NEW ITEMS
Meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners
County Board Room, County Building
Thursday, March 6, 2003, 10:00 A.M.
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PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS
ITEM #1
Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by
JOHN H. STROGER, JR., President, Cook County Board of Commissioners
Co-Sponsored by
JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS,
ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN,
ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY,
ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS,
BOBBIE L. STEELE and LARRY SUFFREDIN, County Commissioners
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom has called Chicago’s “Matriarch,” Eleanor “Sis” Daley, from our midst; and
WHEREAS, born on the fourth day of March in 1907, Mrs. Daley appropriately shares the same birthday as the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Daley was the eighth of 11 children; her parents, Patrick and Nora Guilfoyle were the Chicago born children of Irish immigrants; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Daley, who would graduate from St. Mary’s High School and St. Bridget’s Commercial, would go on to gain employment as a secretary, which was her profession at the time she met her future husband; and
WHEREAS, she married the future mayor of Chicago, Richard J. Daley, in 1936; they had seven children: Patricia, Mary Carol, Eleanor, Richard, Michael, John and William; and
WHEREAS, as a devout Roman Catholic, like her husband, Mrs. Daley strongly believed in what we today refer to as “core family values”: religion, education, discipline, respect for others and quality time with family; in keeping with this philosophy, she devoted her energies toward raising her children and being a source of unwavering support for her husband; and
WHEREAS, although she was an unrelenting source of support of her husband and family, Mrs. Daley was not afraid to speak her mind; a classic example was her strong stance on preserving our city’s beautiful architecture such as the old Chicago Public Library’s central branch, which was built in 1897 and ultimately became the glorious Chicago Cultural Center; and
WHEREAS, with the passing of Mrs. Daley, we have lost an elegant, understated and proud woman, a woman who was committed to her family, championed issues that were important to her and loved this city to her final moments with us; she truly was Chicago’s Matriarch.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the more than five million residents of Cook County, does hereby express its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family as well as the many friends and loved ones of Eleanor “Sis” Daley.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to the family of Eleanor “Sis” Daley so that her rich legacy may be so honored and ever cherished.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved that the Resolution be approved and adopted. President Stroger called for a rising vote. The motion carried unanimously.
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PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS continued
ITEM #2
Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by
EARLEAN COLLINS, County Commissioner
Co-Sponsored by
JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL,
JOHN P. DALEY, ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN,
ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY,
ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS,
BOBBIE L. STEELE and LARRY SUFFREDIN, County Commissioners
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED
COOK COUNTY JAIL INMATE ABUSE
WHEREAS, it is public policy and practice of the President and the Board of Commissioners to protect the safety and rights of inmates as well as law enforcement officials within the Cook County Jail System; and
WHEREAS, there has been considerable court litigation, reports, publications and public demonstrations about alleged excessive use of force and abuse by law enforcement officials and gang activities within Cook County Jail System; and
WHEREAS, to maintain integrity of the Cook County Jail System it is necessary that an investigation be conducted by an independent body which has no past or present ties with the criminal justice system in Cook County: such as universities and law schools which are more cost effective, labor intensive, and could shorten the completion time of the investigation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Board of Commissioners of Cook County authorize the commission of an independent investigation of the Cook County Jail System by a university or law school through the RFP process, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the RFP process clearly defines the scope of services to be rendered which shall include but are not limited to protecting the confidentiality of all interviewees, a clearly defined plan to minimize disruptions of day-to-day operations, and a time certain for completion.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Claypool, moved that the Proposed Resolution be referred to the Committee on Finance. (Comm. No. 258066). The motion carried unanimously.
TRANSFER OF FUNDS
ITEM #3
Transmitting a Communication, dated March 4, 2003 from
JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, County Commissioner
I respectfully submit this request to transfer $2,210.00 from the Utilities Account (018-429) to the Computer Equipment Account (018-579) and $2,200.00 from the Utilities Account (018-429) to the Office Supplies Account (018-390).
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, moved that the transfer of funds be approved. The motion carried unanimously.
PROPOSED GRANT AWARD AMENDMENT
ITEM #4
Transmitting a Communication, dated February 26, 2003 from
RUTH M. ROTHSTEIN, Chief, Bureau of Health Services
Re: Amendment to State Grant for Access to Care Program
This is to request authorization for the President to execute on behalf of the County an amendment dated as of December 1, 2002 to the Grant Agreement dated as of December 1, 2000 with the State of Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA). The amendment would renew and extend for six months the existing grant agreement from the State of Illinois. Under the grant agreement, IDPA will provide the County with $500,000.00 to "pass-through" to the Suburban Primary Health Care Council, which sponsors the Access to Care Program. These funds will be in addition to the $1.5 million that the County provides the Council each year. The term of the amended grant is six months, from December 1, 2002 through May 31, 2003. There was no application process for this grant; rather, the grant was renewed at IDPA's discretion.
