Cook County Board Committee Meetings
May 9 and 11, 2022

May 9 Finance Committee meeting –Equity Fund

• The one agenda item was to consider specific proposals for spending $50 M from the Equity and Inclusion Special Purpose Fund.  (Item 22-2779)  The League of Women Voters of Cook County had sought confirmation that the County will identify expected outcomes, ways to measure whether the outcomes were achieved, and who and when will do the measuring, prior to approving money from the Equity Fund.  Lannetta Turner Hayes, the President’s Chief of Staff, made such commitment.  
• The proposal was recommended to be approved and was at the May 12 Board meeting.
• Much of the meeting involved presentations and speakers regarding the April 7 Equity Fund Report which contains recommendations on actions Cook County government should take to address structural barriers that prevent the meaningful advancement of equity across Cook County. Several of these were included in the proposal that was passed. 
  
• The April 7 Equity Fund Report can be found here.

May 11 Business & Economic Development Committee meeting – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund

• A Substitute was accepted for the proposal for spending ARPA funds for specific programs under the Vital Communities category.  (Item 22-2807)  This Substitute increased the amounts for the 6 programs listed in the original, and added 2 new programs.  Xochiti Flores, the Bureau Chief of Economic Development, explained that the original version covered only this year, but the Substitute covers 3 years, and, because of the time between the April Board meeting and this meeting, two additional programs were ready for approval.  
• Funds are to be spent on implementing legal aid for housing and debt; an invest in families and youth program, primarily for the suburbs; a community conservation corps for the Forest Preserve District; capacity-building investments in food access sites program; hotel-based sheltering program for the homeless; a recovery initiative for suburban Cook County bureaus for travel, tourism, and hospitality industries; business advisory services geared toward the south suburbs; and assistance for small businesses. 
• The League sought confirmation that, as previously committed by the County, for each of these programs, the County had identified the expected outcomes, ways to measure the outcomes, and when and who will do the measuring.  Comm. Sean Morrison and Chair Bridget Gainer both expressed support, and Bureau Chief Flores agreed that the County was committed to this.  However, this observer did not hear confirmation that this information had been submitted to the Commissioners prior to their vote to recommend approval of this item (which the Board approved on May 12).

May 11 Human Relations Committee meeting – Transgender Issues

• This meeting was a hearing to discuss violence and systematic barriers against Cook County transgender residents. (Item 22-2788)
• Several public speakers detailed why such a hearing was necessary.  Then speakers from Cook County Health, the Medical Examiner’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Human Resources, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Justice Advisory Council spoke about what programs they have in place to assist, recognize, and welcome those who identify as transgender. 

May 11 Health & Hospitals Committee meeting – COVID Update

• Cook County Health (CCH) CEO Israel Rocha announced that CCH had administered the 1 millionth dose of the COVID vaccine during the week of May 2.
• The County is now considered at the medium risk level as it has more than 200 cases per 100,000 people.  Thus, people are strongly recommended to wear masks indoors, avoid poorly ventilated indoor settings, and socialize outdoors if possible.
• 86% of suburban Cook County residents have received at least 1 vaccine dose and 65% are considered fully vaccinated.  However, less than 50% of those have received the 1st booster, with far fewer receiving the 2nd booster.  However, there is a problem with data.  People are going to receive their boosters from different providers than those who administered the initial vaccines.  If there is a variation in the patient’s name between the providers (for example, inclusion or elimination of a middle name or initial), the person will be counted as a different person.
• The number of people doing contract tracing for the County has been decreased considerably.  There are currently 45 employees who are expected to continue through the remainder of the year, mainly in connection with congregate settings, such as outbreaks at group care homes, at events, or in workplaces.  The Commissioners were assured that all prior contract tracers were offered other positions within CCH and not simply let go.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting                
April 7, 2022

The Board Approved:

• Surviving Spouse Tax Abatements for surviving spouse of fallen police officers, soldiers, or rescue workers program will continue.  Rather than receiving a refund, the line item for Cook County property tax will read as zero. This change was made with the Treasurers’ Office so the individual does not have to pay the tax and then receive a refund. 20 people have been in the program and two new members have recently become part of it. (22-2649)
• Contract for technical assistance sought by Justice Advisory Council: This relates to changes in pre-trial policies, practices, and operations required under the SAFE-T Act and involves significant cross-agency planning and implementation.  Approved as amended in errata.  (22-2558 )
• HOME Investment partnership Program loans of $1.25 M to support the development of Bellwood Senior Apartments, an affordable senior housing of 80 units and $3 M to support the Chicago Heights Veterans affordable housing development of 82 units (22-2328 and 22-2378)
• The Board approved receipt of an additional $32M for Emergency Rental and Housing Assistance.  Cook County has dispersed $132M to date. Streamlined processes and cooperation between government dept. supported the success of the program.  The additional monies is from funds not used across the country and reallocated by the US Treasury Dept. (22-2738)

