March 12, 2014 Cook County Board Meeting

The Commissioners approved a $2.4 million study for redevelopment of the Stroger Hospital site. There was testimony regarding Stroger Campus and opportunities for development that will help to establish a vibrant mixed use campus to draw in the local population and integrate the medical and educational communities.  The commissioners were very positive on the potential and stated this could be transformative for the West side and indeed the entire city.  The study will take place through the summer, RFPs for developers are expected to go out in early fall and redevelopment plans are expected to be firmed up in Spring 2015.  The Commissioners emphasized that expanded hospital needs because of providing more mental health care and County Care under the Affordable Care Act should be considered before space was given up for other purposes.  Dr. Gray Shannon of the HHS said that they were comfortable that this was being done appropriately.

Significant changes to the County’s procurement ordinance were approved.  They are designed to provide greater transparency in the procurement process and greater participation of Minority and Women Owned business enterprises (M/WBEs). These updates give the County more tools to promote and enforce these goals by adding stronger enforcement measures and establish more stringent penalties for those violating the rules.

Companies who make false statements regarding the contractual participation or status of M/WBEs will be potentially liable for a $2,500 fine, their contract may be subject to termination, and their company may be subject to disqualification for up to five years. Companies who fail to meet participation goals may be required to pay the difference between the goal and the actual spending amount that took place. The penalties that are levied by the County will be streamlined through the Administrative Hearing process, rather than being played out in the court system. If a company is found to be ineligible as an M/WBE by the County, it now will have to wait at least one year to re-apply, rather than 6 months.  The ordinance cracks down on pass-through and other businesses that would inappropriately take advantage of M/WBE status. The process by which Veteran-Owned Businesses and companies who employ veterans can participate in County contracts is clarified. The proposal also codifies past and current practices regarding M/WBE participation in bond transactions.  

There was a long debate on an ordinance allowing for the creation of a municipal inspector general, set up through the Sheriff’s office, who would be authorized to conduct an investigation of municipalities who fail to file two consecutive annual audit reports or annual financial reports with the Comptroller. There are currently 3 such municipalities, 2 of which have new mayors who inherited the problem.  All three are very poor communities and they may have to choose between paying for an audit and providing basic services such as fire and police protection, clean water etc. Gene Williams, the mayor from Lynwood, gave public testimony to say that this is a bad ordinance and may actually be illegal.  The commissioners then questioned whether the county had the authority or if the responsibility belonged to the state. It was suggested that an opinion should come from the state’s attorney.  It was mentioned that the ordinance also covers special districts, such as mosquito abatement. Commissioner Suffredin said that he thought the problem would be better solved by the General Assembly in Springfield but they had thus far failed to do anything and he hoped that by introducing the ordinance in Cook County they would actually be encouraged to act. Commissioner Suffredin stated that he had introduced a revised ordinance, #14-1557 and asked that it be referred it to the next finance committee.  This was done.

A report was given about the Health and Hospital System discussing the increased revenue. Dr. Raju was recognized and congratulated on his amazing success in helping to turn around the Health and Hospital System.  In 2 1/2 years, Dr. Raju was instrumental in putting HHS on a more sustainable financial position, helping to create a true public hospital system that is a safety net system, while contributing to improved morale among employees.  Commissioners congratulated Dr. Raju and his wife, and wished him well in his new job back in New York.

One public speaker addressed changes to Camp Sullivan regarding improved camp grounds and access to the camp, and how it will affect the folks who live across the street.  There was a lot of debate regarding responsiveness to the constituent’s concerns.  Some discussion addressed the issue that the forest preserve meeting was the day before and it was unfortunate that the constituent had not been there.  It was determined that some of the concerns had been addressed because large RV campers would not be allowed at that camp. Further, it was determined that the ingress/egress could not be changed due to IDOT and utility issues.

