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Cook County Board Discusses Diversity, Covid Vaccinations,  Gun Violence and Juvenile Justice

4/18/2021

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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
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Tenant and Landlord Ordinance Delayed Until January Meeting of Cook County Board

12/20/2020

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Cook County Board of Commissioners - Committee Meetings  
December 16, 2020


Zoning and Building Committee:
  • Commissioners Britton and K. Morrison have revised their proposed Tenant and Landlord Ordinance with input from the parties concerned.  This ordinance would give tenants in Cook County suburbs more protections from evictions, payments, and other tenant issues.  Several thousand comments were submitted to Board members, both in favor of and against the original ordinance.  Because this latest iteration of the ordinance was just completed and Board members and the public should have time to review it, the vote on this was delayed until the January Zoning and Building Committee meeting. The new (2nd) substitute ordinance (Agenda Item 20-3562) is over 21 pages long.  Meeting observers did not have access to the substitute during this meeting.

Rules Committee:
  • Commissioners Deer and Moore proposed adding Juneteenth as a 14th paid holiday for all Cook County employees.  This ordinance (Agenda Item 20-3460) commemorates Black American freedom.  There was not a cost analysis presented that this observer could see.  All commissioners spoke in favor of the ordinance and it passed in this committee.
  • An archive ordinance (Agenda Item 20-3950) will provide for all Cook County offices’ and departments’ historical records dating to 1876 to be formally archived. A Manager of Archives (hired from DuSable Museum) will coordinate this preservation of history of Cook County.

Finance Committee:
  • An Ordinance (Agenda Item 20-4357) which included edits to the Independent Forecasting Commission Ordinance passed.  This will “better serve the purpose of this commission,” according to sponsor Comm. Anaya.  This commission analyzes new revenue streams proposed by Board members and the President.  There was no mention if this includes the Hospital System.

Health and Hospitals Committee:
The 3rd and 4th quarter reports were presented  by the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH). 
  • The 3rd quarter report addressed COVID cases, violations & mitigations, and inspections of businesses violating COVID “rules” such as indoor dining and congregate settings.  Over 200 locations have been cited and are listed on the CCDPH website.  Among the current rules are the following for Cook County:  no indoor dining, retail at 25% capacity, no sports events—games or spectators, restricted visitation at long term facilities.
  • The 4th quarter report presentation covered flu/COVID combination concerns, vaccine distrust, challenges in vaccinating Cook County communities, logistics of vaccinating, and strategy. 
There were many questions and comments from commissioners.  Points brought up include the following: 
  • Flu vaccination rate in Cook County is less than 50% (less in Black communities) and the CCDPH wants to use public service announcements to get higher rates of vaccination. 
  • Challenges to vaccinating for COVID mentioned were myths surrounding the vaccine, distrust of vaccine, unclear support from the state, limited resources, and defining critical populations when the vaccine is limited.  The current strategy of vaccination for Cook County is health care workers are the first to be vaccinated; County is partnering with CVS, clinics, etc. to distribute the vaccine; tracking and monitoring who has gotten the vaccine will be done.  It will take 4-5 weeks to get hospital workers vaccinated.  Comm. Deer asked if there will be mandatory vaccinations for Cook County Health workers.  Answer will be sent later. Dr. Joshi stated that even after a person is vaccinated there will still be a necessity to mask as it is unclear if the virus can still be spread from that person.
  • Both quarterly reports were voted on and passed. 

Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee:
  • An Ordinance (Agenda Item 20-4415) transferred special purpose funds to the County Clerk’s office due to the consolidation of the Clerk and Recorder of Deeds offices and cleared up references to the Recorder office (which no longer exists) .  Discussion centered on how many Recorder employees will be hired in Clerk’s office.  This issue of guaranteeing that employees would have jobs in the new consolidated office was decided by the CC States Attorney office—that the Board cannot interfere in these types of hiring decisions.  Comm. Johnson still desired that all the employees have guaranteed jobs—perhaps elsewhere in county government— in order to keep a job and health care. Forty-five have been retained so far.  There was a big discrepancy between what the SEIU (union representing those workers) and the Clerk’s office say regarding hires.  SEIU has brought a notice to strike in court.  This strike would be all SEIU employees in the County.  However, the court has enjoined that some essential workers are not allowed to strike. 

