Cook County Board Observer Reports

Cook County Virtual Board Meeting Begins With 90 Minute Consent Agenda

3/3/2021

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Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
February 25, 2021

Public Speakers & Consent Agenda:

There were no verbal public speakers but the Board received 38 written comments mostly supporting renaming the Columbus Holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Holiday. Commissioner Suffredin stated that the Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will hold a Public Hearing on this issue in May and vote on it in June. He also said that the Ethics Ordinance will be on the Committee’s agenda in March with an April vote expected.
Former US Senators’ Roland Burris and Carol Moseley Braun were recognized as part of black history month. They participated virtually and were honored collectively and individually by the Commissioners. Karen Lewis, former President of the Chicago Teachers Union, was also honored.

Board Action:

Agenda Item 21-1048 Approved an ordinance amendment requiring Tax Increment Financing Districts to provide information to the Cook County (CC) Treasurer each year, within 60 days of audited financials, plus provide such information for the past 5 years within 60 days of this amendment becoming effective 60 days from February 25. This change will allow the Treasurer to provide a report to the public.
Agenda Item 21-1189 Approved a resolution to assess the needs and improve the quality and effectiveness of behavioral health care provided by County Government. It requires a quarterly report and a public hearing from at least 9 government departments and agencies covering a list of 14 specific pieces of information.
Agenda Item 21-1848 Approved changing the recently passed Tenant-Landlord Ordinance to only require a summary of the Ordinance to be given to each new lease and posted on the Department of Human Rights and Ethics website.
Agenda Item 21-1752 Passed a resolution to encourage CC residents to learn about the Summer project. Summer offers free advisory services to chart the most affordable loan path and to simplify repayment plans. This service is free because of a grant from the Joyce Foundation.
Agenda Item 21-1664 Approved a resolution requesting an extension of a food contract with the Black Dog Company for meat deliveries to the Juvenile Detention Center. Commissioner Suffredin said that this is the last time he will vote for a Black Dog contract. He referred to several critical articles in the Sun Times and Tribune. A representative from the Chief Judge’s office said that an RFP has been issued and it will take the rest of this year to go through the process to hire a new contractor. Commissioners asked Mr. Suffredin to send them the articles.
Agenda Item 21-1609 Authorizes the Bureau of Economic Development to design and implement the CC Rental & Utility Assistance Program using the $72.6 million in Federal Funds awarded to Cook County.
Agenda Item 21-0388 The Safer Foundation asked for a license agreement to park mobile trailers outside of 3 courthouses so it may provide information about their services which include housing and job placement. The three sites are the Markham and Maywood courthouses and the Leighton Criminal Courts building.
Appointed Transportation and Highways Superintendent, John Yonan, to Chief of the Bureau of Asset Management and Jennifer [Sis] Killen as his replacement.
Several Ordinance amendments were passed to help businesses in unincorporated CC during Covid. Among them is video gaming application fees and then licensing fees per termination. Both were cut in half. Wheel taxes on various types of commercial vehicles were also cut. Beer garden licenses were reduced to $200.
Grants to Cook County Health and the Department of Public Health were approved as part of the new requirements for approval by the CC Commissioners. These requests to receive grants do not need to be reviewed at the committee level before board authorization. $1.2 million was awarded by the US Department of Justice to fund a comprehensive opioid, stimulant, and substance abuse program.
A $600,000 grant to the Justice Advisory Council was also approved. The Il. Criminal Justice Information Authority provided the grant.

Other:

Agenda Item 21-1273 Resolution to allow joint committee meetings and referred to the Rules and Administration Committee on January 28, 2021 is still in committee.
Agenda Item 21-1306 Resolution calling for a public hearing to evaluate the economic impact of vacant and abandoned properties in CC and referred to the Business and Economic Development committee on January 28, 2021 has been held/deferred in committee.

Observed by: Diane Edmundson Meeting Length: 3 ½ hours

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Cook County Department of Public Health Gives COVID Vaccine and Contact Tracing Update

2/25/2021

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Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings
February 24, 2021

