Cook County Board Observer Reports

Lively and Informative Cook County Board June Zoom Meeting

6/22/2020

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 18, 2020

The zoom format did not inhibit any of the Commissioners from engaging in lively discussion about many important items. The meeting began and ended with powerful and emotional support for President Preckwinkle and Commissioner Brandon Johnson. The president was front page news that very morning in the Sun-Times with an article about her racist experiences as a child in the 1950’s growing up in St. Paul, Mn. Comm. Daley congratulated her on the article which also gave much credit to her efforts in the area of criminal justice reform. The last part of the meeting belonged to Comm. Johnson’s resolution entitled “Justice for Black Lives” (Agenda Item 20-2867) with almost all Commissioners speaking to this issue and asking to be co-sponsors. (More on this resolution below).
Public comment came in the form of letters summarized by the Secretary of the Board. The League of Women Voters of Cook County's (LWVCC) letter, about the consolidation process of the Recorder of Deeds’ and the Clerk’s offices, was included in the summary. Also included was a letter from Sharlyn Grace of the Chicago Bond Fund in support of Comm. Johnson’s resolution and many others supporting Comm. Anaya’s resolution to stop evictions during Covid. (more on that below)

Highlights of the Meeting:

Agenda Item 20-2615 - This item refers to President Preckwinkle’s veto message. At the May board meeting, the President exercised her first and only veto and explained her reasoning in a written statement that was filed, but not discussed at this meeting. She vetoed an ordinance directing the County’s health department to release the addresses of Covid-19 positive patients to first responders. Her reasoning cited privacy information and the fact that this information would not keep anyone safer. She also worried that disclosure of this information might cause individuals to not seek medical help in the future. The measure passed narrowly last month. There was no mention of an override.
Agenda Item 20-2445 - This item refers to the Performance Management Report. Comm. Miller stated that this report looked very different from previous reports. She asked for metrics and data to support the conclusions stated by various department heads and elected officials. Jerry Pray, of the Research Operation and Innovation Dept. stated that he is still collecting data and can send it to the commissioners and post it online shortly, He said that the report this year was meant to tell a story and to focus on future initiatives. The board voted to receive the report
Agenda Item 20-2395 - This item refers to the rental of space at St.Hyacinth Church in Avondale for the use of a new Restorative Justice Court. Comm. Kevin Morrison wanted to know more details. A representative from Chief Judge Evans’ office stated that it was the judge’s goal to open 2 more Restorative Justice courts soon, after the one in Lawndale proved to be a success. Another one is planned for Englewood. These courts concentrate on young, low- level offenders between the ages of 18-26. The measure passed.
Agenda Item 20-2684 - This is another item dealing with youth, ages 16-24. Commissioners Gainer and Miller praised the Chicago Work Force Partnership’s efforts to provide employment and training to at -risk youth, especially during tough economic times. Comm. Miller again asked for data with this program especially a breakdown of race, ethnicity and gender. A representative from the program will provide the commissioners with this information. The measure passed.
Agenda Item 20-2745 - This refers to the final report dealing with the merger of the Recorder of Deeds and the Clerk’s offices. Commissioner Suffredin commended the staffs of both offices. He also commended the LWVCC for their thoughtful questions and their input into this matter. This was referred to the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, which will meet and go over the report before the July board meeting.
Agenda Item 20-2326 - This refers to commissary items and their prices at Cook County Jail. Before approving a contract for these items, Commissioner Kevin Morrison (along with several other commissioners) wanted to know if detainees are charged too much for these items (mostly snacks and personal items) and if the County is making a profit, A representative from the sheriff’s office said that the prices are set by the vendor and are equal to those charged by convenience stores. The commissioner wanted exact figures for these prices. The board will receive this information. They then voted to discuss this item at the July meeting.
Agenda Items 20-2650 and 20-0993 - The first of these refers to the Revenue and Expense report and the 2nd one refers to the report from Cook County Health. These were lumped together and discussed in a general way. The financial picture for all departments is not a good one. Revenue is way down due to less sales tax and other fees during Covid-19. The commissioners stated that a more detailed revenue report will be released on June 26th. And the preliminary budget hearings set for July will be the time to discuss these matters in more detail. Reports were received and filed at this meeting.
Agenda Item 20-1859 - This refers to the appointment of Judge Marcus R. Salone to the Ethics Committee. Commissioner Suffredin praised this appointment and called him a “healing force”.
Agenda Item 20-2891 - Commissioner Anaya sponsored this item which stops evictions during the Covid-19 crisis. Evictions are stalled right now as the courts are closed. But they reopen in July and the commissioners discussed this at length. Comm.Suffredin stated that the board does not have the authority to stop evictions but they can encourage the Sheriff’s police to NOT enforce them. All commissioners passed and co-sponsored this resolution.
Agenda Item 20-2867 Commissioner Johnson’s resolution “Justice for Black Lives” was discussed at length. His resolution covered a history of discrimination and incarceration against black people. More currently he cited some comments on social media that stated maybe next time fire hoses should be used to quell marches, such as the one that was organized by Public Defenders in front of Cook County Jail. His resolution included solutions to these problems that dealt with reforms in health care, housing, criminal justice, job creation, among other things. Almost every commissioner spoke to this resolution, most thanking Comm. Johnson for introducing it and asking to be co-sponsors. Comm. Johnson stated that we must listen to ALL community groups and let them help us lead the way to reform. The board voted to send this resolution to the Criminal Justice Committee for further review.
Finally, a Voting Equity item (Agenda Item 20-2906) was added to the agenda very last minute. It was referred to the Rules Committee for further review. Commissioner Britton said this item was crucial to ensuring fair elections, It deals with printing ballots and instructions in various languages, making sure new voting machines work properly, and making sure that new mail- in procedures run smoothly, among other things.