Follow Up Items: 
  • Tenant/Landlord Ordinance (Agenda Item 20-3562) at January meeting
  • Board of Review hearing in near future
  • Hiring between Clerk’s office and now-defunct Recorder office
  • COVID vaccination procedures and results

Observer:  Karin Hribar                                                   Meeting(s) length total: 5 1/2 hours
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Cook County Board Approves Meeting Schedule for 2021

11/21/2020

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Cook County Board of Commissioners - November 19, 2020 
Virtual Meeting 10am-1pm


Public Speakers - Statements read by the Secretary of the Board
  • A statement from the League of Women Voters of Cook County (LWVCC) concerning the 2020 3rd Quarter Report from the Office of the Independent Inspector General was read. The item referenced was sent to the Litigation Subcommittee for the December 15 meeting when the Inspector General’s report will be reviewed. (see below)
  • There were a number of statements read concerning replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People Day to be celebrated on the second Tuesday of October.  
Items of Interest:
  • Resolution concerning the Annual Calendar of Regular Board Meetings and consent Calendar meetings for calendar year 2021 was approved. There will be 11 Board meetings with no meeting in August. (Agenda Item 20-5487)
  • Cook County Justice Advisory Council Annual Report of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Advisory Board was sent to Criminal Justice Committee. (Agenda Item 20-5424)
  • Proposed Resolution calling for a Hearing of The Criminal Justice Committee to examine length of stay of detainees for the Cook County Department of Corrections and its effect on Jail populations. This has the support of the Chief Judge, Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Clerk of the Court, Public Defender, and Director of Cermak Health services.  All of the Commissioners were happy to hear this would occur. Commissioner Aquilar voiced concern as his District (16th) has experienced an increase of crime. This item was referred to the Criminal Justice Committee where they will set the date for this Hearing. (Agenda Item 20-5479). 
  • Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) quarterly Report 4Q 2020 was referred to the Health and Hospital Committee.
  • Office of the Independent Inspector General Quarterly Report for the 3rd quarter was referred to the Litigation Subcommittee. A letter from the LWVCC was read during Public Comment. This letter urged the Board to take appropriate steps to ensure that the Board of Review both address and adopt each of the recommendation of the OIIG, as detailed in both the 2nd Quarter and the 3rd Quarter Reports. (Agenda Item 20-5462). 
  • New item was proposed by Commissioner Anaya. This is a proposed Resolution requesting presentations from the Cook County Treasurer and the Cook County Assessor to discuss the impact of increased property taxes on constituents. The Treasurer and Assessor will be invited to present to the Finance Committee the following: Treasurer is asked to present on the major findings of her office’s report, specifically on the areas within Suburban Cook County and the City of Chicago that have seen the greatest differences between an increase in property taxes and an increase in wages and cost of living.   The Cook County Assessor will present on the accuracy of assessments in Cook County and how property tax bills that Cook County taxpayers pay have been impacted. This item was referred to the Finance Committee.  (Agenda Item 20-5667)
Committee Items requiring Board Actions:
  • During the report from the Technology Committee, Commissioners emphasized the need for full cooperation especially from the Chief Judge and Sheriff’s office with the Bureau of Technology.
Items for Follow-up
  • Inspector General’s 3rd Quarter Report to be reviewed at the December 15 Litigation subcommittee
  • Hearing of the Criminal Justice Committee date TBD, to examine length of stay of detainees for Cook County Department of Corrections and its effect on jail population. 
  • New item proposed by Commissioner Anaya, a resolution requesting presentations from Cook County Treasurer and Cook County Assessor. 

​Commissioners and President Toni Preckwinkle honored former Commissioner and current Recorder of Deeds, Ed Moody who is retiring in December. 

