg submitted written report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS and COMMUNICATIONS
July 23rd – River Seining in the Kishwaukee at Oak Ridge Forest Preserve from 10am to11:30am.
July 23rd – Draw With Me: Plants and Animals at Hononegah Campground from 2pm to 3pm.
August 20th – R.E.A.P. Workday and Guided Butterfly Hike at Kieselburg Forest Preserve from 9am to
12pm.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Next board meeting 5:30 PM, Wednesday, August 17, District Headquarters
Respectfully Submitted,
Ronelle Johnson
Recording Secretary