December 16, 2003 New Items

NEW ITEMS

Meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners

County Board Room, County Building

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

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PROPOSED RESOLUTION

ITEM #1

Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by

LARRY SUFFREDIN, County Commissioner

Co-Sponsored by

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 and BOBBIE L. STEELE, County Commissioners

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

Requesting Congress to Continue Financial Support for

the 21st Century Learning Center Program

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners wishes to support every effort to provide opportunities for excellence in its students; and

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes that after school programs:

Provide a safe, friendly learning environment for our kids that boosts their academic achievement; and

Support working families by ensuring that their children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends; and

Build stronger communities by involving our students, parents, business leaders and adult volunteers in the lives of our young people; and

Encourage families to become more effective partners in their children's education.

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners is disappointed that Congress failed to increase funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Center program in Fiscal Year 2004; and

WHEREAS, over 45,000 additional young people in the State of Illinois could have had access to after school programs if Congress had fully funded the 21st Century Community Learning Center program to the level authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners that this Body urgently requests President Bush to include the fully authorized amount of $2 billion for the 21st Century Learning Center Program in his Fiscal Year 2005 budget; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners that this Body urgently requests Congress to fund the 21st Century Learning Center Program in the Fiscal Year 2005 budget at $2 billion as was previously authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall be forwarded to the members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Ron Paige and President Bush; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and that a suitable copy of this Resolution shall be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body.

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

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

PROPOSED CONTRACT

ITEM #2

Transmitting a Communication, dated December 9, 2003 from

JOHN L. HIBBETT, Director, Department of Risk Management

requesting authorization for the Purchasing Agent to enter into a contract with USI Midwest as insurance brokers for the purchase of excess liability insurance on behalf of the County of Cook.

Reason: To buy catastrophic liability insurance for the general liability, medical malpractice and professional liability claims made against the County of Cook.

Annual Insurance Premiums & Broker’s Fee

Estimated Fiscal Year 2004: $ 6,808,780.00

Estimated Fiscal Year 2005: $ 7,050,000.00

Estimated Fiscal Year 2006: $ 7,205,000.00

Estimated Total Cost: $21,063,780.00

Contract period: December 31, 2003 through December 30, 2006. Account to Charge - (542-846 Account). Requisition No. 40080001.

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

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

Commissioner Peraica voted “present”.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

ITEM #3

Submitting a Proposed Ordinance Amendment sponsored by

EARLEAN COLLINS, County Commissioner

Co-Sponsored by

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, ANTHONY J. PERAICA and LARRY SUFFREDIN,

County Commissioners

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

Rules of Organization and Procedure Ordinance Amendment

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:

Article II. Section 2.7.1 of the Cook County Rules of Organization and Procedure Ordinance is hereby amended, and shall read as follows:

2.7.1 Referrals to Committee

~~2.7~~ 2.7.1 Referrals to Committees. The Board may by motion refer any matter before the Board to committees or to subcommittees. The Chair of a committee may refer a matter pending in that committee to a subcommittee of that committee. Only issues related to revenue, finance, and appropriations will be referred to the Finance Committee.

Article II. Section 2.10 of the Cook County Rules of Organization and Procedure Ordinance is hereby amended, and shall read as follows:

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT continued

ITEM #3 cont’d

2.10 Confirmation of Presidential Appointments

2.10 Confirmation of Presidential Appointments. All appointments of the President requiring the advice and consent of the Board shall be referred to the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee upon the President's submission. The Committee shall promptly hold such hearings as it deems appropriate and shall, no later than 60 days after referral, report all such appointments to the Board with a recommendation for action. If the Committee has not made a timely report on any appointment, the appointment shall, at the next regular meeting of the Board following the expiration of such 60 days, be referred to the Board with "no recommendation" by the Committee. All Presidential appointments of Department Heads submitted to the Board shall require advice and consent of the Board and indicate whether the position is salaried or non-salaried. In the case of a salaried position, the beginning salary rate must be included. In the case of a stipend, the amount of the stipend must be provided.

_________________________

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Suffredin, 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 Ordinance Amendment be referred to the Committee on Rules. (Comm. No. 263016). The motion carried unanimously.