Observer: Nancy Marcus
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Cook County Board Receives Final Report on  Merger of Offices of Recorder of Deeds and County Clerk

10/23/2020

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Cook County Board Committee Meetings
October 21, 2020 - 
Committee Meetings were held from 9:30am-2:30pm

Items of Interest: 
Health & Hospital Committee: 
  • The 2020 2nd Quarter Report for the Public Health Department was submitted. In the report it was reported that there have been 70,000 Covid19 cases and 2000 deaths attributed to Covid19. The positivity rate is 7% and trending up in all age groups. Disparities were noted due to structural racism. Federal policy has generated fear among the undocumented, making them reluctant to seek medical help.  County level risk metrics were blue in August but now back to orange.  The CC Health System has responded to 10,000 requests from the public. CCH is partnering with other agencies to expand rapid testing for Covid in coming weeks. They are also staffing up for increased contact tracing.
Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee
Agenda Item 20-4191 - Final Report on Merger of Recorder of Deeds Office with the Office of the County Clerk
  • During the meeting there was an extensive discussion on the transfer of jobs from the Recorder of Deeds Office to the office of the County Clerk.  Union representatives were present to object to the fact that employees of the Recorder’s office were being forced to reapply for jobs with the Clerk. Their collective bargaining unit, along with their jobs, will be terminated on November 30 when these two offices merge. The union objects that Recorder employees must compete with outside applicants for the positions that will now be within the Clerk’s office. Many employees have a good deal of experience/seniority and feel that they are being unjustly treated.
  • Several commissioners expressed surprise that the merger was not proceeding as seamlessly as they had believed. The HR representative reminded the commissioners that the merger was  complicated by Shakman and by Covid. Also, the positions of the two agencies are not a simple “apples to apples” process when it comes to hiring. She did make a commitment that those who were hired by the Clerk would not lose their seniority or their salary. Approximately 20-25 jobs will be cut. It was hoped that these could be absorbed by attrition/early retirement. 
  • Clerk Yarborough has requested a legal opinion from the States Attorney. Commissioner Suffredin recommended deferring action on the ordinance until this opinion is obtained.
  • The report on the Clerk’s office assuming duties of the Recorder was accepted with no discussion at the October 22 Board meeting.                          


Cook County Board Of Commissioners Meeting
October 22, 2020          Meeting Length - 3 hours 15 minutes

Key Items Addressed by the Board: 
Agenda Item 20-4204    
Mr. Israel Rocha, candidate for the Cook County Hospital’s CEO position,
        received the blessing of the Cook County Board on October 22, 2020. His 
        offer package included a base salary of $650,000 plus a 10% performance-
        based annual bonus opportunity. The industry’s standard severance package
        of one year was reduced to 20 weeks.  CCH Board President officially intro-
        duced Mr. Rocha, though he had met most of the 17 Commissioners prior to
        this meeting. While taking longer than the expected six months to identify
        and vet the final candidate, it appears that the Cook County Board and the
        Hospital Board are in strong agreement that they have found the right person.
        Mr. Rocha has experience in all of the responsibility areas he will assume as
        CEO, including: Public Health, A Managed Health Care Plan, Forensic Medi-
        cine and an Ambulatory Care Network.
In his remarks, Mr. Rocha said that he wants to create a leading model of care
        for Cook County.  He offered the following six goals toward that end:
        1. Operate a safe and clinically sound system of care
        2. Responsive to patients’ needs
        3. Take bold steps by breaking barriers to achieve equity and inclusion
        4. Ensure fiscal and financial resilience
        5. Be known as the employer of choice and the provider of choice
        6. Be known as a leader in the advancement of medicine as a human right.

Agenda Item 20-3562    The Board voted a substitute for the Proposed Landlord Tenant Ordinance
        and then discharged it from the Finance Committee and referred it to the
        Zoning & Building Committee. This ordinance is meant to establish the same
        rights for all renters and tenants throughout suburban Cook County as those
        currently enjoyed by citizens of Chicago, Evanston, and Mt. Prospect.

Agenda Item 20-4872    A resolution was passed stating the Clerk of the Court should collect $150 on
        all mortgage foreclosure filings to be used to support a plan to save residents
        from eviction and mortgage foreclosures. The Illinois Supreme Court authorized
        the collection. Passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 20-4814    The Board unanimously passed a resolution to forgive loans made by the 
        County under the program established to deal with Covid. The County can use
        CARES money from the federal government as long as it is done before the end
        of December.

Agenda Item 20-3431    The Board approved appointment of Joseph M. Harrington to the CCH Board.