Estimated Fiscal Impact: None (pass-through grant). Funding period extension: December 1, 2002 through May 31, 2003.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, moved that the request of the Chief of the Bureau of Health Services be approved and that the Proper Officials be authorized to sign on behalf of Cook County. The motion carried unanimously.
PROPOSED AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
ITEM #5
Transmitting a Communication, dated February 26, 2003 from
RUTH M. ROTHSTEIN, Chief, Bureau of Health Services
Re: Amended Pass-Through Agreement for IDPA Grant to Access to Care
This is to request authorization for the Chief of the Bureau of Health Services to execute on behalf of the County Amendment No. 2, dated as of December 1, 2002, to the Subgrant Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2000, with the Suburban Primary Health Care Council, Westchester, Illinois, which administers the Access to Care Program in Cook County. Contemporaneously, the Board is being asked to authorize the execution by the County of an amendment to a grant agreement with the Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA) regarding a renewal of a grant from the State for the Access to Care Program in the amount of $500,000.00. It is a requirement of that amended grant agreement that the County enter into the amended subgrant agreement with the Council in order to pass the funds through to the Council.
Estimated Fiscal Impact: None (pass-through grant). Funding period extension: December 1, 2002 through May 31, 2003.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, moved that the request of the Chief of the Bureau of Health Services be approved. The motion carried unanimously.
LETTER
ITEM #6
Transmitting a Communication, dated February 2003 from
MIKE QUIGLEY, County Commissioner
Re: Litigation involving the Sheriff
Over the course of the past few years, members of the Litigation Subcommittee of the Cook County Board Finance Committee have grown increasingly frustrated by ongoing payouts to victims of brutality and excessive force at the hands of Cook County Sheriff’s Deputies. While a certain measure of litigation is always inevitable, some of the outrageous fact patterns in the suits against the Sheriff's Department add to the Commissioners' sense that oversight and accountability at the Sheriff's Department is lacking.
Lack of Internal Oversight
There have been 47 cases against the Sheriff's Department in the last four years involving misconduct. In 24 of these cases, the Sheriff's Office did not even conduct an internal investigation into the veracity of the allegations. In other law enforcement agencies, the Chicago Police Department, for example, a lawsuit against the department automatically triggers an internal inquiry.
Analyses of internal handling of inmate grievances also reveal a lack of follow-up on the part of the Department. The John Howard Association, our court-appointed monitor of conditions at the jail, noted in 2001 that from January 2000, to November 2000, only 61.2% of inmate grievances filed ever received responses. From December 2000 to February 2001, 54.9 % received responses. Inmate grievances are relevant to the discussion of conditions at the jail, but also are useful for demonstrating trends. Numerous grievances filed against a particular guard, for example, may suggest a need for retraining and/or discipline. Such steps cannot be taken if the grievances are never even looked at or investigated. A more responsive inmate grievance process should, in the long run, lead to less litigation.
The litigation payouts and the department's repetitive failure to conduct internal investigations suggest that Cook County should conduct an independent investigation into the Sheriff's Department to analyze the recurring nature of these incidents and the Department's handling of them. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors called for such a study in the early 90's and has seen significant improvements in the Department's handling of force cases ever since.
Reform of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department
Background
After four controversial shootings in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) in the summer of 1991, the L.A. County Supervisors appointed a judge (Judge Kolts) to lead an inquiry into brutality complaints. Judge Kolts appointed attorney Merrick Bobb to lead the inquiry into the LASD. He in turn, assembled a staff of more than 60 lawyers, certified public accountants, and academics, plus a psychologist, a newspaper editor and others to conduct a thorough inquiry. The inquiry took six months and involved the review of thousands of pages of records. In addition, the county held three public hearings, one in each of three field operation regions. The county sent out press releases about the hearings and held the hearings in county parks so that the atmosphere was open and non-threatening. The team took testimony from over 60 individuals and organizations. The entire inquiry lasted for six months.
In July 1992, the team released the result of the inquiry, also known as the "Kolts Report." It is a comprehensive, intensive analysis of virtually every aspect of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. The team reviewed the Department's recruitment, training and continuing education efforts. They evaluated every complaint filed against any member of the Department over a five-year period, from complaints deemed "unfounded" to cases that went to jury verdicts at trial. The team analyzed the feelings and attitudes of the community members towards the members of the Department, and surveyed the members of the Department regarding their attitudes towards their jobs and their morale. A review of stress management programs and wellness training provided by the Department was undertaken. The Kolts team also reviewed many other aspects of the Department, with a particular focus on the Department's internal disciplinary scheme and its accountability to the public.