Despite the length of the meeting, the number of important issues discussed, and the format of zoom, the commissioners still made time to compliment each others’ work and to joke with each other.

Observed by Jan Goldberg Meeting Length: just under 4 hours, about 3 hours and 53 minutes

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Disaster Proclamation Extended to Sept. 30, 2020 by Cook County Board

6/3/2020

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Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting (Virtual Meeting via Zoom)
May 21, 2020

Board Action:

Agenda Item 20-2472: Resolution extending Cook County” proclamation of disaster for Cook County through Sept. 30,2020. Pres. Preckwinkle has called virtual meetings on Sundays to respond to the new COVID-19 Crisis and through these virtual meetings, commissioners have met with many departments over the past 2 months in order to ask questions, receive clarifications. Commissioner Daley and others stated that Pres. Preckwinkle’s staff has been made available to address concerns and provide transparency and openness on issues of concern. Passed.
Agenda Item 20-2465: Extending Authorization for Budget Director to Execute Budget Transfers for Amounts over $50,000. CCBC receives monthly updates on purchases, procurements relating to COVID- 19 matters. Budget Director Guzman stated decisions on procuring supplies have to be made quickly to reserve access to them. Her office is in constant contact with Cook County departments regarding their needs. Several commissioners stated this is the most responsible action to take as it enhances the county’s ability to address ongoing changes during the COVID-19 Crisis. Passed.
Agenda Item 20-2546: Approve amendments to Res. 19-0443 regarding chairs, vice chairs, and committee members. The only change to what was previously in effect is the substitution of new Commissioner Frank Aguilar in place of the Commissioner he replaced, Jeffery Tobolski, on committees of Labor, Law Enforcement, Technology & Innovation, and Veterans. Passed.
Agenda Item 20-2479: Proposed Property Tax Ordinance, 2020 adding Sec 74-48, waiving interest and penalties through Oct. 1, 2020 on late payments of second installment of property tax for 60 days. Aug. 3, 2020 remains the due date for payment. A loss of $8-9 million dollars to Cook County is expected. Escrow agents must still pay property tax by Aug. 3, before delinquency. Legislation is pending in the Illinois General Assembly to address the flow of funds regarding escrow agents. Commissions Suffredin explained that extensive legal research and consultation was conducted to develop this proposal, that it was a difficult legal process. He stated it was done to enhance the ability to address ongoing changes in people’s circumstances and prevent or reduce damage and protect people. Passed.
Agenda Item 20-2229: Receive and File Changes to Rules promulgated by the Cook County Assessor’s office for appealing property assessment within that office. The revised rules on assessment are intended to improve clarity of the rules previously approved, replacing 20-1797. The Assessor’s Office explained that overall compliance is the goal of appeal process, These changes are intended to provide flexibility in regulating specific property. Approved.

