NEW ITEMS

 

Meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners

County Board Room, County Building

Tuesday, September 16, 2003, 10:00 A.M.

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PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

ITEM #1

 

Transmitting a Communication, dated September 9, 2003 from

 

GWENDOLYN D. CLEMONS, Director, Department of Planning and Development

 

Re:       Cal-Sag Enterprise Zone Ordinance Amending the Ordinance Establishing the Enterprise Zone Benefits and the Boundaries Thereof 

 

Submitting an Ordinance amending the Ordinance for your consideration and approval.  Submitted please find the letter of request from the Mayor of Alsip, Chairman of the Cal-Sag Enterprise Zone, and the table of zone projects submitted. 

 

The State of Illinois Enterprise Zone legislation administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (formerly named Commerce and Community Affairs) now allows zones to apply for a ten year extension.  The Cal-Sag Zone was established in 1985 and Cook County joined the zone in 1991. The member communities in the zone including Alsip, Blue Island, Dixmoor, Robbins and Calumet Park wish to extend the life of the zone by ten years to 2015. Alsip is also amending its territory in the zone by adding acres that will house a proposed development of one million square feet.  

 

The additional changes in the amended ordinance include a reduction of the zoning permit fee instead of a waiver, and changes to the sales tax provision to reflect changes in the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act.  

 

The amended Ordinance has been reviewed and approved by the State’s Attorney.  This amended Ordinance will be submitted to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for their review and approval. 

 

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

 

COUNTY OF COOK AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #91-O-34

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE ENTERPRISE ZONE BENEFITS

AND THE BOUNDARIES THEREOF

 

WHEREAS, Cook County designated an area as an Enterprise Zone on June 17, 1991 (Ordinance No. 91-O-34) pursuant to the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act (20 ILCS 655/1 et. seq.) as amended; and

 

WHEREAS, the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs now known as the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) certified the Cal-Sag Historic Waterways Enterprise Zone on July 1, 1985; and

 

WHEREAS, the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity amended the boundaries of the Cal-Sag Historic Waterways Enterprise Zone to include portions of unincorporated Cook County on November 15, 1991; and

 

WHEREAS, Cook County entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the other Cal-Sag communities of Alsip, Blue Island, Calumet Park, Dixmoor and Robbins to expand the Cal-Sag Enterprise Zone to include portions of unincorporated Cook County on June 17,1991; and

 

WHEREAS, a public hearing has been held with respect to extending the term of the Enterprise Zone and the expansion of the Enterprise Zone territories and make technical corrections on August 6, 2003; and

 

WHEREAS, Section 5.4 (i), (iii) and (iv) of the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act, Ill. Rev. Stat. provides that local governments with certified Enterprise Zones may adopt and amend ordinances to (i) alter the boundaries of the Enterprise Zone, (iii) alter the termination date of the zone, and (iv) make technical corrections; and

 

 

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT continued

ITEM #1 cont’d

 

WHEREAS, it is the finding of the Board of Commissioners that the amendment of the ordinances to alter the boundaries of the Enterprise Zone, alter the termination date of the Enterprise Zone and make technical corrections hereinafter described is in the best interest of Cook County; and

 

WHEREAS, it is necessary that a formal application be made for approval of the said amendment to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) in accordance with the findings set forth in this ordinance; and

 

WHEREAS, it is the finding of this Board of Commissioners that the Enterprise Zone Program is necessary to encourage industrial expansion and retention and also commercial expansion and retention.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the President and Board of Commissioners of Cook County as follows:

 

SECTION ONE:  ESTABLISHMENT OF ENTERPRISE ZONE

 

The Board of Commissioners hereby establishes inclusion in the Cal-Sag Historic Waterways Enterprise Zone in accordance with the Enterprise Zone Act (20 ILCS 655 Sec. 5.4).  The Enterprise Zone, as amended, is established in cooperation with the City of Blue Island, the Villages of Alsip and Robbins, as certified by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, now known as the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) on July 1, 1985, and amended on April 5, 1990, to include the Villages of Calumet Park and Dixmoor, and again on November 15, 1991 to include Cook County, and again on September 30, 1992, to include additional parcels in the Village of Alsip, and further amended on October 19, 1993 to limit the sales tax exemption.  The Enterprise Zone meets the qualifications of Section four of the Enterprise Zone Act, as described herein:

 

         A.     It is a contiguous area;

         B.      It comprises a minimum of one-half square mile and not more than fifteen square miles;

         C.      It is depressed area;

D.           It satisfies the criteria of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity;

E.            Reasonable need is hereby established for an Enterprise Zone, which covers portions of more

than one municipality.

 

SECTION TWO:  BOUNDARIES OF ZONE

 

The area identified is described herein by legal description and map, attached hereto, incorporated herein by reference, and made a part of the application and marked "Exhibit A".  Exhibit A includes the description and map.

 

SECTION THREE:  PROGRAMS ESTABLISHED

 

The following programs are established and authorized within the Zone in accordance with the Enterprise Zone Act and the provision of this ordinance.

