Cook County Board of Commissioners
Committee Meetings
December 18, 2024

Criminal Justice Committee
The meeting began with 45 minutes of Public Comment from advocates and family members of those persons who have died while incarcerated at the Cook County Jail. Comments focused on the need for better procedures to ensure the health and safety of persons while they are incarcerated. Also requests for more transparency and better notification procedures when deaths occur. 

​Public Comment was followed by a presentation from representatives of the Sheriff’s Office and Cook County Health (Cermak Hospital) to educate the County Board about the policies and procedures in place to address the health and safety of detainees. (Agenda Item 25-5416) The following points were made during the presentations:

• 40,000 people per year cycle through the Cook County Jail System
• In 2023 44% of inmate deaths involved drug soaked paper
• Initial assessments for health risks and medications are done on all individuals when they go through intake
• The Sheriff’s Office has programs for individuals with Substance Abuse and/or Mental Health Issues as well as anti-violence and anger management programs. 
• Naloxone is available across the compound and training of personnel is done. 
• Attempts are being made to review all mail so that drug soaked paper does not get into the jail. 
• Cermak does initial assessments on approximately 82 persons per day

Commissioner Questions and responses:

• Comm. Quesada asked for the numbers of deaths and cause of death. In 2024 there have been 10 deaths and in 2023 there were 18 deaths. In 2024 2 were natural causes, 1 overdose, 1 suicide, 2 homicide, 1 accidental overdose and 3 undetermined to date. In 2023 there were 6 from natural causes, 8 overdoses, 1 suicide and 3 homicides. He also asked about the procedure known as “cross watching” which is when staff have to oversee more than one unit. Response was that it does occur when staffing is not adequate. It is not prohibited but also not ideal and is used judiciously when necessary.
• Comm. Anaya asked how the jail and the health system collaborate to ensure that individuals receive the care they need while incarcerated. Inmates are assessed for health needs when they enter the system and can request health services anytime if they want to. Cermak îs not an emergency facility but they will respond as necessary but also outside emergency services are enlisted when necessary. 

Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations Committee

• An amendment to the Board Rules was proposed requiring that any reports and documents pertaining to board agenda items must be attached to the original filing of the item. If not attached initially they must be filed 48 hours prior to a meeting or the item must be withdrawn, deferred or referred to committee. (Agenda Item 24-6376) The item was approved. The League of Women Voters of Cook County did submit written comments to the board supporting this amendment. 
• A technical amendment to the Paid Leave Ordinance was approved to address some of the concerns that school districts have been raising with this ordinance. (Agenda Item 24-6496) Comm. Britton stated that he has been attending municipal meetings over the past few weeks and more entities are opting out of the County's Paid Leave Ordinance. He said that by not excluding Park and School Districts from the ordinance it has probably resulted in fewer people being covered than was originally intended. Comm. Morita said that they will continue to work with the school districts to ensure that their concerns are addressed. 
• A representative from the Assessor’s Office presented an Update on “split-classed, commercial mixed-use properties” -  a new definition for the sub category of 3-18 under multi-use Class 3 property assessments. (Agenda Item - 24-6504) This classification addresses properties that have commercial space as well as residential space and considers square footage as well as % of living space vs commercial space.  Several speakers spoke during the Public Comment at the beginning of the meeting about the tax burden being placed on certain small business owners due to the reclassification of 3-18 properties in the last assessments. The presentation outlined the process the Assessor’s Office used to change the definition of the 3-18 to address the concerns of the 30 property owners in the south suburban area and the city who will benefit from this change. In the next assessment of the northern suburban area there could be more properties that will be affected.  

Finance Committee

• During the Cook County Health Financial Report, CCH reported that there has been a 14% decrease in the utilization of agency workers throughout the system, an initiative that Comm. Degnan and  Anaya have been pursuing. Comm. Gainer asked whether this was a sustainable decrease and what factors changed to allow this to happen. CCH staff stated that salary adjustments and reassessing staffing needs/requirements were key. Also some agency employees are converting to County employees which is expected to result in a savings. Comm. Gainer also requested information about how much the agencies are paying their contracted employees and how much the agency is keeping. CCH said they would attempt to get that information.

