Gun Violence - Topic at Cook County Board Meeting

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
May 13, 2021
Attendance: all 17 commissioners were present. Meeting led by President Preckwinkle
Public Speakers

• Congressman Robin Kelly spoke to the board about President Biden’s efforts to fight gun violence. He is proposing $5 Billion to fund community-based violence prevention programs. It includes job training and job opportunities.  The Justice Department would report on gun trafficking and  would establish model red flag laws for the states to use.   She also discussed separate bills that she is working on to fund community programs. She and other Congressmen have written to the Appropriations Committee to increase funding for these community- based initiatives.  Several commissioners spoke in support of these efforts.   Commissioner Lowry wants to work on a high school program on teaching conflict resolution.  Commissioner Daley said that he was proud of Cook County’s investment in violence prevention projects in minority areas. The Judicial Advisory Council receives quarterly reports on the outcomes of the investments. 
• There were two resolutions connected to gun violence.
• Commissioner Deer spoke in support of his resolution 21-2664 declaring gun violence a public health crisis. This was later approved
• 21-3157  A resolution supporting the Biden Harris Administration Gun Violence Prevention Plan.   Approved.
• Jacky Glass of Hargrove Hospital spoke in support of resolution 21-3123 recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness month. This resolution was approved.

Board Action 

• 21-2034  Inspector General’s report for first quarter 2021. There was no discussion.  It was received and filed. 
• 21-2894   Changes the  County Board meeting date from Sept 16 to Sept. 23.  Changes  the Rules and Finance Committees meetings from Sept 15 to Sept 22.  Approved.
• 21-3092   Report from the CFO on expenditures related to Coronavirus Relief Funds, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Grant, and Emergency Rental Assistance from March 1, 2020 through March 30, 2021.  There was no discussion.  It was received and filed.
• 21-3130  Ordinance amendment to add the Special State’s Attorneys’ reports to be submitted to the Litigation Subcommittee.   It provides that the State’s Attorney and Special State’s Attorney provide prior notice and justification to the Litigation Subcommittee prior to settling any matter in excess of $500,000.   They also must provide advance notice of any matter that they anticipate will be settling in excess of $500,000. Referred to the Finance Committee.
• 21-3131  Kevin Morrison  proposed the Cook County Information Technology Reporting Ordinance.  It requires that all separately elected officials funded by Cook County have to submit reports on IT projects. The purpose of the ordinance is to streamline IT reporting and to ensure regular updates on projects.   Referred to Technology and Innovation Committee
• 21=3145  Cook County’s Proclamation of Disaster was extended through June30.   There was no discussion, but Commissioners Degnen and Sean Morrison voted no.   
• 21-3149  Proposed resolution requesting a hearing into the policies and practices of the County and Forest Preserve to  protect the civil rights of immigrants,  BIPOC residents, and visitors within  Cook County.  This was referred to the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
• 21-3166   Proposed resolution for a racially equitable and thriving recovery, by investing the County’s allocation of the American Rescue Plan funding in public services in Black, Brown, and poor communities not administered by law enforcement.   Referred to the Finance Committee.  
• 21-3168  Authorizes the Bureau of Economic Development to enter into a grant agreement with the Friends of the Forest Preserve to support the COVID-19 Youth Conservation Corps summer employment program.  Approved.
• 21-3171  Proposed ordinance for COVID-19 vaccination rights for employees and employer obligations.   Provides that employees have the right to be vaccinated during work hours and employers cannot retaliate against them.     Referred to Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.

Other Items

• 21-2307  Approval of contract extension for the demolition of Division 1 at the jail.  Commissioner Miller questioned why there was an  extension.   Commissioner Anaya asked for the pause in the work because the residents of the Little Village neighborhood had concerns over the demolition.  The County held community meetings on how the process would work and installed air monitoring equipment. Commissioner Kevin Morrison asked  about preserving some of the historical pieces from the jail such as parts of the edifice and parts of Al Capone’s cell.  The County Archive managers is checking with the Chicago History Museum and others to see if they have any interest in such pieces.  Secretary De Leon said they were considering preserving a cell for historical context but they would need to find a place for it.
• 21-2555 Audit Grant Management Process Report Period March 2021. No discussion. Concurrence with report.  
  

Observed by: Kathi Graffam                      Meeting Length: 10am until 12:40 PM