Cook County Health and Hospital Committee

In a public hearing, CEO Israel Rocha, of Cook County Health and Hospital System, and Dr. Rachel Ruben, of the Cook County Department of Public Health, gave updates on the COVID vaccine program. Information included website improvements for scheduling vaccines, locations to get vaccinated, the distribution of vaccine system, and current numbers of those vaccinated in Cook County. There are 11 large and 145 small vaccine locations in Cook County. These include major sites in Tinley Park, Triton College and newly opened New Trier High School. There is also a partnership with Walgreens, Osco Drug, and Mariano’s Grocery pharmacy. The call center receives about 12,000 calls per day. In the last month about 105,000 residents have been vaccinated with at least one dose.
Cook County Commissioners’ questions and concerns were addressed. Regarding Chicago residents using Cook County locations: this is a reciprocal arrangement designed to quickly vaccinate as many people as possible; about 30% of Chicagoans and 30% of suburban residents have been vaccinated by the other entity.
Numerous programs and outreach have been developed to encourage minorities and other hesitant residents to take the vaccine. About half of these communities are not inclined to be vaccinated. There is no charge to anyone for vaccines and tests, but insurance companies may be charged an administration fee. Group 1c (those 16-64 years of age with co-morbidities) will likely be added mid-to late March in Cook County.
In other business, the committee passed a Resolution to Assess Needs and Improve the Quality and Effectiveness of Behavioral Health Care Provided by Cook County Government (21-1189). A 2015 study found that behavioral health visits to emergency departments (ED) in Illinois are the largest growth category of ED visits.

Finance Committee Meeting--

Cook County CFO Amar Rizki gave an overview of the property tax levy levied by Cook County government. The base levy has not changed since 1994 ($720,000,000). That and other revenue sources make a total of $784,214,215 for the 2021 budget. Because of the tough budget year (COVID and business closures), two of seven categories will not be funded this year—Corporate and Capital.

Finance Subcommittee on Litigation

Regarding the Inspector General’s recommendations for the Board of Review: the issues related to Shakman-type practices have not been resolved by the Board of Review. There will be a special meeting next week to discuss these problems. It is not known if this will be a public meeting.

Observer - Karin Hribar

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Tenant and Landlord Ordinance Approved by Cook County Board

2/5/2021

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Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - January 28, 2021

Virtual Meeting – Commissioner Johnson excused absence due to medical reason. All others present. President Preckwinkle had to leave at 11:10 for a joint appearance with the Governor at a Cook County Vaccination Site and Commissioner Sims took the gavel.

Public Speakers:

Statements were read by the Board Secretary and included support for the change of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples day.
Statement was read from Tom Dailly, the Mayor of Schaumburg, regarding the PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 21-1048 (AMENDMENT TO TAXING DISTRICT DEBT DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE) saying that the Village of Schaumburg has reviewed this Amendment and feels it is redundant and burdensome.

Board Actions:

Agenda Item 20-3562, Agenda Items 21-08844, 08894 and 21-8895 Proposed Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance and associated matters. Much discussion and congratulations to the Task Force for their inclusivity and process in coming to the final recommendation. Passed.
21-1143 The proclamation of disaster under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act due to COVID-19 was extended through February 28, 2021. Passed with two nays.
21-1148 and 21-1155 Appointment of Nancy Mott and Claudia Ayala to Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues. Passed.
21-1156 Appointment of Ted Stalnos to Roseland Community Medical District Commission. At the request of Commissioner Moore in whose district is the Roseland Center, so that the nominee can be interviewed about his views on the future of the Center, this was referred to Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
21-1048 Amendment to the Taxing District Debt Disclosure. Referred to Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
21-149 Proposed Ordinance Levy of Taxes referred to Finance Committee.
21-1122 Report on Expenditures using federal funds for Corona Virus from March 1 through Dec 31, 2020. CFO Ammar Rizki made a report using charts to describe the expenditure of these funds. The county was able to recover many of their costs associated with Covid-19. Received and filed.
21-0784 Discussion of a grant award amendment to the Cook County Health and Hospital System to support improvements at Provident Hospital. Commissioner Suffredin noted that this amendment is the result of a new process where the Commission had asked for input from grant recipients and there may be more items like this from other recipients in the future. Passed.
21-0807 4th Quarter Veterans Assistance Commission Report. Referred to the Veterans Committee.
21-0802 through 21-0804, 21-0782 assorted items to approve Proposed ordinances regarding Rabies Vaccination, tagging and shelter arrangements. Discussion and appreciation of the coordination among agencies. Passed.
21-0763 Proposed Contract Amendment for Debt Collection Services, to extend existing contracts so as to continuity of service while an evaluation takes place with of recently received bids for Debt Collection Services with potentially new contractors starting at the end of this extension period. Much discussion of this process and history. Passed.
21-0571 PROPOSED RESOLUTION Requesting a Public Hearing of the Cook County Health and Hospitals Committee for a Cook County Department of Public Health Briefing on Covid-19 Vaccine Plans for Suburban Cook County. Presented as part of the Consent Agenda. Passed.
21-0495 PROPOSED RESOLUTION Cook County Calls Upon the Federal Government to Implement Policies to Protect the Immigrant Community and Strengthen the Immigration System in the United States. Presented as part of the Consent Agenda. Passed.
20-5479 PROPOSED RESOLUTION Calling for a Hearing of the Criminal Justice Committee to Examine Length of Stay of Detainees for the Cook County Department of Corrections and its Effect on Jail Population. Passed.
21-1195 and 21-1196 Establishing Census Redistricting Committee and Procedures. New system establishes timing so as to reduce potential problems so that map can be drawn in time for petitions. Committee will be chaired by Commissioners Sims and Silvestri.
21-1273 Resolution to allow joint committee meetings, in order to reduce redundancies and improve efficiency. Referred to Rules and Administration.
21-1306 Resolution to call a public hearing with the Business and Economic Development Committee to evaluate the economic impact of vacant and abandoned properties in Cook County. Referred to Committee.

