May 8, 2013 Cook County Board Meeting

Public Comment Returns to All Meetings

Source of Income Amendment Passes

After several years of advocacy on the part of the League of Women Voters of Cook County, the Cook County Board amended its Rules of Organization and Procedure to return a public comment period to all its Board and Committee meetings.  In addition, the Board passed an amendment that eliminates a landlord’s right to refuse to rent to someone solely on the basis that that person participates in the Federal Section 8 housing assistance program.  The Cook County League has also been supporting the passage of this amendment known as the “Source of Income (SOI)” amendment.

In other business, the Board referred a proposed ordinance regulating the carrying of concealed weapons to the Legislation and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.  Committee Chair and amendment sponsor Larry Suffredin explained that this proposed ordinance would be held in committee to see if the Illinois legislature and governor would enact a concealed weapon statute in conformance with a recent federal court order.  If the State does not act within the time limit specified by the court, then the Committee will take up this item, including holding hearings on this proposed ordinance. (This was New Item #4 on the agenda.)

The Board also approved the appointment of Shelly Banks as Cook County Auditor for a 5-year term. Ms. Banks is a CPA and has most recently served as the Chief Internal Auditor with the Illinois State Lottery.

Public Testimony

Under the Amendment to the Rules that was first discussed in the Legislation and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee on May 8 prior to the Board Meeting, in order to testify at a Board or Committee meeting, a speaker must register with the Secretary to the Board at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.  Public testimony must be germane to a specific item or items on the agenda, and the testimony must not exceed three minutes.  Anyone failing to adhere to these conditions or failing to act appropriately when addressing the Board may be expelled from the meeting or may be disqualified from testifying in the future.  The Chair of the meeting may grant leave for someone who has not met the advance registration requirement to speak if conditions permit.  As Commissioner Suffredin explained to the League representatives present, one of the purposes of the advance notice requirement is so people have some idea as to how long public comment will take so that any necessary adjustments to the day’s schedule can be made.

As originally proposed, the amendment would have had public testimony come at the end of the meeting.  The League contacted the Commissioners to urge that testimony come prior to the Commissioners taking any action on an agenda item so the Commissioners would have the benefit of such testimony.  Following that contact, the League was informed that a substitute ordinance amendment would be introduced in Committee which provided for public testimony at the start of meetings as the normal order of business.  League Co-President Karin Hribar testified at the Committee meeting in favor of this substituted amendment, which was then passed by the Committee. The Committee Report for this May 8 meeting was then passed by the Board at the Board meeting that day.

SOI Amendment

In a meeting of the Board’s Human Relations Committee on July 24, 2012, the Committee approved a proposed amendment to Chapter 42, Sections 42-37 and 42-38 of the County Code which would eliminate a landlord’s ability to refuse to rent to someone who participated in the Federal Section 8 housing assistance program.  That Committee Report and the items contained therein, however, was not presented to the full Board until this May 8 meeting.  This particular item was pulled out from the report for separate discussion by the Board.  At the beginning of the Board meeting, public testimony was allowed with 9 speakers in favor of the amendment and two speakers opposing it.  Those in support argued that no one should be discriminated on the basis of their source of income and that anyone receiving Section 8 support should be allowed to live anywhere in Cook County.  It was pointed out that the city of Chicago did not allow a renter to be turned away solely because of Section 8 assistance.  Those who spoke in opposition expressed concerns that landlords would have additional paperwork and other requirements.  The League was one of the members of the group supporting this amendment.

The SOI amendment was approved 9 to 6.  Voting yes:  Butler, Fritchey, Gainer, Garcia, Moore, Reyes, Sims, Steele, and Suffredin.  Voting no:  Daley, Gorman, Goslin, Murphy, Schneider, and Silvestri.  Absent:  Collins and Tobolski.  Prior to the vote, President Preckwinkle stated that she would appreciate a vote in favor. 

-- submitted by Priscilla Mims, League Observer

Nov. 9, 2009 Finance Committee Meeting to Review the Proposed Budget--Offices under the President

Chief of Staff Joseph Fratto said that the budgets for these offices (Department of Human Rights, Ethics, Women’s Issues; Department of Public Affairs and Communications; and Office of the President) are down from 2009, but the Q-2A chart shows an increase of $175,472 in the Corporate Fund.  However, $251,611 is proposed for a new Film Commission Office that is expected to have a huge potential upside in revenue for the County through the creation and retention of jobs.  The point of the Office would be to market the County and for filming and related services, as well as to provide a central point of contact for necessary permits and regulatory approvals in the different municipalities for the film industry in seeking to film in Cook County.  Several of the Commissioners inquired whether the marketing and permitting/regulatory central point of contact could be done with existing employees, rather than creating new positions.  Mr. Fratto said he would look at that.