Agenda Item 20-4202    The Board passed an ordinance by President Preckwinkle to establish a 
        Property Assessed Clean Energy Program & Area. It is to finance the acqui-
        sition, construction, installation or modification of energy projects. 

Agenda Item 20-4684    The Cook County Board honored Dorothy Brown on her retirement from 20years of service as the Clerk of the Circuit Court. 

Commissioners praised the Coronavirus report (9-30-20) as a great resource. The distribution 
of funds was broken down into four areas: 1) direct costs, 2) workplace redesign, 3) economic
development and 4) grants to local governments (due by October 31).

Observers: Georgia Gebhardt and Diane Edmundson                   
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Cook County Board Passes “Justice for Black Lives” Resolution

8/2/2020

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Cook County Commissioners - Board and Committee Meetings
July 27, 29 and 30, 2020


Key items passed by the Board:
  • “Justice for Black Lives” Resolution.  The substitute non-binding resolution calls on monies for policing and incarceration to be redirected to public services, not administered by law enforcement, which will promote community health and public safety, particularly in Black and Brown communities most impacted by violence and incarceration.  Such services to include housing, health care, mental health, restorative justice, job creation, public transport, eviction/foreclosure, and increasing opportunities for Minority-owned and Women-owned business enterprises.  Passed with 15 votes; Commissioner Aguilar voted present and Commissioner Sean Morrison voted no, both expressing concern with the idea that the resolution calls for defunding the police.  Commissioners voting in favor say that this lays out priorities for reducing crime and promoting opportunities through these other means.  The upcoming 2021 budget (which will be considered in October and November) will offer the first opportunity for the Commissioners to start to carry out the resolution. (Agenda Item 20-2867)
  • Resolution to utilize $82 million of money County received under the CARES Act to aid economic recovery from COVID-19.  (Agenda Item 20-3229)  See the Observer Report for the Special Board Meeting on July 16 for details of the distribution.

Other Items of Interest Discussed in Committees:
Finance Committee:
  • County’s Use of CARES Act funds:  CFO Ammar Rizki reported that the $429 million has been allocated for (1) County’s operational costs (46%), (2) County’s direct costs incurred  (23%), (3) spurs for economic development across the County (19%, the Resolution described above), and (4) $51 M for eligible costs incurred by suburban municipalities (12%, as described in the Observer Report for the July 16 Special Board Meeting).  New guidance comes out regularly from the U.S. Treasury as to how these monies can be spent.  Mr. Rizki said that with $300 M in lost revenues to the County, it is critical that now County can use the CARES money to cover some salary and benefit costs.  However, Mr. Rizki said that CARES Act money can only be used to cover hazard pay for those employees directly dealing with COVID positive people (health care workers and correctional officers in the Jail).  So hazard pay provided to other people will not be covered, based on current information.  Mr. Rizki stressed that with many people predicting a spike in COVID cases in the fall, the County needs to conserve some of these funds to cover future costs.
  • To date, 439 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
  • So far, no monies have been allocated to township governments, which have other options.
  • Mr. Rizki receives a weekly report of which municipalities have requested monies under the $51 M allocation by the County and will share with the Commissioners so they can make sure municipalities in their districts are applying for that money.
  • Cook County Health has received $59 million of CARES Act funding in May in addition to the above as a health care provider. 
Audit Committee:
  • Clean audits received for both the County as a whole and Cook County Health (“CCH”) for fiscal year 2019.  County has a Fund Balance that would cover 2 months of expenses, which is considered what is necessary.  (Agenda Items 20-2685, 2687)
  • Auditor stated that CCH’s receivables tend to be risky, but thinks there are sufficient reserves to cover delinquencies.  Liabilities include $477 M of claims to County Care for outside (“foreign”) providers, $236M which are identified and the rest based on management estimates of what claims will be submitted after the fiscal year for care provided during the fiscal year.  Comm. Miller asked for breakdown of these “foreign” claims so they will know where people are going for care outside of CCH’s facilities.  Comm. Morrison wants to know dollar amount not collected due to mistakes; this goes beyond scope of this audit.  Andrea Gibson, CCH interim chief business officer, will be setting up meetings with the Commissioners.  She said that CCH is now catching out-of-network people and so not providing service under County Care.  Also, CCH is making sure getting pre-authorizations required by other insurers.
  • Clean audit for Clerk of the Circuit Court, except that fees not disbursed in timely manner as required under Illinois Clerks of the Courts Act. (Agenda Item 20-2653)
Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee:
  • Review of the Final Recommended Plan for consolidating the Recorder of Deeds functions into the Office of the County Clerk.  Estimated cost savings during 2021 is $1.1 M, and annual savings thereafter over next 3 years estimated at $6 M.  Expect reductions in positions down to 79 for recorder’s work due to streamlining and broadening of work done by an employee.  Savings also due to moving Clerk’s Vital Records area from Daley Center pedway to Recorder’s office on main floor and moving Clerk’s offices on 14th floor of 69 W. Washington to Recorder’s administrative offices in County building. (Agenda Item 20-2745)  Next review by Commissioners of this consolidation will be in the proposed budget submitted in October.

