Comm. Peraica raised a concern about payment for private attorneys related to a Shakman case. Mr. Driscoll of the State's Attorneys office explained that a particular witness needed their own representation in this case and therefore county attorneys could not be used. This led to discussion of county compliance with the Shakman Decree. Comm. Peraica and Collins asked once again why it is taking so long, and costing so much for the county to come into compliance. Mr. Driscoll explained that the county continues to work towards compliance and that all the claims have been adjudicated. Comm. Daley stated that it is the Judge who will determine compliance. Comm. Sims and Murphy also got into the discussion stating that money should not be spent on Compliance Officers but go towards fixing the Human Resources Dept. so that hiring could be done the right way. They again requested that a desk audit of all positions in the County be done. Comm. Silvestri stated that the debate centers around those persons who occupy policy making positions since those are the positions that are "Shakman exempt", but these still seem to be undefined. The commissioners also sited the inability to comply with the orders of the Duran Decree (deals with Cook County Jail) due to the complexity of the issues involved. Mr. Driscoll stated that he thought Duran was an easier fix than Shakman.
Comm. Peraica also raised questions about the monitoring of contract minority participation. The office of Contract Compliance stated that they do monitor all contracts for minority participation and verify that the contract is carried out as outlined in the bid for the contract. Comm. Peraica wanted to know if contracts are also monitored if they are increased mid-contract. He also questioned why and how often contracts are being increased mid-contract, being particularly concerned with contracts at the JTDC. Comm. Murphy stated that she did not like the allegations that were being made at the meeting. Comm. Collins expressed concern with food contracts. Comm. Daley stated that if anyone had information about contracts that were not being carried out properly, they should turn that information over to the IIG.
The remainder of the agenda was dealt with in a routine fashion.
The following New Items on the agenda were referred to committees:
- an ordinance concerning social networking during meetings
- establishing a Diversion Program for mentally ill inmates at the jail
- conducting a feasibility study for a Bond Loan Fund for qualified arrestees
- establishing an Independent Civil Service type Board for hiring Shakman exempt employees
- an ordinance concerning cannabis possession
The meeting went into Executive Session at 12:50pm to discuss issues concerning Homeland Security, and the observer left at that time.
Cynthia Schilsky - Observer