 

         A.  SALES TAX:  Each retailer who makes a qualified sale of building materials to be incorporated into industrial or commercial real estate located within the Enterprise Zone by remodeling, rehabilitation, or new construction, may deduct receipts from such sales when calculating the tax imposed as defined in Section 2 of the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act (35 ILCS 120/2).  Qualified sale means a sale of building materials that will be incorporated into real estate as part of a building project for which a Certificate of Eligibility for Sales Tax Exemption has been issued by the administrator of the enterprise zone in which the building project is located.  To document the exemption allowed under this Section, the retailer must obtain from  the  purchaser a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Sales Tax Exemption issued by the administrator of the enterprise zone into which the building materials will be incorporated. The Certificate of Eligibility for Sales Tax Exemption must contain:

 

               (1)  a statement that the building project identified in the Certificate meets all the requirements for the building material exemption contained in the enterprise zone ordinance of the jurisdiction in  which the building project is located;

 

               (2)  the location or address of the building project; and

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT continued

ITEM #1 cont’d

 

               (3)  the signature of the administrator of the enterprise zone in which the building project is located.

 

In addition, the retailer must obtain certification from  the purchaser that contains:

 

               (1)  a statement that the building materials are being purchased for incorporation into real estate located in an Illinois enterprise zone;

 

               (2)  the location or address of the real estate into which the building materials will be incorporated;

 

               (3)  the name of the enterprise zone in which that real estate is located;

 

               (4)  a description of the building materials being purchased; and

 

               (5)  the purchaser's signature and date of purchase.

 

         B.  FEE REDUCTION:  Businesses applying for a zoning application within the Enterprise Zone will be charged 1/2 of the normal zoning permit application fees than businesses located outside of the Enterprise Zone.  All other permit fees and inspections will otherwise continue to follow existing laws.

 

         C.  URBAN SHOPSTEADING:  An Urban Shopstead program is hereby established and in accordance with Section 10, subsection C of the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act.

 

         D.  PROGRAM TARGETING:  The County agrees to use its eligibility and resources to make available Economic Development Administration programs, Small Business Administration programs, Jobs Partnership Training Act assistance and such other Federal and/or State programs as may be eligible.

 

         E.  DEVELOPMENT STREAMLINING:  The County shall in its fullest capacity cooperate with and provide assistance to the Zone Administrator on concerning answers to developers' questions regarding county rules, regulations, cost time lines, processes, etc.

 

         F.  ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES:  This section does not prohibit the County from extending additional tax incentives or reimbursements for businesses in the Enterprise Zone or throughout the County.

 

         G.  The County will cooperate with Designated Zone Organizations to assist them in their operation.

 

SECTION FOUR:  ZONE ADMINISTRATION

 

A.  In accordance with the joint nature of the Enterprise Zone, a management organization is hereby established and known as the Cal-Sag Historic Waterways Enterprise Zone Administrative Entity (CSHWEZAE).  The CSHWEZAE shall be the advocate and advisor for Enterprise for Enterprise Zone development and shall select designated zone organizations.  The CSHWEZAE shall consist of the chief elected official (CEO) of each participating governmental entity, the City of Blue Island, the Village of Alsip, the Village of Dixmoor, the Village of Robbins, the Village of Calumet Park and Cook County, and one representative appointed by each CEO.  A quorum shall be considered two-thirds majority of participating governmental entities and a vote shall require a two-thirds majority of participating governmental entities.  Before any measure is undertaken, a Zone Administrator shall be selected by a two-thirds vote of the CEO's of the participating governmental entities.  The Zone Administrator shall have the duties and responsibilities described in Section 8 of the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act and shall be such.

 

         B.  Designated Zone Organizations shall be selected by a quorum and two-thirds vote of the CSHWEZAE in accordance with subsection (A) of this section and shall meet the following standards:

 

               1)  The membership of Designated Zone Organization shall consist substantially of residents of the Enterprise Zone;

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT continued

ITEM #1 cont’d

 

               2)  The Board of Directors of a Designated Zone Organization shall be elected by the members of the organization and the majority of the Board of Directors shall consist of residents of the Enterprise Zone;

 

               3)  A Designated Zone Organization shall meet the requirements of Section 501 (c) (3) or 501 (c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code;

 

               4)  A Designated Zone Organization shall have as its primary purpose to perform the functions of Section 8 of the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act for the benefit of the residents and businesses of the Enterprise Zone.

 

SECTION FIVE:  DURATION OF ZONE

 

The program established herein shall expire thirty (30) years from the date of IDCEO original certification of the Enterprise Zone (July 1, 1985).

 

SECTION SIX:  AUTHORITY OF COUNTY

 

The President of the Cook County Board will have the authority to execute such documents as may be necessary for making required applications including but not limited to the programs set forth in Section III and to execute such other documents on behalf of the Cook County as are consistent with the intent and purpose of this Ordinance.  The President of the Cook County Board will serve on the CSHWEZAE and will appoint an additional member to serve on the CSHWEZAE.

 

SECTION SEVEN:  REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES

 

All ordinances or parts of ordinances conflicting with any of the provisions of this ordinance, shall be and the same are, hereby repealed.

 

SECTION EIGHT:  SEPARABILITY

 

This ordinance and every provision thereof shall be considered separable; and the invalidity of any section, clause, paragraph, sentence or provision of the ordinance shall not affect the validity of any other portion of the ordinance.

 

SECTION NINE:  EFFECTIVE DATE

 

This ordinance shall be in full force and effective from and after its passage, approval and publication in accordance with statute.

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Quigley, moved that the Proposed Ordinance Amendment be referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development.  (Comm. No. 261433).  The motion carried unanimously.

 

PROPOSED RESOLUTION AND AMENDED INTERGOVERMENTAL AGREEMENT

 

ITEM #2

 

Transmitting a Communication, dated September 9, 2003 from

 

GWENDOLYN D. CLEMONS, Director, Department of Planning and Development

 

Re:       Resolution Authorizing Cook County to Adopt the Cal-Sag Historic Waterways Enterprise Zone Amended Intergovernmental Agreement September 2003 

 

Respectfully submitting the Resolution authorizing the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement for your review and approval.  Also transmitting a copy of the Intergovernmental Agreement for your information. 