Observer - Cynthia Schilsky

Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings
June 28, 2023

The Commissioners had a full day of Committee meetings filled with much substance. Highlights below include

• Approval of the 12-week paid parental leave for offices under the President (not for employees who work for the other County Elected Officials)
• Differing views about the conditions inside the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center
• Updates on the status of revenues vs. expenses for this fiscal year and on the long-term revenue forecast
• Update on what the different County offices are doing with respect to domestic violence cases

12-week paid parental leave

• The Finance Committee voted to direct the Bureau of Human Resources to put together a policy for paid parental leave for 12 weeks.  To qualify, the employee must have been full-time for at least 12 months and must be a birth parent, non-birthing biological parent, intended parent of a gestational surrogacy, parent of adopted child, or foster parent placed with a foster child of 17 or younger.  Employees will be limited to 1 such leave per 12 months.  
• Commissioner Degnen, the principal sponsor along with President Preckwinkle, explained that the policy would for now only cover employees under the offices of the President.  Each other Elected County Official must take their own steps to adopt such a policy.  Commissioner Degnen said the Board can and should encourage such steps by assuring the Electeds that the Board would make sure the money was there to cover the costs of such a policy.
• Commissioner Gainer said that she had left the City of Chicago’s employment years ago because it had no such policy.  She expects that having such a policy now at Cook County will enable many good employees to remain at the County.  
• Commissioner Kevin Morrison stressed that people who opt to take this leave should know there will be no retributions as a result - particularly that they will not miss out on promotions.
• Commissioner Miller emphasized that this policy should assist in improving the significant maternal mortality and morbidity rates that the Commissioners heard about the previous day by allowing birth mothers to have the time to obtain the care they need.  Commissioner Miller also said that this policy was another plus for attracting and retaining good workers at Cook County (again referencing yesterday’s meetings where they heard about the challenges of hiring).
• The Board approved this item (#23-3117) at the Board meeting on June 29.

Conditions at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (“JTDC”)

• The Audit Committee held a hearing to discuss Equip for Equality’s report on conditions inside the JTDC, which is under the authority of the Cook County Chief Judge.  The Chief Judge did not speak, but was present throughout.  
• Equip for Equality (“EFE”) is the private not-for-profit legal advocacy organization designated by the Governor to operate the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (“P&A”) System for people with disabilities in Illinois.  EFE conducted observations and interviews with staff and detainees at the JTDC and the Chicago Public School that operates there from late 2021 thru early 2023.  The full report can be found at https://www.equipforequality.org/files/jtdc_report.pdf
• EFE recommends ending the practice of isolating youths and the use of a “holding” pod for those who either act up in the school or refuse to go to school.  EFE also recommends the end of the policy of having youths in the holding pod sit “on the wall” while they are given packets of work and utilize overturned chairs as desks, all the while not being able to talk to anyone.
• JTDC Superintendent Dixon and other supervisory JTDC staff stated there was no such “policy,” but admitted that this practice is used.  Supt. Dixon explained that this is used to prevent harm to others, as well as for the youths themselves.  There are serious gang issues within the JTDC, and the youth detained there are generally accused of serious crimes, including murder and attempted murder.  
• EFE is particularly focused on those detained in the JTDC who have special needs and the failure to accommodate that in the school.  However, Supt. Dixon explained that the staff are not advised by the Chicago Public Schools (“CPS”) as to when any of the youth there have special needs.  The prior memorandum of understanding between CPS and the JTDC lapsed a long time ago and a new one is just now being negotiated which presumably would provide for such information to be given to the JTDC.

Current Fiscal Year and Long-Term Revenue Forecast

• The Comptroller reported to the Finance Committee that both the General Fund and Health Enterprise Fund have positive balances due to revenues exceeding expenses:  $162 M for the General Fund and $108 M for the Health Fund.
• Dean Constantinou, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, presented the quarterly update on the long-term revenue forecast developed by the County’s Independent Revenue Forecast Commission.  The forecast is for slow economic growth into 2024, which should have a positive impact on revenues, particularly the sales tax which, as of April, is projected to be 1.3% over budget.  As a result of projected small surpluses going forward over the next 5 years, the County’s Fund Balance should continue to be above the maximum desired under the County’s policy, resulting in additional funds being available.
• The forecast is also for revenues to exceed expenses in the Health Fund going forward.  County Care membership is expected to peak in June and then drop off.  After November of 2024, the forecast is for membership to remain flat.

