Commissioners Reyes and Moreno presented a resolution to protest Arizona's recently passed immigration law by boycotting Arizona businesses and canceling Cook County contracts with Arizona companies. However this desire was cut short when some realized that minority businesses in Cook County could be hurt by this. No vote on the resolution was taken today and it was sent to the finance committee for further discussion.
Commissioner Goslin submitted a resolution (passed) regarding PC Power Management which should reduce electrical costs to the county.
The majority of time was spent on three ordinances (all passed by large majorities or unanimously) designed to keep closer watch on the expenditures of the county elected officials and departments, particularly President Stroger's office. Reports are to be submitted to the Board of Commissioners within 72 hours of any purchases and contracts over $750.00. Board approval is still necessary for all contracts of $25,000 or more. The Board also approved a requirement for departments to submit information regarding promotions and changes in salary and job titles. Third is a hiring freeze throughout the county. There was a lot of discussion on this last issue as some commissioners felt the county could not do its job with fewer people if some retired or left their positions.
Commissioner Daley requested that pay raises for grades 24 and up be put on board agendas for the necessary approval. This was an ordinance passed last December, but was not being followed by various county officials.
Commissioner Collins once again stated the county is not proceeding fast enough to comply with the Shakman Decrees regarding political-based hiring. Her resolution to create an ad hoc committee to analyze the cost of Shakman Compliance options was referred to the litigation committee. It was brought up that President Stroger has retained the law firm Sidley & Austin to represent him regarding Shakman. It was unclear why he required this.
Commissioner Sims presented an affirmative action hiring resolution which would have a personnel goal of 50% minority, 25% women, and 5% disabled.
This observer could not get a copy of this resolution/ordinance, so the specifics are not known to me.
CFO Jaye Williams spoke about the OPTIMA program which is designed to move from a paper to on-line methods for doing business. This will first be used for procurements and the tax process. Bid openings will also go on-line. This should make for more efficient and less costly procedures. Many commissioners were unaware of this program.
