Cook County Board Approves Meeting Schedule for 2021

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