PROPOSED RESOLUTION AND

AMENDED INTERGOVERMENTAL AGREEMENT continued

ITEM #2 cont’d

 

The amended Intergovernmental Agreement is required by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity each time the Zone Ordinance is amended.  The changes in the agreement reflect the changes in the Ordinance which include the ten year extension, the fee reduction instead of waiver and the name change of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.  The State’s Attorney has reviewed and approved the Resolution and Intergovernmental Agreement. 

 

Respectfully request approval of the Resolution and authorization of this Honorable Body to execute the amended Intergovernmental Agreement.

 

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COOK COUNTY TO

ADOPT CAL-SAG HISTORIC WATERWAYS ENTERPRISE ZONE

AMENDED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT SEPTEMBER 2003

 

WHEREAS, Cook County is desirous of adopting the Cal-Sag Historic Waterways Enterprise Zone Amended Intergovernmental Agreement, September 2003 (a copy of which is submitted herewith and made a part hereof), necessary to provide for the joint administration of the Enterprise Zone, to create uniform financial incentives throughout the Enterprise Zone; and to designate Designated Zone Organizations; and

 

WHEREAS, Cook County is authorized to enter into an intergovernmental agreements by Article Seven, Section 10 of the 1970 Illinois Constitution, the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act (5 ILCS 220/1 et. seq.) and the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act (20 ILCS 655/1 et. set.).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County is hereby authorized to adopt the Cal-Sag Historic Waterways Enterprise Zone Amended Intergovernmental Agreement September 2003, by executing a copy of same.

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Quigley, moved that the Proposed Resolution be referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development.  (Comm. No. 261434).  The motion carried unanimously.

 

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

ITEM #3

 

Submitting a Proposed Ordinance Amendment sponsored by

 

BOBBIE L. STEELE and LARRY SUFFREDIN, County Commissioners

 

Co-Sponsored by

 

JOHN P. DALEY, ROBERTO MALDONADO and MIKE QUIGLEY, County Commissioners

 

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

 

AMENDMENT TO THE

COOK COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE

 

WHEREAS, Cook County seeks to protect its citizens in the enjoyment of civil rights and to promote mutual understanding and respect among all who live within the County; and

 

WHEREAS, discrimination, prejudice, intolerance and bigotry directly and profoundly threaten the rights and freedom of Cook County residents; and

 

WHEREAS, Cook County has passed ordinances to protect the civil rights of those who live and work within the County, including the prohibition of discrimination based on source of income in rental real estate transactions; and

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT continued

ITEM #3 cont’d

 

WHEREAS, the prohibition of discrimination based on source of income in rental real estate transactions does not protect persons with housing choice vouchers, participants in the federal Section 8 housing assistance program (42 U.S.C. 1437f) from discrimination on the basis of their source of housing-related income; and

 

WHEREAS, the housing choice voucher program is the federal government's largest rental assistance program for providing aid to low-income households who need assistance with their rent as well as the primary source of rental assistance for Cook County residents; and

 

WHEREAS, discrimination against families, women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens who use housing choice vouchers to supplement their rental income is a pervasive and growing problem within Cook County, leading to the concentration of persons with housing choice vouchers in certain parts of Cook County, undermining economic and racial diversity, limiting where people can choose to live, forcing people to live far from work, and generally undermining the quality of lives; and

 

WHEREAS, in order to achieve racial and economic diversity throughout Cook County, and end the racial isolation and poverty concentration in certain parts of Cook County, prohibition against denying rental housing to housing choice voucher holders on the basis of their source of housing-related income is necessary.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in order to protect these citizens, the Cook County Board of Commissioners proposes that the term "source of income," shall be defined to include all lawful sources of income, including housing choice vouchers, as defined, and be added as an amendment to the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance (Ordinance No. 93-O-13, approved and adopted March 16, 1993); and

 

FURTHERMORE, it is proposed that various sections of Ordinance No. 93-O-13, the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, be amended as follows:

 

II.  DEFINITIONS

 

         Whenever used in this Ordinance, unless otherwise defined herein:

 

         (A)  "Age" means chronological age of not less than 40 years.

 

         (B)  "Credit transaction" means the grant, denial, extension or termination of credit to an individual.

 

         (C)  "Disability" means (1)  a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual; (2)  a record of such an impairment; or (3)  being regarded as having such an impairment. Excluded from this definition is an impairment relating to the illegal use, possession or distribution of "controlled substances" as defined in schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812).

 

         (D)  "Employee" means (1)  any individual whether paid or unpaid, engaged in employment for an employer; or (2)  an applicant for employment.

 

         (E)  (1)  "Employer" means any person employing one or more employees, or seeking to employ one or more employees, (a)  if the person has its principal place of business within Cook County; or (b)  does business within Cook County.  (2)  "Employer" does not mean (a)  the government of the United States or a corporation wholly owned by the government of the United States; (b)  an Indian tribe or a corporation wholly owned by an Indian tribe; (c)  the government of the State of Illinois or any agency or department thereof; or (d)  the government of any municipality in Cook County.

 

         (F)  "Employment" means the performance of services for an employer (1)  for remuneration; or (2)  as a volunteer; or (3) as a participant in a training or apprenticeship program.

 

         (G)  "Employment agency" means a person that undertakes to procure employees or opportunities to work for potential employees, through interviews, referrals, or advertising, or any combination thereof.