While the resulting 358-page Kolts Report is the product of an intensive analysis of the entire L.A. Sheriff's Department culture, for the benefit of the County Board, the following is an overview of how the team analyzed litigation against the Department and the team's recommendations in that regard.
LETTER continued
ITEM #6 cont'd
L.A. County's analysis of civil litigation
Cost Analysis
The Kolts team reviewed force and force-related cases that fell into two categories. In one category, the team evaluated entire case files of force cases against L.A. County that either settled or resulted in verdicts of over $20,000 over a five-year period. The team did not include false arrest or failure to treat cases in this analysis unless those cases also included an excessive force component. During this time frame, 104 cases settled and 20 cases resulted in verdicts. The litigation during this timeframe cost the county a total of $18,037,789.
In the second category, the team reviewed summary memoranda of cases that settled or resulted in verdicts of $20,000 or less.
After assessing the files, the team put together a monthly cost analysis. This analysis revealed that excessive force cases were costing L.A. County an estimated $377,877 a month, not including the costs of litigation.
Pattern Analysis
The Kolts team next analyzed every imaginable variable in each case file to determine what discernible patterns evolved. The case analyses revealed two major categories of cases: 1) assaults and batteries (75% of cases) and 2) shootings (23% of cases).
The team then compiled a detailed review of what patterns evolved in each of these two categories. After a study of all cases, they discovered that the cases involving assault and battery followed a number of patterns:
1) assaults on citizens during minor arrests, for crimes such as traffic violations
2) assaults on citizens during arrests for more serious violations such as drug sales
3) assaults on innocent citizens mistakenly identified by the police or innocent bystanders at scenes of crimes committed by others
4) assaults on party goers
5) assaults on inmates at the jail
The team noted in each case the number of deputies and victims involved and the size and weight of the deputies versus the victims. They discovered that in many cases the deputies outnumbered and outweighed the victims, a factor that clearly weighed in favor of the victims at trial.
The team conducted a similarly thorough analysis of all officer-involved shootings, compiling trends and patterns ranging from what types of situations generally lead to shootings ultimately to how many victims had weapons at the time to etc.
Patterns in arrest results
After composing the breakdown of what types of cases generally ended in force-related litigation, the Kolts team examined whether or not the victims were generally arrested and in cases in which the victim was arrested, the disposition of their case. For example, in quite a few cases involving deputy assaults upon citizens, the arrestees were never even charged with a crime. This weighed in favor of the victims (plaintiffs) at trial. Excessive force used on a victim that is then not even accused of breaking the law is more egregious to juries.
Many more victims were charged only with crimes that related to an altercation with the Sheriff's deputies. For example, many plaintiffs did not do anything wrong other than get into an argument or verbal dispute with an arresting officer. Many times these arguments escalated into physical altercations in which too much force was used. These victims were typically charged with obstruction, resisting, or battery on the arresting officer. Few of these cases resulted in guilty verdicts against the plaintiffs.
LETTER continued
ITEM #6 cont'd
Other factors considered
Findings
By looking carefully at which force cases resulted in punitive damages, the team identified three major factors that generally lead to large settlements or jury verdicts for plaintiffs:
1) the severity of the victims injuries, in particular, broken bones, knocked out teeth or any type of head injury;
2) whether the department filed charges against the plaintiff in connection with the incident
3) the existence of witness testimony
Resulting Recommendations from the LA Study
The team’s principal recommendations were that:
1) Although discovery in civil suits produces a great deal of data about policies and procedures and background and training of officers, it is not compiled or used in the future for analysis suits should be used as a management tool. The Sheriff's Department should implement a department-wide force tracking and early warning system to monitor which deputies are prone to using more force than is necessary. The system should compile lawsuits, internal reports and citizen complaints. The circumstances that lead to potential violence are predictable if the information is tracked and utilized. The compiling of this information can also help the department recognize potential "problem officers" and demonstrate which officers need retraining. All information obtained during the course of civil litigation or via the internal investigation process should be shared with the management level employees so that they can revise policy and procedure accordingly. In addition, all information should be used to increase the frequency and severity of disciplinary measures.
2) The Sheriff's Department should vigorously prosecute disciplinary cases and refrain from mitigating the discipline during the hearing process.