Ordinance Proposing Sharing of Addresses with First Responders
Agenda Item 20-2378. Proposal to share address information of confirmed COVID-19 positive patients with municipal first responders. Proposal is for a 60 day period within Cook County. Information would be purged after 60 days. Identification of address would be done through the Public Safety Answer Point (PSAP) Dispatch. The intent is to protect first responders. Dr. Rachel Rubin, Incident Commander of Cook County Dept. of Public Health, stated that this resolution does not follow good public health practice and would not increase safety of patients or first responders. Dr. Rubin stated that highest contagion period is within days 1-2 of contact and that responders need to do all of the right things all of the time to protect themselves. Many concerns were expressed by commissioners. Following are some of the ideas expressed during extensive discussion among Commissioners:

Finding balance between protecting first responders and people’s right to privacy must be considered.
There was concern over the impact of this policy in areas already experiencing negative encounters with law enforcement, including questions about protecting privacy.
With no oversight, black and brown communities especially may have strong concerns about privacy and assumptions.
That this policy would only provide a “false illusion of safety.”
Best intentions do not always work and unintended consequences are always possible.
At a time when health professionals are ignored by some government officials, it is important to respect their recommendations.
While demand for PPE by First Responders continues to outstrip supply in many areas, this would not answer that issue.
Federal Government has an obligation to provide needed supplies. Several Commissioners live with first responders and see many sides to the issue.
Several Commissioners made the point that voting against this proposal should in no way be taken as not supporting First Responders.

The proposal passed. (Subsequently this item was vetoed by President Preckwinkle)

New Items

Agenda Item 20-2550: Emergency Waiver of Non-Required Fees for recording Transfer on Death Instruments, effective May 21-Sept. 30, 2020. This would change the fee, inducing for electronic recording, to $39 plus the surcharge ($9, or as it might be reduced) for Rental Housing Support Program. Passed.
Agenda Item 20-2567 Establishing Cook county K-12 Solar Schools Initiative using $120,000 for the Dept. of Environment and Sustainability. This would include providing solar paneled roofs for up to 2 schools and developing related curriculum and building STEM programs. Passed.

Note: There were over 150 individual public comments registered for this meeting. Public comments were read or summarized by Board Secretary DeLeon at the start of the meeting, with the names of senders, read into the minutes.

Observer: Carolyn Cosentino, LWVCC Meeting Length: 5 Hr 15 min.(via zoom)

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Cook County Board Meeting Begins With 90 Minutes Of Public Testimony

4/29/2020

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Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - April 23, 2020

Because of State COVID-19 guidelines restricting larger meetings, the Board held its April meeting via a virtual media platform. Public Speakers were allowed to submit up to three-minute comments which were read by the Secretary of the Board. Of the 36 comments submitted, 23 dealt with the issue of COVID-19 safety within the Jail and Juvenile Detention Center. Another 7, primarily from suburban mayors and first responders, were supporting the sharing of addresses of COVID-19 residents. Public Comments accounted for 90 minutes of the 3½ hour meeting.

Board Decisions

The first action of the board was to waive the meeting rules to allow resolutions to be approved without going to committee.
Agenda Item #20-2363. Amendment to the Rules of Organization & Procedure to allow for remote meetings during the duration of the Governor’s order pertaining to COVID-19 - approved.
Agenda Item #20-2364. Allowed for the calendar to be changed to provide for remote meetings.
Agenda Item #20-2075. Unanimous appointment of Mr. Otis L Story, Sr. to the Cook County Health Board. Mr. Story was hired in February of 2020 as a deputy chief of staff to President Preckwinkle and will serve as her representative on the Cook County Health Board. He is known as a turnaround expert and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of East Orange General Hospital in New Jersey.
Agenda Item #20-1578. Request by the William Everett Group to increase its $1 million 2020 Census contract by an additional $125,000 was approved. The contract calls for the management and oversight of grants to agencies doing census outreach. Four commissioners expressed “little faith” in the contractor to execute its responsibilities based on performance to date. Another three voted present. Commissioner Sims voted yes stating that it is too late to start over, and asked the responsible parties to work out the issues.

Referred to Committee

Agenda Item #20-2389. Referred to the Criminal Justice Committee. It called for representatives from the Chief Judge’s office, Cermak Health, and the Sheriff’s office to report at this meeting on the status of protective measures in the CC Criminal Justice System during COVID-19. No discussion occurred and no reason was given for the delay.
Agenda Item #20-2378. Proposed by Commissioner Britton, 14th District, and referred to the Health & Hospital Committee. It called for the County Health Department to share the addresses of people who are known to have tested positive for COVID-19. Britton requested the resolution be sent to committee in part because of a lawsuit filed April 20 by the Northwest Central Dispatch System seeking a judge’s order to require the county to provide the names and addresses. He also wants more time to analyze the issue and address commissioners’ questions. Several commissioners expressed civil liberty and immigration concerns.