Submitted by Henrietta Saunders Meeting lasted 3 hours.

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Cook County Board Committee Meetings

1/28/2021

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Cook County Board of Commissioners
Committee Meetings - Wed. Jan. 27, 2021

Finance Committee – 9:30 am

Agenda Item 21-0694: Monthly report from CCH. Comptroller Lawrence reported a $259 million net favorable balance. This was due in part to receipt of 2 large settlements being received. Details of settlements are not discussed. It was stated that the financial status is important for maintaining ratings from rating agencies and interest of investment groups. Regarding impact of Covid 19 expenditures, if current federal proposal for aid to states and local governments has a similar formula to that used in Spring 2020, $500 million is expected.
Agenda Item 21-5660: (Moore) Proposal to substitute and to amend the Small Procurement Ordinance (20-5660). This changes the exemption from competitive bid process for procurements of same or similar goods or services from same vendor in same fiscal year to less than $15,000. This was a reduction from the amount specified in 20-5660. Approved. 16 Aye. 1 Absent/excused

Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee – 11:00

Agenda Item 21-0495: This is the item as stated in the Agenda. Second substitute for 20-0495. Resolution calling on Federal government to implement policies to protect immigrant community and strengthen the immigration system in the US. Com. Anaya stated her office received an expression of support on this from the Consulate of Mexico. Com. Miller asked that the African diaspora be included and efforts be made to expand those conversations. Com. Anaya responded that inclusion of many groups is continuing in conversations on immigration. Resolution approved. 16 Aye. 1 Absent/Excused

Criminal Justice Committee – 12:30

Agenda Item 20-5479: A hearing on the detainees in Cook County Jail, focusing on those there for 5 years or longer awaiting trial. Representatives from Chief Judge, Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Clerk of the Court, Public Defender, and Director of Cermak Health Services were expected. This discussion started at 12:30 and was still continuing at 3:30. This observer concluded at 2:30.
Tanya Woods, Westside Justice Center, spoke regarding concerns on access to vaccines for those incarcerated, intensified needs for mental health services in black/brown communities, access to speedy trials, and ripple effects on families when a member is incarcerated.
Dr. David Olson, Loyola University, spoke specifically to time of detention in Cook County Jail, based on research conducted regarding incarceration of people for 5 years or more. Since Bond Court reform in Cook County, it is people accused of the most serious felony offenses involving violent offenses who are incarcerated longest. Better data is needed to compare Cook County to the rest of the state. He stated Illinois Dept. of Corrections lacks good data overall. For murder, 4.7 yr is the average detention for pretrial incarceration in Cook County; for IL, the average is 2.7 years pretrial. Dr. Young stated that the trend is longer time in Cook County system compared to IL. Time served in Cook County is would reduce time served, after sentencing, in state prison. Many commissioners had questions for Dr. Young which can be viewed on the recording.
Sarah Stout, Sr Policy Analyst for Appleseed gave public testimony, regarding short term and long term problems. One current issue that Covid19 closings have slowed resolution of cases. Early on, arrests were low but that is no longer the case. There is a need for a centralized docket to help catch up on cases and for updating technology for the exchange of documents.
Chief Judge T. Evans stated that the data complied recently by his staff showed 135 cases for people incarcerated for 5 or more years; that those were for murder, attempted murder, class X felonies. He stated 8 reasons for those cases still pending: 1-delays in discovery process 2-motions to withdraw as attorneys 3-attorneys have schedule conflicts 4-defendant represents self 5-defendant faces multiple charges which must be tried separately, 6-demand for jury trial, 7-post conviction appeal status 8-behavioral clinical exam indicates individual unfit for trial. Commissioners engaged with Judge Evans on many questions, including data discrepancies, plans to reopen courts, and complications of reopening due to Covid 19. There were additional presentations and discussion.

