Board of Commissioners Minutes May 16, 2018

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County

BOARD MEETING

Klehm Arboretum

May 16, 2018

PRESENT                                                      STAFF

Mike Eickman                                                  Mike Holan, Executive Director

Audrey Johnson                                               Steve Chapman, Finance

Cheryl Maggio                                                  Vaughn Stamm, Preserve Operations

Jeff Tilly                                                            Tom Hartley, Land and Development

Jake Henry                                                       Jamie Johannsen, Marketing

Gloria Lind-6:07 pm                                          Ann Wasser, Education

      Kim O’Malley, Human Resources/Volunteer Program

ABSENT

Judy Barnard

ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 5:31 PM, by Vice-President Jeff Tilly.  Recording secretary Ronelle Johnson called the roll.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE     Cheryl Maggio led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA and MINUTES      Minutes for April 18 were approved.  No changes or additions were made to the agenda.

PRESENTATIONS and PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Klehm Arboretum Update by Dan Riggs – Dan Riggs welcomed everyone to Klehm and expressed his gratitude to the Board and the Preserves Staff for their cooperation over the years.  He then gave an update on Klehm’s improvements, which include the Garden Pavilion & Terrace, which has created additional revenue and has been a big success.  Due to the new Program Coordinator, Latoya, Klehm has offered classes that have been very successful.  She has done a great job in her role and is also acting as the Volunteer Coordinator, and the number of volunteers has increased significantly.  The Children’s Garden is moving along nicely thanks to a very generous benefactor.  Not only will this be a wonderful attraction for Klehm, but it will really help in bringing in younger members.  The Garden is anticipated to be completed in June, and Dan is hoping for a grand opening at the end of June.  Lastly, Dan is retiring and his anticipated retirement date is on June 8.  There has been a transition team working on finding his replacement.  There are 3 interviews set up for the first week in June.

ACTION ITEMS

Bills for April – Mike Eickman made a motion, Audrey Johnson seconded to authorize the payment of the bills for April in the amount of $689,532.68.  Motion passed unanimously.  Steve also distributed an Interim Financial Results Report and a Corporate Fund Details Report.

Acceptance of Bids for Fairway Mower – The Fairway Mower for Macktown Golf Course is in need of being replaced.  The mower is a 1992 mower with over 4,000 hours.  Because of its age and the heavy daily use, the mower is experiencing a greater need for repairs and parts are difficult or impossible to obtain.  The mower’s frame rusted through a few years ago and was bent back into shape and welded.  The frame is again rusting through and becoming more difficult to properly and securely weld.  As part of the 2018 Capital Equipment Budget, $45,000 was allocated for this purchase.  Three bids were opened on May 14, 2018 with all three meeting or exceeding the required equipment specifications.  The staff recommends awarding the purchase of the qualified lowest bidder, Burris Equipment, 2216 North Green Bay Road, Waukegan, Illinois for the base mower price of $37,111.00 with a standard two year bumper to bumper warranty.  Staff also recommends trading in the mower for a trade in value of $300 and the extended one year warranty for a cost of $782.82.  Total cost for the Jacobsen LF510 Large Area Reel Mower will be $37,593.82, which includes the mower, an extended one year bumper to bumper warranty and trade-in.  This comes in under the budgeted amount.  Audrey Johnson made a motion and Cheryl Maggio seconded, to award the contract for the purchase of a Jacobsen LF510 Large Area Reel Mower to the low bidder meeting specifications, Burris Equipment for $37,593.82.  Motion passed unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS

Preserve Operations – Vaughn Stamm, Scott Stewart, Scott Wallace, and Bryan Helmold submitted a written report.  Vaughn gave an update on the gaming license location extensions.  The gaming board is meeting the week of May 23 and the Preserves gaming licenses are on the agenda.

Golf Operations – Vaughn Stamm, Rich Rosenstiel, Tyler Knapp, and Mark Freiman submitted a written report.  Vaughn mentioned that golf started slow due to the weather, but all 3 courses are now open.  In addition, there are a few new tournaments this year that we have not had in the past, which will help with the slow start to the season.

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 announced that Severson was awarded an Illinois Clean Energy Grant, funding to purchase trees, as well as some erosion funding.

Human Resources/Volunteer Program Report – Kim O’Malley submitted a written report.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS and COMMUNICATIONS

May 19-Nuture Nature at a R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve, Saturday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm

May 19 – Nature Fiesta-Bilingual Celebration of Local Nature at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve, Saturday from 11:00 am-3:00pm

June 2 & 3 is Garden Fair at Klehm

June 9-Hooked on Fun at Four Lakes Forest Preserve, Saturday from 9:00 am-12:00pm

June 16-Nuture Nature at a R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday at J. Norman Jensen Forest Preserve, Saturday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 6:10 PM.

Next board meeting 5:30 PM, Wednesday, June 20, Forest Preserve Headquarters

Respectfully Submitted,

Ronelle Johnson

Recording Secretary