Title
ComEd Green Region Program Grant Resolution
History
The ComEd Green Region Program offers small grants to local governments and non-profits in our region for the protection and improvement of open space. Potentially covered expenses include land acquisition, planning, and physical site improvements such as passive recreational facilities and plant and animal community restoration. The grant is limited to $10,000 maximum, and requires an equal local match. Grant recipients may apply for additional grants on a biennial basis.
In April 2012, the Village purchased the 3.5 acre former Pebble Creek Nursery property on LaGrange Road with funds from the Village's Open Lands Program, and with the vision to restore and preserve the land, and in the long term, convert the existing building to a Nature Center. The Pebble Creek property is adjacent (across LaGrange Road) to vast Cook County Forest holdings including McGinnis Slough, known region wide for its bird populations.
The recently acquired property is in poor condition, and will require considerable money and effort to clean up and restore to its natural state. An inspection of the site was conducted by Planning Resources Inc. in the Summer of 2012, which generated a detailed list of needed clean up tasks and general recommendations. The Open Lands Commission has committed to provide initial funds for the Pebble Creek site clean-up and restoration, however their funds are limited. It is hoped the Com-Ed Grant can assist with the costs of initial planning and/or site restoration. In the future, additional funds will be needed for further planning and the construction of on site improvements including trails, boardwalks, bird habitat restoration, etc. Additional grants, including re-application to the ComEd Green Regions program, will be pursued at that time to help meet those expenses.
In April 2013, the Open Lands Commission voted 4-0 to support application to the Com-Ed Green Region Program grant. The Com-Ed grant application requires a resolution of support from the Village Board approving the submission as well as approving the utilization of Village Open Lands funds for the local match, which in this case will be a maximum of $10,000.
Financial Impact
There will be no direct General Fund impact resulting from this grant, since the matching funds will come from the Open Lands account.
The attached resolution in support of the ComEd Green Region Program grant application is now before the Village Board for consideration.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to pass Resolution Number 1305, entitled: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR A COMED GREEN REGION PROGRAM GRANT.