Other Items of Interest:

• Joint committee meeting for Finance and Technology will be held to discuss second property tax billing with concern about possible delays.  This meeting cannot be held until after technology upgrade in the Board room is completed. Without the upgrade, live-streaming would not be an option, thereby restricting public and press involvement. The work was scheduled 2 months ago.  It will be scheduled as soon as possible as all parties are aware of the urgency of questions involved. Public speakers today emphasized need for predictability and transparency (22-2803) 
• The Bureau of Human Resources filed a report concerning the salaries of elected officials in Cook County to determine appropriateness or if increases are warranted.  Deloitte Consulting Group analyzed the peer groups reflecting Cook County’s population and other variables. Their conclusion is that county elected officials’ compensation is below market rate for similar elected officials across the country, below 50th mean percentile. This was referred to Finance Committee. (22-2471)
• There are concerns about potential violations by ICE obtaining information from private data brokers across the country. A public hearing will be scheduled by the Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations Commtt. (22-2815)
• Monday, April 18, 5pm a public hearing will be help where 6 new flag designs for Cook County will be presented and discussed by their designers.

Meeting length 2hr 32min.                

​Observer: Carolyn Cosentino

Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings.
April 5, 2022

Health and Hospitals Committee

• Change Institute is monitoring 2023 Strategic plan.  Racism is a public health crisis. Life expectancy correlates with zip code. The resolution is meant to monitor Cook County Health (CCH) programs and progress in addressing disparities in health outcomes. Commissioner Moore stated this is an essential compliment to CEO Rocha’ partnership with Change Institute (22-1702)
• Funding for Covid testing and vaccines has been exhausted so providers may not be reimbursed.  CCH  and Cook County Public Health (CCPH) will continue to provide these services free; group events can still be organized. CCH locations are available across Chicago, Cook County and at Stroger and Provident hospitals.
• Illinois Department of Public Health has taken over contact tracing; will monitor high risk facilities and high risk populations.
• Covid Data is not broken down beyond county level for type of variant. Existing vaccines have been effective against the new strain of Covid, VA2, for reducing spread, hospitalizations, and deaths. Case counts are beginning to rise, much higher among unvaccinated by over 1000x.  Concerns remain over booster rate. Mask guidance for indoor settings may be revised as monitoring continues.
• Behavioral Health Report indicated that staffing shortage here and across the nation continues; this includes triage social workers for crisis calls and recovery coaches, AP RN’s for injection services.
• Cermack Health services provides service to detainees in Cook County Jail, total daily census averages 6,000. Screening intake for every inmate entering jail is made to assess and address needs.  Patient safety includes evaluation of emerging needs and suicide prevention measures. (22-2245)

Observer - Carolyn Cosentino

Cook County Board Of Commissioners Meeting
February 10, 2022-10:00 a.m.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding
In a presentation by the Chief Financial Officer, Ammar Rizki, and President Preckwinkle’s Chief of Staff, Lantana Hayes-Turner, the board heard how the County plans to allocate the $420 million dollars in ARPA funding received from the Federal Treasury.

• $100 million will be held in reserve, and the remaining $320,000 will be spent on the following County programs:        $100,000 million     Vital Communities             $60 million     Safe & Thriving Communities             $ 45,000 million       Sustainable Communities             $55 million       Smart Communities*                           *It is estimated that 25% of suburban communities, particularly south suburban communities do not have access to reliable internet.
• The County stated that it will provide technical assistance to local communities.  CFO Rizki made a special point of stating that Cook County is required to account for all ARPA dollars spent which means that along with dollars allocated there will be detailed reporting requirements.
• The Board unanimously voted to send this resolution [#22-1626] to the Finance Committee.  Commissioner Sims cautioned that the County’s ARPA Plan is new and extensive, and it will take time and patience to both implement and see results.

