Public hearings and departmental presentations for the proposed Cook County and Forest Preserve District FY2012 Budgets continue this month.  Information on meeting schedules and links to the full text of these budgets can be found on Commissoner Goslin's website. 

If you cannot make it to a public hearing, we encourage you to reply to this e-mail or write us at Commissioner.Goslin@cookcountyil.gov to share your thoughts and opinions on the proposed budgets.  

Last month, the Forest Preserve District held a series of Open Houses to solicit public input on the draft Capital Improvement Plan from 2012-2016.  Following these open houses and a period of online comments, the Cook County Forest Preserve District has released its Preliminary Capital Improvement Plan for 2012-2016. The plan can be downloaded from the  Forest Preserve District Website.

The Chicago Zoological Society at Brookfield Zoo and Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio have partnered to provide an exciting Master's degree program.  The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) is an inquiry-driven learning experience allowing participants to take classes in-person from faculty at Brookfield Zoo and online from Miami University faculty. The opportunity to earn seven credits from international travel is another exciting part of the program. 

Enrollment is open to applicants with a Bachelor's degree regardless of academic major or profession. It is designed for teachers and other educational professionals. Applicants elect to enroll in either a Master of Arts in Teaching in Biological Sciences or a Master of Arts in Zoology from Miami University. 

The AIP curriculum provides real-world experiences that also advance district, state, and national educational standards. AIP Master's candidates use inquiry not only as a tool for integrated learning, but as a powerful agent for student achievement, public engagement, and ecological stewardship. Participants take 21 credit hours at Brookfield Zoo plus 14 credit hours online through Miami University.The AIP can be completed in 2.5 years taking classes part-time while working.

Applicants are due February 28th.  Visit the Brookfield Zoo website to view a typical course of study for AIP participants and for information on how to apply! 

• Approved Change in Plans for Arlington Heights Road, University Drive to Lake-Cook Road in the Villages of Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove.  This change represents the difference between the estimated quantities and actual field quantities of work performed with a savings due to the box culvert being installed using open cut method, so that the costly sheet piling items could be eliminated.  New items were required for additional traffic control, temporary striping, controlled low strength material, and value engineering.  Water valve related items were added to minimize disruption of water service to the residents' water, as requested by the Village of Buffalo Grove, but were not included in the original contract. Adjustment of quantities and new items:  $12,401.25 (Deduction).   
• Approved Improvement Resolution for Motor Fuel Tax Project on Euclid Avenue, Elmhurst Road to Wolf Road  in the Village of Mount Prospect and the City of Prospect Heights;Centerline Mileage: 1.5 miles.   Fiscal Impact:  $2,250,000.0 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.   This improvement will consist of full depth concrete patching, milling and resurfacing of the existing pavement with hot-mix asphalt and shall include concrete curb and gutter removal and replacement, drainage additions and adjustments, traffic signal loop detector removal and replacement, signing, traffic control and protection, pavement marking, landscaping, engineering and other necessary highway appurtenances