Boone County Conservation District
Mar 18, 2026
The lede
- Board approved updated Rules and Regulations Ordinance 91 after review by Ancel Glink Law Firm and State’s Attorney
- Studio GWA selected for architectural services for Nature Center expansion project at $39,230, chosen over competitors for being local with $8,000 cost savings
- Appropriations Ordinance 159-26 amended to transfer $15,000 from restricted use donations to capital expenses to balance budget after architectural contract award
- Staff completed bridge replacement project at Tuttle Clarkson Natural Area using District lumber, saving $4,000 and creating 50-year lifespan structures
Decisions & votes
September 16, 2025 Executive Session Minutes (Hall/Phelps)
Keep confidential for additional six months due to ongoing need for confidentiality
Vote: Unanimous (4-0)
February 17, 2026 Minutes (Williams/Hall)
Approved as written
Vote: Unanimous (4-0)
Ordinance 91 - Rules and Regulations (Phelps/Hall)
Approved updated ordinance drafted by Ancel Glink Law Firm and reviewed by Boone County State’s Attorney
Vote: Unanimous (4-0)
Architectural Services Contract (Phelps/Williams)
Awarded to Studio GWA for Nature Center expansion concept and design at $39,230.00
Vote: Unanimous (4-0)
Appropriations Ordinance 159-26 Amendment (Phelps/Williams)
Approved moving $15,000 from restricted use donations to capital expense site improvement line item
Vote: Unanimous (4-0)
Accounts Payable (Williams/Phelps)
Approved expenses due through March 18, 2026
Vote: Unanimous (4-0)
Discussion items
Phone System Upgrade: Executive Director reported solicitation calls causing congestion; phone carrier recommended automated call pickup system to prompt callers to select options
Architectural Services Selection Process: Three proposals evaluated by committee of two District staff, one Belvidere Park District staff, and one District 100 staff member. Studio GWA selected as local vendor with $8,000 cost difference versus Nurture. Trustee Hall noted close similarities between top two firms but supported Studio GWA selection
Executive Session (4:19-4:34 p.m.): Discussed real property purchase/lease and employee matters; no action taken upon return to open session
Financial / operational notes
February 2026 Financial Reports: Placed on file subject to audit
Tuttle Clarkson Natural Area Bridges: Replaced using honey locust trees milled from Distillery Conservation Area lumber; three-week project with 50-year expected lifespan; resulted in $4,000 cost savings
Controlled Burning: Completed on 170 acres with seeding to follow in selected conservation areas
Day of Caring Event: 52 students from Belvidere North High School scheduled to perform restoration work at Roger’s Prairie in Spencer Conservation Area
Budget Adjustment: Appropriations Ordinance 159-26 required rebalancing after Studio GWA selection ($39,230 exceeded budgeted $25,000 by $14,230)
Website Update: Staff bios added to District website
Board Attendance: Lisa Turbyville absent