Cook County Board Committee Meetings

Cook County Board of Commissioners 
Committee Meetings - Wed.  Jan. 27, 2021

Finance Committee – 9:30 am

• Agenda Item 21-0694:  Monthly report from CCH. Comptroller Lawrence reported a $259 million net favorable balance.  This was due in part to receipt of 2 large settlements being received.  Details of settlements are not discussed. It was stated that the financial status is important for maintaining ratings from rating agencies and interest of investment groups. Regarding impact of Covid 19 expenditures, if current federal proposal for aid to states and local governments has a similar formula to that used in Spring 2020, $500 million is expected.
• Agenda Item 21-5660:  (Moore) Proposal to substitute and to amend the Small Procurement Ordinance (20-5660).  This changes the exemption from competitive bid process for procurements of same or similar goods or services from same vendor in same fiscal year to less than $15,000.  This was a reduction from the amount specified in 20-5660. Approved. 16 Aye. 1 Absent/excused

Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee – 11:00

• Agenda Item 21-0495:  This is the item as stated in the Agenda. Second substitute for 20-0495. Resolution calling on Federal government to implement policies to protect immigrant community and strengthen the immigration system in the US.  Com. Anaya stated her office received an expression of support on this from the Consulate of Mexico.  Com. Miller asked that the African diaspora be included and efforts be made to expand those conversations.  Com. Anaya responded that inclusion of many groups is continuing in conversations on immigration. Resolution approved.  16 Aye. 1 Absent/Excused

​Criminal Justice Committee – 12:30

• Agenda Item 20-5479:  A hearing on the detainees in Cook County Jail, focusing on those there for 5 years or longer awaiting trial.  Representatives from Chief Judge, Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Clerk of the Court, Public Defender, and Director of Cermak Health Services were expected.  This discussion started at 12:30 and was still continuing at 3:30.  This observer concluded at 2:30. 
• Tanya Woods, Westside Justice Center, spoke regarding concerns on access to vaccines for those incarcerated, intensified needs for mental health services in black/brown communities, access to speedy trials, and ripple effects on families when a member is incarcerated. 
• Dr. David Olson, Loyola University, spoke specifically to time of detention in Cook County Jail, based on research conducted regarding incarceration of people for 5 years or more. Since Bond Court reform in Cook County, it is people accused of  the most serious felony offenses involving violent offenses who are incarcerated longest.  Better data is needed to compare Cook County to the rest of the state. He stated Illinois Dept. of Corrections lacks good data overall.  For murder, 4.7 yr is the average detention for pretrial incarceration in Cook County; for IL, the average is 2.7 years pretrial. Dr. Young stated that the trend is longer time in Cook County system compared to IL.  Time served in Cook County is would reduce time served, after sentencing, in state prison.  Many commissioners had questions for Dr. Young which can be viewed on the recording. 
• Sarah Stout, Sr Policy Analyst for Appleseed gave public testimony,  regarding short term and long term problems.  One current issue that Covid19 closings have slowed resolution of cases.  Early on, arrests were low but that is no longer the case. There is a need for a centralized docket to help catch up on cases and for updating technology for the exchange of documents.
• Chief Judge T. Evans stated that the data complied recently by his staff showed 135 cases for people  incarcerated for 5 or more years; that those were for murder, attempted murder, class X felonies.  He stated 8 reasons for those cases still pending:  1-delays in discovery process 2-motions to withdraw as attorneys 3-attorneys have schedule conflicts 4-defendant represents self 5-defendant faces multiple charges which must be tried separately, 6-demand for jury trial, 7-post conviction appeal status 8-behavioral clinical exam indicates individual unfit for trial. Commissioners engaged with Judge Evans on many questions, including data discrepancies, plans to reopen courts, and complications of reopening due to Covid 19. There were additional presentations and discussion.

Carolyn Cosentino -  Observer