Cook County Board Committee Meetings

Cook County Board Of Commissioners Committee Meetings
September 17, 2024

AUDIT COMMITTEE
Although not on the Asset Committee agenda, at its September 19 meeting, the board approved a Professional Consulting Service contract with Iron Mountain Information Management to develop a materials and records storage assessment, implementation plan, and digital files/digitization.  The contract is for $1.2 million and the duration 16 months until 1/31/26.
Auditor, Mary Modelski, reported that several items from the 1st quarter were closed and that during the second quarter progress is being made with the "employment reimbursement process" and with the Clerk of the Court "traffic citations".  She went into more detail on the recommendation to Consolidate the Grant RFP Process stating that a stakeholder process was established in August to work on centralizing the grant management system.                                                                                                     
#24-3722 - the ARPA Fixed site emergency shelter report for people experiencing homelessness.   Two hotels are in the process of being purchased to house the homeless.  ARPA monies were used to provide a 30-year loan which will come due in 2053.  The Audit Department recommended the monitoring process needs to be improved and defined for the long term.   Comm. Daley asked that the Audit Department add this specific ARPA project to its regular auditing schedule.  Currently, it does not follow up on ARPA grants
#24-3681 - The Audit Department conducted an audit of the Work Order System in the Facilities Management Custodial Services Section.  It specifically recommended that the work order system be defined:  what it is and what it covers or not. Three recommendations were made: Under policies and procedures, how staff is assigned; Under standards, spell what specifics to help with efficiency; and get better metrics from its “Famous Compute System”, specifically regarding staff shortages.
#24-3949 - ARPA Hyperfocal and In-Home Vaccination and Vaccination Incentive Program.  The COVID vaccination incentive program of the gift cards received scathing criticism from several commissioners.  12,000 $100 cards were purchased and 8,000 distributed.  Blackhawk, the card vendor reduced the value of the card each month it wasn’t used by $6.00.  There was no contract but an emergency purchase order, and the Chief Counsel has demanded a reimbursement, not just on the remaining balance but the entire purchase order amount.

LEGISLATIVE & INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE
During a very short meeting, the committee approved the appointment of Patricia N. Jjemba to the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Advisory Board, and approved a resolution offered by Commissioner Gordon to request that the IL General Assembly approve SB3948, an amendment to the missing persons identification act to streamline processes to allow an agency to more quickly attempt to obtain the missing person’s DNA; would require, rather than allow, law enforcement to collect additional information such as fingerprints and biological samples; and provides that a waiting period may not be observed before accepting a missing person report.
Commission Gordon also requested and received approval of her request to Urge Congress to approve the “Protect our Letter Carriers Act (H.R.7629) to enhance postal workers safety.

HEALTH & HOSPITAL SYSTEM COMMITTEE
#24-4143 – Birthday Health Screening Program. The members approved the amended resolution calling for an annual prostate and mammogram health screen at Cook County Health locations – which would be free to those without insurance or other coverages.  Cook County Health’s, Dr. Fagan, noted that black males have a 60% higher mortality rate than white males, and over 16% of CC residents are age 65 or older. 
SEMI-ANNUAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH REPORTS
Office of Behavioral Health – Department of Public Health:   Both the Jail and the Juvenile Detention Center are increasing developing individual behavioral health treatment plans.  70% of those in the JDC are receiving therapy.  The jail is housing more individuals charged with more serious offenses; therefore, an increased number are also receiving mental and drug therapy.  Naloxone is used extensively and being more broadly distributed even after discharge.
Public Defender’s Office:  It was noted by the presenter that the Defender’s office is not a treatment provider, but does assist in identifying needs and getting help.  It will soon launch a community assist center to provide case management and clinical services as well as putting together treatment plans.  Several new mental health clinicians have recently been hired bringing the total to six.  The Office made 104 referrals in the last quarter which is on par with previous quarters.
Circuit Court:  Established guidelines in 2015 based on evidence-based data.  In its Problem-Solving Courts, Probation Officers work with collaborative, community-based services on a team basis.  Accountability is part of the program.  The presenter noted that Narcan is now available at all public libraries.
States Attorney:   Used this reporting period to highlight the issue of Petitions for Firearm Restraining Orders.  A petition is usually filed by a family member.  The Petitioner must be at least 18 years old.  The petition leads to a Writ of Detention Examination for an emergency court order to bring the individual in question to the hospital for examination.  Every effort is made to have the writ brought to a judge on the day the petition was received.
Sheriff’s Office:  The presenter talked about the Sheriff’s Smart and Thrive drug and mental health treatment center.  Participation requires a court order.  At the center during the last period, 1,000 males and 300 females participated.  The Sheriff’s office also has a community-based re-entry program.

Observer - Diane Edmundson