Carpentersville — Brunner Family Forest Preserve Gets an OSLAD Grant

Staff is working with the village of Carpentersville on upgrading an existing creek crossing which reduce the cost within the budgeted amount. The trail improvements are scheduled to be completed next summer. This is the last section of trail to complete the trail section between Carpentersville Dam and Buffalo Park.

South Elgin — Fox River Trail

Forest Preserve District staff has submitted bike grant applications to assist with the funding for trail repair and land acquisition to maintain the Fox River Trail in downtown South Elgin. Staff is working with the village of South Elgin on final bike trail re-route and the acquisition plan.

South Elgin — $2.3 Million Raymond Street Bridge Re-route

Staff received notice that the project will received Transportation Alternatives Program funding through CMAP. Staff will begin working with the engineers to begin phase II engineering. The grant will reimburse the district 80 percent of the cost for phase II engineering and the construction cost. The estimated project cost is $2,325,179 of which the district will be reimbursed approximately $1,774,896. The Raymond Street project is scheduled for construction start in the spring-summer of 2017.

Gilberts — Freeman Kame/Meagher Forest Preserve Gets Recreational Trail Grant

The district received the RTP grant for the improvements proposed for Freeman Kame/Meagher Forest Preserve. The improvements include a new parking lot, picnic area, and trail connections throughout the south portion of the preserve. The RTP grant will reimburse the district 80 percent of the cost of the project. The total cost of the project is estimated at $280,000 and the district will be reimbursed $224,000. The parking lot, drive and trail section of the project is complete. The remaining elements of the project include the shelter, restroom and the well, which are scheduled to be bid and approved for spring construction.

Elgin — Fitchie Creek Wetland Restoration

The Fitchie Creek project was bid and approved, the contractor has completed work and is now in the monitoring portion of the contract which includes mowing and overseeding areas as plants begin to grow.

Elgin — Tyler Creek Forest Preserve Parking Lot Renovation and Bridge Removal

The Tyler Creek project is complete, staff is working with contractor on punch list and holding retainage until vegetation is growing and established.

Dundee — Illinois Tollway Authority Replacing Bike Bridge Under I-90

Staff is working with the Illinois Tollway Authority on the replacement of the bike bridge under the I-90 bridge that crosses the Fox River in Elgin. The existing bike bridge sections have been relocated and stored at Brunner Family Forest Preserve. The Fox River Trail has been temporarily rerouted during bridge construction for the safety of the trail users and a covered trail is provided. Temporary closures will still happen periodically as the bridge is replaced. The bike bridge that crosses the river will not be reopened until 2017.

Carpentersville — IDOT Improving Route 31 and Miller Road

Staff is working with IDOT on proposed improvements for the portion of Route 31 and Miller Road, north of Huntley Road. The proposed improvement plans include a bike/pedestrian trail to connect Raceway Woods Forest Preserve to Brunner Family Forest Preserve in exchange for temporary easements needed by IDOT to complete their improvements at the Miller Road and Route 31 intersection. A letter of intent is currently being reviewed by the board of commissioners for the proposed plans.

St. Charles — IDOT, KDOT Improving Route 31 and Silver Glen Road

Staff is working with IDOT on the proposed improvements for the portion of Route 31 and Silver Glen Road. The improvements include working with the Forest Preserve District to improve the bike trail crossing at the intersection at that location. The easement IDOT was requesting for the intersection improvements was approved in November 2014. Staff will continue to work with IDOT and KDOT on the improvements.

Natural Resources Facility

Staff and the consultants have completed the review to determine additional cost savings within the project and have found significant savings and additional funding has been budgeted for in the FY 2015/16 Budget to rebid the project following the project coming in over bid in 2014. The requested budget for the project of $1,595,000 has been approved and staff will work to finalize changes in the construction drawings and prepare for bidding in November. In the interim staff is reviewing the possibilities of acquiring an existing facility that would fit the needs of the Natural Resource Department and will report back to the Land Acquisition Committee in December.

Tree Transplanting to Big Rock Campground and LeRoy Oakes

The district acquired property on Hughes Road that was formerly a tree nursery. Staff relocated 25 trees from the nursery to the Big Rock Campground to provide shade for the campers, and 12 trees to LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve to begin to establish the savanna area approved as part of the overall master plan for the property. The trees were mostly oaks and are approximately 25 to 30 feet tall.

Building Evaluations

The proposal from Klubar Architects has been approved and staff will begin working with them to complete an additional 16 building inspections on Forest Preserve Structures. The 16 building evaluations are complete, staff is reviewing and will begin developing a plan for completing recommended work and incorporate into next fiscal year’s budget.

ADA Projects

Staff working with the Trades department on plans to upgrade the restrooms at Tomo Chi-Chi Lodge to bring it in compliance with ADA regulations. The improvements are scheduled to be completed this winter. Staff has also completed an inventory of drinking fountains and grills with in the preserves and is prioritizing upgrades for next fiscal year to bring District picnic areas in compliance with ADA regulations.