Monday, May 11, 2009

Cook County Finance Committee—May 5, 2009 Meeting

All commissioners present except for Simms, Steele and Gainer

Commissioner Peraica questioned an item ordering a transfer to Juvenile Detention.  He said that since the population of the facility was reduced, it should not require more funding.  He also questioned duplication of services with security and janitorial services, as the Sheriff was providing security as well.  He also made reference to abuse of juveniles by County employees.  Commissioner Daley reminded him that the Court had already ordered the expenditure.  A representative from the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center spoke and said that it is a separate entity, and that the Sheriff had no jurisdiction over it.  The spokesman said that the money comes from self-insurance funds as it is a court order.  There were no other questions.  Commissioner Peraica voted "no".  The rest voted "aye".

Item 300007  Cook County Project Shield
This is a mobile, video and data network.  The cost is $6 million for continual installation and repair. Commissioner Peraica asked when it would be completed.  Answer: 12/21/09.  It was approved with only Commissioner Peraica voting "no". 

Commissioner Peraica questioned several workman's compensation claims.

Item 300039 (Workman's Comp Claim):  Three commissioners voted "no", yet they were on the committee that approved the claim.  ASA Driscoll explained that the County settled to avoid going to court.  Commissioner Peraica said we should have defended the claim.  (Apparently it was a Shackman case. ) Commissioner Peraica said it was "corruption tax".

Commissioner Peraica questioned bids on food contracts for Juvenile Detention.  He also questioned the County Commissioners' Contingency Fund as he felt that an appointed officer should not report infractions.  He also took issue with the Board of Ethics review as the Director is appointed by the President.  (The ordinance allows several avenues of review and could be used by political appointees to their advantage.)  Commissioner Daley asked why Commissioner Peraica didn't bring his complaints.  Commissioner Peraica moved to remove the Director of the Board of Ethics. The motion was amended.  All voted "aye" (even Peraica!).

--Submitted by Observer Beverly Graham



 

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