Domestic Violence

• The Criminal Justice Committee heard from representatives from the offices of the State’s Attorney, Sheriff, Chief Judge, and Clerk of the Circuit Court on what is going on with respect to domestic violence cases.  The Public Defender was not available.  Prior to the meeting, Commissioner Anaya, the sponsor of the item (23-2711) calling for the hearing, had met with each office explaining what she wanted covered.
• The State’s Attorney’s representative talked about the Domestic Violence Mental Health Court pilot that started in February.  The focus is on familial conflicts with outpatient and inpatient treatment for both defendants and victims.  So far, there have been 50 cases and 5 graduates. 
• The State’s Attorney is recommending (1) technology upgrades to the domestic violence court at 555 W. Harrison, (2) creation of a shared screening data base among agencies, and (3) the elimination of paper communications.  
• The Clerk of the Court’s representative reiterated the need for a single system among the criminal justice offices, and said that there is one that all offices have access to:  the Clerk of the Court’s Case Management System.  What needs to be done now is make sure all offices are trained on using it.  The representative explained that each office still needed its own system to manage its work load – other offices, for example, should not have access to the State Attorney’s case management system.  
• Honorable Judy Rice, the Acting Presiding Judge of the Domestic Violence Court, reported that there are 1500 new cases each month, both criminal and civil.  There are monthly meetings among all the entities (DV advocacy, Sheriff, Clerk of the Court, State’s Attorney, DV Judges, etc.) and the Chief Judge’s office supports increased staffing for all.  Since the pilot program for “After Hours” Domestic Violence Court (9 pm to 3 am on weeknights and 1 pm to 6 pm on weekends) there have been 543 cases.

​Observer: Priscilla Mims

Cook County Finance Committee Meetings on the Budget
October 26, 2022, 9 am to 2:30 pm

The Sheriff said there should be little impact on the jail population in Cook County as a result of the SAFE-T Act going into effect on January 1, 2023.  The Chief Judge explained the differences between the criteria for holding people in jail prior to trial in criminal cases now and after January 1.  

Following are more details of the meetings with these two officials, as well as the meeting on the Capital Budget.

Office of the Sheriff -– Presented by Sheriff Tom Dart

• Because of the changes in the way bail has been set in Cook County courts since 2018 he expects that the SAFE-T Act will have little impact on the jail population.  Estimated maybe 100 current detainees will have their bail reviewed, and thinks there may be some more people accused of domestic violence ordered detained.
• Says that he still thinks there are more people being released (mainly on electronic monitoring, “EM”) than should be because there is not enough distinction among those charged with gun violations.  (See more on this below in the Chief Judge’s section.)
• Wants to have budget amended to fund purchase of a new helicopter to help in fighting crime across the County.  Says only have 2 now (from 1994 and 2006), with the ability to borrow another from the County’s Homeland Security department at times.  Another helicopter would reduce dangerous, high-speed pursuits.  Contrasted the larger number of helicopters for New York, LA, and Harris County, Texas.  The Budget Department is analyzing the request and looking where money could be found.
• Explained that jail population has changed.  Majority now are there accused of violent crimes, rather than substance abuse, as in the past.  Many of the past efforts and programs were directed to helping those released from jail to successfully go back to their communities.  Now, however, most of the detainees are leaving the jail after trial to go to prison and not back to the community.
• Says that 2 main proximate causes of violence now are (1) availability of guns, and (2) social media where people’s rhetoric escalates and there is no cooling off period.  (These causes apart from all the social issues.)
• In addition to policing the unincorporated areas and Robbins and Ford Heights, and providing services for a number of other suburbs pursuant to agreements, the Sheriff has focused on violence in Chicago.  Since opening an office in Austin on the west side of Chicago, there has been a 20% reduction in shootings in that neighborhood.  More recently, opened an office at 500 N. Clark, and will be moving into larger quarters at State and Chicago.  Besides providing a police presence, also have a unit to deal with homelessness, another to deal with people in crisis, and a K-9 unit to help patrol El platforms.  Roll call for eviction and service of process has been moved from the Daley Center to Chinatown to provide a greater police presence there.
• Has about 400 vacancies.  Recently went to Kentucky and North Carolina to recruit military veterans with some success.