  

Testimony was given regarding Provident Hospital and the removal of 2-underground storage tanks that were used to store fuel for the Hospital’s emergency generators.  The City of Chicago and Bureau of Fire Protection issued notice in September 2008 that the 5,000 gallon tank failed the tank tightness test. An engineering firm was contracted to remove the 5,000 tank. Subsequently, the 15,000 gallon tank was determined to have corroded piping and possible contamination to the site. The request before the board was to approve funding to pay for the 2nd tank which had been removed in August 2012.  Commissioners questioned the speaker regarding the history of when the tanks were first discovered to have problems and why the funding for removal of the second tank had not come before the board. Commissioner Schneider asked about the level of contamination at the site. The Commissioners asked for a letter to explain the history of the situation in order to place it in the record. Item #14-1806 was not approved at this time.

--submitted by Laura Davis and Lali Watt

Cook County Forest Preserve Budget Hearing: October 25, 2012

Commissioners Present: Earleen Collins, John Daley, Gregg Goslin, and Larry Suffredin

Also Present:  Arnold Randall, General Superintendent, CC Forest Preserve District

Testimony began at 6:00 PM at the Skokie Court House, Skokie, IL

1) Kay Havens (Chicago Botanic Garden Staff) spoke about the internship program at the Gardens which began in 2002.  It gives hands on experience in botany, wildlife management, land-usage and conservation.  There have been 75-100 graduates of the program who have gone on to jobs in land conservation.  Federal stimulus dollars have been awarded to this nationally recognized program.

2) Joseph Walsh teaches ecology and genetics at Northwestern University.  He utilizes the forest preserve for his undergraduate classes and urges an increase in funding. There have been many proposals for additional programs in the forest preserve such as building a convention center to get people to interact with nature and building playgrounds.  These suggestions do not really encourage people to interact with nature.  Children are “hardwired” to respond to animals and to nature.  We need to be sure that we are not constructing artificial barriers to such interaction.

Arnold Randall commented that in the past the budget number has been inflated.  Commissioners are trying to be more transparent now and to be clear on what is actually being spent, rather than just putting out a number on paper. He assured Mr. Walsh that proposals that don’t make sense will be filtered out in the planning process.  Comm. Suffredin encouraged Mr. Walsh to continue using the Forest Preserve for his classes at Northwestern.

3) George Blakemore (a concerned citizen) wants citizens, particularly those in the black community, to get a fair share of jobs and contracts.  The commissioners need to educate and enlighten citizens about these meetings.

4) Rett Donnelly (volunteer in FPDCC) was happy to hear that the budget is not actually shrinking.  He and other volunteers have been working to combat invasive species such as buckthorn, Asian parsley.  He urges caring for what we have now rather than initiating new programs like camping, zip lines, etc. The FPD would need to add police for these new programs, which is an added expense.

Mr. Randall said that historically the FPD has not reached out to the general population.  They need to find ways to get people into the Forest Preserves.  People of the next generation need to be involved and learning to care for this resource.

--Submitted by Georgia Gebhardt

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting, September 11, 2012

President Preckwinkle called the meeting to order at 10:14 AM.  Roll was called and an invocation was made.  Commissioners Collins, Murphy, Gainer, and Beavers were absent.

The president welcomed everyone to the Chicago Botanic Garden, where the meeting was held. Sophia Siskel, Executive Director of the Garden, gave an update on the garden work and plans for the future.

Resolutions were passed honoring 9/11; Billy Casper, Jr. on running the district golf courses; John Elliot, Education Program Manager, on his retirement; and Poplar Creek Forest and Charles Hanson Woods Nature Preserve selected for the Environmental Conservation Award,

The meeting recessed to the Finance Committee meeting. Commissioner Goslin presided.  The committee approved disbursements and committee reports from Litigation, Workman’s Compensation, and Revenue Report (pool fees up, license fees up, golf revenue up from last year).

Lots of discussion, all positive, about the proposed ordinance to have a goal that not less than 25% of contracts awarded be given to Minority and Women owned Business Enterprises.  This ordinance has a sunset of 6/2016 but can be renewed if it proves effective.  This is a first for the Forest Preserve and many commissioners asked that their names be added to the ordinance, along with Commissioner Garcia who proposed it.  This ordinance was passed unanimously.