There were also many questions regarding the tripling of the budget in the special purpose fund for the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (from $354,000 to over $1 million).  Commissioner Gainer questioned the large salary increases that were proposed for existing employees without any showing that there was a need in order to retain these employees or to recruit new employees.  Commissioner Suffredin noted that $882,000 of this special purpose fund is supposed to be covered by anticipated reimbursements from the State, but the Commissioner expressed concern over whether these reimbursements would ever be received.  Further, apparently there are other budgeted positions that would be funded by grants that are not in the budget book.  Mr. Fratto was asked to delineate exactly what these are.

--Submitted by Observer Pris Mims

Cook County Board Once Again Approves Reduction in Sales Tax

November 17 at 10:30am

The Cook County Board met in Special Session to consider 2 amendments to the Home Rule Sales Taxes in the county. The amendments called for a decrease from 1.75% to 1.25% in both the County Retailer's Occupation Tax and the County Service Occupation Tax. The meeting was called to order by President Stroger at 10:50am and Comm. Suffredin moved the approval of the 2 amendments.

After establishing that public notification of the meeting met the Open Meetings Act requirements, Comm. Schneider introduced amendments to the amendments that changed the percentage reduction of the tax from 1.75% to 0.75%. This provoked discussion of whether such amendments were in order and after establishing that they were Comm. Schneider stated that his amendments were intended to get rid of the tax which is driving business out of the county and look to other ways to broaden the tax base to produce revenue if it is needed.

Debate ensued with nearly all commissioners having their say about the taxes once again. The roll call vote to accept the substitute amendments was as follows: Yes(6): Claypool, Gorman, Goslin, Peraica, Schneider, Silvestri No(10): Beavers, Butler, Collins, Daley, Gainer, Murphy, Reyes, Sims, Steele, Suffredin Absent(1): Moreno

Then the original amendments were brought back to the floor for action. Again there was debate. Comm. Collins stated that Cook County was "the worst structured and run government in the country" and it needs to be restructured since so many departments have strayed from their core mission. Comm. Daley stated that Cook County goverment will change in 2011 and agencies will have to combine. He further stated that the Board needs the power to make changes. Comm. Peraica apparently insulted a relative of Comm. Daley, that resulted in accusations of politicking, looking out only for one's constituents not the county as a whole, looking to doing what was politically expedient rather than what is good for the people.

After all the Commissioners who wanted to were able to speak, President Stroger then made his speech saying this was a battle of the haves and the have nots, and again stating that the poor will suffer with a lack of health care. He accused the Unions of having done nothing - just standing on the side lines. He stated that he is there to represent all of Cook County and to remind people of what really matters. Then he called for the roll call vote.

The vote on the amendments changing the tax from 1.75% to 1.25% was done on each amendment separately. The vote was the same for each. Yes(12): Claypool, Collins, Daley, Gainer, Gorman, Goslin, Peraica, Reyes, Schneider, Silvestri, Steel, Suffredin No(5): Beavers, Butler, Moreno, Murphy, Sims

A move to reconsider each was made and another roll call was done. It was not approved. The meeting was adjourned at 12:40pm.

Cook County Board Meeting July 21, 2009

The Board passed an amendment which waives the death certificate fee for the family and friends of desecrated grave victims of Burr Oak Cemetery. Commissioner Daley stated that this gesture would help provide closure for the families and friends affected by this tragedy. One issue of concern with recovering the graves at Burr Oak is the cost to the county. Commissioner Peraica offered that the State of Illinois has a responsibility to pay for incurring costs—not just Cook County. Sheriff Dart spoke on behalf of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, recalling the 55,000 phone calls his office has received, and his hope that the county will recover some of the $326,000 dollars it has spent to investigate and repair the fallout from the grave crimes.

The Board then paid tribute to Officer Williams, a former employee with the sheriff’s department, who was recently killed in battle in Afghanistan, as well as Frederick Douglass Sengstacke of the Chicago Defender, recently deceased. Rising votes were taken for both of these noble men. Finally, condolences were expressed to the family and friends of Dempsey Travis, whose name remains highly respected for his multiple roles as Civil Rights activist and contributor to the real estate profession.

The financial state of the county, particularly the implementation of the sales tax, was also brought to the table at the meeting. Commissioner Peraica stated that Cook County is running behind on its projected increase in revenue, while Commissioner Suffredin was more optimistic about the financial condition of the county. He argued that Cook County is not in a financial crisis.

Discussion concerning the new budget –to be made public in September—followed. At this time, the Board plans to hold forums in which elected officials will debate budget requests. As discussion of the budget continued, the announcement that the current reduced allocations in the budget will be the starting point for next year’s budget was made.

The Board discussed cutting the sales tax by .25 per cent and the question of how much this reduction will affect health care was debated. Commissioner Sims reiterated her position that she will not support any reduction of the sales tax if reducing the tax means compromising health care. She also encouraged a climate of trust and compromise among Board members.
The sales tax has had the unintended effect of reducing revenue in Cook County instead of increasing it, as residents are now shopping in counties which have lower sales taxes. The Board reminded one another and the audience that there is no Cook County sales tax on food. Commissioner Collins offered that the Board only receives one penny out of the 9 pennies that is charged on sales in Cook County. She also expressed her hope that the Press and the people of Cook County will stop vilifying the Board for the tax increase.