Office of the Chief Judge -– Presented by Chief Judge Timothy Evans

• Said that under current law, the State’s Attorney must file a petition to hold a criminal defendant in jail prior to trial.  Then the judge at the bail hearing has to hold there is at least one of these situations to grant the petition: (1) that the proof has to be evident or the presumption is great that the preponderance of the evidence points to the defendants and that they pose a clear and present threat to a person or community and there are no mitigating factors; and/or (2) there is clear evidence the defendants are a flight risk.
• Under the SAFE-T Act, there are certain felonies that are excluded from consideration of the first situation, and in those cases, defendants can only be held if a current flight risk.  The other difference is that if there is a petition to hold, there is a separate hearing on whether to detain presided at by a second judge.
• Responding to Comm. Sean Morrison’s questions, said that approximately 86% of those defendants that go to trial are found guilty.  The average sentence for murder is 35 years.  As a result, the overwhelming number of cases end in a plea deal.  Said would provide data from the last 12 months on the number of murder and attempted murder cases where the charges are downgraded.
• Comm. S. Morrison also provided some statistics from the Sheriff that of the over 2,000 people on electronic monitoring, 970 are accused of gun offenses.  Comm. Morrison asked whether there should be some kind of blue-ribbon commission to review these cases to see if policies regarding electronic monitoring should be changed.  Judge Evans said that many of these defendants are charged with “unlawful use of a gun,” but that charge does not mean that the gun was actually used. It could be that the person had a gun without the proper permit.  So Judge Evans would welcome such a commission and would like to revise the terms used to distinguish among the different situations.
• Because of the Early Resolution Program to help deal with eviction cases, there has been no huge number of evictions as the Judge feared at last year’s budget meeting.  Under this program, there are mediators and legal advisors to work with both sides to try to resolve the situation, including find other housing since in some cases the landlords want to get rid of the tenant as opposed to getting back rent.
• Provided some codes that can be used to generate reports on continuances, including whether the state’s attorney or defense counsel sought them.  Commissioners Miller and Daley noted they have been seeking this information for the last year.  Judge Evans said that his office will work with the Clerk of the Court to add codes for general reasons on why a continuance is sought. Expects to start on this after the Odyssey System is fully operational, which should be by the end of Nov.
• There was discussion concerning confinement/isolation of juveniles at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.  Commissioner Gainer asked that the following be considered as the policy continues to be fleshed out:  (1) more clarity on how someone ends up in confinement; (2) clear direction that confinement is the last resort; and (3) mental health sign-off by a professional before someone can be confined (like in NY and LA).

Capital Budget Overview – Presented by Acting CFO Lawrence Wilson, Bureau Chief of Asset Management Elizabeth Granato, Director of Transportation Jennifer Killen, and Deputy CIO Adam Clement.

The 2023 Capital Budget is $505.2 M composed of 

• $248.4 M (49.2%) for capital improvements for County facilities; 
• $136.2 M (27%) for County maintained road, bridges, and highways; and 
• $120.6 M (23.8%) for capital equipment for County departments that includes primarily information technology (71% composed of costs for hardware and implementation), plus the remainder for vehicles, fixed plant assets, institutional equipment, furniture, and medical lab equipment.  
• Note:  some of these expenditures show up in the overall budget as expenditures from special purpose funds (including the Transportation and Highways fund), and grants.  As a result, these sources of revenues for capital projects are not included in the Capital Improvement Budget, which is $352.6 M (just about the same as 2022).

Part of the presentation focused on the process of determining how much could be directed to capital projects, including how much debt to incur, as well as how the County prioritizes projects.  The County currently has investment grade bond ratings of A2 from Moody’s; A+ from S&P Global Ratings, and AA- from Fitch Ratings for General Obligation Bonds; and AAA from Kroll Bond Rating Agency and AA- from S&P Global Ratings for Sales Tax Debt. 

