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Village to cover surprise Cook County permit fee so clubhouse work can continue
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Summary
Village staff disclosed a Cook County building-permit fee of $202,130 for the Forest Preserve clubhouse project, far above earlier estimates; trustees signaled support for paying now and ratifying the payment at the January board meeting to avoid work stoppage while pursuing recoupment or appeals later.
Glencoe village staff told trustees the Forest Preserve clubhouse project faces an unexpected Cook County building-permit fee that could halt construction unless the village pays it immediately. "The total fee is $202,130," staff said, a figure well above earlier estimates that ranged from about $20,000 to $130,000.
Staff said Cook County had issued preliminary approvals that allowed some work to proceed but that the county's timeline has now lapsed and "they will no longer come out to do inspections, because we have not paid the fee." Contractors have warned they cannot legally continue without inspections, which staff said could put the project at risk as winter temperatures fall and the clubhouse remains unenclosed.
Staff and trustees discussed why the fee exceeded the contractor's estimate, citing a misinterpretation of the permit classification (commercial reconstruction versus a new-construction estimate) and the county's fee structure that charges a percentage of construction value. Staff said an administrative appeal route exists through the commissioner's office but described the prospect of success as "very low." Trustee and staff comments favored paying to keep work moving and then seeking a discount or reimbursement if possible.
Village staff said they plan to make the payment before the next board meeting and seek a confirming resolution at the January 15 board meeting so work can continue. Staff also said they will "call Scott Britton" to discuss the possibility of an appeal or negotiation with the county.
The village cited multiple layers of jurisdiction affecting the project: the village, the Forest Preserve District (which owns the site), Cook County (building-code jurisdiction on Forest Preserve property), and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (stormwater permitting). Staff emphasized the cost was calculated using the county's publicly posted fee schedule and that they will continue to press WB Olsen and other contractors for clarity about the original estimate. The board did not take a recorded vote on the payment in the transcript; trustees expressed support for moving forward with payment and ratifying the action at the next board meeting.
Next steps: staff will arrange the fee payment so inspections can resume and will bring a confirming resolution to the board at the January 15 meeting; staff also said they will pursue any available negotiations or reimbursements afterward.
