Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings
October 22, 2025

Finance Committee
Committee Approves $20 M Grant For Illinois Quantum Microelectronics Park

The Committee approved a $20 M grant to the University of Illinois for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on the former site of U.S. Steel on the southeast side of Chicago.  This grant will be used to provide the equipment necessary to keep the cryogenics facility cool.  The Secretary to the Board announced that there were about 100 written comments submitted opposing this proposal.  The Committee nevertheless approved the grant after addressing some of the concerns raised by commentators (Item 25-3761):

• Comm. Moore verified that (1) there are no plans to use water from Lake Michigan or the Calumet River to cool the equipment, (2) no dangerous chemicals will be put into the system and therefor there will be no chemical emissions or smoke, (3) there should be no health concerns raised by the facility.
• Comm. Trevor followed up on the fact that liquid helium and liquid nitrogen will be used, but like Fermilab in the western suburbs, there will be redundant safety features installed.  Even in the event that venting of helium and nitrogen would be necessary, she was assured that there will be no health risk to anyone nearby.
• Comm. Sean Morrison asked about the power supply.  Harley Johnson, Executive Director and CEO of the Park explained that it is not a data center so it will not require an extraordinary amount of energy to operate.  Further, there is sufficient power from the grid already existing.  
• Comm. Gainer had staff clarify exactly what the County’s contribution to the Park is: (1) this $20 M grant and (2) a Class A property tax incentive (previously approved) which reduces the percentage applied to the property assessment from 25% (the regular commercial percentage) to 10% (which is also what is applied to residential property).  
• Comm. Degnen pointed out that even with this reduction, there will be a significant increase in the property taxes paid at this property (well over the $20 M grant) which has stood essentially vacant for many years.
• Comm. Aguillar also pointed to the expected increased investment in the neighborhood with restaurants and other businesses to serve those working in the Park.
• Comm. Stamps expressed concerns about whether resulting increases in property values could negatively impact current residents and businesses.  Susan Campbell, Director of Planning & Development for the County, explained that Chicago was taking the lead on engaging the community as to how local residents and businesses can benefit.  Among other things, modules for the local schools and college have been provided on what quantum mechanics is and what job opportunities there are.
• Comm. Miller asked to be a co-sponsor and the item was approved with a vote of 13 ayes, 1 present (Comm. Vasquez) and 3 absent.

The Committee also approved the proposed allocation of $85.6 M of spending from the Equity and Inclusion Special Purpose Fund for 2026.  (Item 25-4003)  This approved allocation will be included in the proposed 2026 budget that the Board will be reviewing, amending, and approving in the coming weeks.  

• This allocation includes carrying over funds allocated but not spent in 2025 for several programs, as well as using 1/2 of the Fund’s balance of $64.4 M for (1) Transforming Places initiatives ($5 M), (2) restarting the Guaranteed Income Pilot ($7.5 M), and (3) the Justice Advisory Council for gun violence prevention programs in partnership with the State and Chicago ($20 M in addition to the carry-forward of $17.6 M).  
• Funds being carried over are for the Cannabis Business Development Program, the Land Bank, the Community Engagement Pilot Program, Health Equity in all Policies led by the Department of Public Health, the collaborative work to reform the County’s property assessment and taxation system, the implementation of a regional income-based fare model for the Fair Trans Pilot, the implementation of digital navigators as part of the Digital Equity Action Plan, the improvement of community health and resilience led by the Dept. of Environment and Sustainability, and  the implementation of a comprehensive equity-centered grantmaking strategy to promote capacity building training and resources for community-based organizations.
• In addition, the Justice Advisory Council is going to carry over $3.2 M and will be allocated $31.8 M from the General Fund in 2026 to continue addressing community safety through a holistic approach.
• Comm. Gainer asked that the Board be provided quantifiable results from the money allocated in 2025 in conjunction with the upcoming budget review.  The President’s Chief of Staff Lanetta Hayes Turner explained that the annual report for the Equity Fund is published in Feb., so the report for 2024 is the last one currently available.  Comm. Gainer said that the Commissioners needed updated info since they will be voting on the budget In November.  Comm. Degnen asked about the assessment of the initial 2-year pilot for the Guaranteed Income Program for 2023 and 2024.  Ms. Turner said that that assessment, being prepared by the University of Chicago, is not expected until the 1st quarter of 2026.  Ms. Turner said that the County will be able to utilize the information from the assessment in defining the parameters for the 2026 program.

