TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 2, 2022
COMMITTEE ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to amend a Memorandum of Understanding and negotiate a new intergovernmental agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for collaboration on multi-beneficial projects
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to amend a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and negotiate a new intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) for collaboration on multi-beneficial projects.
On May 4, 2017, the Board of Commissioners granted authority to enter into an MOU with the FPDCC providing for mutual waiver of various fees between both agencies for projects that are undertaken to advance the respective agencies’ missions. The MOU was executed on July 20, 2017, and is set to expire on July 20, 2022. An extension of the MOU by one (1) year is being requested to allow for a more comprehensive IGA to be developed that would replace the current MOU.
Since 2017, the District and the FPDCC have partnered on a number of projects, including flood control and green infrastructure projects through the District’s stormwater partnership programs. While the terms of the MOU have facilitated these partnerships, it is anticipated that additional projects can be realized in a more collaborative manner ensuring they would meet the respective goals of both agencies.
The FPDCC owns and operates nearly 70,000 acres of green space in Cook County and undertakes projects to achieve environmental enhancements, affording opportunities to collaborate with the District to advance multi-beneficial projects that can reduce damages related to flooding. Additionally, FPDCC is currently advancing efforts to acquire additional property, including a focused effort in southeast Cook County that aligns with potential stormwater storage opportunities, and has an extensive capital improvements program including numerous projects annually that have or could include green infrastructure elements. The FPDCC has regularly submitted project applications through the District’s Green Infrastructure Partnership Program, and while several of those projects have been successfully implemented, the timing of the District’s annual solicitation for green infrastructure projects does not necessarily coincide with FPDCC’s annual capital improvement program prioritization and budgeting process, thereby limiting opportunities for the two agencies to cooperate effectively.
A longer-term agreement with a funding commitment would allow for cooperative capital planning of projects between the agencies. The District would potentially be able to assist in the planning, prioritization, design, and oversight of stormwater projects with FPDCC, while providing partial funding toward construction. Projects to be led by either agency could involve green infrastructure, regional or local stormwater improvements, or other land management practices such as ecosystem restoration that incorporates the use of native plantings to reduce stormwater runoff. The FPDCC, as one of the largest managers of open space in the region, has the resources and expertise to maintain these projects and protect the investments made by both agencies. Through this approach, the District can identify and pursue opportunities for partnering on multi-benefit projects in coordination with FPDCC, minimize the costs of stormwater management projects, and leverage District resources to alleviate flooding beyond what could be accomplished alone.
It is hereby requested that the Board of Commissioners authorize the District to extend the above referenced MOU executed on July 20, 2017, by one year, and to negotiate a new IGA with the FPDCC to allow for the furtherance of the District’s stormwater management program. The terms and conditions of the IGA, which shall incorporate the aforementioned mutual waiver of fees, will be defined through negotiations between the District and the FPDCC. Once the parties agree in principle, authority to enter into an IGA will be sought from the District’s Board of Commissioners.
Requested, Catherine A. O’Connor, Director of Engineering, KMF:JK
Recommended, Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for June 2, 2022