 

         (H)  "Housing status" means the type of housing in which an individual resides, whether publicly or privately owned; an individual's ownership status with respect to the individual's residence; or the status of having or not having a fixed residence.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT continued

ITEM #3 cont’d

 

         (I)  "Labor organization" includes any organization, labor union, or craft union, or any voluntary incorporated association designed to further the cause of the rights of union labor, which is constituted for the purpose, in whole or in part, of collective bargaining or of dealing with an employer concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment, or apprenticeships or applications for apprenticeships, or of other mutual aid or protection in connection with employment, including apprenticeships or applications for apprenticeships.

 

         (J)  "Marital status" means the status of being single, married, divorced, separated, or widowed.

 

         (K)  "Military discharge status" means the fact of having been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States, their Reserve components or any National Guard or Naval Militia other than by a "dishonorable discharge".

 

         (L)  "National origin" means the place in which an individual or one of his or her ancestors was born.

 

         (M)  "Parental status" means the status of living with one or more dependent minors or disabled children.

 

         (N)  "Person" means one or more individuals; partnerships, associations, or organizations; labor organizations, labor unions, joint apprenticeship committees, or union labor associations; corporations; recipients of County funds; legal representatives, trusts, trustees in bankruptcy, or receivers; state governments other than that of Illinois; or commercial operations or entities controlled by governments other than those of Illinois, or of the United States.

 

            (O)  "Public accommodation" means a person, place, business establishment, or agency that sells, leases, provides, or offers any product, facility, or service to the general public in Cook County, regardless of ownership or operation (1)  by a public body or agency; (2)  for or without regard to profit; or (3)  for a fee or not for a fee.  "Public accommodation" also means an institution, club, association, or other place of accommodation in Cook County, whether or not open to the general public, that has more than 400 members and provides regular meal service and regularly receives payment for dues, fees, accommodations, facilities, or services from or on behalf of nonmembers for the furtherance of trade or business.  "Public accommodation" also means any products, facilities, or services of a non-public accommodation that are made available in Cook County to the general public or to the customers or patrons of another establishment that is a public accommodation.

 

         (P)  "Religion" means all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief, or the actual identification with or perceived identification with a religion.

 

         (Q)  "Sexual orientation" means the status or expression, whether actual or perceived, of heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.

 

         (R)  "Source of income" means the lawful manner by which an individual supports himself or herself and his or her dependents. "Source of income" means any lawful income, subsidy or benefit with which an individual supports himself or herself and his or her dependents, including, but not limited to, child support, maintenance, and any federal, state or local public assistance, medical assistance, or rental assistance program.

 

         (S)  "Unlawful discrimination" means discrimination against a person because of the actual or perceived status, practice, or expression of that person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, or housing status; or the actual or perceived association with such a person.

 

V.  PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS

 

(A)  PROHIBITION

 

         No person that owns, leases, rents, operates, manages, or in any manner controls a public accommodation in Cook County shall withhold, deny, curtail, limit, or discriminate concerning the full use of such public accommodation by any individual on the basis of unlawful discrimination.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT continued

ITEM #3 cont’d

 

(B)  EXCEPTIONS

 

      The prohibition contained in this Article V shall not apply to sex discrimination in any of the following:

 

      (1)  The prohibition contained in this Article V shall not apply to sex discrimination in any of the following:

 

            (a)  DISTINCTLY PRIVATE FACILITY.  Any facility that is distinctly private in nature, such as rest rooms, shower rooms, bath houses, dressing rooms, or health clubs.

 

            (b)  SLEEPING ROOMS.  Any facility that restricts rental of residential or sleeping rooms to individuals of one sex.

 

            (c)  EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.  Any educational institution that restricts enrollment of students to individuals of one sex.

 

      (2)  The Cook County Commission on Human Rights ("Commission") as defined in Article X of this Ordinance shall adopt rules specifying any additional exceptions to the prohibition contained in this Article V based on bona fide considerations of public policy.

 

      (3)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Ordinance, nothing contained in this Article V shall require any person who does not participate in the federal Section 8 housing assistance program (42 U.S.C. 1437f) to accept any subsidy, payment assistance, voucher, or contribution under or in connection with such program or to lease or rent to any tenant or prospective tenant who is relying on such a subsidy, payment assistance, contribution, or voucher for payment of part of the rent for such place of accommodation.

 

(C)  SEXUAL HARASSMENT

 

      No person who is, owns, leases, rents, operates, manages, or in any manner controls a public accommodation shall engage in sexual harassment affecting access to, participation in, or the full use of such public accommodation. "Sexual harassment" means any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is an explicit or implicit term or condition of an individual's access to, participation in, or full use of a public accommodation; or (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual's access to, participation in, or full use of a public accommodation; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's access to, participation in, or full use of any public accommodation or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment with respect thereto.

 

VI.  HOUSING

 

(A)  DEFINITIONS

 

      Whenever used in this Article VI:

 

         (1)  "Person" shall mean any person as defined in Article II (N) of this Ordinance that is also an owner, lessor, sublessor, assignor, managing agent, or other individual, firm, or corporation having the right to sell, rent, lease, or sublease any housing unit within Cook County, or any agent, broker, or other individual working on behalf of any such individual, firm, or corporation.