The Committee also took action:

• Approving the reallocation of $1.242 M of ARPA funds from Rental Assistance and Wrap-around Services for Returning Residents to Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services in order to ensure the ARPA funds are spent by the end of 2026.  (Item 25-3541)  Comm. Anaya and others want more information as to what monies are going toward domestic violence.  A one-page summary will be provided to them listing all the domestic violence funding under the auspices of all the County officials.  
• Approving the use of $3 M of Corporate funds for the continuation of the demonstration of single-family homes utilizing modular technologies.  (Item 25-3759)  This is in addition to the $12 M in the proposed 2026 budget, which comes from the expected revenues from selling the modular properties developed using ARPA funds in the past for 4 developments.  The County was only able to get 2 developers for the past, but Comm. Gainer said that under a new Request for Proposal, now that the program has a track record, more developers should be interested with the expectation that the development costs will be reduced.  
• Voting to receive and file the Revenues and Expenses Report (Item 25-3998) and CCH monthly report (Item25-4110).   Chair Daley asked whether there were any negative impacts from not having received revenues from the 2nd installment property tax bills that have yet to be sent out.  The answer was not for the County.  He also asked about whether there is any impact yet on the Federal government shut-down, and the answer was that CCH received lower DSH (Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital) Payments than expected.  Comm. Gainer asked for a plan from Cook County Health on dealing with the Medicaid changes that are to begin in 2027.  CCH says that they are planning on a $107 M reduction in reimbursements annually, and are working on a plan now to deal with that.  Comm. Gainer urged CCH to ramp up to help people stay on Medicaid with reminders and other help to complete the necessary paperwork.  CCH said that they are looking at technological solutions to help with that.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Health & Hospitals Committee
Committee Approves CCH 2026-2028 Strategic Plan

Andrea Gibson, the Chief Strategy Officer for Cook County Health (CCH), presented the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan (Item 25-3864), which was approved by the Committee.

• Desire to replicate the better-than-expected results of Medicaid redetermination that occurred with County Care and implement system-wide ability to move more patients to health care coverage.  Currently only 10% of the patient population at CCH is covered by private insurance. 
• Strategic plan focuses on reducing time to hire to 90 days from the current time of 100 days. 
• Several Commissioners raised concern about length of time to secure primary care and specialty care appointments and what in the Strategic Plan has been put into place to address and reduce length of time to appointment.  Ms. Gibson had said that CCH hopes to reduce the wait times to no more than 30 days. 

The Committee also received an update on infectious diseases from Dr. Kiran Joshi, Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Public Health (Item 25-3815).

• With delays on the federal level, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) convened the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee (ILIAC). ILIAC consists of about 20 experts in epidemiology, infectious diseases, pediatrics, internal medicine, public health, pharmacy, and related fields. Dr. Joshi is a member. 
• IDPH issued vaccine guidance after receiving recommendations from ILIAC, examining guidance from medical specialty societies, and reviewing Illinois and national respiratory illness data. That guidance differs from that of the federal government.
• The federal government shutdown means most Center for Disease Control (CDC) data updates are on pause.  In addition, 1 in 3 CDC staff have been laid off with 50% additional budget cuts expected in 2026
• As of now there has been five measles cases in suburban Cook County in 2025. Each measles case requires a resource-intensive public health response

Observer:  Susan Avila

Audit Committee
Audit Department Makes Changes in Response To Quality Assessment Review

Auditor Heath Wolfe reported on the status of the deficiencies reported on the Quality Assessment Review. Mr. Wolfe was appointed auditor on June 30, 2025. Item 25-3504 was received and filed.