3) Any excessive force complaint lodged should be included in an officer’s personnel file, even if it is found “unsubstantiated.” The results of any actual litigation should also be included in the file, including the amount of any verdict or settlement and any witness testimony. This will help the department identify patterns of behavior. Even if a deputy has unsubstantiated complaints in his file, if there are numerous similar complaints, this could indicate a need for retraining.
4) The department should compare how many internal investigations resulted in findings of "unsubstantiated" or "unfounded" but then later went on to involve jury verdicts or settlements.
5) Additional training should be provided to those officers that demonstrate any violent tendency.
6) Strict discipline should be meted out to those that fail to report fellow officers’ dangerous conduct or those that cover up such behavior.
L.A. Department Improvements
Since the release of the Kolts Report, officer involved shootings have continued to drop, meaning fewer civilians and officers have been killed. In Fiscal Year 1992, 93, before the Kolts Report, the Department had 381 force-related cases pending against it. The Department's overall docket of force-related cases is down to less than 100. Also in FY92-93, the number of new force-related cases served on the Department was 88. This fiscal year it is at 32. In FY92-93, the L.A. County paid out approximately $18 million in force-related verdicts or settlements. That figure is now down to slightly more than $2 million a year.
LETTER continued
ITEM #6 cont'd
Continuing Follow-Up
After the release of the Kolts Report, the L.A. County Board appointed the lead attorney on the team as permanent special counsel to continue to evaluate the Department and its progress in implementing the recommendations outlined in the report. As special counsel, Mr. Bobb is given wide access to department records, files, and interviews with employees. Since 1992, he has submitted semi-annual reports.
L.A. and Cook County
There are many similarities between the duties of the L.A. County Sheriff and our Cook County Sheriff. For example, the LASD operates and maintains all the county's jail facilities. The L.A. Sheriff is also responsible for transporting inmates from the jail to court and providing security for the courts. LASD enforces the laws in unincorporated L.A. County.
In addition, the L.A. County Sheriff is an elected official elected every four years. The L.A. Board, like our Cook County Board, controls the budget of the Sheriff.
Applicability to Cook County
The Kolts Report is very instructive on the issue of how to thoroughly analyze every dimension of a particular department and use that information as a learning tool to promote reform. While many specific issues that concerned L.A. County do not apply to our Sheriff's Department here in Cook County, there are a few basic recommendations that can be applied here and would help promote the same type of reflection and reform efforts that worked well in L.A.
Aggressive Internal Investigations
All litigation against the Sheriff should prompt an internal investigation. This is the rule in the Chicago Police Department and in the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. All witnesses should be interviewed and all medical evidence should be considered in determining the veracity of the allegations. Officers should be encouraged to report abuse and should be punished for failing to report abuse or for non-cooperation with an investigation.
Learning from mistakes
Each individual case or complaint should not be treated in a vacuum. The discovery process in civil suits produces a wealth of data about internal policies and procedures in the Department. This information should not be merely filed away once the case is settled or reaches a verdict. The information and knowledge gleaned from these suits should be reviewed by the Department and the Litigation Subcommittee and used to identify flawed or outdated policies and areas for improvement.
Responsive Grievance Process
Inmate grievances are relevant to the discussion of conditions at the jail, but also are useful for demonstrating trends. Numerous grievances filed against a guard, may suggest a need for retraining and/or discipline. Such steps cannot be taken if the grievances are never even looked at or investigated. A more responsive inmate grievance process should, in the long run, lead to less litigation.
Early Warning System
Our Sheriff's Department can also develop a department-wide tracking and "early warning system" to monitor which deputies are prone to using more force than is necessary. The system should track any and all officers involved in lawsuits, internal proceedings and investigations and citizen complaints. The circumstances that lead to potential violence are predictable if the information is tracked and utilized. The compiling of this information can also help the department recognize potential "problem officers" and demonstrate which officers need retraining, or progressive discipline. For example, there is no reason why the Litigation Subcommittee should be considering lawsuits involving officers with 40 Internal Affairs investigations in their employment history. An accurate tracking system would help to prevent these situations in the future.
LETTER continued
ITEM #6 cont'd
Conclusion
The Cook County Board should consider hiring an outside, objective monitor to conduct the same type of thorough analysis that L.A. County successfully conducted. The monitor should be given wide access to department records, files, and interviews with employees and should submit regular reports to the Litigation Subcommittee on the progress of the Department.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Quigley, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved that the communication be referred to the Committee on Finance. (Comm. No. 258067). The motion carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR MOTION TO DISCHARGE FROM COMMITTEE
ITEM #7
Transmitting a Communication, dated March 6, 2003 from
EARLEAN COLLINS, County Commissioner
I move to discharge Communication No. 257458 from the Rules Committee that appeared on the February 4, 2003 Board Agenda Meeting.