Other Business

• All Commissioners requested that the CC Public Health Department’s analysis of health outcome disparities in Cook County and recommended solutions be sent to the CC Health and Hospitals Committee.  Commissioner Johnson asked if Air Quality is included, and Commissioner Daley again noted that private hospitals in the County need to step up and provide for more Charity Care (22-1703).
• A Report from the Office of the Chief Judge following a January 19, 2022 joint meeting of the Health and Hospitals and Criminal Justice Committees concerning county-wide strategies and progress combating violet crimes was referred to the CC Health and Hospital Committee (22-1561).
• The Transportation Superintendent, Jennifer Killen, reported on the bridge replacement contracts that are being let using Federal Infrastructure Funds allocated to Cook County.
• The Board honored Dr. Manila who is retiring after 32 years serving the inmates of the Cermak Jail’s mental and behavioral health needs.  
• Public speakers addressed the following issues: 1) Requested the use of COVID monies pay an additional 80 hours of sick pay to employees absent due to COVID issues for both themselves and their families.    2) Thanked the board for designating April as Sikh Awareness month.  3)  The new Executive Director of the Land Bank spoke to its 2022 goals and noted that its website contains its 2022 work plan and locations.  4)  Local 399 has approved an operating engineer’s training agreement for young people.

The Board approved the following key items recommended by Committees:
Legislative and Intergovernment Affairs Committee:

• Appointing Lynne Turner as Secretary to the Board. (Item 22-1238)
• Amending the ordinance pertaining to the selection of a new Independent Inspector General.  The current IIG, Patrick Blanchard, has announced his retirement as of Oct. 2022.  The amendment slightly streamlines the selection process.  Comm. Suffredin stressed that all those involved with the selection are subject to the County’s Ethics Code, which responded to a concern that the League had raised.  (Item 22-1224)

 
Finance Committee:   All items passed unanimously including Item 22-0841 calling for No Change in the tax levy for fiscal year 2022. 

Cook County Health and Hospitals Committee Meeting of Feb. 9, 2022 Report

• Cook County Health reported that they are closing their temporary vaccine sites but will continue to give vaccines across their 13 hospitals and community health centers. To increase incentives they are giving out $100 visa gift cards with any vaccine dose, until they run out of gift cards. They are also giving out free KN95 masks to anyone, no vaccine necessary. (21-0541)
• Commissioner Degnen gave a presentation about a mobile health initiative that she is coordinating as a pilot program. This would be an alternative health team task force, to be used for mental health crises in lieu of sheriff’s services, where appropriate. Funding for this mobile task force will come from ARPA, with the goal of creating a budget and propose an ordinance after the pilot program. (22-0737) 
• The quarterly mental health reports were presented by representatives from CCH, the Public Health Department, Cermak Health (which runs mental health services in Cook County Jail), Sherriff’s office, State’s Attorney, Chief Judge, and the Public Defender’s office. Some things that came up in discussion are the need for more services for pediatrics, and the need to fill vacancies with qualified people, particularly in juvenile justice. (22-1212, 22-1206,  22-1217, 22-1222, 22-0714, 22-1288, 22-0548, 22-1171)

Observers:  Diane Edmundson, Amber Elmer, Pris Mims

COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
January 13, 2022-10:00 a.m.

The one and a half hours of public comments at the meeting focused on two main areas: those advocating for continued/increased funding to social agencies and to those opposed to the Cook County Health Department mandate pressing for vaccination and for masking/social distancing.

• Social agencies’ remarks concentrated on the need for continued work against violence, particularly gender-based domestic violence. It has increased a great deal during the pandemic. Several speakers requested funds to be used for work with the abusers themselves, emphasizing the need to stop the violence at its source.
• All the people commenting on the health mandate spoke against the vaccine and against the enforcement of masks and social distancing in public areas.
• ​Commissioner Sean Morrison, after the speakers finished, emphasized that the Cook County Board of Commissioners did not create nor did they vote on this mandate. The policy came from the Cook County Department of Health.

President Preckwinkle then invited Dr. Rachel Rubin, senior medical officer of the Department of Health, to explain the rationale for the policy. She said the order was based on science and on how covid is transmitted. The current severe outbreak made this a necessity. Two things have been shown to mitigate the disease: 1) masks work. 2) vaccinations prevent the disease, or at least temper the severity of the illness. She invited citizens to visit the Cook County Health Department website for more detailed information on the subject.

The remainder of the agenda was passed without a great deal of discussion. 

