Finance Committee of the Forest Preserve of Cook County - April 14, 2026

The Finance Committee of the Forest Preserve of Cook County met on April 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. The meeting included a roll call, approval of remote participation, approval of prior minutes, and consideration of bundled agenda items including a construction contract for Sand Ridge Nature Center improvements and a financial report.

Actions Taken

• Roll Call and Remote Participation: The committee approved remote participation for Commissioner Morita with a motion by Vice Chair Kevin Morrison, seconded by Commissioner Daly. The motion passed with 15 ayes; Commissioners Gaynor and Stamps were excused.
• Approval of Minutes: The committee minutes from March 10, 2026 (Item 26-0217) were approved by voice vote.
• Bundled Items (Motion): The following items were bundled in a single motion by Vice Chair Kevin Morrison, seconded by Commissioner Daly, and passed by voice vote:
  • Item 26-0206: A proposed bid recommendation from the Department of Planning and Development authorizing a construction contract with Fablex Technology, LLC, Chicago, Illinois, for improvements to the Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland, Illinois. The project includes updating the kitchen used for ambassador animal food preparation and upgrading the main entrance for accessibility. Superintendent noted the work is long overdue and beneficial.
  • Item 26-0203: Recommendations of the Finance Subcommittee on Litigation.
  • Item 26-0204: Recommendations of the Finance Subcommittee on Workers' Compensation.
  • Item 26-0102: A receive-and-file report from the Department of Finance and Administration: the Corporate Fund Analysis of Revenue and Expenditure for January 1, 2026, to February 28, 2026.

Discussion Items

• Financial Report (Item 26-0102): Damon presented the report. Revenues were approximately $10,167,168 (10% of budget). Revenue on a cash basis was approximately $4.8 million below the prior year through February, primarily due to a later due date for the second installment of 2025 and first installment of 2026. Non-tax revenues were approximately $544,000 above the prior year due to license agreement collections. February expenditures were approximately $7,721,401 (8% of budget). Year-to-date revenues exceeded expenses by approximately $2.4 million.
• Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Sean Morrison noted a negative balance of $93,000 in the interest section year-to-date compared to budget. Damon explained that collections for interest were lower than the prior year due to fluctuating rates and balances. Superintendent and Director of Planning and Development Chris Slattery confirmed the Sand Ridge Nature Center project is expected to take 360 days from issuance of notice to proceed, with work starting this summer.

Key Outcomes

• The bundled motion for items 26-0206, 26-0203, 26-0204, and 26-0102 passed by voice vote.
• The contract for Sand Ridge Nature Center improvements will proceed after board approval, legal review, and insurance documentation.
• The meeting adjourned by motion of Commissioner Brand, seconded by Commissioner Scott.