The meeting of the Cook County Board was called to order about 10:20 a.m.
After passing a Resolution commemorating the achievements of the "Queen of Gospel" Albertina Walker and another Resolution recognizing and expressing Cook County's gratitude to their Sister County Partner of Cork for providing 8 boys of Mercy Home the opportunity to visit Ireland, the FINANCE COMMITTEE meeting convened.
After approving several routine items, a proposed ordinance amending the Ethics Code was introduced by Commissioner Anthony J. Peraica. The heatedly discussed ordinance amendment was a proposal to amend Chapter 2 Administration, Sections 2-570, 2-580. 2-581 and 2-585 of the Cook County Code of Ethics. The proposal would "prohibit elected officials from lobbying other elected officials". The proposal was defeated by a vote of 13 nays to two (2) yeas which were cast by Commissioners Beavers and Peraica. Among the reasons for the opposition was the concern that the proposed language would have voided ethics legislation recently passed dealing with pay to play, other inconsistencies in the language and complaints that the proposal actually targeted specific individuals.
Following this decision by the Finance Committee, the Commissioners went into executive session to discuss an Interest Arbitration Award Decision concerning AFSCME Council 31 (representing the County Police Officers, County Police Sergeants, Correctional Sergeants and Correctional Lieutenants) which involved pay raises covering these employees which would be effective from December 1, 2008 through June 1, 2012.
What was anticipated to be no more than a 30 minutes closed session lasted an hour and a half. Upon reconvening and having open discussion about approving this compulsory Interest arbitration award or taking the decision to court, the Commissioners voted twelve (12) to one (1), with Commissioner Peraica voting no, to accept the award.
INTEREST ARBITRATION AWARD PROVISIONS:
Effective December 1, 2008 (2.00%) $1,247,374
Effective December 1, 2009 (1.50%) $2,201,615
Effective December 1, 2010 (2.00%) $3,493.021
Effective December 1, 2011 (2.00%) $2,405.127
Effective June 1, 2012 (1.00%) $2,741.022
TOTAL ESTIMATED 4 YEAR COST: $12,088,159
This decision concluded the Finance Committee meeting which was followed expeditiously by the Roads and Bridges and Zoning and Building Committee Reports.
The Cook County Commissioners meeting was adjourned at approximately 1:45 p.m.
--Submitted (with sincere appreciation for the guidance of President Cynthia Schilsky) by Observer Syvia Tillman
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
October 6 Forest Preserve District Meeting
The short congenial meeting started at 10:30 with 3 absent.
There was considerable discussion about the payment of legal fees, regarding the Michael L. Shakman decree in the amount of $270.238.41. A roll call was requested and the question was asked of the County Atty. Dennis White, “what would happen if we refused to pay” The answer was the Judge would demand they pay. The payment was approved.
In the discussion regarding the money for the Forest Preserve to meet the obligation of this year, the CFO said that there is not a problem. Comm. Suffredin said that the plan for the property tax bills “at this time” are scheduled to be mailed Nov. 22nd and due by Dec. 22nd.
Alice Brandon, of Friends of the Forest Preserve, presented several paid interns that have worked and enjoyed the experience. She also said the Forest Preserve has had 10,000 volunteer hours.
Bikers and hikers will be pleased when the Cal-Sag Trail is completed and will connect to the
I & M Canal Trail in Lemont. The trail will be approximately 32 miles long.
The meeting was over by 11:30
A special meeting was called, and Pres. Todd Stroger made a very complimentary speech regarding the successes of the Forest Preserve before presenting the next budget, which was received and filed.
Mary Ann Tate
October 6, 2010
There was considerable discussion about the payment of legal fees, regarding the Michael L. Shakman decree in the amount of $270.238.41. A roll call was requested and the question was asked of the County Atty. Dennis White, “what would happen if we refused to pay” The answer was the Judge would demand they pay. The payment was approved.
In the discussion regarding the money for the Forest Preserve to meet the obligation of this year, the CFO said that there is not a problem. Comm. Suffredin said that the plan for the property tax bills “at this time” are scheduled to be mailed Nov. 22nd and due by Dec. 22nd.
Alice Brandon, of Friends of the Forest Preserve, presented several paid interns that have worked and enjoyed the experience. She also said the Forest Preserve has had 10,000 volunteer hours.
Bikers and hikers will be pleased when the Cal-Sag Trail is completed and will connect to the
I & M Canal Trail in Lemont. The trail will be approximately 32 miles long.
The meeting was over by 11:30
A special meeting was called, and Pres. Todd Stroger made a very complimentary speech regarding the successes of the Forest Preserve before presenting the next budget, which was received and filed.
Mary Ann Tate
October 6, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Feel Free to Leave a Comment
Beginning today, readers may comment on the posts. We would love to hear what you think! Just click on the comments link below.
In keeping with the spirit of the League of Women Voters, please be civil. The comments will be monitored, and should any violate general League guidelines (in our estimation), a statement may be edited or deleted.
In keeping with the spirit of the League of Women Voters, please be civil. The comments will be monitored, and should any violate general League guidelines (in our estimation), a statement may be edited or deleted.
Monday, October 4, 2010
CC Health & Hospitals System Board Meeting Sept. 30, 2010
7:30 am, Stroger Hospital 5th floor conference room
The Finance Committee Minutes noted a projected shortfall in revenue partly due to delays in State of Illinois payments for Medicaid patients. Illinois' proposed move to an HMO model for Medicaid reimbursement threatens to undermine a previously established "special" relationship that the County had enjoyed.
HHS also has an issue with the Cook County Board regarding an across-the-board reduction in appropriations that does not recognize the revenues generated by HHS. They seek a reduction in subsidy rather than in total appropriations. A communiqué from the Office of the County Board's President identifies an 11% reduction. HHS questions whether dialog should be with the President or the Board of Commissioners who established HHS.
CCHHS Financial Statements and Audit Management Letter were discussed. The latter identified errors but shows improvement.
The HHS Budget for 2011 will go to the Finance Committee for discussion.
The Board Education presentation was devoted to National Healthcare Reform. Many questions remain unanswered, e.g., about Exchanges, Waivers, Partnerships. Rules are in process.
Implementation of the HHS Strategic Plan will be discussed at the October meeting with timetables for various stages. Meanwhile, necessary steps are underway for Certificate of Need (ON) approval for the closure of in-patient beds at Oak Forest Hospital and the suspension of Obstetrics at Provident Hospital as of October.
Discussion with University of Chicago regarding Provident Hospital continues.
Work-force rebalancing and staff reductions of 400 FTEs are underway. Unions have been notified.
Several management initiatives are underway. One addresses long wait lines at Fantus Clinic. The Website is being redesigned to be more consumer friendly. The General Medical Clinic has implemented changes in its internal reporting structure that has improved outcomes regarding access and patient satisfaction.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 am.
--Submitted by Nancy Staunton, Observer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)