Back in the regular board meeting, the most important item was the purchase of land adjacent to Orland Grasslands in south Cook County for $8 million. This adds 160 acres to Forest Preserve lands.

Also, professional services in the amount of $87,000 were  approved for a consultant to set up a program for the new MBE/WBE ordinance.

The meeting adjourned at 12:17 PM.

--Submitted by Observer Peggy Kell

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting, October 18, 2011

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by President, Toni Preckwinkle. A retirement resolution was read for Kathleen McDonnell who worked in the office of the Clerk of CC.

Several Commissioners expressed concern about the new Procurement code change.  They wanted to be sure that the “bid box” will stay in the Board Room and not move to the Administrative offices. They were assured that the box and the opening bid process will continue to be handled in the Board Room.   Another Commissioner suggested that the process be taped and put on Cable TV.

All business handled during this morning meeting was voted on a pro forma basis and the Board meeting adjourned just after 11:30 a.m.  There was no discussion about Medicaid reimbursements or the status of the current or proposed budged except for the following:

·         The Commissioners were asked to ratify new contracts covering 1,900 Teamster employees for the period 2008 through 2012.  This is another of the issues that the President and Board inherited and covers employees working for the Circuit Clerk, Chief Judge, and in Preckwinkle’s administration.  However, the Administration is asking for this contract to be approved knowing that immediately it will ask all the County’s unions to reopen contracts to negotiate for 6 unpaid holidays and 2 furlough days in 2012.  Commissioner Suffredin questioned the reasoning of approval only to immediately ask for a change.  The Administration’s Human Resources Director was firm in her recommendation to follow this two-step approach.  She argued that the negotiated Teamster contract is a good one for the County and it needs to be finalized.  Further, unions including the Teamsters have signaled their refusal to go along with unpaid holidays and furlough days.  In the end, the Board voted to approve the contract.  President Preckwinkle stated that 500 layoffs are likely in either case, but the number will double without this concession.

·         Commissioner Earlean Collins proposed having department heads at committee meetings so that questions that arise can be addressed immediately.  The resolution was sent to the Rules Committee for review.

·         Commissioner Suffredin offered a resolution that would allow tickets issued by the Forest Preserve to be heard by a county administrative judge.  The resolution Passed.

·         Finally, the Board approved the appointment of Takashi Reinbold as Interim Comptroller until a permanent candidate can be appointed and approved.

Report Submitted by:

Diane Edmundson, LWV Chicago

May 2 2011 Meeting of the Forest Preserve Commission

Short and snappy 50 minute meeting was held with four commissioners absent.

A miscellaneous item of business will be adding work for the commissioners. It was announced a log ("Political Contact Log") must be maintained by all employees of the District. They are required to document all contacts made by, or on behalf of, politically-related persons or organizations regarding an employment action, involving a non-exempt employee or non-exempt job applicant (i.e., subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act . This will help with their compliance with the Shakman Decree.

Alice Brandon and Benjamin Cox of Friends of the Forest Preserves and John McCabe, the Forest Preserve District's Training and Safety Coordinator, were acknowledged for completing a Safety Training session.

This meeting was immediately followed by a meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

Mary Ann Tate
May 14, 2011

Forest Preserve Commission of Cook County July 14 2010

The most important news discussed at the Forest Preserve Commmission was about upgrades on the ratings of the Forest Preserve District's $115 million in outstanding GO bonds. Both Standard and Poor's and Moody's have upgraded their ratings. One of the benefits of having separate budgets and administrations is that the Cook County Board's financial issues do not become the Forest Preserve District's issues. This has served the Forest Preserve District well up to now.

Another interesting development is the proposal of a "Sustainability Doctrine" which was referred to the Environmental Control Committee to be considered for adoption by the Board. This draft document is the culmination of a very important and successful conference sponsored by the Commission last year and held at the Brookfield Zoo. We will certainly hear more about this in the future.

