TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 2010
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. Richard Lanyon, Executive Director
Title
Authority to issue a 90-day Permit to Illinois State Archeological Survey to perform an archaeological survey on District land in connection with the proposed Cal-Sag Trail project along both sides of the Cal-Sag Channel, between Central Avenue in Alsip and South Morgan Street in Blue Island, Illinois. Consideration shall be a nominal fee of $10.00
Body
Dear Sir:
On September 9, 2009, the District’s Board of Commissioners (“Board”) authorized and directed the Attorney to commence negotiations with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Alsip Park District, City of Blue Island, Village of Palos Park, City of Palos Heights and other government agencies and municipalities in connection with the proposed bicycle/pedestrian trail along the Cal-Sag Channel to connect to the Centennial Trail on the west and the Burnham Greenway Trail on the east. The proposed Calumet-Sag Greenway Trail consists of constructing a 10-foot wide, 28-mile long asphalt trail intended for public recreational use. The project proposes to cross/use District land at various locations along both sides of the Cal-Sag Channel between Central Avenue in Alsip, Illinois and South Morgan Street in Blue Island, Illinois. The subject land includes leased and corporate use parcels and the parcels are commonly known as Cal-Sag Channel Parcels 11.01, 11.02, 11.05, 12.01, 12.02, 12.03, 12.11, 14.01, 14.05, 14.07, 14.09, 14.11, 14.13, 15.04, 15.05, 15.06, 15.07, 15.09, 15.10 and 16.03.
The Law Department has now received a request from the Illinois State Archeological Survey (“Archeological Survey”) for a 90-day Permit to perform an archaeological survey related to the subject project. The proposed trail will be funded in part by IDOT and it reports the subject survey is required before its funds may be spent for the project. It is reported that the proposed survey work will consist of digging pits in size of approximately 1-foot in diameter and 1-foot in depth for every 50-feet and looking for signs of historic or prehistoric activity. The sod or leaf layer at ground level is removed and the soil is screened and returned to the pit once completed. In areas where archaeological and historical material is discovered, additional test pits are dug approximately every 15-feet.
The District’s technical departments reviewed the subject request and have no objections to the proposed archaeological survey.
It should be noted that if the survey uncovers a significant archaeological find on District property (i.e., a site eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (“NRHP”)) this may result in significant restrictions imposed with respect to future use or any ground disturbing activities with respect to the identified area. Because the survey will include leased lands the permit will require that the Permittee first obtain the written consent of the Lessee before entry on leased premises is approved by the District. Additionally, the Permit will require that the Permittee be responsible for the remediation of any environmental release or discharge of hazardous material resulting from its activities, and that the premises be restored to its former condition.
Accordingly, it is requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it authorize and approve the issuance of a 90-day Permit to Illinois State Archeological Survey to perform an archaeological survey on District land in connection with the proposed Cal-Sag Trail project along both sides of the Cal-Sag Channel, between Central Avenue in Alsip and South Morgan Street in Blue Island, Illinois. Consideration shall be a nominal fee of $10.00.
It is also requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it authorize and direct the Chairman of the Committee on Finance and the Clerk to execute said Permit Agreement on behalf of the District after it is approved by the General Counsel as to form and legality.
Requested, Frederick M. Feldman, General Counsel, FMF:CL:STM:MIM:rg
Recommended, Richard Lanyon, Executive Director
Respectfully Submitted, Terrence J. O'Brien, Chairman Committee on Real Estate Development
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for November 18, 2010
Attachment