• Each year the Audit Department’s process and procedures are reviewed by an outside audit firm.  RSM LLP did the audit for the 24-25 fiscal year.
• The deficiencies included reporting structure, position openings, and continuing professional education.
• Mr. Wolfe explained the remediations already done, including that the department now reports to the Board instead of President Preckwinkle, the open positions are being posted on multiple professional job sites, and continuing education has been instituted according to industry standards.
• Commissioner Degnen asked how the number of audits will be increased. Mr. Wolfe has a goal of 30 audits a year.  An outside auditing firm will be brought in shortly to supplement work on this year’s audits.

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Asset Management Committee
Commissioners Discuss the Construction Manager at Risk Projects

Earl Manning, Director of Capital Planning and Policy in the Bureau of Asset Management, answered Commissioners’ questions about projects managed by a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and the department’s strategy on leasing space.

• Mr. Manning explained the report from the Real Estate Department on projects being managed by a CMAR.   This report was requested by the Commissioners when they approved the program. The specific report before the committee was the Stroger/Provident updating. The report included the projects, timeline, per cent completion, MWBE stats, and local hiring stats. Item 25-3717 was received and filed.
• Commissioner Degnen expressed concern that projects managed by a CMAR do not include enough work for the internal Cook County employees.  Mr. Manning said that some work is assigned to internal staff on projects and that is not included in the CMAR.
• Commissioner Scott asked if there should be a specific compliance manager for MWBE and local hires to ensure the CMAR is meeting the County’s standards.
• Separately, the department is in the process of leasing space in Maywood to allow some of the Sheriff’s operations in Maywood to be consolidated.  Commissioner Degnen asked what the long-term plan for the operations would be considering the County is spending money to update third party buildings.  Mr. Manning said they were in negotiations to buy the building. Item 25-3746 was approved.
• The annual ADA Improvement Report was received and filed, Item 25-3654.  The Department is working toward incorporating universal design in all buildings so all people can use them.

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Technology & Innovation Committee
Meeting did not take place because there was not a quorum in the Board Room.  There were several Committee members who wanted to participate virtually, but the Board Rules and State law require there be a quorum physically in the room to be able to conduct business.  In the absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair confirmed with the Chief Information Officer that no items on the agenda needed to be voted on for final action by the Board on Oct. 23.

Observer:  Victoria Cerinich

Cook County Board Of Commissioners
Committee Meetings 
​June 10, 2025

Health and Hospital Committee
The Committee passed the resolution declaring maternal morbidity and mortality as a public health crisis.  IL Senator Leticia Collins and Representative Camille Lilly gave supportive public testimony. (Item 25-2301)

For the quarterly report for the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) (Item 25-2513):

• Denise Gilbert, Director of Nursing at CCDPH, reviewed public health nursing initiatives within the Department. Hearing and Vision screening had been on hiatus, but has been reactivated and provides screening and assistance in referral for follow up care. Data informs their work, and it is also available to the community.  
• CCDPH website contains the Community Health Atlas which provides comprehensive population, health behavior, disease, maternal child health, and injury data for residents of suburban Cook County, and CCDPH’s jurisdiction. 
• CCDPH nurses developed EveryMotherEveryChild.org website for every stage of pregnancy, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation with fact sheets. 

For the CCDPH’s semi-annual Disparities Report (Item 25-2612):

• There is a long, slow decline in vaccination coverage in suburban Cook County. Schools with vaccination rates that are lower than 91% are scattered throughout the County. 
• Action by CCDPH includes a focus where there is greatest need:  schools with vaccination rates between 82-88% (lowest protection) AND high a high ranking on the Social Vulnerability Index.  That Index quantifies the potential for a community to experience greater negative effects for external stresses on human health, such as disasters or outbreaks.
• CCDPH is establishing vaccine clinics, patient education and targeted communication via media and community partnership.

