April 20, 2004 Resolutions

04-R-140

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has adopted a Real Property Assessment Classification 6b which provides an applicant a reduction in the assessment level for an industrial facility; and

WHEREAS, the County Board of Commissioners has received and reviewed an application from Four Seasons Realty Holdings, LLC and the Resolution from Bridgeview for an abandoned industrial facility located at 9934 South 76th Avenue, Bridgeview, Cook County, Illinois, Property Index Number 23-12-400-028-0000; and

WHEREAS, Class 6b requires the validation by the County Board of the shortened period of qualifying abandonment in cases where the industrial facility has been abandoned for less than 24 consecutive months upon purchase; and

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has determined that the building was abandoned for five months at the time of purchase and that special circumstances are present.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Board of Commissioners of the County of Cook, State of Illinois, that the President and Board of Commissioners indicate their approval for the filing of an application for a Cook County Real Estate Classification 6b abatement incentive to the company for an abandoned industrial facility located at 9934 South 76th Avenue, Bridgeview, Cook County, Illinois, under the provision for abandonment of less than 24 months; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the Office of the Cook County Assessor.

Approved and adopted this 20th day of April 2004.

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04-R-141

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER,

FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, 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

Recognizing National County Government Week, April 18-24, 2004

WHEREAS, April 18 through April 24 is National County Government Week; and

WHEREAS, the theme for this year is “transportation,” with the slogan “Counties Move America's People and Products,” to highlight the importance counties play in America’s economy; and

WHEREAS, county governments continue to be the nation's health care safety net, providing essential health services to the poor and indigent; and

WHEREAS, Cook County Government officials are firmly committed to improving the myriad communities in which our diverse population lives, works and raises families; and

WHEREAS, Cook County Government is leading the fight to address our citizens' public safety concerns; to end violence, reduce crime and to implement innovative programs and policies in pursuit of solutions to help our nation's troubled youth; and

WHEREAS, across the nation, county governments are taking full advantage of modern technology to improve the lives of all citizens and to streamline the manner in which data is disseminated. An excellent example is the County's constantly-updated WEB site, which provides a wealth of useful information about the structure of Cook County Government and the services provided; and

WHEREAS, transportation systems are the cogs of America’s economic engine; they move the people and goods that literally make the economic and civic health of our communities possible; and

WHEREAS, many Cook County agencies collaborate on transportation issues, from the Planning Department, which helps fund infrastructure improvements in needy communities to improve transportation, to County sheriffs who patrol Cook County roads. However, the bulk of the effort to strengthen and maintain Cook County Government's transportation infrastructure is shouldered by the Cook County Highway Department; and

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners adopted a plan to build the county’s first highway system at its third formal meeting in 1831. In 1840, County Government spent a total of $99.00 on road construction, but with the region’s rapidly growing importance as a transportation hub, the County’s efforts to expand its network of roads and bridges grew exponentially; and

WHEREAS, while most of these roads today are under the jurisdiction of other units of government, Cook County continues to maintain a network of roads which spans 576 miles through Chicago and the suburbs; over the past five years, Cook County has overseen the expenditure of hundreds of millions of dollars of road improvement projects throughout the region, including bridges and overpasses that represent critical transit points for people and products in the region; and

WHEREAS, America's counties are proud to be among those providing proof that local solutions can be applied throughout America to solve many of the nation's most challenging needs; and

WHEREAS, community leaders, county leaders and all citizens should take steps to recognize all that is good within Cook County, and to praise those programs and individuals who have made progress and innovation available to all within the community.

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 designate April 18-24, 2004, to be "National County Government Week" in all of Cook County, in recognition of the contributions made and the leadership offered by the counties of our nation.

Approved and adopted this 20th day of April 2004.