Much of the meeting was taken up with the introduction and brief statements by interns from the many programs which the Chicago Botanic Garden manages over the summer for youth. Ranging from college-age scientists working at the CBG to Juvenile offenders with the Sheriff's Boot Camp program, the Forest Preserve District seems to be making many cost-effective contributions to the education and involvement in youth working to achieve the mission of protecting and promote nature and healthy lifestyles. The students were very positive and articulate in the appreciation for opportunities provided. It sounds like they work hard and interact well with the staff professionals who run these programs.

There was some discussion of a resolution to oppose the Entertainment
Tax that the Village of Brookfield proposed (but which is not in play at the moment). The Zoo and the District both feel that the Village benefits greatly by having the Zoo in its confines, and the the Zoo and District have been very good neighbors over the years. All the Commissioners supported the resolution to oppose the tax.

Forest Preserve Commission February 10 2010

The February meeting of the CCFP was the most well attended and the shortest meeting ever! There was agreement on the Finance Agenda. There were no issues to discuss. The supplemental agenda honored Ralph Freese on his induction into the National Rivers Hall of Fame and Ralph undoubtedly deserves this honor as he has worked tirelessly to promote paddling on the Chicago River for many many years.

One of the most interesting items on the agenda, which was agreed upon and not discussed, is the ongoing agreement that the Forest Preserve has with the Audubon Society of the Chicago Region. Since 2006, the two organizations have had a collaborative arrangement where the Audubon uses volunteers, interns and staff to manage and restore rare habitat and the Forest Preserve reimburses some of the expenses using funds previously allocated for land management. This appears to be a good collaboration because the Audubon staff specialize in environmental science, they have a good network for recruiting qualified interns, and they make extensive use of citizen volunteers both to do the work and to measure impact through their frog, plant, and bird monitoring programs. Being a nonprofit organization, they also supplement the County funding with contribution monies raised. Overall it seems to be a program that is very well-managed and works in the interest of the taxpayers and citizens of Cook County.

Dec 2 2009 Forest Preserve Meeting

When the meeting opened, Comm. Timothy Schneider had a resolution read into the minutes congratulating Motorola’s Global Day of Service, October 14, 2009 at Busse Woods.

Working with Friends of the Parks and the Forest Preserve District, 400 Motorola employees provided 1200 hours clearing litter and invasive Buckthorn.

Comm. Larry Suffredin reported that the annual New Year’s Day canoe trip will be on schedule and open to the public. Meeting point is Forestway Drive north of Willow Road and east of the Edens. Staggered starting time beings at 7:00 am, the last start will be 11:00 am. The trip takes about 3 hours and buses are at the destination, Linne Woods, for the return trip. It is a bring-your-own-boat event.

Detailed info is available by emailing wkoenig at cookcountgov.com

Always of interest is the Forest Preserve website www.soclose2you.org.

Mary Ann Tate
December 15, 2009

More from the Cook County Board Meeting, October 20, 2009

The Forest Preserve District is celebrating the l00 year anniversary of the Burnham Plan. Mr. Todd Stroger reported on the 20l0 proposal which will be sent to the Forest Preserve Commission for consideration and adoption. On October 30^th, there will be a public hearing and Nov. 30th there will be a meeting to discuss the Brookfield Zoo and the Botanic Gardens. On Dec. 2nd the budget will be adopted. The Forest Preserve District will not raise the tax levy this year. They own 68,000 acres and they have benefited from 93,000 hours of volunteer workers. This is equal to $23,000. They have a AA tax rating. They have increased their activities and media endeavors . The iPhone will soon list their activities.

Rev. Kenneth Franklin was elevated to become a Bishop. He is a community activist and church leader. October 20th was proclaimed Bishop Franklin Day. He has 237 churches under his leadership.

The Chicago South Swim Club was honored for its competitive swim program for children from 4 to l8 years of age. About l5 children were in attendance and honored.

Some juvenile detention individuals were moved from Cook County facilities to other counties. The cost in Cook County is $400 to $500 a day and the cost in other counties is $ll0 a day. An explanation of the cost difference was requested from Earl Dunlap, Transitional Administrator of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. The cost difference is attributed to the prison employee overtime pay. A system that was put in three years ago is not working yet.