• The monthly covid report was presented for CARES, FEMA, ERA, and ARPA. Staff reported that while administrative costs for such programs generally run about 10%, the costs here have been closer to 3%. (Agenda Item 22-1088)
• One of the more lengthy discussions involved the ongoing arbitration with the SEIU union related to pandemic pay. Staff is currently awaiting the arbitrator’s decision. This should be resolved in the first quarter of 2022. Staff reminded the Board that this agreement must be presented in its entirety. The Board cannot deal with it separately in sections.
• 2021 Annual Ethics Report was received and filed. (Agenda Item 22-0877)
• Amendment to the ordinance for Inspector General was referred to the Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations Committee. The proposed changes to the ordinance deal with the process of selecting an Independent Inspector General. (Agenda Item 22-1224)
• Commissioner Anaya presented an item that allows the public defender to represent noncitizens in court on immigration matters. Commissioner Suffredin spoke in support. (Agenda Item 22-1161)
• Appointment of Lynn Turner as the permanent secretary of the Board replacing Matt DeLeon was referred to the Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. (Agenda Item 22-1238)

Meeting was adjourned at 3:59 p.m.

Observer - Georgia Gebhardt

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting 
December 16, 2021

Cook County’s Plan for Use of American Rescue Plan Funds

• The Commissioners voted to refer the proposal to extend the  American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Framework through March 31, 2022 to  the Finance Committee.   Commissioner Dailey said a meeting will be held the week of January 10th dedicated to ARPA.
• ​Led by Anmar Rizki, members of President Preckwinkle’s staff presented the framework for using the ARPA funds and the proposed short- term initiatives.    The framework  for selecting projects including objectives and method of soliciting feedback from the community was first presented to the Board in June.  The County received $1 billion.  The money will be spent on County operations, near term funding opportunities to improve the lives of residents, and transformative initiatives.  The plan is to use a third of the money in  each of the next 3 years.  In this fiscal year  $100 million will be spent on County operations to make up for the revenue loss due to covid.   $285 million will be spent in community program initiatives.
• The near term proposed projects were presented to the Board.   Of special interest was a grant to  Cook County Health. To meet the growing behavioral health needs of Cook County residents, Cook County Health (CCH) proposes transforming its current Behavioral Health footprint to offer a robust menu of mental and behavioral health services and ensure easy access to services of all County residents. The first year will focus on creating and setting up a new Department of Mental Health Services, expanding existing CCH programs, and planning for long term expansions.
• In the area of violence prevention, funds will be given to the Justice Advisory Council to expand  community-based services supporting justice-involved adults or youth, and those at high risk of experiencing violence as either a victim or perpetrator. Communities served include areas in Chicago and suburban Cook County with highest incidents of shootings and homicides as well as justice system involvement. Services include direct street-level intervention, mentoring, basic needs assistance, educational and vocational programming, and behavioral health and wellness support.
• For more information click here: ARPA Rescue Plan at a Glance
• For an explanation of the framework and process for choosing programs click here: Cook County American Rescue Plan Act Framework Board of Commissioners Briefing

 
Board Action:

• The Board approved the request by the Cook County Clerk to consolidate some voting precincts.           Ed Michalowski from the County Clerk’s Office presented their plan to combine precincts that vote in the same polling places.  169 polling places would be eliminated. It is estimated that the County will save $200,000 for each election. Fewer election judges and equipment would be needed. It also would be less confusing for the voters. The change needed to be approved at this meeting, because the Clerk's office needs to publicize the new precincts before primary candidates start seeking signatures on their petitions. The Cook County League of Women Voters sent a letter in support of this change. There were several public speakers including mayors of suburbs who spoke against this. Some of them thought that the polling places would be changed which is not the case. Some thought they should have  had more time to review these changes. Commissioner Aguilar proposed deferring the request until a meeting could be held on it. The proposal to defer was defeated.
• Approved the Sheriff’s office request for  authorization to continue the Intergovernmental Agreement between that office and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to collect and dispose of pharmaceutical drugs. The Sheriff’s Office will expand the Prescription Drug Take-Back Program in which pharmaceutical drugs are collected and disposed of through environmentally sound methods to maximize the volume of pharmaceutical drugs prevented from entering the Chicago Area Waterway System.  Commissioner Suffredin spoke in support of the item.  
• Approved the amendment to the Ethics Ordinance to reflect the changes required by the passage of Illinois Ethics and Lobbying Statute.   The Ordinance had been on hold while waiting for Illinois to pass its statute.   County officials will be under the state statute in regard to lobbying restrictions.   The County ordinance also strengthened the power of the Ethics Board and included a section on sexual harassment.  
• Approved a resolution to have a hearing on the environmental, social, and governance factors in the choice of investments by the County Pension Plan.
• Approved the establishment of the Cook County Health Intervention Response Team Task Force. The Task Force will create a pilot program to devise a continuum of care for those experiencing mental and behavioral health needs.
• Approved authorization for the contract amendment for the demolition of the John Sengstacke Health Center on the Provident Hospital campus.   The demolition was delayed due to covid and should be completed in early spring.
• Approved a resolution to have a meeting of Cook County elected officials and departments to discuss a county-wide anti-violence strategy.