Carolyn Cosentino - Observer

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Funding for Electronic Monitoring Questioned by Cook County Commissioners

12/20/2020

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Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - December 17, 2020
Virtual Meeting - All Commissioners present
President Preckwinkle left at 2:10 to attend the Covid inoculation. Vice Chair Sims took over.

Public Speakers:

Statements were read by the Board Secretary and included support for the change of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples day, support and opposition to the landlord/tenant ordinance, concerns about the use of electronic monitoring.

Board Actions:

Agenda Item 21-0019 Appointment of Michelle Kohler to Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues. Approved.
21-0490 The proclamation of disaster under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act due to Covid was extended through January 31, 2021. Passed
21-0295 The Department of Transportation and Highways requested approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the County and Metra. Beginning in January 2021, Cook County and the region's transit agencies will launch a three-year pilot project to improve transit service for the residents of south suburban Cook and the south side of Chicago. The pilot will begin with a 50% fare reduction on the Metra Electric and Rock Island commuter rail lines and service improvements on the Pace 352 bus route. Cook County will underwrite the costs of the participating agencies. Passed.
21-0441, 21-0445 Ammar Rizki from the Bureau of Finance explained the resolutions to contribute $341,961,760 to the Pension Stabilization Fund beyond the statute required amount. FY2021 Pension Fund supplemental contributions will be made on a monthly basis in the amount of $20,000,000 from December 2020 through October 2021. The final FY 2021 Pension Fund supplemental contribution will be made during November 2021 in the amount of $33,961,760. Passed.
21-001 The Department of Transportation and Highways requested approval of the proposed Improvement Resolution for the South Cook Fair Transit Pilot. The funds will go towards the planning studies and implementation of the South Cook Fair Transit Pilot in southern Cook County. These funds are to be used with both Metra and Pace working in conjunction on this project. Commission Degnen questioned how this could impact CTA ridership. President Preckwinkle responded that the Department of Transportation is currently working with Metra and PACE and there are ongoing discussions with the CTA. Passed
21-0367 Authorization to enter into an interagency agreement. The Cook County Safety and Justice Challenge Stakeholders including the Office of the Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Cook County Public Defender’s Office, and Cook County Sheriff’s Office will partner with Loyola University to provide the data to develop a data portal to host criminal justice data to support data-informed policy decision making. Commissioner Keven Morrison asked when findings will be available. The contract is for 2 years, but data will start to be shared immediately. Passed.
21-0352 This was a request from the Sheriff’s Office and the Court to expand the existing approved contract with the GPS equipment provider. The equipment is used for electronic monitoring. The Original Approval amount was $4,064,311.50. The increase requested was $13,389,943.00. The increase to the contract is needed due to the unforeseen significant increase in electronic monitoring (EM) participants during FY 2020 because of the Covid virus, the program to reduce the use of cash bail, and the Sheriff’s Office transitioning current EM participants from radio frequency equipment to GPS equipment. There was a one-hour discussion about this resolution. Initially it had been decided to send the resolution to committee because several commissioners had questions before the meeting. Other commissioners requested to approve the increase as the Sheriff’s office has said they could run out of equipment. Commissioner Sean Morrison pointed out that this contract had been discussed and approved and that the resolution was only for additional money. Commissioner Anaya and Commissioner Kevin Morrison had a number of questions about the current usage of equipment for both radio frequency and GPS monitoring and why the projection for money was so much. Representatives of the Sheriff’s office had to check on answers. The monitoring is moving from radio frequency to GPS. The equipment is leased and so any outdated radio frequency equipment is being returned to the vendor and all GPS equipment has to be recycled to that vendor for sterilization after use Commissioners Anaya, Johnson, Miller and Degnen had concerns about the use of electronic monitoring. Degnen, Miller, and Anaya had received a letter from George Washington University about the negatives in using electronic monitoring. That is why they wanted the whole program to be discussed in committee. Passed 14 yes 3 no
20-3460 Juneteenth Recognized as a paid Cook County Holiday. Several Commissioners spoke in favor of this. There was no discussion about costs. Passed.