The sales tax is down but it is not yet a concern. This year only 67% of the money allocated for health has been spent. The County Health system is improving its patient collection program. Payments are posted on line.

The property tax multiplier, or equalization factor, for Cook County has increased. The Illinois Department of Revenue in Springfield increased the multiplier to 2.85 %. Some feel this is not fair because many property tax payers think the increase comes from Cook County, when in fact, it is imposed by the state.

The Chief Operating Officer of the Dept. of Public Health was awarded $2,4ll,932 to provide vaccination at clinics for H1N1 influenza . He was also granted $l,477,l3l to maintain a suburban Cook County emergency response preparedness plan for incidents of bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and other potential emergency situations.

--Submitted by Observer Arline Doblin

Cook County Forest Preserve Meeting July 1 2009

The July 1 meeting of the Forest Preserve Commission was held at the Swan Pavillion at the Brookfield Zoo in order to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Zoo. Ours is one of the oldest zoos in the nation. Construction began in 1926 following a countywide voter referendum. Historically we have been leaders in wildlife conservation technology, and now are a leader in green technology -- being the first zoo to obtain hybrid vehicles. The finances of the Zoo appear to be in very good order, especially considering the current state of the economy. Diversity among the staff has improved in recent years as well.

After some presentations by Brookfield Zoo officials, the regular meetings of the Forest Preserve Commission began. First off, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission named Deer Grove West as the 500th Nature Preserve in Illinois. This is an important honor and recognizes the critical habitat there. Interestingly, The Forest Preserve Commission bought Deer Grove in Palatine as the first piece of land in our Forest Preserve system in 1916.

There were various items on the agenda including more about the Bass Fishing Tournament and also the introduction of various interns and programs for teen-age students. The High School Service Learning Program involves 61 schools and thousands of hours of volunteer work in conjunction with area science teachers. The John Stroger interns who work at the Botanic Garden are college students.

The two most interesting things about the meeting were things that did not happen. One is that Commissioner Goslin had submitted for consideration on the agenda a resolution that the Forest Preserve District ought to go to referendum in February to raise money to buy more land, as land is relatively cheap and thus there is an opportunity. He rescinded the motion immediately before the meeting and without any discussion. Later, privately, he told me that his colleagues felt it would be perceived by voters as another tax and thus had no chance to pass.

Another thing that didn't happen was related to a real estate transaction sponsored by Commissioner Peraica which was a request from the Village of Westchester to use some Forest Preserve land for a water main. Commissioner Suffredin raised the issue that there had not been three days public notice before this was added to the agenda, and so, following the law, the proposal could not be voted on.

Forest Preserve District moves forward with improvements

Cook Country Forest Preserve Meeting June 3, 2009

The meeting was opened by Pres. Pro tem John Daley.

Several commissioners postured for about an hour over the merits of the staff's recommendation to accept a bid for the restoration of (historic) Limestone Picnic Shelters. After several roll call votes, they agreed with the staff so that the work could be completed during this season.

Steve Mayberry, Public Affairs Director, presented an excellent new public awareness campaign for the Forest Preserve, including a new website. Not only does it feature the activities of the Cook County Forest Preserve, it is easy to locate hiking and biking trails in at least 48 states. I didn't check Alaska and Hawaii.

Dr. Stuart Strahl, Director of Brookfield Zoo, presented the zoo's master plan for 2009 which includes securing a companion elephant for Christy, their only elephant at this time.

--Submitted by Observer Mary Ann Tate

Cook County Forest Preserve Meeting May 6 2009

Quick light upbeat meeting started with FPD Police Department’s Chief Richard Waszak, giving commendations to many officers for their superior efforts on behalf of the public, including saving of a life.

A resolution was read into the record by Larry Suffredin (D-13) thanking the Forest Preserve Police Dept. and the Cook County Building and Zoning Department for their help with the grand opening, April 19th, of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Educational Center, located in the Village of Skokie.

A spokesman for the Museum said there is an excellent section in the museum for children under 12.