 
​Observer: Kathi Graffam

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
September 23, 2021

The Board Approved:

• The Covid Relief Report sparked some discussion on expenditures related to the Coronavirus Relief Funds, specifically the $6.8M increase in payment to Guidehouse, a consulting firm helping Cook County secure new funding for Covid Relief, apply for grants, compliance, and project management. Commissioners requested follow up with quantifiable metrics on how this increase in funds will be used. (Agenda Item 21-5298)
• Approved grant amendment for the Cook County Housing Coordination & Evaluation Foundation. An increase of $216,496 was granted for FY2021, and commissioners asked for an evaluation of the impact of this program. (21-4836)
• All the items recommended by the Committees were approved, including the new Commissioner district maps for the 2022 elections (see the Observer Report on the Committee Meetings of Sept. 20, 21, and 22)
• The Board approved the Cook County Health and Hospital System preliminary budget of the FY2021, which will be included in President’s budget expected to be presented for review by the CCB in October. (21-0797)
• The Board approved the item Calling for a Review and Recommendation regarding Elected Official Compensation, including President ($170,000), Finance Chair ($90,000), Commissioners ($85,000), Assessor ($125,000), Board of Review ($100,000), Clerk ($105,000), Treasurer ($105,000), Sheriff ($160,000), Clerk of the Circuit Court ($105,000).  Bureau of Human Resources to do a study and make a recommendation no later than March 2022 to the Board as to whether there should be changes in the compensation listed above which was approved in 2000.  Any such increase to be effective with the next fiscal year in 2023 after the election for these offices, except for the Clerk of the Circuit Court, which will be effective in fiscal year 2025 because that office isn’t up for election until Nov. 2024. The current salaries of the Elected County Officials were last approved in 2000. Also, any increase in salaries will not be effective until after the next election. (21-5228)
• The Board approved changing the appointments of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Advisory Board from being split between the Chief Judge and the Cook County Board President to the President appointing all 11 (10 plus a Commissioner) with the advice and consent of the Board. (21-5279)

Domestic Violence Court:

• As a follow-up to the discussion at the July 29 Board meeting, Commissioner Daley asked the representative for the Chief Judge what progress had been made in making it possible for orders of protection to be granted that same day to those seeking help from the Domestic Violence Court after 3 pm.
• The representative said that currently, a petition emailed to the Court prior to 3 pm, will be heard that day.  If the person goes in person to the court during the hours the Clerk of the Court is there, the petition will be heard that day.  Also, people can go to any district courthouse, and not just the Domestic Violence Court.
• As of Oct. 12, the plan is to have a judge available 24/7 to hear petitions for orders of protection.  Currently, there are judges who are available for probable cause orders in criminal cases around the clock.  These judges would be cross-trained to also handle orders of protection, and some Domestic Violence Court judges would be added to the schedule and would be cross-trained for probable cause orders.  Finalizing this plan is subject to getting confirmation from the Clerk of the Court, who is currently short-handed.
• Several Commissioners expressed disappointment that things weren't further along and stressed how important this issue is and asked that the Board be kept informed.

The Board Referred:

• Proposed resolution going to the Health & Hospitals Committee declaring mental health a public health crisis. CCH and Public Health to work with others to increase awareness of services, increase funding through the Justice Advisory Council, increase access to inpatient and outpatient services, work with marginalized populations, advocate for relevant policies, and support local, State, and Federal programs. Comm. Morrison proposed speaking with and lobbying state representatives and the Governor so they take this up as well. (21-5290)

Public Comments:

• There were 214 written statements submitted to the CCB and 25 virtual speakers scheduled to testify. The first several public comments regarded flooding issues in LaGrange, Cicero, and the greater Cook County area. Citizens are asking Cook County for financial support for flood damage prevention.
• Several speakers spoke for, and one against, officially changing Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day in Cook County.

Observer - Amber L Elmer                                    Meeting Length: 4 hours 27 minutes