 

         (2)  "Real estate transaction" means the sale, exchange, rental, occupancy, lease, sublease, or lease renewal of real property for residential purposes in Cook County or the provision of services or utilities in connection with such sale, exchange, rental, occupancy, lease, sublease, or lease renewal. "Real estate transaction" also means with respect to activity conducted or property located in Cook County, the brokering or appraising of residential real property in Cook County and the making, purchasing, or guaranteeing of loans or mortgages or providing any other financial assistance either (a)  for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling or (b)  secured by residential real property.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT continued

ITEM #3 cont’d

 

(B)  PROHIBITIONS

 

         (1)  TERMS AND CONDITIONS.  No person shall make any distinction, discrimination, or restriction in the price, terms, conditions, or privileges of any real estate transaction, including the decision to engage in or renew any real estate transaction, on the basis of unlawful discrimination.

 

         (2)  DISCRIMINATORY COMMUNICATIONS.  No person shall publish, circulate, issue, or display, or cause to be published, circulated, issued, or displayed, any communication, notice, advertisement, sign or other writing of any kind relating to a real estate transaction which will indicate or express any unlawful limitation or discrimination on the basis of unlawful discrimination.

 

         (3)  LISTINGS.  No person shall deliberately and knowingly refuse examination of any listing of residential real property within Cook County to any individual because of unlawful discrimination.

 

         (4)  REPRESENTATIONS.  No person shall deliberately and knowingly represent to an individual that residential real property is not available for inspection, sale, rental, or lease in Cook County when in fact it is available, or fail to bring a residential real estate listing in Cook County to an individual's attention, or refuse to permit a person to inspect residential real property in Cook County because of unlawful discrimination.

 

         (5)  BLOCKBUSTING.  No person shall solicit, for sale, lease, or listing for sale or lease, residential real property within Cook County on the grounds of loss of value due to the present or prospective entry into any neighborhood of any individual or individuals of any particular race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, or housing status.

 

         (6)  ENCOURAGEMENT OF BLOCKBUSTING.  No person shall distribute or cause to be distributed written material or statements designed to induce any owner of residential real property in Cook County to sell or lease his, her, or its property because of any prospective change in the race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, or housing status of individuals in the neighborhood.

 

         (7)  CREATING ALARM.  No person shall intentionally create alarm among residents of any community within Cook County by transmitting communication in any manner, including a telephone call whether or not conversation thereby ensues, with a design to induce any person within Cook County to sell or lease his or her residential real property within Cook County because of the present or prospective entry into the vicinity of the property of any individual or individuals of any particular race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, or housing status.

 

(C)  EXCEPTIONS

 

         The prohibitions in this Article VI shall not apply to any of the following:

 

         (1)  AGE.  Restricting rental or sale of a housing accommodation to an individual of a certain age group (a) when such housing accommodation is authorized, approved, financed, or subsidized in whole or in part for the benefit of that age group by a unit of state, local, or federal government; or (b) when the duly recorded initial declaration of a condominium or community association limits such housing accommodations to individuals 50 years of age or older, provided that an individual or members of the household of an individual owning or renting a unit in such housing accommodation prior to the recording of the initial declaration shall not be deemed to be in violation of the age restriction as long as the individual or household member continues to own or reside in the housing accommodation.

 

         (2)  RELIGION.  Limitation, by a religious organization, association, or society, or any not-for-profit institution or organization operated, supervised, or controlled by or in conjunction with a religious organization, association, or society, of the sale, rental, or occupancy of a dwelling which it owns or operates for other than a commercial purpose to individuals of the same religion, or from giving preference to such individuals.

 

         (3)  SINGLE SEX.  Restricting the rental of rooms in a housing accommodation to individuals of one sex.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT continued

ITEM #3 cont’d

 

         (4)  PRIVATE ROOMS.  Rental of a room or rooms in a private home by an owner if he or she or a member of his or her family resides therein or, while absent for a period of not more than twelve months, if he or she or a member of his or her family intends to return to reside therein.

 

         (5)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Ordinance, nothing contained in this Article VI shall require any person who does not participate in the federal Section 8 housing assistance program (42 U.S.C. 1437f) to accept any subsidy, payment assistance, voucher, or contribution under or in connection with such program or to lease or rent to any tenant or prospective tenant who is relying on such a subsidy, payment assistance, contribution, or voucher for payment of part of the rent for such housing accommodation.

 

         (5)  OWNER-OCCUPIED, THREE OR FEWER UNITS.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Ordinance, nothing contained in this Article VI, except for (B)(2), shall apply to an owner-occupant of a multi-family residential real property consisting of three or fewer units in the rental of another unit of that same residential real property to an existing or prospective tenant who is relying on a subsidy, payment assistance, contribution, or voucher under or in connection with the federal Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher housing assistance program (42 U.S.C. 1437f) for payment of any part of the rent for such unit.

 

(D)  SEXUAL HARASSMENT

 

         No person shall engage in sexual harassment in any real estate transaction. "Sexual harassment" means any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is an explicit or implicit term or condition of an individual's real estate transaction; or (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual's real estate transaction; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's real estate transaction or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment with respect thereto.

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Suffredin, seconded by Commissioner Quigley, moved that the Proposed Ordinance Amendment be referred to the Committee on Human Relations.  (Comm. No. 261435).  The motion carried unanimously.

 

VILLAGE OF WORTH - NO CASH BID REQUEST

ITEM #4

 

Transmitting a Communication, dated June 25, 2003 from

 

DEBORAH SIMS, Chairman, Finance Tax Delinquency Subcommittee

 

Submitting a request from

 

ANGELA R. HALL, Attorney, Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor, Ltd.