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

ITEM #4

Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by

EARLEAN COLLINS, County Commissioner

Co-Sponsored by

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, ANTHONY J. PERAICA and LARRY SUFFREDIN,

County Commissioners

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

Feasibility Study by Industrial Engineers

WHEREAS, Cook County is a home rule unit of local government pursuant to Article 7, Section 6a of the Illinois Constitution of 1970 with power to regulate those matters which pertain to its government and affairs; and

WHEREAS, Cook County Commissioners have the responsibility for assuring that they have adequate control over expenditures and policy-making decisions for operating the most cost effective and efficient county government; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to facilitate efforts to fulfill Cook County's core mission to operate a cost effective and efficient government operation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners authorize Cook County industrial engineers to conduct a feasibility study to determine the fiscal impact of streamlining and consolidating government operations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE STUDY EXAMINES THE FOLLOWING:

1) The administrative policies and procedures regarding fiscal responsibility and lines of authority between the Board and other elected offices.

2) The departmental and program consolidation with an effort to minimize duplicity of services.

3) Lines of authority between the office of the President and Board of Commissioners.

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS continued

ITEM #4 cont’d

4) The State constitution and laws with emphasis on amendments to minimize ambiguity in regards to legal responsibilities and functions of State established elected offices.

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Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Suffredin, 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 Finance. (Comm. No. 263017). The motion carried unanimously.

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ITEM #5

Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by

EARLEAN COLLINS, County Commissioner

Co-Sponsored by

ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, ANTHONY J. PERAICA and LARRY SUFFREDIN,

County Commissioners

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

Equity in Employment

WHEREAS, Cook County government has the responsibility for assuring equity in employment for all people throughout Cook County; and

WHEREAS, the current system of selecting employees does not lend itself to equity in employment throughout Cook County in the selection of new applicants.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that beginning January 1, 2004, now new applicant shall be selected from Cook County Board Districts where there exists a disproportionate number of county employees. Exceptions are instances where qualified applicants cannot be found in other districts, applicants who are members of a protected class under State, Federal and local affirmative action and other Civil Rights laws.

_________________________

Commissioner Hansen, seconded by Commissioner Suffredin, 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 Finance. (Comm. No. 263018). The motion carried unanimously.

REQUEST TO DISCHARGE FROM COMMITTEE

COMMUNICATION NOS. 262779 AND 262780 AND TO APPROVE

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

ITEM #6

Transmitting a Communication, dated December 16, 2003 from

EARLEAN COLLINS, Chairman, Committee on Business and Economic Development

Requesting that Communication Nos. 262779 and 262780 be discharged from the Committee on Business and Economic Development and be placed on the Agenda for consideration and approval.

REQUEST TO DISCHARGE FROM COMMITTEE

COMMUNICATION NOS. 262779 AND 262780 AND TO APPROVE

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS continued

ITEM #6 cont’d

262779 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, by Gwendolyn D. Clemons, Director, transmitting a Communication, dated November 4, 2003.

Re: William E. Holke

Resolution Approving Class 6b Special Exception to Abandonment

respectfully submitting this resolution regarding the William E. Holke’s application for Class 6b property tax incentive for your consideration.

William E. Holke requests approval of the special exception to the 24 month abandonment rule under the Class 6b Ordinance. This resolution is required so that the company can complete his application to the Assessor of Cook County within the 90 day period from purchase of the property.

Submitting the company’s application for Class 6b, the Resolution of the Village of Alsip, and a Department of Planning and Development staff report for your information.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has adopted a Real Property Assessment Classification 6b that 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 William E. Holke and the Resolution from the Village of Alsip, for an abandoned industrial facility located at 5909 West 115th Street, Alsip, Cook County, Illinois, Property Index Number 24-20-402-005; 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 20 months at the time of application 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 William E. Holke for an abandoned industrial facility located at 5909 West 115th Street, Alsip, 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.

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262780 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, by Gwendolyn D. Clemons, Director, transmitting a Communication, dated November 4, 2003.

Re: Ralph Edgar

Resolution Approving Class 8 Special Exception to Abandonment

respectfully submitting this resolution regarding Ralph Edgar’s application for Class 8 property tax incentive for your consideration.

Ralph Edgar requests approval of the special exception to the 24 month abandonment rule under the Class 8 Ordinance. This resolution is required so that the owner can complete his application to the Assessor of Cook County.

