Blog Archives

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

0 Comments

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

6/3/2020

0 Comments

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)

0 Comments

Lively and Informative Cook County Board June Zoom Meeting

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

Author

Archives

Categories