 

Re:       Cook County No Cash Bid Program Application by the Village of Worth

Property Index Number:  23-13-407-008-0000

            Volume Number:  151

 

Please be advised that our law firm represents the Village of Worth.  Submitted herewith, please find a municipal application for the Cook County No Cash Bid Program from the Village of Worth, which includes the following documents:

 

1.       An original of a Resolution of the Village of Worth, which identifies the current condition of the above-reference parcels of property and describes the intended use for the overall property by the Village; and

 

2.       A current title search on each parcel of property; and

VILLAGE OF WORTH - NO CASH BID REQUEST continued

ITEM #4 cont’d

 

3.       A Sidwell Map of the area identifying each parcel of property; and

 

4.       Photographs of the area depicting each parcel of property.

 

It is the intent of the Village, upon acquisition of the parcels of property, to further its goal of economic development by returning these tax delinquent lots to a tax producing status in order to compliment and enhance ongoing redevelopment efforts within the area, which will stabilize and increase over property values.

 

As required under the program, the Village will provide for legal counsel, will bear all costs associated with acquisition of the parcels of property and will meet reporting requirements.

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Sims, seconded by Commissioner Moreno, moved that the communication be referred to the Committee on Finance Tax Delinquency Subcommittee.  (Comm. No. 261436).  The motion carried unanimously.

 

VILLAGE OF SOUTH HOLLAND - NO CASH BID REQUEST

ITEM #5

 

Transmitting a Communication, dated July 1, 2003 from

 

DEBORAH SIMS, Chairman, Finance Tax Delinquency Subcommittee

 

Submitting a request from

 

DON A. DE GRAFF, Village President, Village of South Holland

 

Re:       No Cash Bid Application for the Village of South Holland

Property Index Nos. 29-09-412-001 through 030 and 29-09-413-001 through 015

 

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the Village of South Holland's desire to participate in the Cook County No Cash Bid Program.  The Village is interested in acquiring certain residential properties located in its community that have been delinquent in real estate taxes or special assessments for two or more years, pursuant 35 ILCS 200/21-90 or to 35 ILCS 200/21-260.

 

Please accept this request to obtain the properties listed on Exhibit A, all of which are in South Holland, Illinois.  The Village plans to use these properties for residential development in order to expand its tax revenues.  There is no third-party applicant.

 

As part of this request, I have submitted all the information that is required by the Cook County Board of Commissioners to enable the Village to participate in this program.  Also, South Holland has retained the services of an attorney to proceed to a tax deed and perform all other legal activities associated with this program.

 

If you require information or have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact our attorneys, Timothy C. Lapp or Kenneth W. Pilota.

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Sims, seconded by Commissioner Moreno, moved that the communication be referred to the Committee on Finance Tax Delinquency Subcommittee.  (Comm. No. 261437).  The motion carried unanimously.

VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD - NO CASH BID REQUEST

ITEM #6

 

Transmitting a Communication, dated September 5, 2003 from

 

DEBORAH SIMS, Chairman, Finance Tax Delinquency Subcommittee

 

Submitting a request from

 

RALPH CONNER, Mayor, Village of Maywood

 

Re:       Over-the-Counter No Cash Bid

 

The Village of Maywood has targeted various locations within the community for redevelopment.  Among those given priority are vacant lots and other derelict properties located in residential and commercial areas.  The conditions of these lots have caused the Village to expend its resources to maintain these properties.  Many of these same properties are delinquent in the payment of property taxes depriving the County, the Village, and the local Boards of Education of revenue.  These issues have given the Village of Maywood cause to seek the title to those tax delinquent properties and request that the Cook County Board of Commissioners submit an Over-the-Counter No Cash Bid on behalf of the Village.

 

In 2002 the Village of Maywood Board of Trustees adopted the Adjacent Neighbor Land Acquisition (ANLAP) and Tax Reactivation Programs as part of an initiative to redevelop vacant and underutilized property.  Currently, the Village is in the process of adopting a new Comprehensive Plan with a particular emphasis on redevelopment.  Site control is a significant factor to attract investment in targeted redevelopment areas.  Tax delinquent properties acquired through the proposed No Cash Bid will be part of these areas and marketed through the ANLAP and Tax Reactivation Programs or included in a land banking project for future projects or other municipal purposes.

 

In anticipation of the semiannual Scavenger Sale the County has released a preliminary list of tax delinquent properties.  The Village of Maywood submits the following list of tax delinquent parcels listed by their respective Property Index Numbers (PINs) for its inclusion in the No Cash Bid Program:

 

VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD - NO CASH BID REQUEST continued

ITEM #6 cont’d

 

 

In accordance with the criteria established by the County for the submission of No Cash Bids, submitted are the following items:

 

A resolution approved by the Village of Maywood Board of Trustees, adopted on June 2, 2003 requesting that the Cook County Commissioners submit an Over-the-Counter No Cash Bid on behalf of the Village for the identified tax delinquent parcels.

VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD - NO CASH BID REQUEST continued

ITEM #6 cont’d

 

Copies of title searches prepared by an independent title company for each of the properties identified in both this letter and the aforementioned resolution, listed by Volume and Property Index Numbers.  Accompanying each title search are pictures of each parcel and copies of the Sidwell Maps, identifying their locations.

 

Twenty copies of the No Cash Bid packets, plus one additional copy for the Cook County Department of Planning and Development.

 

This request does not contain any Third Party bids.

 

The legal firm of Klein, Thorpe, and Jenkins, Ltd. has been retained to represent the Village for all issues pertaining to this request for the submission of the No Cash Bids.  For information or questions regarding the Village of Maywood’s request, please contact Michael Jurusik of Klein, Thorpe, and Jenkins, Ltd., or contact Christopher J. Donovan in the Village of Maywood’s Community Development Department.

