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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 Department of Public Health Gives COVID Vaccine and Contact Tracing Update

Tenant and Landlord Ordinance Approved by Cook County Board

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