Other items of Interest

Agenda Item #20-1114. The Quarterly Report from the Department of Public Health was accepted and filed. Commissioner Deer said it included the status of several projects including eight that have been completed. He mentioned a new project directed at long-term care facilities including more coordination and focus on health and safety issues.
Commissioner Gainer asked to have more discussion at the May meeting on COVID-19 back to work guidelines.
All Commissioners were in attendance, and Mr. Frank Aguilar was welcomed as the new Commissioner for the 16th District replacing Jeffrey Tobolski who resigned effective March 31, 2020.

Observed by: Diane Edmundson

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Cook County Board Approves Funds for Transportation Improvements within Forest Preserves

4/1/2020

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Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - February 27, 2020

Board Action:

The County Board approved the appropriation of $25,000,000 of motor tax fuel funds for transportation improvements within various properties under Forest Preserve jurisdiction. The money goes to properties that do not charge admission.
The Board renewed an agreement with the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to maintain and expand the Prescription Drug Buy Back Program. Pharmaceutical drugs are collected and disposed of in ways that keep them out of the Chicago Area Waterway System.

What to Watch for:

Tightening of approval of contract renewals and extensions. The Cook County Clerks office asked for a one-year extension of their contract with the company maintaining and hosting their website even though they have maxed out their automatic renewals of the contract.

Other Observations:

The Board approved an agreement between the Cook County Medical Examiner and Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago for indigent burials of the unclaimed, unknown, and unborn children. $48,000.

Observed by: Kim Inman Meeting Length: 1 1/2 hours

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Cook County Board Votes to Extend Emergency Declaration thru May 31

3/18/2020

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Cook County Board of Commissioners - Special Meeting
March 16, 2020

What the Board Discussed and Decided:

On March 10, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle issued a proclamation of disaster for Cook County in light of the emergency situation posed by the COVID-19 (“Corona”) virus. Such declaration could only last for 7 days under Illinois law unless extended by the Cook County Board. At today’s emergency meeting, the Board voted to extend that declaration of emergency thru May 31 and it also applies to the Cook County Forest Preserve District.
As part of the Resolution authorizing the extension, the Board granted the authority to the President to issue Executive Orders as necessary to provide for continuity of government in the event the Board and/or the Board’s Finance Committee is unable to meet again in March or April. The President told the Board that all actions taken as a result of this authority would be reported to the Board.
The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security are coordinating county and municipal resources and response activities as authorized under Chapter 26, Article II, Section 26-31 through 43 of the Cook County ordinances.
William Barnes, the Executive Director of Emergency Management and Regional Security stated that the Emergency Operation Plan has been activated and his department has been working closely with municipal governments throughout Cook County, as well as State and Federal authorities.
Dr. Terry Mason, who heads the County’s Public Health Department, said that his department has been working closely with the federal Center for Disease Control and other Cook County municipal and State public health departments. He stated that things are going to get worse but that his job was to minimize that as much as possible. He will be working with hospitals across the County to deploy tests for the Corona virus once they become available.
Commissioner Sims asked whether the Commissioners could hold meetings via video conferencing. The President’s legal counsel explained that under the current Illinois Open Meetings Act, all such meetings must be in person. However, she said that there is an amendment in the State legislature which would allow for such “virtual” meetings during times of emergency. She hopes that it might be passed and signed into law in April.
Commissioner Gainer asked what protections would be provided to election judges for the March 17 Primary. The Deputy Clerk for Elections (for suburban Cook County polling places) said that hand sanitizers and alcohol wipes would be provided. Commissioners Daley and Sims asked whether the County would be cleaning the polling places thoroughly after the election. The Deputy Clerk said that the County does not have the supplies or money to do so at this time. An emergency request for supplies was sent by the Clerk’s office on Friday to Emergency Management and Regional Security, but Mr. Barnes said such request far exceeded its ability to respond and the request has been forwarded to Illinois Emergency Management, which has not yet had a chance to respond.
It appears likely that the March 25 Finance Committee and the March 26 Board meetings will be cancelled. All other Committee meetings through March 25 have already been cancelled.