________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Sims, seconded by Commissioner Moreno, moved that the communication be referred to the Committee on Finance Tax Delinquency Subcommittee.  (Comm. No. 261438).  The motion carried unanimously.

 

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING/RESOLUTION

ITEM #7

 

Transmitting a Communication, dated September 11, 2003 from

 

WALLY S. KOS, P.E., Superintendent of Highways

 

Re:       Memorandum of Understanding with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for Bridge and Structure Inspections at Various Locations within Cook County

 

The Department of Highways submits for execution three (3) copies of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and the Cook County Highway Department for bridge and structure inspections to transfer certain obligations for inspection, repair and/or improvements of certain structures from the Forest Preserve District to the Highway Department and to establish procedures and responsibilities which will follow from said transfer of inspection responsibilities at various locations within Cook County.

 

The Memorandum of Understanding has been approved by the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County on September 3, 2003.  It has also been examined and approved by this department and by the State’s Attorney’s Office.

 

I, therefore respectfully recommend that it be executed in accordance with accompanying Resolution, and that the three (3) originals be returned to this Department for final processing.

 

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

 

RESOLVED, that the President of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, Illinois, on behalf of the County of Cook, is hereby authorized and directed by the Members of said Board, to execute by original signature or his authorized signature stamp, three (3) copies of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and the Highway Department for bridge and structure inspection at various locations within Cook County, submitted, to transfer certain obligations for inspection, repair and/or improvements of certain structures from the Forest Preserve District to the Highway Department and to establish procedures and responsibilities which will follow from said transfer of inspection responsibilities; and, the Highway Department is authorized and directed to return a copy of this Resolution and Memorandum to the Forest Preserve District.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING/RESOLUTION continued

 

ITEM #7 cont’d

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Moreno, moved that the communication be referred to the Committee on Roads and Bridges.  (Comm. No. 261439).  The motion carried unanimously.

 

PROPOSED CONTRACT

ITEM #8

 

Transmitting a Communication from

 

DAVID ORR, County Clerk

by

GARY M. RYCYZYN, Director of Elections

 

requesting authorization for the Purchasing Agent to enter into a contract with Election Systems & Software, Chicago, Illinois, for voter registration management system (VRMS) enhancements.

 

Reason:

The VRMS that was implemented over the last two years needs software enhancements.  Election Systems & Software is the only viable choice as the vendor for software enhancements because of their expanded knowledge of this product.

 

Estimated Fiscal Impact:  $125,000.00.  Contract period:  September 8, 2003 through March 31, 2004.  (524-289 Account).  Requisition No. 35240011.

 

The Chief Information Office has reviewed this item and concurs with this recommendation.

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Steele, moved that the County Purchasing Agent be authorized to enter into the requested contract.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

ITEM #9

 

Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by

 

EARLEAN COLLINS, County Commissioner

 

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

 

RULES OF ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURE

 

WHEREAS, the President and the Members of the Board recognize the advancement to televise courage demands more professionalism on how we conduct our business to ensure public confidence; and

 

WHEREAS, the President and the Members recognize there is a need for greater clarity and consistency in the practical application of our Rules of Organization and Procedures.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners shall establish a standing subcommittee under the Rules Committee to define the powers, duties, and responsibilities of all standing committees, and the necessity for the standing subcommittee, and their functions.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION continued

ITEM #9 cont’d

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved that the Proposed Resolution be referred to the Committee on Rules.  (Comm. No. 261440).  The motion carried unanimously.

 

PROPOSED ORDINANCES

ITEM #10

 

Transmitting a Communication from

 

DAVID ORR, County Clerk

 

PROPOSED ORDINANCE

 

VITAL RECORDS FEES FOR THE COUNTY CLERK

 

WHEREAS, the County Clerk of Cook County maintains marriage, birth and death records for Cook County; and

 

WHEREAS, the County Clerk of Cook County is charged by statute with the legal duty to provide the public with copies of vital records; and

 

WHEREAS, the costs of providing the initial copy of vital records has increased in recent years, while the fees charged and collected by the County Clerk have remained unchanged; and

 

WHEREAS, Section 25 of the Vital Records Act, 410 ILCS 525/25, allows the County Clerk to collect a fee for initial copies of records equal to the fees collected by the Illinois Department of Public Health, i.e., $15.00; and

 

WHEREAS, the County Clerk of neighboring Counties charge more for supplying initial copies of birth and marriage records than does the Cook County Clerk, including a fee of $12.00 per copy in McHenry and $10.00 per copy in DuPage County; and

 

WHEREAS, counties comparable to Cook County in size, such as Los Angeles County, California and the boroughs of New York City, charge $18.00 and $15.00, respectively, for birth records.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AS FOLLOWS:

 

Section 1.  The County Clerk shall charge and collect a fee of $10.00 for providing initial copies of birth and marriage records.

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Daley, seconded by Commissioner Moreno, moved that the Proposed Ordinance be referred to the Committee on Finance.  (Comm. No. 261441).  The motion carried unanimously.