League Observer: Susan Avila 

Audit Committee
The Committee reviewed the Audit Report on the Housing and Resources for Justice Involved Individuals, which is an ARPA-funded pilot project. (Item 25-2747)

• The Justice Advisory Council (JAC) is managing the program that helps recently released people find housing and pay the first three months’ rent.   The program will also provide prorated support depending on the person’s income and effort for the rest of a one-year lease.  
• The original plan was to house 300 people but only 26 had been successfully served at the time of the audit. During the audit process it was noted that subrecipient agencies were not timely reporting metrics and payroll costs were not reported correctly.  Both had been corrected by the time the audit was completed. 
• The JAC determined that it needed to revise the program and provide more assistance in obtaining the housing. The JAC has added relocation coordinators that walk the participants through the search and paperwork. The JAC also found other agencies that could refer people.   Since last November, 56 people have been housed and the JAC is working with about 13 people a month.
• Since the program has less participants than planned, its budget has been amended and some of the funds have been diverted to other ARPA programs.  The JAC is investigating private grants to keep the program going beyond 2026.
• Commissioner Gainer suggested they also work with the Land Bank that has connections with contractors that build rental property.  

League Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Finance Committee

• There was just one item on the agenda:  Commissioner Sean Morrison’s proposed ordinance amendment proposing to add language to the Class 2-12 real estate classification, Item 25-2835.  Commissioner Morrison explained that there would be no vote on the item, but that this meeting was an opportunity to discuss the proposal.  After obtaining more information and further discussion, the Board could then decide whether to make any changes to the requirements for the Classification or leave it as is.  Accordingly, the item was deferred after discussion.
• Comm. Morrison said that he understood the intent of the 2-12 classification was to give small business owners who live above their business a tax break by taxing the entire property at the residential rate of 10 percent of the assessed value.  However, the current language of the ordinance for 2-12 classification does not require the owner to live at the property. In contrast, other properties under a different classification are split, with the portion that is commercial being taxed at 25% of the assessed value and the residential portion taxed at 10% of the assessed value.  
• Comm. Morrison’s proposal would add the requirement that the owner use the property as the principal place of residence, receive a homeowner’s exemption, and file a yearly declaration of eligibility for the 2-12 classification with the Assessor each year.
• Comm. Morrison said that his staff found there were almost 14,000 properties classified as 2-12 currently and that the staff looked at about 6900 and found that about 50% had tax bills going to entities other than the owners of the property.  He has estimated that an additional $171 M would be collected if the property was split between commercial and residential.
• The Assessor’s Office was represented by the Chief of Staff, Scott Smith, and the Chief Legal Advisor. Mr. Smith said that about 1/5 of the current 2-12 properties do have homeowners’ exemptions.  He said that typically these properties are assessed at $100,000 or less. There was concern about what additional workload the office might be expected to do if the 2-12 classification was changed.  The office will provide more information in response to Comm. Morrison’s questions.  
• Comm. Trevor expressed concern that other renters in the building might not be able to continue to afford to live there if the property taxes increased for the entire property as a result of the property having to be split between residential and commercial.  She said that there should be a transition plan in place should a change in the classification be made.

League Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Workforce Housing and Community Development Committee

• There was no discussion, but the Committee approved a proposed loan of $2.6 M from the HOME Investment Partnership Program to Carefree Development for the construction of Carefree Village, a 55-unit affordable rental housing for seniors located in Oak Forest.

League Observer:  Susan Gegory

Cook County Board of Commissioners
May 13, 2025

Asset Management Committee
The Bureau of Asset Management presented its annual report on the Build Up Cook Program, highlighting their work in underserved communities. The Committee also approved a resolution declaring indoor air and indoor environmental quality as a public health crisis.

• The Bureau is using ARPA (America Rescue Plan Act) funds to provide resources to underserved communities for badly needed infrastructure projects such as fire hydrant replacements and sewer and stormwater projects.
• The projects are managed by Asset Management staff, using County contractors.
• One project highlighted was being able to help the Village of Robbins when a supply water main broke. The Bureau of Asset Management worked with other Cook County Departments to get it quickly repaired.
• The Bureau is also using funds for workshops so that community employees develop the skills to manage projects and obtain financing through grants.
• The Bureau wants to continue the workshops beyond the ARPA funding to help communities find and obtain grants from State funding options.   It is anticipated federal funds for infrastructure projects will not be forthcoming.
• To read more about the Build Up Cook Program, see the County website, https://arpa.cookcountyil.gov/build-up-cook.   The report was received and filed. Item 25-1896.
• The Committee approved a resolution declaring indoor air quality as a public health crisis.   The Committee took action on this issue at its meeting last month when the Commissioners approved a contract with the University of Illinois to develop a process for evaluating the air quality in Cook County buildings. Item 25-2342.

League Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Health and Hospitals Committee
Aaron Galeener, Chief Administrative Officer of CountyCare, and Dr. Yvonne Collins, Chief Medical Officer of CountyCare (the Medicaid managed health plan operated by Cook County Health) presented a PowerPoint overview of CountyCare services. 

• Health Benefit for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) Medicaid program is being sunset by Governor Pritzker effective July 1, 2025 which will affect over 16,000 CountyCare members and approximately 32,000 statewide, likely to have a significant financial impact.
• Commissioner Aguilar, Stamps, Degnan, and Vasquez asked what threats to CountyCare Medicaid the current Congressional debate calling for Medicaid cuts were.  Galeener said federal Medicaid cuts might include work requirements, as well as decreased federal funding for those Medicaid recipients who are covered by the expanded Medicaid coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) which provides 90% federal funding for this group of individuals vs 51% for traditional Medicaid recipients. He said this could impact over 100,000 CountyCare members and a potential loss of $100 million in revenue. ACA expansion programs have a trigger to sunset in Illinois if federal contributions fall below 90%, Galeener noted.
• Commissioner Degnan asked what programs CCH/CountyCare will need to cut?  Galeener said programs that are “value added” components of Medicaid in Illinois that are not required by Federal Medicaid.  He indicated that increasing redetermination of eligibility from once a year to 6 months might be implemented.
• CCH’s housing program as a social determinant of health is funding organizations who are engaged in locating shelter for CountyCare members who are homeless or live in a shelter. Flexible Housing Pool (CountyCare invested $5 million in 2020 and $3 million in 2025) and other CountyCare housing programs currently house 432  individuals.  Health outcomes for persons housed by this program show 33% reduction of inpatient stays, 19% reduction in ER visits, 22% reduction of jail registrations, 30% reduction in all cause mortality.  Commissioner S. Morrison questioned whether CCH should be paying toward housing-- not in the mission of hospital system.  Galeener commented that “we are a health care entity, need better solutions to housing  and need to transition them to more sustainable affordable programs”.  (Item 23-0202) motion to defer adopted.

League Observer: Susan Kern

Audit Committee
The Committee periodically follows up on open audit recommendations. Bill Carroll, Deputy Auditor, reported on the four audit items currently open.  The report was received and filed.  Item 25-2074.

• The oldest and most concerning item was a finding from the 2015 audit of the Clerk of the Court concerning the process on uncollected revenue on traffic court fines.   The audit recommended that the Clerk’s office make every effort to collect the fines before turning them over to a collection agency.  Once they are given to a collection agency, there should be closer monitoring of the revenue.
• In 2015 the uncollected amount was $3M and has increased since then.  Commissioner Sean Morrison pointed out that the collection agencies take 30%-40%.
• Mr. Carroll reached out to the new Clerk of the Court administration and is setting up a meeting with the Finance Manager. He will review their current process.  Commissioner Degnen asked to be included in the meeting. 

League Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Cook County Board of Commissioners
Committee Meetings
November 20, 2024   

Finance Subcommittee on Litigation 

• A Public Speaker stated that he objected to the proposed settlement of his complaint against the Board of Review for his termination.   He wants to be reinstated as well as having a monetary settlement.
• The Commissioners discussed all items before them in closed session and voted to receive and file.

Audit Committee
 24-5692  Proposed Fiscal Year Audit Schedule
Mary Modelski, Auditor,  reported that the 2025 schedule will include among other audits:

• ARPA programs
• JAC grant utilization to check controls previously recommended have been implemented
• Chief Judge case management system
• Procurement
• Forest Preserve financial processes including concession revenue.

Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
24-5896 Proposed Changes to the Vacation and Excused Absence with Pay ordinance.
There were several public speakers that addressed this proposed change to the ordinance.  The current ordinance applies to full time, part-time and seasonal workers in Cook County.  It requires that employers allot 1 hour of paid leave for any reason for every 40 hours worked in a 12-month period. The amendment would exempt school districts and park districts.
Several representatives from suburban school districts and park districts explained the problems with the current ordinance:

• For many teachers and others who work under existing contracts, these days are in addition to those agreed in the contract.  This results in more time the regular teacher is away from the classroom.
• When those contracts are renegotiated, these days will be included, probably at the cost of sick days.   Teachers can accumulate sick days toward their requirement, so they will lose some of that benefit.
• It requires more substitute teachers who are in short supply.   The cost of the substitutes is increased.
• Park Districts will have to cut the number of young people hired during the summer because of the increase in cost.
• Home rule municipalities can opt out of this ordinance and then the schools  and park districts within its boundaries would be exempt.  However, many school districts and park districts cover more than one municipality and so there would be unequal treatment of employees. 

Speakers from Women Employed and the Shriver Institute spoke in favor of keeping the original ordinance as it gives a benefit to the lower earners.
Commissioner Sean Morrison pointed out that the Illinois State Law on paid leave exempts school districts and park districts.
Commissioner Britton reiterated the issue of some municipalities being able to opt out while others can’t.   He pointed out that this will have more of an impact on southern and western suburbs who have fewer home rule towns.   This could result in higher property taxes. 
The Commissioners who did not support the change acknowledged the issues for the districts, but felt it was more important to protect the lower income workers across Cook County.  
The ordinance amendment failed to pass.

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings
September 18, 2024 

Finance Committee

• Meeting reconvened from July 31, 2024. Motion to Receive and File FY 2025 Preliminary Forecast Report Period 12/1/20203-11/30/2024 from Dept of Budget and Management Services was made by Com. Lowry and seconded by Com. Britton. Passed with unanimous aye vote.   Meeting Length: 41 Seconds.
• Finance Committee.  Motions were made by Com. Lowry and seconded by Com Britton for 2 resolutions addressing uses of ARPA funding. Both passed.  Healthy Community Program Initiative (24-2908) includes guidelines amending the subrecipient agreement with Il Public Health Institute to increase funding by $8M from current agreement. Also approved was Resolution to Authorize the Use of Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Special Purpose Fund to Support the Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program (24-4131). Com Trevor made the motion and Com Britton seconded the financial reports be received and filed from Comptroller and CCH. The 8-month Comptroller report (24-4901) showed a net favorable budget variance to the General Fund of $148.9M. The State Revenues Update through July 31, 2024, shows the state owes $139.5M to the County. Cook County Health CFO Pam Cassara reported $110M favorable balance for the first 8 months of 2024(24-4901) 
• The Health Fund showed a favorable net budget variance $76.3 M. 
• Meeting Length:  14 min.

Transportation Committee.

• Supt. Killen was present to explain all contracts and extensions to Transportation Commtt.  Supt. Killen provided an explanation for the proposed ALPR system. Resolution 24-4292 authorized the approval of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) to permit installation on county roadways; it can identify make, color, and license plate information on vehicles to assist local law enforcement and Sheriff’s Office in crimes such as child endangerment and missing persons. Personal information is not included. State regulations exist regarding lawful use of images and information.          
• ​Meeting Length 13 min.