Among the projects included in the Capital Budget are

• Renovation and consolidation at the County building, including making the 5th floor Board Room ADA accessible and adding technology improvements (the entire 5th floor, which also houses the President’s and Commissioner’s offices are expected to move to the 10th floor in Nov. or Dec.)
• Major renovations at Stroger Hospital
• Completion of the Court Utilization Study for the civil division (the criminal division has been completed0
• More work on the Integrated Property Tax System
• The State’s Attorney’s Case Management System
• A number of transportation projects
• Continued work as part of the Green Buildings Program, which is reducing the County’s carbon footprint, but also reducing energy costs

​Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Cook County Board - Criminal Justice Committee Meeting
September 21, 2022
​
Big controversy over Cook County Court use of SCRAM devices
Lots of contradictory points  were made by justice groups, public defender office, and some Commissioners vs. the Chief Judge’s Office regarding the Court use of SCRAM ankle bracelets for DUI and other alcohol-related defendants.  These devices measure perspiration to determine if the offender has consumed alcohol.  The wearer is to avoid all alcohol consumption.
Points made by Jim Anderson, CFO of Chief Judge Office:

• the office is pleased with the results.  Rarely is their a failure to comply by defendants/offenders
• judges are the ones to order this device as a deterrent from incarceration 
• considered a diversion program and is combined with treatment programs
• court and other penalty fees are waived if using SCRAM device and avoiding alcohol
• all contracts with SCRAM are in compliance with state law and county ordinances
• demographics of defendants on SCRam - currently 123 defendants on SCRAM -  out of over 6,000 arrested for alcohol related crimes in 2020, about 120 were on SCRAM - 46% White, 18% Black, 29% Hispanic  (historical data) - SCRAM used more often in wealthier areas of Cook County

Three circumstances where SCRAM is used in the courts (judges trying to fix the problem)
    1.  condition of probation
    2.  in bond court as a condition of release
    3.  plea deal to avoid the charge of DUI being on the defendant’s record

Points made by justice groups and some commissioners:

• cost of the device is charged to the offender—may be prohibitive expense for some—county should pay 
• concern with how the contract for this device is awarded and that these companies make a profit
• may restrict offenders in their jobs, and may need to travel in county to have device checked
• if offender can’t pay the company seeks payment through a collection agency
• ”unfair” to the poor, minorities

This item 22-4709 (resolution to have a hearing on SCRAM devices) passed unanimously out of committee to go on to entire Board.

Cook County Board - Pension Committee
September 21, 2022

A steady depletion of assets in Retirement Funds for CC and FPD despite a great investment year (2021)

• Both the Cook County government and the Forest Preserve District had good returns on investment (17.15% for Cook County) last year—mostly private equity and private real estate 
• Cook County has been paying in more than required each year since 2016
• However, there will be an eventual depletion of assets because the program cannot generate enough investment income to keep paying the growing numbers of retirees (small gap now)
• for the FPD, assets will be depleted by 2044 and this will become “pay as you go” system unless changes are made to laws (large gap now)
• in the County, there are more retirees getting benefits than employees paying into the system
• Currently there is $14.2 billion in the Cook County pension fund and $240 million in the Forest Preserve Fund
• Pension Board and its employees have been working in-person since August, 2021 interfacing with the public and well as phone counseling.
• Commissioner Kevin Morrison concerned that transgender sex transformation operations are excluded from retiree benefits.  This will be addressed at the next Pension Board meeting in October.
• Some commissioners concerned about minority investment contracts (currently 39%)

This item 19-1313 (yearly report on Retirement assets and situation) was deferred to that it can be kept open for the future.

Observer:  Karin Hribar

COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER’S MEETING
September 22, 2022

Board Action:
During new business, commissioners were asked to suspend the rules to take up fourteen [14] new items.  The rules call for new items to be deferred to committee for consideration if the item or items have been introduced less than 48 hours before the Board meeting.  Commissioner Gainer supported by Commission Sean Morrison noted that several of these items were not emergencies and were for expenditures totaling around $40 million dollars.  Commissioner Gainer noted that it seems to be circumventing the Board’s procedure for referring new items to committees.  Commissioner Morrison agreed and said that, in particular, items with an RFP process should go to committee.  Notwithstanding these objections, nine of the resolutions were passed and five were referred to committee.  

