Committee Makes Appointment Recommendations for Approval by Cook County Board

Cook County Board of Commissioners (CCBC)
Committee Meetings
June 12, 2024

Legislation and Inter Governmental Relations Committee
Several appointments were voted on and recommended for approval by the CCBC.  The recommendations were:

• Tirrell Paxton, Independent Inspector General, Office of CC Independent Inspector General, for a term from 6/17/2024 to 6/16/2030 (Item 24-3215),
• Dr. Sage Kim, as Director to CCH Board of Directors to complete the partial term from 6/13/2024 -8/1/2025 (Item 24-313) 
• Rachel Sinnen to Cook County Board of Ethics for a Term from 6/13/2024-6/13/2028 (Item 24-3202).

Finance Committee

• Received update from Comptroller Dean Cosentino on Cook County Health (CCH) reporting that it has a favorable balance at this time, that the State of Illinois owes CCH millions of dollars and there has been a $10M decrease in the amount owed.  Health Fund has a favorable balance with a 21.5% higher than budgeted enrollment in County Care.
• The Long-Term Revenue Forecast Quarterly Report (24-3092) indicates that the general fund revenues are predicted to be lower in the long term with the specter of slower growth which impacts sales tax collection.
  
• Impact Summary was provided on Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD)  (24-3030). Its goal was to keep people stably housed in the Covid19 crisis, led by Comm Suffredin, Daley, and Annaya and was an AARPA investment. It was stated that CCLAHD serves as a model in reimagining ways to provide services in its Early Resolution Mortgage Foreclosure Program, using cross collaboration with the courts as a partner to reduce homelessness, reduce vacant properties by preventing evictions and foreclosures/slow the process and to provide level of service appropriate to the client and circumstances of the case, fair and better court processes, case managers for conflict resolution and coordinating services. More than 75,000 people have been served. 7300 fewer cases since 2022 were placed with Sheriff’s Office for eviction, a 23% reduction. Commissioners were provided with a folder of materials and a slide show was used that was readable on the observer’s iPad. Com Daley gave commendations regarding the program and expressed concerns regarding funding sources beyond ARPA monies. Com. Annaya noted the thoughtful planning involving multiple partners and thanked the Bureau of Economic Development for their participation. Com Britton mentioned work is being done to utilize public libraries as an option for court appearances. He stated that this is an example that Cook County government is about improving access to services, including States Attorney, Courts, and Sheriff’s Offices. Com. Sean Morrison offered his compliments and concerns about future funding.  He also indicated that municipalities get notice first regarding eviction and noted the need to ensure all communities know about this resource. 
• Grant management services contract in the amount of approximately $899K, spent over 2 years was recommended for approval (24-2115). This had the concurrence of the Chief Procurement Officer. The goal is “to redesign grant management infrastructure of Cook County to promote maximum grant fund recovery and compliance with federal and state regulations”
• There was much discussion regarding the Arts Alliance Illinois agreement, reducing its budget and entering sub recipient agreement with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago-ie LISC Chicago- and a resolution (24-1676) was recommended for Board approval after an overview was provided by LISC Chicago and discussion with the Board. This authorized the Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Economic Development to amend the Art Alliance agreement and enter into a new subrecipient agreement with LISC Chicago for Cook County Arts for up to $2.3M through 2026 to provide technical assistance to projects that support the arts in suburban Cook as well as administer and distribute grants to advance these projects; this broadens LISC Chicago’s focus to the suburbs. Com Daley stated that going forward, recipients should be present anytime grants are to be awarded. 

Audit Committee  

• Mary Modelski, County Auditor, presented reports to the Audit Committee which were received and filed.
• These several reports monitored progress with compliance on specific metrics.  For example, 24-2210, Medical Examiners audit was to assess internal controls over cash process to see if it was adequate. It was found that inadequate communication between the ME office and the  Dept of Revenue relating to bounced checks needed to be rectified. Recommendation was to add additional tracking measures regarding when contact was made, and how the situation was addressed.
• Another example was an assessment of services provided by a security vendor, whether it was following the scope of contracted services. Modelski stated management accepted all recommendations from reports. 

Environment and Sustainability Committee

• Recommended approval of a resolution requesting a hearing on the updated Cook County Solid Waste Management Plan (24-2870). A 45% waste diversion rate is the goal for 2030; the County is currently at 27%. The southern area of Chicago has less than 4yr space available in landfill. Among the recommendations to support management in the south suburbs is to fold into a joint action agency that would include technical assistance and coordinated strategies.
• There was discussion about plan to open additional Centers for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHARM Centers), similar to the one at South Suburban College, perhaps located on campuses of junior colleges. South Suburban Mayors Assoc reported a decrease in illegal dumping since CHARM was opened. 
• Recommendation for Approval of a Proposed Memorandum of Agreement Climate Pollution Reduction Agreement (24-2832) between the Chicago and Cook County in applying for a US EPA grant. The City of Chicago is the lead agency for the application. The grant request is for $200M. This proposal is focused on three areas: 1) industrial decarbonization programs, 2) decarbonization of public facilities, and 3) diversion of food waste from landfills. This was recommended for Board action.

Other Items of Interest:

• Recommended items for approval in Finance Commt. included several related to housing.
• Committee meetings began at 9:10am. The Observer stopped at 2:53pm when CCH Public Hearings were starting. 
• There was public testimony at the start of the Finance Committee meeting, including someone who received help from CCLAD.

Observer:  Carolyn Cosentino