A substitute ordinance that reduces the sales tax to 1.25 percent beginning January 1 was presented. Finally, Commissioner Butler emphasized that attempts to replenish peoples’ pocketbooks is only “feel good” rhetoric: the county still needs to retain any monies it may have acquired to pay venders who have remained unpaid for significant periods of time.

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.

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

Rolling back the Sales Tax? Cutting the Commercial Real Estate Tax?

Cook County Board Meeting -- April 15, 2009

New Cook County Board member Commissioner Bridget Gainer was introduced and congratulated. She replaces Commissioner Mike Quigley who was recently elected to the U.S. Congress.

Once again, Comm. Peraica pointed out that another $400,000.00 was spent by the board for compliance administration regarding the Shakman Decree. He called it a corruption tax which taxpayers need to pay due to continuing patronage abuses.

A lot of active discussion centered on a proposed amendment to the Real Property Assessment Classification Ordinance sponsored by Comm. Murphy and Sims. This ordinance is designed to give a tax break to businesses that have had a reduction in income of at least 40% in a year. Commissioner Claypool argued that it is unfair and counterproductive to give tax breaks to unsuccessful businesses and not to their competition, which may exist in the same community. Taxes would need to be raised for others to make-up the loss. Other commissioners pointed out that if these businesses fail, then no taxes will be collected. The Assessor's Office noted it is difficult to determine the criteria for a business failing--who would qualify for this tax abatement. Comm. Silvestri called this part of "piecemeal efforts to re-do taxation." The ordinance passed 9 to 5 for a duration of 5 years.

President Stroger and Comm. Peraica both submitted separate ordinance proposals to roll back the county sales tax. Stroger proposed a .25% decrease per $100 to go into effect next January 2010. Peraica proposed a 1% decrease (the entire amount of last year's sales tax increase). Pres. Stroger declared Peraica's ordinance "out of order" and didn't want it to go further. There was quite a bit of back and forth rancor over this but finally both ordinances were sent to the finance committee (which is the entire board) for consideration.

Commissioner Suffredin submitted a proposed resolution requesting an opinion of the State's Attorney on the procedures required to recognize the will of the voters in Barrington, Hanover and Palatine townships to disconnect from Cook County. This was sent to the legislation committee.

For 3 days in May (the 6th, 7th, and possibly 8th), the finance committee will review the budgets for years 2007, 2008, 2009 in the area of Capital Equipment. The intent is to re-prioritize the expenditures and reduce costs. This was already done for the Capital Improvement budget a few weeks ago. Because of this, many commissioners did not want to approve new Capital Improvement expenses at this meeting. Comm. Beavers insisted the new expenditure proposals be passed or sent to his committee on technology. In the end, all further expenses in the Capital Equipment Fund were delayed until the re-prioritizing could be completed.

January 13, 2009 Cook County Commissioners Board Meeting

Cook County Board of Commissioners, January 13th Meeting.

All 17 commissioners and the president were present. The meeting started around 10:00 am with the first 90 minutes being used to present awards, recognition, and memorial resolutions. One of these resolutions was for the commissioners to "work symbiotically, respectfully and in a bi-partisan manner for the betterment of this government and the citizens it represents." This was to counter the past animosities among the commissioners, especially during the budget process.

For most of the rest of the meeting, the finance committee (which includes all of the commissioners) debated, passed, defeated, or referred bills to be paid. The longest and most contentious discussions concerned the IBM contracts (totaling over $40,000,000.00) to set up "Project Shield"--a homeland security video system for first alert providers. The system has not worked correctly in the past, so several commissioners questioned the administration on why the county is still paying the full contract plus hiring an outside company, Johnson Controls, to maintain the system. The bill to pay the last million dollars of the contract was defeated because there are still questions about the contract being fulfilled by IBM. This issue has been brought up numerous times in past meetings, but is still not fully understood by all.

Interesting financial facts: $573,562.00 in Worker's Compensation Claims has been approved this fiscal year (2009); $2,081,719.00 in attorneys fees and expenses; and $15,000,000.00 in court settlements this fiscal year (2009). Over $2,000,000.00 has been paid to Judge Julia Nowicki, Compliance Administrator for the Shakman v. Democratic Organization of Cook County court case, for fees and expenses.

A lengthy debate occurred regarding a proposed ordinance by Larry Suffredin on financing the expansion and running of children's waiting rooms in the 8 Cook County courthouses. A $10.00 fee would be assessed to each person filing a civil case in court, with indigent filers having the fee waived. This is currently being paid for by Cook County taxpayers. Discussion centered on the constitutionality of this law and also whether these fees should even be assessed considering the taxes already collected. Several commissioners did not understand the proposed ordinance at all, and in fact some voted against their own concerns/interests. The ordinance passed.