Observer: Carolyn Cosentino

Cook County Board Of Commissioners Committee Meetings
September 17, 2024

AUDIT COMMITTEE
Although not on the Asset Committee agenda, at its September 19 meeting, the board approved a Professional Consulting Service contract with Iron Mountain Information Management to develop a materials and records storage assessment, implementation plan, and digital files/digitization.  The contract is for $1.2 million and the duration 16 months until 1/31/26.
Auditor, Mary Modelski, reported that several items from the 1st quarter were closed and that during the second quarter progress is being made with the "employment reimbursement process" and with the Clerk of the Court "traffic citations".  She went into more detail on the recommendation to Consolidate the Grant RFP Process stating that a stakeholder process was established in August to work on centralizing the grant management system.                                                                                                     
#24-3722 - the ARPA Fixed site emergency shelter report for people experiencing homelessness.   Two hotels are in the process of being purchased to house the homeless.  ARPA monies were used to provide a 30-year loan which will come due in 2053.  The Audit Department recommended the monitoring process needs to be improved and defined for the long term.   Comm. Daley asked that the Audit Department add this specific ARPA project to its regular auditing schedule.  Currently, it does not follow up on ARPA grants
#24-3681 - The Audit Department conducted an audit of the Work Order System in the Facilities Management Custodial Services Section.  It specifically recommended that the work order system be defined:  what it is and what it covers or not. Three recommendations were made: Under policies and procedures, how staff is assigned; Under standards, spell what specifics to help with efficiency; and get better metrics from its “Famous Compute System”, specifically regarding staff shortages.
#24-3949 - ARPA Hyperfocal and In-Home Vaccination and Vaccination Incentive Program.  The COVID vaccination incentive program of the gift cards received scathing criticism from several commissioners.  12,000 $100 cards were purchased and 8,000 distributed.  Blackhawk, the card vendor reduced the value of the card each month it wasn’t used by $6.00.  There was no contract but an emergency purchase order, and the Chief Counsel has demanded a reimbursement, not just on the remaining balance but the entire purchase order amount.

LEGISLATIVE & INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE
During a very short meeting, the committee approved the appointment of Patricia N. Jjemba to the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Advisory Board, and approved a resolution offered by Commissioner Gordon to request that the IL General Assembly approve SB3948, an amendment to the missing persons identification act to streamline processes to allow an agency to more quickly attempt to obtain the missing person’s DNA; would require, rather than allow, law enforcement to collect additional information such as fingerprints and biological samples; and provides that a waiting period may not be observed before accepting a missing person report.
Commission Gordon also requested and received approval of her request to Urge Congress to approve the “Protect our Letter Carriers Act (H.R.7629) to enhance postal workers safety.

HEALTH & HOSPITAL SYSTEM COMMITTEE
#24-4143 – Birthday Health Screening Program. The members approved the amended resolution calling for an annual prostate and mammogram health screen at Cook County Health locations – which would be free to those without insurance or other coverages.  Cook County Health’s, Dr. Fagan, noted that black males have a 60% higher mortality rate than white males, and over 16% of CC residents are age 65 or older. 
SEMI-ANNUAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH REPORTS
Office of Behavioral Health – Department of Public Health:   Both the Jail and the Juvenile Detention Center are increasing developing individual behavioral health treatment plans.  70% of those in the JDC are receiving therapy.  The jail is housing more individuals charged with more serious offenses; therefore, an increased number are also receiving mental and drug therapy.  Naloxone is used extensively and being more broadly distributed even after discharge.
Public Defender’s Office:  It was noted by the presenter that the Defender’s office is not a treatment provider, but does assist in identifying needs and getting help.  It will soon launch a community assist center to provide case management and clinical services as well as putting together treatment plans.  Several new mental health clinicians have recently been hired bringing the total to six.  The Office made 104 referrals in the last quarter which is on par with previous quarters.
Circuit Court:  Established guidelines in 2015 based on evidence-based data.  In its Problem-Solving Courts, Probation Officers work with collaborative, community-based services on a team basis.  Accountability is part of the program.  The presenter noted that Narcan is now available at all public libraries.
States Attorney:   Used this reporting period to highlight the issue of Petitions for Firearm Restraining Orders.  A petition is usually filed by a family member.  The Petitioner must be at least 18 years old.  The petition leads to a Writ of Detention Examination for an emergency court order to bring the individual in question to the hospital for examination.  Every effort is made to have the writ brought to a judge on the day the petition was received.
Sheriff’s Office:  The presenter talked about the Sheriff’s Smart and Thrive drug and mental health treatment center.  Participation requires a court order.  At the center during the last period, 1,000 males and 300 females participated.  The Sheriff’s office also has a community-based re-entry program.

Observer - Diane Edmundson