TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 5, 2025
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Title
Authority to issue a 5-year permit to the Blue Island Fire Department to use approximately 1 acre of District real estate located along the Cal-Sag Channel between Chatham Street and Hoyne Street, known as Cal-Sag Channel Parcel 15.09 (portion), for fire safety training purposes. Consideration shall be an annual permit fee of $5,000.00.
Body
Dear Sir:
The City of Blue Island ("City") currently leases 136.12± acres of District real estate located along the Cal-Sag Channel (“CSC”) between Kedzie Avenue and Fay's Point in Blue Island, Illinois. Blue Island uses the property for public recreation, including a bicycle trail and hosting community events. The lease commenced June 11, 2013, and expires May 31, 2052.
The Blue Island Fire Department ("Fire Department") has requested a 5-year permit to utilize an approximately 1-acre portion of the City’s leasehold on CSC Parcel 15.09 for firefighting training exercises. CSC Parcel 15.09 is currently used as a parking lot. The Fire Department proposes to construct an 80' x 35' training tower on the parcel that will be used for simulated fire rescue missions and state-required training. The Fire Department will be required to submit final plans for the District's review prior to the construction of the training tower. The City has consented to the proposed permit on its leasehold.
The District’s technical departments have reviewed the Fire Department’s permit request and have no objections thereto. An annual fee of $5,000.00 is recommended, as the pro-rata share of 10% of the fair market value of the land would yield a fee less than the District’s minimum fee of $5,000.00.
It is requested that the Acting Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it authorize and approve the issuance of a 5-year permit to the Blue Island Fire Department to use approximately 1 acre of District real estate located along the Cal-Sag Channel between Chatham Street and Hoyne Street, known as Cal-Sag Channel Parcel 15.09 (portion), for fire safety training purposes. Consideration shall be an annual permit fee of $5,000.00.
It is further requested that the Acting 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 after it is approved by the General Counsel as to form and legality.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:BJD:NOC
Recommended, John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for June 5, 2025