The (IHSA) Sectional Bass Fishing Tournament was a tremendous success.

Twenty eight schools competed in 3 locations.

Busse Lake
Winner: Wheaton-Warrenville South High School
Runners-up York Community High School & James B. Conant High School

Tampier Lake
Winner: Carl Sandburg High School
Runner-Up Brother Rice High School

Skokie Lagoons
Winner: Maine West High School
Runner-Up Taft High School & Regina Dominican High School

All winners and runner ups will advance to the downstate Illinois State finals. No date set at this time. (but soon I expect)

Mary Ann Tate
May 17, 2009

Many Commissioners like to fish, but few wish to cut bait

Cook Country Forest Preserve Meeting
April 2, 2009

Two excellent speakers presented information on the FIRST Illinois High School Association (“ISHA”) bass fishing tournament to be held in Tampier Lake, Busse Woods and Skokie Lagoon, on April 24, 2009.

Student-athletes from three Chicago area high schools, Oak Park, Regina and Simion Academy were in attendance.

The presentation of the planned statewide tournament was made by the Asst. Executive Director of IHSA, Dave Gannaway and radio personality, Chauncey Niziol of ESPN radio.

Mr. Niziol said that bass fishing, as a high school sport, has been well received nationally, but Chicago will have the first tournament on April 24, 2009..

The commissioners gave Mike Quigley (D-10) a rousing farewell as this meeting would very likely be his last as Chairman of Finance Committee of the Forest Preserve. He is a candidate for Rahm Emanuel’s seat in the 5th Congressional District, April 7th. Positive comments from the Commissioners ran 15 to 2 in Quigley’s favor.

--Submitted by Observer Mary Ann Tate

Forest Preserve Commissioners Meeting March 5 2009

At the regular meeting of the Forest Preserve Commissioners of Cook County on March 5 2009 there was a legal report to start. Judge Anderson has entered a Supplemental Relief Order with no complaints, paving the way for the FP to have the earliest "out" of the Shakman Decree on June 2010. Judge Anderson complimented the District on keeping its costs down.

There was then an adjournment so the Finance Committee of the whole could meet. During this time many contacts and disbursements were ok'd without much discussion. One item discussed was the restoration of about 40 lakes which are in the Forest Preserve District and are being overrun with vegetation and becoming less usable for enjoyment by citizens. The restoration process and expense was discussed. Superintendent Bylina used this opportunity to explain that the District is one of the hosts of the IHSA State Championships for Fishing this year and they are very proud of this distinction and service.

Back to the regular meeting the Annual Watchman report was presented. It was reported that, in keeping with policy the number of homes has decreased with them being taken out of service when repair costs rise. There are now 47 homes in service as opposed to 57 in 2008. One is being repaired because it is worth it now so 9 have been taken permanently out of service. The rent for these homes is deducted from each watchman's salary so there is no one in arrears and there was a $50,000 profit to the FPDCC due to this program last year. Commissioner Peraica raised a concern about the in-house make-up of the committee which oversees this program, but there was no general discussion of that issue.

New items of business were:

Commissioner Suffredin moved to receive and file a report which is annually prepared by Kent Fuller, steward of the Miami Woods restoration efforts. Mr. Fuller reported phenomenol growth in the hours and efforts of volunteers. Since 2001 there have been more than 5194 volunteers working to help restore Miami Woods. They are recognized and thanked.

Commissioner Stroger and others honored Eileen Agnes O'Malley and sent condolences to her family upon her death. Mrs. O'Mally had donated 100 acres of open space to the Forest Preserve during her life.

Last issue was a big confused because the request was for approval to award an Auditing contract but the request had not been submitted early enough to warrant action under the Open Meetings Act. It could not be approved at this meeting, but there is some time pressure for the auditors to get started. The firm chosen gave the lowest bid and is a reputable firm, though they had also made one political contribution which made them suspect to Commissioner Peraica. In order to conform to the Open Meetings Act this request was discussed and deferred. A special meeting will be called for March 17 in the morning to vote on awarding this contract.

That's all.