Cook County Board and Committee Meetings
March 17 and 18, 2021

The Board approved:

• The appointment of Sharonne Mitchell, Jr. to a 6-year term (April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2027) as the Cook County Public Defender.  At the Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting on March 17, there were several public comments in support, including one from the president of the union representing the assistant public defenders, saying that the union believes Mr. Mitchell appreciates the role of collective bargaining and the key issues of the union, including having a workplace free of harassment, management support, workload issues (can’t take on other functions), fairness in promotion, and the morale of the office.  The Commissioners thanked outgoing Public Defender Amy Campanelli for her hard work and passion in representing her clients.  Agenda Item 21-2052
• An extension of the proclamation of disaster in Cook County through April 30, 2021.  This continues providing the President with additional authority to take action without prior Board approval.  Commissioners Bridget Degnen and Sean Morrison voted “no.”  Commissioner Degnen explained that she believes that the Board should have more say in directing the funds, though agrees with Commissioner John Daley’s statement that the Bureau of Finance has done an excellent job of keeping the Commissioners informed and answering questions. Agenda Item 21-2068.
• A resolution authorizing the publication of the plain language summary of the Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance that had been recommended by the Zoning & Building Committee. Agenda  Item 21-1848.

The Board referred to the Redistricting Committee:

• Contract with Peter A. Creticos, LTD for remapping and redistricting services (Agenda Item 21-1963) and contract with Election Data Services for redistricting software and support services (Agenda Item 21-1967).  Commissioner Deborah Sims, the chair of the Committee, said that now the Committee members (all Commissioners) can begin the conversation on redistricting.

Other:

• People wishing to make public comments now have the option to present verbally at the meeting, in addition to providing comments in writing, which the Secretary of the Board has been summarizing, and which are posted on the “meeting details” page for the meeting entry on the Legistar system.
• A number of Commissioners joined the meeting of the Business & Economic Development Committee to hear the presentation from the Bureau of Economic Development for its “Cook County COVID Community Recovery Initiative Impact Report” from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.  Bureau Chief Xochitl Flores described the use of the $77M CARES Act fund to aide critical social services, small businesses, workforce development, and mortgage & rental assistance.  (Agenda Item 21-1367).  The County partnered with a number of agencies, private foundations, and associations to provide services, loans, and grants.  Commissioner Ana Anaya commented that the Bureau has created a new infrastructure for long-term change.  
• The Comptroller reported to the Finance Committee that for the first 2 months of the new fiscal year, the General Fund has a positive balance of $89M (with revenues above and expenses below budget) and the Health Fund has a negative balance of $127M (with revenues down, but which have since been collected, and expenses above budget). (Agenda Item 21-1991)

Priscilla Mims - Observer

Cook County Board of Commissioners 
Health & Hospitals System Committee Meeting
March 16, 2021

Following two public comments urging that additional vaccination sites be set up in the western and southern suburbs, coincidentally, the presentations by both the Department of Emergency Management & Regional Security and the Department of Public Health (“DPH”) focused on the criteria that has been used in establishing County-sponsored vaccination sites in the suburbs and how this is changing.  Both Departments acknowledged the need to provide more vaccination opportunities in the southern and western suburbs and said that they expect, with the promised increase in vaccination doses, to be able to do so.

• Executive Director of Emergency Management William Barnes explained that the County started by looking at large sites in order to be able to get as many shots in arms as possible.  Convention Centers were looked to, such as the one in Tinley Park.  Began rethinking as heard from communities wanting their own sites, as well as the Federal and State governments now also wanting to be involved.
• Currently looking at large commercial sites, such as big box stores, which are located all over the County and are very flexible (can use large or small areas as required), have lots of parking, generally are easy to locate, and often accessible by public transportation (all key factors).
• But also looking at other alternatives:  know that while about 40% of people happy to go to large sites, the rest prefer smaller sites.
• CEO of Cook County Health Israel Rocha, Jr. said that currently there are more people wanting the vaccine than those needing more education about it.  He touted the number of contacts from residents to the vaccine web site, www.vaccine.cookcountyil.gov, and the vaccine hotline, 1-833-308-1988.
• Dr. Kran Joshi reported that 18% of suburban residents have received at least 1 vaccine shot and 9% have received 2. 
• A Mobile Vaccination Strategy is in place to help reach more places, with a pilot successfully conducted in Maywood recently.  More are scheduled.
• Dr. Rachel Rubin reported that the DPH finally has a significant workforce in place to do contact tracing.
• DPH presented its 1st quarter report (Item 21-0798) which focused on its grants of $5 million to 42 community organizations to help educate and vaccinate people and of $1 million to 5 worker centers to help reach temporary workers over the 6-month period from Dec. thru May.  With more funds coming, DPH expects to continue the efforts through the end of 2021.

DPH also told the Commissioners that it had received reaccreditation in Feb. for the next 5 years.

Priscilla Mims, Observer

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

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

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.

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