 

*  *  *  *  *

ITEM #11

 

Transmitting a Communication from

 

DAVID ORR, County Clerk

 

PROPOSED ORDINANCE

 

EMERGENCY VITAL RECORDS FEE FOR THE COUNTY CLERK

 

WHEREAS, the County Clerk of Cook County maintains marriage, birth and death records for Cook County; and

PROPOSED ORDINANCES continued

ITEM #11 cont’d

 

WHEREAS, the County Clerk of Cook County is charged by statute with the legal duty to provide the public with copies of vitals records; and

 

WHEREAS, the County Clerk has put into place technology and staff to provide copies of vital records on a same-day or overnight basis; and

 

WHEREAS, many individuals have chosen to request copies of vital records on a same-day or overnight basis; and

 

WHEREAS, the demand for copies of vital records requested on a same-day or overnight basis is so great that it requires all of the working time of a full-time employee of the Vital Records Department of the office of the County Clerk just to fulfill overnight requests, and additional time and effort of other employees to fulfill same-day requests; and

 

WHEREAS, other County Clerks in Illinois charge an emergency fee, in addition to other authorized fees, to supply copies of vital records on a same-day or overnight basis.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AS FOLLOWS:

 

Section 1.  The County Clerk shall charge and collect an emergency fee of $25.00 for providing a copy of a vital record on a same-day or overnight basis.

 

Section 2.  The emergency fee authorized in Section 1 hereof shall be in addition to any other fees authorized to be collected by the County Clerk for providing the requested document.

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Daley, seconded by Commissioner Moreno, moved that the Proposed Ordinance be referred to the Committee on Finance.  (Comm. No. 261442).  The motion carried unanimously.

 

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

ITEM #12

 

Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by

 

MIKE QUIGLEY and JOHN P. DALEY, County Commissioners

 

Co-Sponsored by

 

LARRY SUFFREDIN, PRESIDENT JOHN H. STROGER, JR., 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, PETER N. SILVESTRI,

DEBORAH SIMS and BOBBIE L. STEELE, County Commissioners

 

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, Cook County is committed to meeting the mutually compatible goals of economic vitality, a healthy environment and strong communities through the practice of sustainability; and

 

WHEREAS, the World Commission on the Environment and Development defined sustainability as a set of practices that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”; and

 

WHEREAS, reversing the steady decline in the natural resources and ecosystems on which people and economic vitality depend is critical to our future; and

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS continued

ITEM #12 cont’d

 

WHEREAS, the regional and global implications of climate change, loss of biological diversity, and threats to resources such as clean water require us all to examine and change behaviors; and

 

WHEREAS, sustainable practices often result in economic gains in addition to environmental benefits; and

 

WHEREAS, a motto often associated with sustainability encourages individuals and organizations to “think globally and act locally”; and

 

WHEREAS, within county government, sustainability requires decisions based on a systematic evaluation of the long-term impacts of an activity or product on health and safety, communities, and the environment and economy of Cook County; and

 

WHEREAS, county government should lead by example and adopt sustainable policies and practices that contribute to the long-term protection and enhancement of our environment, our economy and the health of current and future generations; and

 

WHEREAS, Cook County already has taken bold action in pursuit of sustainability by enacting initiatives such as the Cook County Green Buildings Ordinance, the Recycled Product and Procurement Policy, and waste reduction, reuse, and recycling strategies.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Cook County government will strive to become the “greenest” county in America by adopting sustainability as one of its central goals; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board, through the Committee on Environmental Control, will conduct public hearings to examine the progress of existing county environmental initiatives and determine how all future operations can be conducted in an environmentally sound manner that will contribute positively towards the quality of life of all citizens; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board Committee on Environmental Control will collaborate with educational, community, professional, and governmental institutions as well as individual citizens to integrate the concept of sustainability into the entire range of the county’s public and private activities.

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, 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 Proposed Resolution be referred to the Committee on Environmental Control.  (Comm. No. 261443).  The motion carried unanimously.

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

ITEM #13

 

Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by

 

GREGG GOSLIN, JOHN P. DALEY and PRESIDENT JOHN H. STROGER, JR.,

County Commissioners

 

Co-Sponsored by

 

JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS,

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

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS continued

ITEM #13 cont’d

 

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

 

TO RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITIES OF

ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER SERVICES OF THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT

 

WHEREAS, the Cook County Forest Preserve District is experiencing budgetary and personnel shortages; and

 

WHEREAS, the Cook County Forest Preserve District’s revenue streams, property tax and bonding authority, are capped at an amount that is less than its current expenses and needs; and

 

WHEREAS, Cook County departments possess resources which perform functions which are duplicative of those performed within the Forest Preserve District and that, as a result, the use of County departments to perform some of those functions for the Forest Preserve may reduce duplication and achieve cost efficiency; and

 

WHEREAS, through an intergovernmental agreement the County could take over the operating responsibilities of many of the departments in the forest preserve district thereby consolidating operations and saving precious FPD budgetary resources; and

 

WHEREAS, the proposal is for the County to assume operational responsibilities for a variety of administrative personnel and financial activities while the Forest Preserve District maintains its’ real estate and facilities.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners requests the Cook County State’s Attorney and the Forest Preserve District’s legal counsel to advise on possible options identified by representatives of the Forest Preserve District and County government and evaluate those options under existing laws; and

 

FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board requests the Cook County State’s Attorney and the Forest Preserve District’s legal counsel provide the Board of Commissioners, by November 4, 2003 a schedule of opportunities and options the County enjoys under existing State Statutes to assume responsibility of administrative and other services of the Forest Preserve District.

_________________________

 

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Commissioner Goslin, seconded by Commissioner Daley, moved that the Resolution be approved and adopted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

ITEM #14

 

Pursuant to Rule 4-30, Wallace “Gator” Bradley of United Peace, addressed the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.  Mr. Bradley spoke in support of the actions of the Cook County Board and the positive impact the Board has on his work in the community.

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

ITEM #15

 

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.

 

| Clerk of the Board | September 16, 2003 Meeting  | NEW ITEMS

 

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