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04-R-142

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER,

FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, 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

WHEREAS, on April 30, 2004, John F. Chambers, will retire from public service after thirty-six years; and

WHEREAS, John began his career in public service in 1968 with the Chicago Park District; and

WHEREAS, John began his County service in 1972 as a junior accountant in the Comptroller’s office, serving in various financial positions until rising to the post of Comptroller in 1990; and

WHEREAS, anyone who has ever witnessed him compute complex computations in his head, without the aid of a calculator, cannot help but to acknowledge his undeniable gift for mathematics; and

WHEREAS, even with his gift for math and ability to balance accounts with just a pencil and paper, he realizes the value of technology and the ability to increase productivity without an increase in personnel; and

WHEREAS, John’s dedication to public service has extended beyond his role as Comptroller into the areas of deferred compensation and pension fund management; and

WHEREAS, John served as the chairman of the County’s Deferred Compensation Program, valued at $560 million; and

WHEREAS, John also served as the President of the Cook County Employee Pension and Annuity Board from 1998 to 2004, where he successfully oversaw a portfolio valued at approximately $6 billion; and

WHEREAS, John’s institutional knowledge, conservative approach to accounting and ability to remain focused on the “bottom line” have played a large part in attaining the high bond ratings that Cook County Government has enjoyed during his years as Comptroller; and

WHEREAS, in an age when “creative accounting” has gotten totally out of hand, producing scandal after scandal and destroying supposedly-strong companies, Mr. Chambers’ bottom line approach has helped the County’s Department of Finance to effectively plan ahead, knowing that its current fiscal status is sound, as opposed to distorted; and

WHEREAS, when asked about the nature of his job, Chambers responded “If you do the job right, no one will know you,” hinting that fiscal stability doesn’t draw headlines, gross mismanagement and scandal do; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Chambers can take pride in the fact that the County’s real estate tax levy has remained constant in recent years despite increased costs and a host of new capital projects such as the new Cook County Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Chambers also is involved in a wide assortment of cultural and civic activities including the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club and the St. Benedict High School Board. He also is the former President of the 47th Ward Regular Democratic Organization; and

WHEREAS, John Chambers is a consummate professional whose myriad contributions to Cook County Government will be sorely missed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, John H. Stroger, Jr., along with all the members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of all citizens of Cook County, does hereby congratulate and thank John F. Chambers for his many years of exemplary service and sends “best wishes” for good health and happiness as he enters a new chapter of his life; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to John F. Chambers in recognition of the countless contributions he has made to Cook County Government.

Approved and adopted this 20th day of April 2004.

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04-R-143

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Cook County on February 24, 2004 adopted the Annual Appropriation Bill for the Fiscal Year 2004; and

WHEREAS, the Annual Appropriation Bill creates Accounts 490-814 and 499-814, for Appropriation Adjustments for the Corporate and Public Safety Funds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the wages and salaries of the following positions be fixed as follows:

Job Code	Job Classification	Hourly Wage Rate	Effective Date
ACCOUNT 490-814
1411	Elevator Inspector	$37.25	01-01-04
ACCOUNT 499-814
1413	Elevator Mechanic	$37.25	01-01-04

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that $3,031.00 from Account 490-814 and $3,031.00 from Account 499-814, be provided for these employees.

Approved and adopted this 20th day of April 2004.

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04-R-144

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE GREGG GOSLIN, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN H. STROGER, JR., PRESIDENT, JERRY BUTLER,

FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY,

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, 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

Honoring All Saints Lutheran Church’s 25th Anniversary

WHEREAS, All Saints Lutheran Church of Palatine celebrated its 25th anniversary on April 1, 2004; and

WHEREAS, All Saints Lutheran Church takes great pride in its’ anniversary of becoming a chartered congregation of the Lutheran Church in America; and

WHEREAS, since its charter the church has made tremendous contributions to the community contributing to both the spiritual growth of its members and the social needs of the community; and

WHEREAS, All Saints Lutheran Church and its’ congregation have provided financial support as well as many volunteer hours in various charitable endeavors such as feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, sheltering the homeless and protecting the oppressed; and

WHEREAS, All Saints Lutheran Church has shown its generosity to the community by providing meeting space for youth organizations, community groups and provides worship space for a small group of immigrants; and

WHEREAS, All Saints Lutheran Church has been a leader in providing help and comfort to the homeless as one of the founders of the Public Action to Deliver Shelter network and Spring of Life Habitat for Humanity Partnership; and

WHEREAS, All Saints Lutheran Church has served its’ congregation and the people of the Palatine community with dedication, compassion, integrity and distinction.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize and congratulate All Saints Lutheran Church of Palatine on its’ 25th Anniversary; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to All Saints Lutheran Church in honor of their outstanding contributions and service to the community.

Approved and adopted this 20th day of April 2004.