Observer - Priscilla Mims

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Cook County Board Seeks to Amend Health System Ordinance

3/3/2020

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Cook County Board - Health & Hospital Committee Meeting
February 26, 2020

Meeting Report
The CC Health & Hospital Committee had two items on its agenda:

Agenda Item 20-1118 went through two substitute iterations with the final dated February 24, 2020 and contains major amendment changes to the 2008 Health and Hospitalts System Enabling Ordinance that established the independence of the Hospital System from the County President and Board and set up the mechanism for appointing an independent board. The chair of the committee, Dennis Deer, was not in attendance nor were Commissioners Moore and Tobolski. Commissioner Arroyo, Vice-Chair, ran the meeting.

All commissioners in attendance strongly supported the need for a viable and vibrant county public health care system and it was reflected in each of their remarks.
Agenda Item 20-1118 was passed out of Committee with the only exception to a unanimous vote being Alma Anaya who voted "present". Her comments are below as are selected other commissioners:
Larry Suffredin: Led off the discussion by stating that he strongly supports the amendments and considers them to allow for "re-balancing" of the relationship between the Cook County and System Boards as well as ensuring collaboration on executive hiring, financial, strategic planning, and labor relations issues. He offered that the Cook County Board is the Health Board for the County; and he pointed to the large increase in uncompensated care; the two highly critical Inspector General reports; and the increased number of grievances and arbitration cases as reason for the need to re-balance.
Sean Morrison: Stated he often communicated belief that the problem lies with the executive team.
Bridget Gainer: Stated that outward collaboration as well as between the Hospital and the CC Board is needed.
John Daley: Strongly supportive and stated that nearby U of I Hospital and Rush Hospital are both expanding their ambulatory centers and that the HHS System needs more help from them.
Alma Anaya: Stated she does not believe the amendments solves the root cause issues. She advocates creating a process such as a task force to identify, dissect, and address the problems - particularly financial. Wants to review and then change rather than "jumping the gun" with the proposed amendments.

Agenda Item 20-1229 was deferred without discussion. It would require top executive compensation and severance package approval by the President and County Board and because the matter is also covered in 20-1118, it may be withdrawn

Public testimony

Dr. Lindsay Ray Murray, Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Stated that the System cannot cut its way out of its financial deficits. Called for a blue ribbon commission from a cross-section of health care professionals and experts to thoroughly explore the issues and make recommendations before approving changes to the 2008 enabling ordinance. H&M Policy Research Group is a member of the nominating committee that provides HHS board nominations to President Preckwinkle for her and the CC Board approval.
Laurence Msall, Civic Federation. His main objection is that 20-1118 gives the county board say over the selection and compensation of the CEO. He said that he has heard of no explanation on how the proposed changes will correct the System’s financial problems. The Civic Federation is also a member on the nominating committee for HHS board nominations.
Susan Avila, Collaborative Health Equity. She is also on the H & M Policy Board and worked at Stroger for a number of years. She stated that there was not enough information before the changes were proposed and is for a comprehensive analysis of the problems and at what works best (Best Practices approach).
Mr. George Blakemore also spoke and is in favor of more County Board involvement.

Significant Amendment changes included in Agenda Item 20-1118

The System Board will no longer have sole authority to hire the CEO, or interim CEO, or fix the compensation. Henceforth, it will recommend, subject to the advice and consent of the Cook County Board and the President’s departments on development of its three-year strategic plan as well as its operational and policy strategy.
Requires the Hospital System Board to direct its CEO to collaborate with President Preckwinkle and her departments on development of the strategic plan as well as its operational and policy strategy.
Increased HHS board membership from 11 to 12 – The twelfth member will be hired by and reports directly to President Preckwinkle and will serve the same 4-year term as the other directors. This appointee and the CC Board appointee, currently Dennis Deer, cannot serve as chair of the HHS Board.
Allows the System Board to recommend instead of fix compensation of employees and provides that the compensation must be in line with the county board’s budget appropriation.
Gives more responsibility to the Cook County Human Relations Bureau in handling grievance issues.
Provides that the HHS board shall meet 12 times a year.
Specifically states that the Cook County Board does not delegate Home Rule Authority to the System board.
Sets a threshold for county approval for capital expenditures at above $150,000 with monthly reporting of such expenditures of $5,000 to $150,000.

Diane Edmundson - Observer

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Lively and Informative Cook County Board June Zoom Meeting

Disaster Proclamation Extended to Sept. 30, 2020 by Cook County Board

Cook County Board Meeting Begins With 90 Minutes Of Public Testimony

Cook County Board Approves Funds for Transportation Improvements within Forest Preserves

Cook County Board Votes to Extend Emergency Declaration thru May 31

Cook County Board Seeks to Amend Health System Ordinance

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