• One of above new items was Commission Gainer’s request for a full audit of the Cook County Court System’s secure remote continuous alcohol monitoring program {SCRAM] and an independent study of SCRAM’s efficacy and program alternations.   Referred to the Criminal Justice Committee #22-5619.  Note:  The Criminal Justice Committee held a hearing on September 20, 2022 on SCRAM and this motion is a follow-up.
• A review and analysis of the CC electronic monitoring systems commissioned by the Justice Advisory Council with assistance from CGL Companies and the Appleseed Center for Fair Courts was referred to the Criminal Justice Committee.   #22-5130
• Questions were raised about # #22-3772 and #22-5335 for Electronic Monitoring contracts – one with the Sheriff’s office and the other for the office of the Chief Judge.  Commissioners asked if the SCRAM program can be combined with EM for purposes of an RFP.  Staff answered they are considering the possibility for 2023 RFP’s.  Commissioners Anaya and Johnson voted against 3772 and 5335 without comment. 
• Budget transfer of ARPA funds for July and August 2022 were approved.  Commissioner Daley asked for assurance that the Financial Department is monitoring and confirming that ARPA funds are being spent appropriately and that the Board and the County are protected from liability.  Answer:  Yes.    #22-5010 and #22-5072
• Referred the CCH’s 2023-25 Strategic Plan and Financial Forecast to the HHS Committee #5151
• Accepted the CCH’s preliminary 2023 budget with no comment.  #22-5009

Approved a proposed ordinance amendment adding a new Sec. 2-282 (b)(6) which provides for the General Counsel for the Inspector General’s Office to become the interim IG when there is a vacancy #22-5511

No action was taken on the ordinance amendment that would limit public testimony to 60 min. #22-4697 or #22-3155 proposed changes to ethics rules to align them with the new IL law.
In addition, the Board approved the following items approved in prior Committee Meetings:
Finance Committee meeting of Sept. 21:

• Deferred in committee an intergovernmental agreement between Cook County and the Forest Preserve to cover services to be provided and paid for in calendar year 2023.  #22-5507
• Approved the elected Official Compensation Review Ordinance requiring the Human Resources Department to present to the Board an independent compensation study for the County’s elected positions every four years, beginning in 2024, with any Board action to be taken by the following March.  #22-3931
• Approved as substituted a request for the Finance Committee to meet and discuss potential opportunities to address access to capital challenges for small business in Cook County including veterans and disability provisions.  Look for an announcement next week regarding these opportunities.  #22-4706

Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting of Sept. 21:

• Approved ordinance amendments which provided for vacancies in the offices of Commissioners and Assessor, Clerk, Sheriff, and Treasurer to be filled initially by appointment by applicable township and ward committee persons of the same party, but in cases where the remaining term is more than 28 months, those positions will then be filled for the remaining term at the next general election.  At the Committee meeting sponsor Britton explained that the League of Women Voters had proposed the use of an election.  #22-4661 and #22-4662.
• Approved appointments of M. Lipinski to the Human Rights Commission and Dr. Jay D. Bhatt to the Cook County Health Board of Directors. The appointment of Sam A. Robinson, III, PhD was deferred in committee as he was unable to attend the meeting.
• Approved the search committee for replacing the Independent Inspector General (“IIG)”).  Patrick Blanchard, the current IIG, is expected to retire Oct. 14.  In the interim, the General Counsel will act as the Cook County Inspector General.  #22-4693 

Public Speakers included:

• The Bond Fund opposes the expansion of Electronic Monitoring after reading the report just released by the Justice Advisory Committee and also strongly supports the alternative to 911.   
• Jackson Park Hospital nurses asked for more resources and also supported the 911 alternative which would eliminate police presence from the response teams.
• Another speaker spoke to the problems defendants have that are on Electronic Monitoring.   
• County Interpreters asked for fair contracts and bilingual employees of the County asked for better pay.

Consent Agenda:   John Yonan, Bureau Chief of Asset Management and former Supt. Of Transportation and Highways received bountiful accolades from the Commissioners after his announced retirement this month.