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04-R-145

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN P. DALEY AND PRESIDENT JOHN H. STROGER, JR.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE 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

WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Bernard J. Minton from our midst; and

WHEREAS, Bernard J. Minton was the beloved husband of Dorothy Minton; and

WHEREAS, Bernard J. Minton was the loving father of Michael Minton, Marsha Ulbrich, Margie Byron, Monica Leone and Mary (Tim) Marwitz; and

WHEREAS, Bernard J. Minton was the cherished grandfather of Melanie (Jason) Jafnoch, Michael (Kami), Morgan and Annie Minton, Lisa (Terry) Duprez, Rick (Sheila) and Jeff Ulbrich, Michelle (Eric) Hugg and Dan (Stacey) Byron, whom Bernie and Dorothy raised, Rosemary Leone, Megan, Matt and Melissa Marwitz; and

WHEREAS, Bernard J. Minton was the great-grandfather of Mackenzie and Christopher Duprez, Leah Ulbrich, Roger, Rachel and Robert Hugg and brother of Ralph (Ginger) Minton; and

WHEREAS, Bernard J. Minton was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mabel Minton, and by his siblings, the Rev. Robert Minton, Virgilene Baecher, David Minton and Mary Smith; and

WHEREAS, Bernard J. Minton answered the call of his country during World War II, whereby he defended the cause of freedom in the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, all who knew him will attest that Bernard J. Minton was a kind and compassionate man, virtuous of character and gentle in spirit, admired and respected by his many friends and neighbors, and dearly loved by his family; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County that the Board does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends of Bernard J. Minton, and joins them in sorrow at this time of loss; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of same be tendered to the family of Bernard J. Minton, that his memory may be so honored and ever cherished.

Approved and adopted this 20th day of April 2004.

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04-R-146

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN P. DALEY AND PRESIDENT JOHN H. STROGER, JR.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE 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

WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called James M. Rochford from our midst; and

WHEREAS, James M. Rochford was the loving husband of Lois (nee Fallon) Rochford; and

WHEREAS, James M. Rochford was the dear father of Joan (Thomas) Donnelly, Elizabeth (Michael) Rochford Striedl and the late Jeanne; and

WHEREAS, James M. Rochford was the beloved grandfather of James Rochford Donnelly, Elizabeth Rochford Donnelly, Fallon Striedl and Mary Striedl; and

WHEREAS, James M. Rochford was the brother of Mary Catherine (Otto) Schmidt, Margaret (the late Peter) Lee and the late Eleanor (the late Fred) Duckhorn and Richard (the late Agnes); and

WHEREAS, James M. Rochford served the citizens of Chicago as their Superintendent of Police, whereby he upheld his oath to serve and protect with consummate professionalism and unmatched bravery; and

WHEREAS, James M. Rochford answered the call of his country in World War II, whereby he defended the cause of freedom on Okinawa; and

WHEREAS, all who knew him will attest that James M. Rochford was a kind and compassionate man, virtuous of character and gentle in spirit, admired and respected by his many friends and neighbors, and dearly loved by his family; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County that the Board does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends of James M. Rochford, and joins them in sorrow at this time of loss; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of same be tendered to the family of James M. Rochford, that his memory may be so honored and ever cherished.

Approved and adopted this 20th day of April 2004.

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04-R-147

RESOLUTION

Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE JOHN P. DALEY AND PRESIDENT JOHN H. STROGER, JR.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Co-Sponsored by

THE HONORABLE 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

WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called William L. Rowder from our midst; and

WHEREAS, William L. Rowder was the beloved husband of Jodi (nee Laurino) Rowder; and

WHEREAS, William L. Rowder was the loving father of Lauren (David) Topazian, Lisa (Ross) Weisman, Jessica (David) Caligiuri and William R. Rowder; and

WHEREAS, William L. Rowder was the cherished grandfather of Reed and Alexandra Weisman; and

WHEREAS, William L. Rowder was the devoted son of John and Therese Rowder; and

WHEREAS, William L. Rowder was the fond brother of John (Barbara) and Alan (Michael) Rowder; and

WHEREAS, all who knew him will attest that William L. Rowder was a kind and compassionate man, virtuous of character and gentle in spirit, admired and respected by his many friends and neighbors, and dearly loved by his family; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County that the Board does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends of William L. Rowder, and joins them in sorrow at this time of loss; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of same be tendered to the family of William L. Rowder, that his memory may be so honored and ever cherished.

Approved and adopted this 20th day of April 2004.