REQUEST TO DISCHARGE FROM COMMITTEE

COMMUNICATION NOS. 262779 AND 262780 AND TO APPROVE

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS continued

ITEM #6 cont’d

Submitting the company’s application for Class 8, the Resolution of the Village of Dolton, and a Department of Planning and Development staff report for your information.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has adopted a Real Property Assessment Classification 8 that provides an applicant a reduction in the assessment level for a commercial facility; and

WHEREAS, the County Board of Commissioners has received and reviewed an application from Ralph Edgar, and the Resolution of the Village of Dolton, for an abandoned commercial facility located at 655 East Sibley Boulevard, Village of Dolton, Cook County, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 29-10-402-004, 29-10-402-005 and 20 29-10-402-032; and

WHEREAS, Class 8 requires the validation by the County Board of the shortened period of qualifying abandonment in cases where the commercial 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 approximately 17 months to date, 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 8 abatement incentive to Ralph Edgar, for an abandoned commercial facility located at 655 East Sibley Boulevard, Village of Dolton, Cook County, Illinois; 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.

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

Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to discharge Communication No. 262779 - a Resolution Approving Class 6b Special Exception to Abandonment for William E. Holke, and Communication No. 262780 - a Resolution Approving Class 8 Special Exception to Abandonment for Ralph Edgar, from the Committee on Business and Economic Development. The motion to discharge carried unanimously.

Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved that Communication Nos. 262779 and 262780 be approved, that the Resolution (Comm. No. 262779) be approved and adopted and that the Resolution (Comm. No. 262280) be approved and adopted, as amended. The motion carried unanimously.

04-R-16

RESOLUTION

REQUEST TO DISCHARGE FROM COMMITTEE

COMMUNICATION NOS. 262779 AND 262780 AND TO APPROVE

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS continued

ITEM #6 cont’d

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has determined that the building was abandoned for 20 months at the time of application and that special circumstances are present.

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.

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04-R-17

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has determined that the building was abandoned for approximately 17 months to date, 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 8 abatement incentive to Ralph Edgar, for an abandoned commercial facility located at 655 East Sibley Boulevard, Village of Dolton, Cook County, Illinois; 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.

EMERGENCY REQUEST

ITEM #7

Transmitting a Communication, dated December 16, 2003 from

MICHAEL E. LAMONT, Director, Office of Capital Planning and Policy

Transmitted herewith for your approval is a request for emergency authorization to perform a critical exterior façade examination and all necessary stabilization repairs on the old Cook County Hospital Building at 1835 W. Harrison Street.

This emergency work is necessary in order to comply with the Chicago Building Code Chapter 13-196 minimum requirements for existing buildings. These requirements include performing a critical examination of the entire area of all elevations of the exterior walls and enclosure and performing subsequent remedial stabilization repairs as required to provide a structurally safe condition.

The City of Chicago has filed a complaint against the County to enforce the provisions of the Chicago Building Code. The complaint states that portions of the façade are dangerous and hazardous and that the County must demolish, or repair the premises.

EMERGENCY REQUEST continued

ITEM #7 cont’d

It is respectfully requested that this honorable body approve this request.

Estimated Fiscal Impact: $1,000,000.00. Bond Issue (20000 Account)

Sufficient funds have been appropriated to cover this request.

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

Commissioner Silvestri, seconded by Commissioner Peraica, moved to defer consideration of the emergency request until the January 22, 2004 Board meeting. On a voice vote, the motion to defer carried. Following discussion and in accordance with Rule 4-14(b), Commissioner Butler requested a Roll Call, the vote of yeas and nays being as follows:

ROLL CALL ON MOTION TO DEFER

Yeas: Peraica, Quigley, Silvestri - 3.

Nays: Butler, Claypool, Collins, Daley, Gorman, Goslin, Hansen, Maldonado, Moreno, Murphy, Steele, Suffredin - 12.

Absent: Sims, Stroger - 2.

The motion to defer consideration of the emergency request until the January 22, 2004 Board meeting FAILED.

Commissioner Silvestri, seconded by Commissioner Suffredin, moved that the request of the Director of the Office of Capital Planning and Policy be approved. The motion carried.

Commissioners Peraica and Quigley voted “no”.

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

ITEM #8

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.