Cook County Commissioners Unanimously Urge Support for Non-Citizen Veterans

Cook County Board Meeting - February 10, 2016

Standout Decision for Meeting:   
The Cook County Commissioners unanimously supported a resolution urging the US government to grant non-citizen Veterans and their families the right to remain legally in the country despite minor non-violent offenses that may have been committed and caused deportation.  Both Republican and Democratic commissioners joined to support the resolution. 

Significant Decisions Made:  
The board also passed a resolution urging the State legislature to restore the 12 month grace period before Cook County properties will be offered up to tax debt buyers.

Significant Topics Discussed:
A tax incentive for Walmart to locate in Homewood on a vacant rental property was referred to the Economic Development Committee  (Item 16-0456). Many commissioners pushed back regarding offering lower taxes to Walmart.  Com. Murphy presented the item, and said the alternative was their moving to Indiana.  They recently announced the closure of the Matteson Walmart store (in Com. Sims’ district), and this is an effort to keep them in the community.  Com. Garcia said he would give the item a vigorous hearing during committee.

Items to Watch for in the Future:

• It was noted that the State of IL owes $1.3 Million in back rent for various offices at 69 West Washington.  Secretary of State Jesse White’s office is up to date.
• Com. Fritchey complained about extravagant spending on parking by Cook County.  The States Attorney brought forward an expenditure for $0.5 Million to rent parking spaces at Clark and Lake parking garage for 14 different agencies for a total of 64 spaces @ $153 per month.  (The amount approved covers parking for 6 months.)
• John Yonan, CC Superintendent of Transportation and Highways, is still cleaning  up and closing the files of completed road and bridge projects, some as old as 1999 that were never closed by the previous superintendent.  These, of necessity, require allocating funds to formally close the various projects.  He had $400 million in outstanding open projects and is down to $80 million now, so has made headway.
• Mr. Yonan also spoke about the benefit of the Federal Transportation Bill to Chicago because it is considered the freight capital of the country.  Significant money will be spent to make sure that railroad crossings and the main arteries into the city, North Avenue and Roosevelt Road, are controlled and timed for speedy freight delivery.
• When Com. Boykin complained there were few transportation projects in the 1st district, Yonan vowed to help commissioners find money from block grant funding and other sources to bring to their districts.

Observer: Amy Little                           Meeting Length - 3 hours