Items to watch for at next Committee meetings, likely during the week of Sept. 21:
  • Agenda Item 20-3562: Proposed “Residential Tenant & Landlord Ordinance,” which was referred to the Finance Committee.  Co-sponsor Britton said that this is modeled on the Chicago and Evanston ordinances.  Would spell out tenant and landlord rights and obligations.
  • Agenda Item 20-3482:  Proposed resolution requesting hearings every month of the Criminal Justice Committee with the Sheriff and senior staff to discuss the operation of the Jail and Police Department (responsible for unincorporated areas plus some suburban towns under inter-government agreements).  Referred to Criminal Justice Committee.
  • Agenda Item 20-3435:  Proposed resolution supporting the Illinois NAACP State Conference and Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Ten Shared Principles.  Referred to Law Enforcement Committee.
  • Commissioners Deer and Moore each submitted separate proposals to add Juneteenth as a County holiday, which were withdrawn.  The Commissioners said they would work to add this holiday without putting an added expense to the budget.

Note:  The Cook County Board and most of the Board Committees are not scheduled to meet again until week of Sept. 21, though Commissioner Suffredin wanted the public to know that everyone is still working and Commissioners continue meeting virtually in small groups (so as not to violate the Open Meetings Act) each Sunday with key County personnel.

Observer - Priscilla Mims
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Lively and Informative Cook County Board June Zoom Meeting

6/22/2020

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Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 18, 2020

     The zoom format did not inhibit any of the Commissioners from engaging in lively discussion about many important items. The meeting began and ended with powerful and emotional support for President Preckwinkle and Commissioner Brandon Johnson. The president was front page news that very morning in the Sun-Times with an article about her racist experiences as a child in the 1950’s growing up in St. Paul, Mn.  Comm. Daley congratulated her on the article which also gave much credit to her efforts in the area of criminal justice reform.  The last part of the meeting belonged to Comm. Johnson’s resolution entitled “Justice for Black Lives” (Agenda Item 20-2867) with almost all Commissioners speaking to this issue and asking to be co-sponsors. (More on this resolution below).
   Public comment came in the form of letters summarized by the Secretary of the Board. The League of Women Voters of Cook County's (LWVCC) letter, about the consolidation process of the Recorder of Deeds’ and the Clerk’s offices, was included in the summary. Also included was a letter from Sharlyn Grace of the Chicago Bond Fund in support of Comm. Johnson’s resolution and many others supporting Comm. Anaya’s resolution to stop evictions during Covid. (more on that below)

