Cook County Board Meeting April 17, 2012

Upon this observer's arrival at 9:40 am, the Committee meetings were already in session.  President Toni Preckwinkle called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. Tim Beuher, the newly appointed Commissioner of Building and Zoning, was introduced and recognized for his outstanding experience and ability.

Several resolutions were introduced and approved including one recognizing the serious problems relating to heroin addiction and the County's commitment to work to alleviate it; another recognizing the Sandburg High School State Champions Boys Wrestling team, the Sandburg State and National Champion Cheerleaders Team and the Whitney Young State Champion 4A High School Women’s  Basketball Team; and one recognizing a World War II decorated veteran.

During the Finance Committee Meeting, there was extensive discussion about the bills for Shakman compliance cases and how much longer this process and expense would continue.  It was pointed out that this problem started in 1969 but the County fought it for many years, and the compliance process did not begin until 1992.  The President’s Office is nearing compliance but there is still work to be done.

Discussion during the Finance Supplemental Agenda, Commissioner Silvestri indicated that a solution to allow closing of bond courts on the weekends had been achieved.  Those arrested would be delivered by the local authorities to either the Markham or Maywood facilities and the County will provide transportation to 26^th Street thus saving the municipalities the transportation and overtime expenses.  These two locations were picked because they have appropriate facilities to hold the arrestees and the other county buildings do not.  Commissioner Silvestri explained that county funds had been found to cover the costs since the closings were slated to save $1.6 million annually.

This was followed by the Revenue Report for the 1^st Quarter.  Collections were $521.4 million against an anticipated collection of $521.8.  The Treasurer’s office was up six million plus and the Clerk of the Court’s office was down, due in part to lag time in processing.  Revenue is 14.9% higher than last year. 

Under Health Services it was reported that billing has improved and accounts receivable has increased.  They are ahead in Medicare receipts and are working to solve problems in medicaid.  They are still working on getting the 1115 Waiver [which allows states to have flexibility in administering medicaid plans], which is critical to significantly improving payments for services by qualifying clients for medicaid services. Health Services has hired 54 people including 17 nurses and are interviewing to fill additional nursing positions.

Discussion of a contract for $1.35 million with W.W. Granger for availability in emergency/unexpected situations for maintenance, repair and supply resulted in a prolonged discussion of “why”.  Homeland Security and other agencies explained the need to be able to respond to emergencies, such as flooding or a pandemic, without having to waste time in responding to the problem with vital equipment.

The CFO reported that a legislative coordinator had been hired for $65,000 to process grants and perform other work.  This led to a discussion of the hiring of an attorney who would represent the Board of Commissioners.  The President’s office has not yet hired such an attorney, and this led several Commissioners to state that this attorney is for the Commissioners, should not report to the President’s office and they will work to resolve this disturbing difference.

The meeting had not adjourned when the observer departed at one o’clock. Those Commissioners not present for the meeting were Commissioner Goslin, Commissioner Daley after the first hour, and Commissioner Garcia.