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Board tables proposed extension of forest‑preserve license for Pingree Grove Community Park
Summary
Trustees asked staff to renegotiate a proposed 25‑year license extension with the Kane County Forest Preserve for park improvements, citing concerns about investing village funds on land not owned by the village.
The Pingree Grove Village Board on March 3 tabled consideration of a proposed second amendment to a February 2014 use and license agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County that would extend the village’s license to construct and use park improvements at the Pingree Grove Forest Preserve.
Why it matters: The proposed amendment would extend the village’s permission to develop improvements on Forest Preserve property; trustees worried that a 25‑year extension could lead the village to invest in amenities on land it does not own without stronger partnership guarantees.
What was proposed: Staff said the amendment as drafted would extend the existing license term by 25 years (described in the presentation as extending the term to 2050), would replace the preliminary plan from 2014 with a new preliminary plan, and would not obligate the village to construct the park. Staff reported the Forest Preserve District was receptive to discussion and quick to grant extensions when asked.
Board concerns and direction: Multiple trustees expressed reservations about investing village resources for improvements on Forest Preserve land. One trustee said, "the forest preserve is not Pingree Grove land" and argued village funds could be better used on village‑owned open space. Other trustees asked whether the Forest Preserve had plans or grant‑seeking activity; staff said the preserve had limited funds and no current plans for the site. Trustees suggested asking the Forest Preserve for a longer term (50 or 100 years) or for a shared‑funding or partnership commitment before the village invests. President Kubiak and staff were directed to return to the Forest Preserve District to negotiate improved terms.
Board action: By motion and roll call, trustees voted to table the resolution and send staff back to negotiate; the item will return to a future meeting after further discussion with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.
What’s next: Staff (Andy and President Kubiak) will reopen negotiations with the Forest Preserve District and report back to the board with possible alternative term lengths or partnership arrangements.