Highlights of the Meeting:
  • Agenda Item 20-2615 - This item refers to President Preckwinkle’s veto message. At the May board meeting, the President exercised her first and only veto and explained her reasoning in a written statement that was filed, but not discussed at this meeting. She vetoed  an ordinance directing the County’s health department to release the addresses of  Covid-19 positive patients to first responders. Her reasoning cited privacy information and the fact that this information would not keep anyone safer.  She also worried that disclosure of this information might cause individuals to not seek medical help in the future. The measure passed narrowly last month. There was no mention of an override.
  • ​Agenda Item 20-2445 - This item refers to the Performance Management Report. Comm. Miller stated that this report looked very different from previous reports. She asked for metrics and data to support the conclusions stated by various department heads and elected officials. Jerry Pray, of the Research Operation and Innovation Dept. stated that he is still collecting data and can send it to the commissioners and post it online shortly, He said that the report this year was meant to tell a story and to focus on future initiatives. The board voted to receive the report
  • Agenda Item 20-2395 - This item refers to the rental of space at St.Hyacinth Church in Avondale for the use of a new Restorative Justice Court. Comm. Kevin Morrison wanted to know more details. A representative from Chief Judge Evans’ office stated that it was the judge’s goal to open 2 more Restorative Justice courts soon, after the one in Lawndale proved to be a success. Another one is planned for Englewood. These courts concentrate on young, low- level offenders between the ages of 18-26. The measure passed.
  • Agenda Item 20-2684 - This is another item dealing with youth, ages 16-24. Commissioners Gainer and Miller praised the Chicago Work Force Partnership’s efforts to provide employment and training to at -risk youth, especially during tough economic times.  Comm. Miller again asked for data with this program especially a breakdown of race, ethnicity and gender. A representative from the program will provide the commissioners with this information. The measure passed.
  • Agenda Item 20-2745 - This refers to the final report dealing with the merger of the Recorder of Deeds and the Clerk’s offices. Commissioner Suffredin commended the staffs of both offices. He also commended the LWVCC for their thoughtful questions and their input into this matter. This was referred to the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, which will meet and go over the report before the July board meeting.
  • Agenda Item 20-2326 - This refers to commissary items and their prices at Cook County Jail. Before approving a contract for these items, Commissioner Kevin Morrison (along with several other commissioners) wanted to know if detainees are charged too much for these items (mostly snacks and personal items) and if the County is making a profit, A representative from the sheriff’s office said that the prices are set by the vendor and are equal to those charged by convenience stores. The commissioner wanted exact figures for these prices. The board will receive this information. They then voted to discuss this item at the July meeting.
  • Agenda Items 20-2650 and 20-0993 - The first of these refers to the Revenue and Expense report and the 2nd one refers to the report from Cook County Health. These were lumped together and discussed in a general way. The financial picture for all departments is not a good one. Revenue is way down due to less sales tax and other fees during Covid-19. The commissioners stated that a more detailed revenue report will be released on June 26th. And the preliminary budget hearings set for July will be the time to discuss these matters in more detail. Reports were received and filed at this meeting.
  • Agenda Item 20-1859 - This refers to the appointment of Judge Marcus R. Salone to the Ethics Committee. Commissioner Suffredin praised this appointment and called him a “healing force”.
  • Agenda Item 20-2891 - Commissioner Anaya sponsored this item which stops evictions during the Covid-19 crisis. Evictions are stalled right now as the courts are closed. But they reopen in July and the commissioners discussed this at length. Comm.Suffredin stated that the board does not have the authority to stop evictions but they can encourage the Sheriff’s police to NOT enforce them. All commissioners passed and co-sponsored this resolution.
  • Agenda Item 20-2867 Commissioner Johnson’s resolution “Justice for Black Lives” was discussed at length. His resolution covered a history of discrimination and incarceration against black people. More currently he cited some comments on social media that stated maybe next time fire hoses  should be used to quell marches, such as the one that was organized by Public Defenders in front of Cook County Jail. His resolution included solutions to these problems that dealt with reforms in health care, housing, criminal justice, job creation, among other things. Almost every commissioner spoke to this resolution, most thanking Comm. Johnson for introducing it and asking to be co-sponsors. Comm. Johnson stated that we must listen to ALL community groups and let them help us lead the way to reform. The board voted to send this resolution to the Criminal Justice Committee for further review.
  • Finally, a Voting Equity item (Agenda Item 20-2906) was added to the agenda very last minute. It was referred to the Rules Committee for further review. Commissioner Britton said this item was crucial to ensuring fair elections, It deals with printing ballots and instructions in various languages, making sure new voting machines work properly, and making sure that new mail- in procedures run smoothly, among other things.
Despite the length of the meeting, the number of important issues discussed, and the format of zoom, the commissioners still made time to compliment each others’ work and to joke with each other. 

Observed by Jan Goldberg                 Meeting Length: just under 4 hours, about 3 hours and 53 minutes
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF COOK COUNTY
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