Follow Up Items

Agenda Item 20-5667 PROPOSED RESOLUTION Requesting Presentations from the Cook County Treasurer and Cook County Assessor to Discuss the Impact of Increased Property Taxes on Constituents

Observer: Kathleen Graffam Meeting Length: 5 hours

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Tenant and Landlord Ordinance Delayed Until January Meeting of Cook County Board

12/20/2020

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Cook County Board of Commissioners - Committee Meetings
December 16, 2020

Zoning and Building Committee:

Commissioners Britton and K. Morrison have revised their proposed Tenant and Landlord Ordinance with input from the parties concerned. This ordinance would give tenants in Cook County suburbs more protections from evictions, payments, and other tenant issues. Several thousand comments were submitted to Board members, both in favor of and against the original ordinance. Because this latest iteration of the ordinance was just completed and Board members and the public should have time to review it, the vote on this was delayed until the January Zoning and Building Committee meeting. The new (2nd) substitute ordinance (Agenda Item 20-3562) is over 21 pages long. Meeting observers did not have access to the substitute during this meeting.

Rules Committee:

Commissioners Deer and Moore proposed adding Juneteenth as a 14th paid holiday for all Cook County employees. This ordinance (Agenda Item 20-3460) commemorates Black American freedom. There was not a cost analysis presented that this observer could see. All commissioners spoke in favor of the ordinance and it passed in this committee.
An archive ordinance (Agenda Item 20-3950) will provide for all Cook County offices’ and departments’ historical records dating to 1876 to be formally archived. A Manager of Archives (hired from DuSable Museum) will coordinate this preservation of history of Cook County.

Finance Committee:

An Ordinance (Agenda Item 20-4357) which included edits to the Independent Forecasting Commission Ordinance passed. This will “better serve the purpose of this commission,” according to sponsor Comm. Anaya. This commission analyzes new revenue streams proposed by Board members and the President. There was no mention if this includes the Hospital System.

Health and Hospitals Committee:
The 3rd and 4th quarter reports were presented by the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH).

The 3rd quarter report addressed COVID cases, violations & mitigations, and inspections of businesses violating COVID “rules” such as indoor dining and congregate settings. Over 200 locations have been cited and are listed on the CCDPH website. Among the current rules are the following for Cook County: no indoor dining, retail at 25% capacity, no sports events—games or spectators, restricted visitation at long term facilities.
The 4th quarter report presentation covered flu/COVID combination concerns, vaccine distrust, challenges in vaccinating Cook County communities, logistics of vaccinating, and strategy.

There were many questions and comments from commissioners. Points brought up include the following:

Flu vaccination rate in Cook County is less than 50% (less in Black communities) and the CCDPH wants to use public service announcements to get higher rates of vaccination.
Challenges to vaccinating for COVID mentioned were myths surrounding the vaccine, distrust of vaccine, unclear support from the state, limited resources, and defining critical populations when the vaccine is limited. The current strategy of vaccination for Cook County is health care workers are the first to be vaccinated; County is partnering with CVS, clinics, etc. to distribute the vaccine; tracking and monitoring who has gotten the vaccine will be done. It will take 4-5 weeks to get hospital workers vaccinated. Comm. Deer asked if there will be mandatory vaccinations for Cook County Health workers. Answer will be sent later. Dr. Joshi stated that even after a person is vaccinated there will still be a necessity to mask as it is unclear if the virus can still be spread from that person.
Both quarterly reports were voted on and passed.

Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee:

An Ordinance (Agenda Item 20-4415) transferred special purpose funds to the County Clerk’s office due to the consolidation of the Clerk and Recorder of Deeds offices and cleared up references to the Recorder office (which no longer exists) . Discussion centered on how many Recorder employees will be hired in Clerk’s office. This issue of guaranteeing that employees would have jobs in the new consolidated office was decided by the CC States Attorney office—that the Board cannot interfere in these types of hiring decisions. Comm. Johnson still desired that all the employees have guaranteed jobs—perhaps elsewhere in county government— in order to keep a job and health care. Forty-five have been retained so far. There was a big discrepancy between what the SEIU (union representing those workers) and the Clerk’s office say regarding hires. SEIU has brought a notice to strike in court. This strike would be all SEIU employees in the County. However, the court has enjoined that some essential workers are not allowed to strike.

Cook County Virtual Board Meeting Begins With 90 Minute Consent Agenda

Cook County Department of Public Health Gives COVID Vaccine and Contact Tracing Update

Tenant and Landlord Ordinance Approved by Cook County Board

Cook County Board Committee Meetings

Funding for Electronic Monitoring Questioned by Cook County Commissioners

Tenant and Landlord Ordinance Delayed Until January Meeting of Cook County Board

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