I request that this matter be referred to the Board of Commissioners for referral to the Finance Committee.
Comm. No. 257458
Submitting a Proposed Ordinance sponsored by
EARLEAN COLLINS, County Commissioner
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
ETHICS ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
Article II Section 2.10 (b) of the Cook County Code of Ethical Conduct Ordinance is hereby amended, and shall read as follows:
2.10 Post Employment Restrictions
(b) No former Official or Employee shall for a period of one two (2) years after the termination of the Official’s or Employee’s term of office or employment, assist or represent any Person in any business transaction involving the County, if the Official or Employee participated personally and substantially in that transaction during his or her term of office or employment. No former Official, Employee or immediate family and relatives of a former Official or Employee shall be employed by or contract with any person or private sector employer if they negotiated or administered County contracts with that person or private sector business prior to leaving County service for a period of two (2) years.
Article IV Section 4.1 shall be amended as follows:
REQUEST FOR MOTION TO DISCHARGE FROM COMMITTEE continued
ITEM #7 cont'd
BOARD OF ETHICS
4.1 Composition and Powers of Board
A Board of Ethics is hereby established which:
(a) Shall be composed of five (5) members, two (2) appointed by the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, one (1) each appointed by the Sheriff, Assessor, and the Treasurer of Cook County with the advice and consent of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and will take into account the diversity of communities and conditions protected by this Ordinance. The Board shall have an Executive Director who shall be appointed by the President.
Article V Section 5.2 shall be amended as follows:
ARTICLE V
5.2 Fines
Any former Official or Employee found by a court of law to have violated the provision of Article II Section 2.4, 2.5, and 2.10 , upon conviction shall be subject to a fine of $5000.00 or imprisonment of up to one (1) year, or both. In addition any person or business found by a court to have knowingly violated Article II Section 2.10 (b) of this ordinance is guilty of a business offense and subject upon conviction to a fine of $5000.00. All other provisions of the Cook County Code of Ethical Conduct Ordinance, except as expressly modified hereby shall remain in full effect.
Any person found by a court to have knowingly violated any provision of this Ordinance other than section 2.4, 2.5 and 2.10, or to have knowingly furnished false or misleading information to the Board, upon conviction shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 $1000, for any one offense.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved that Communication No. 257458 be discharged from the Rules Committee. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved that Communication No. 257458 - Proposed Ordinance Amendment, be referred to the Committee on Finance. (Comm. No. 257458). The motion carried unanimously.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
ITEM #8
Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by
JOHN H. STROGER, JR., President, Cook County Board of Commissioners
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has called former Chicago Second Ward Alderman William Barnett, from our midst; and
WHEREAS, an influential political trailblazer, often regarded as a “Dawson-era politician,” Alderman Barnett lived and breathed politics particularly the organizational aspects of the process; and
WHEREAS, passionate and deeply committed to providing opportunities and services for the residents in his ward, Alderman Barnett never hesitated to be vocal and stand-up for his constituents whenever the need arose; and
PROPOSED RESOLUTION continued
ITEM #8 cont'd
WHEREAS, steeped in the political arena since his teenage years, Alderman Barnett contributed greatly to Chicago’s reputation as the “political capitol of the world”; and
WHEREAS, a man who genuinely loved to help others and “give something back”, Alderman Barnett remained a permanent fixture in the Second Ward and continued to be an active participant until his final moments with us; and
WHEREAS, with the passing of former Alderman William Barnett, we have lost a committed husband, elected official and a successful businessman who was a staunch advocate for positive social change an individual who left an impressive political legacy that will forever resonate; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the more than five million residents of Cook County, does hereby express its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family as well as the many friends and loved ones of Alderman William Barnett.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to the family of Alderman William Barnett, so that his rich legacy may be so honored and ever cherished.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Daley, moved that the Resolution be approved and adopted. The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
ITEM #9
Pursuant to Rule 4-30, Melvin D. McBride, Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Counselor, addressed the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Mr. McBride spoke requesting an accurate Wage and Tax Statement form from Cook County.
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ITEM #10
Pursuant to Rule 4-30, Stephen Gregory, addressed the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Gregory spoke concerning Consent Calendar #1 - a Resolution supporting the practice of Falun Gong.
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ITEM #11
Pursuant to Rule 4-30, George Blakemore, addressed the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Blakemore spoke concerning several issues regarding Cook County.