Observer:  Diane Edmundson

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting via Zoom
April 15, 2021
                     Attendance: all 17 commissioners were present. Meeting led by President Preckwinkle

Items of Interest Sent to Committee:

• Agenda Item 21-2634: This item involves the speeding up of payments to contractors, especially minority and women owned business enterprises. The goal is for these businesses to receive payment within 30 days. Electronic means will be utilized to aid in the process. Many Commissioners asked to be Co-Sponsors. This was sent to the Finance Committee.
• Agenda Item 21-2662: Declaration of Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis. This topic took up much discussion as statistics were explored (3893 shootings in 2020 as compared to 2536 in 2019, for example.) The cost of treating gun shot victims is between $30 and $40 million. Many Commissioners asked to be Co-Sponsors of this. It was referred to the Health and Hospital Committee.
• Agenda Item 21-2427: The requirement for progress reports on the Recorder of Deeds office as it is now under the Office of the Clerk. This item was referred to the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee without discussion.

Board Action:

• Agenda Item 21-2133: Reappointment of Hedy Ratner to the head of the Human Rights Commission. Many Commissioners spoke out in favor of Ms. Ratner as many knew her and worked with her for many years on women’s issues. She is credited with much progress in the areas of reproductive rights and economic progress. Her tireless efforts have led to many county contracts with MBE and WBE (minority and women business enterprises).  She was called “a treasure of the 3rd district”.
• Agenda Item 21-2516- Cook County’s Disaster Proclamation was extended until May 31st. The same  2 Commissioners voted “No” (Degnan and Sean Morrison) but no reasons were given this month. The vote was 15-2.
• Agenda Item 21-2309 The Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC)  has an advisory board that wrote a report with recommendations for the JTDC. Much of the report centered around solitary confinement. The report was received and filed with the CC Board.  A spokesperson for Chief Judge Evans, Jim Anderson. announced the formation of a committee to study these recommendations. The Chicago Tribune reported on this committee in a short article the next day. It stated that Commissioner Suffredin would be on this committee along with former Commissioner Richard Boykin, among others.
• Agenda Item 21-2658- This resolution was passed to address violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Many commissioners asked to be added as co-sponsors as statistics were discussed on the increasing number of incidents of violence and harassment against these groups.
• Agenda Item 21-1369  The Performance Review Report was received and filed. There was no discussion.
• Agenda Item 21-2378- This proposed grant award for mass Covid-19 vaccinations in Cook County was accepted with much fanfare. President Preckwinkle announced that the 2 days prior to the meeting (April 13th and 14th) saw record daily numbers of people receiving doses through CCH (about 14,000 each day) She also announced the 500,000th dose had just been achieved  by CCH facilities. She also announced a brand new facility opening in Matteson.
• Agenda Item 21-1963- Peter Creticos’ firm was given a contract to work on the redistricting of Cook County Commissioners’ districts. President Preckwinkle thanked Commissioner Sims for leading the committee on this task, which she called “a thankless job”.
• Agenda Item 21-1218  The resolution condemning the Acts of Domestic Terrorism at the capitol on Jan.6,2021 received much support, much discussion, and an abundance of gratitude to Commissioner Johnson for bringing this to the board. Many Commissioners asked to be added as co-sponsors. Commissioner Deer quoted the preamble to the US Constitution about “insuring domestic tranquility” and added that there was none on that day.
• Agenda Item 21-2125- Sheila Chalmers-Curran, the Mayor of Matteson was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Cook County Land Bank Authority. 
• Agenda Item 21-2677- Modifications were made to the Land Bank Authority Ordinance including a change that will allow the Cook County President to appoint the Executive Director with approval of the Board of Directors of the Land Bank..

Recognized on the Consent Agenda were 2  individuals who have impacted Criminal Justice within Cook County. 

1. Amy Campanelli, the head of the Public Defenders office was given a great deal of thanks by many Commissioners and the President for her work. She just stepped down as her term was up and Sharone Mitchell was chosen to succeed her.
2. Pam Rodriguez, the head of TASC (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities), has retired.

Observer - Jan Goldberg                        Meeting Duration: 10am until 1:30 PM