The Legislation, Intergovernmental and Veterans Relations Committee convened shortly after 9:30am in the Board Room. The agenda included three contracts for lobbyists to work on behalf of the county. Mr. Blada, the Coordinator of Intergovernmental Affairs, was present to answer questions, as were the 3 persons whose contracts were up for approval. One lobbyist will focus primarily on Medicare and Medicaide legislation. A representative from a new firm in Washington DC will focus on other federal issues such as transportation, as well as “combing the agencies” for possible funds for the county. Authorization for all 3 contracts was given after discussion of the need for the lobbyists and the scope of their work.
The committee also considered the appointment of Frank M. Zuccarelli to the Cook County Employee Appeals Board to fill a vacancy. This board serves as the final grievance appeals board for non-union management employees of the county. Questioning from the commissioners focused on Mr. Zuccarelli’s present position in the Recorder of Deeds Office and his position as Thornton Township Supervisor. He stated he would resign his position with the Recorder of Deeds as soon as he was appointed to the Appeals Board and that he intended to remain in his Supervisor position since that is a part-time position as is the Board of Appeals position. He stated that he did not see any conflict of interest problems stemming from his other positions. His appointment was approved by a vote of 9 commissioners in favor, 7 opposed, and 1 absent. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40am.
The Cook County Board Meeting was called to order at 10:45am by President Stroger. All members were present except for Comm. Moreno. After the usual opening procedures the commissioners all paid their respects to Mr. Robert Steele, father of Comm. Steele and husband of former board President Bobbi Steele.
At 11:25am Comm. Daley called the Finance Committee meeting to order. All items on the agenda were approved. Comm. Peraica did question the amount ($80,457.50) paid to Clifford Meacham, the Compliance Administrator for the Sheriff. He was appointed on October 30, 2008 and this is the first bill he has submitted – thus it is for several months and for several individuals. Mr. Driscoll from the States Attorney office stated that this is a court approved expense and really must be approved.
There also was a discussion of item 298636 re: New Penalties for politicians who fail to report campaign disclosures, a resolution submitted by Comm. Claypool and Quigley. Comm. Periaca asked if President Stroger had paid his penalties on his contributions from contractors. Comm. Beavers responded by asking if Comm. Peraica had paid his penalties. Comm. Peraica took offense at his remark and said he was being slandered. Comm. Beavers said, "Sue me"and Comm. Peraica said, "Be careful what you wish for". Comm. Beavers said the item did not belong on the agenda. Comm. Claypool spoke to the need for transparency of government and voted "yes". The motion carried. (9 Ayes, 2 Nays, 3 Presents, 3 absents)
Zoning and Building – All agenda items approved.
Roads and Bridges - All were about to vote "aye", but Comm. Suffredin declined based on the recent controversy concerning the county road signs, which was reversed by President Stroger at the previous meeting. He said the Board needed to examine contracts more closely, as he had thought that the monies were for repair of signs damaged by snow plows. Rupert Graham from the Dept. of Hwys. spoke to the issue, and said the signs were necessary for the identification of ownership of the roads in case of emergencies and repair. With this exception, the entire agenda was approved.
Observers left the meeting at 12:30pm.
Cynthia Schilsky and Beverly Graham, LWVCC Observers
