NEW ITEMS
Meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners
County Board Room, County Building
Tuesday, May 20, 2003, 10:00 A.M.
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PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS
ITEM #1
Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by
JOHN H. STROGER, JR., President, Cook County Board of Commissioners
Co-Sponsored by
JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY,
ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, CARL R. HANSEN,
ROBERTO MALDONADO, JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY,
ANTHONY J. PERAICA, MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS,
BOBBIE L. STEELE and LARRY SUFFREDIN, County Commissioners
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, with the impending retirement of Dr. Cynthia T. Henderson, Director of Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County, we will lose a compassionate, innovative and highly qualified administrator; and
WHEREAS, Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County is an integral part of the Cook County Bureau of Health Services, which provides a continuum of healthcare to Cook County's residents; and
WHEREAS, Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County is Cook County's facility dedicated to the care of chronic illnesses, comprehensive rehabilitative services and long term care; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Cynthia T. Henderson has had a distinguished history of service to Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County, beginning in 1987 as a long term care physician/gastroenterologist, through her progression as Chief of Geriatric Medicine, Medical Director and Chief Operating Officer; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Cynthia T. Henderson has provided sound leadership to the Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County team, making strides in enhancing healthcare services amidst patient population changes, to a younger patient profile with a range of complex illnesses, and dramatic increases in urgent care/emergency services; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Cynthia T. Henderson has contributed to the fulfillment of the hospital's primary mission of access to care for all persons, regardless of ability to pay, while providing excellent patient care for adults in acute and long term care settings, coordinating services with the Cook County Bureau of Health Services affiliates, achieving the best possible results of care, including maximum patient function and independence, recognizing and serving community needs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the more than five million residents of Cook County, do hereby recognize Dr. Cynthia T. Henderson as an outstanding public health professional during her praiseworthy career at Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County, and send “best wishes” for good health and happiness as she enters a new phase of her professional life; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes Dr. Cynthia T. Henderson for her immense contributions to the community standard of healthcare to the citizens of Cook County.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Moreno, moved that the Resolution be approved and adopted. The motion carried unanimously.
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PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS continued
ITEM #2
Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by
JOHN H. STROGER, JR., President, Cook County Board of Commissioners
Co-Sponsored by
JERRY BUTLER, FORREST CLAYPOOL, EARLEAN COLLINS, JOHN P. DALEY,
ELIZABETH ANN DOODY GORMAN, GREGG GOSLIN, ROBERTO MALDONADO,
JOSEPH MARIO MORENO, JOAN PATRICIA MURPHY, ANTHONY J. PERAICA,
MIKE QUIGLEY, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS, BOBBIE L. STEELE and
LARRY SUFFREDIN, County Commissioners
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, on March 16, 1993, the Cook County Board of Commissioners adopted the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the nation; and
WHEREAS, passage of the Ordinance was supported by a broad and unique array of civil rights organizations, community activists, municipal leaders and County officials who recognized that discrimination undermines civil order and deprives individuals of the benefits of a free and open society; and
WHEREAS, the Human Rights Ordinance took effect on May 21, 1993; and
WHEREAS, the Ordinance established an 11 member Commission on Human Rights and gave it broad powers to punish acts of discrimination and provide relief to those affected; and
WHEREAS, the Commission on Human Rights has vigorously enforced the protections of the Human Rights Ordinance through investigation, adjudication and conciliation of complaints of discrimination; and
WHEREAS, the Commission has partnered with other civil rights enforcement agencies to provide seamless and comprehensive protection from discrimination throughout Cook County; and
WHEREAS, during the decade since its passage, the Ordinance has shown to be an important piece of the mosaic of federal, state and local civil rights laws; and
WHEREAS, the racial, religious, social, ethnic, and cultural diversity of Cook County’s citizenry is one of its greatest strengths and critical to the County’s future vitality; and
WHEREAS, the County remains committed to protecting the diverse population of those who live, work and recreate in Cook County from discrimination, bias and bigotry; and
WHEREAS, after a decade, the Human Rights Ordinance is still in the forefront of civil rights protection prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status or gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit transactions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board Of Commissioners that Cook County celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance and reaffirms its commitment to assuring that individuals within the jurisdiction of Cook County shall be protected in the enjoyment of civil rights, and to promoting mutual understanding and respect among all who live and work within this County.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Moreno, moved that the Resolution be approved and adopted. The motion carried.
Commissioner Hansen voted "no".
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PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS continued
ITEM #3
Transmitting a Communication, dated May 15, 2003 from
MARK KILGALLON, Chief, Bureau of Human Resources
Transmitting herewith is an Interest Arbitration Award covering wages and other issues for Stroger Hospital of Cook County Hospital Security Sergeants for consideration at the May 20, 2003 Board Meeting.
Estimated Fiscal Impact: $63,659.00.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the County of Cook and the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, Stroger Hospital of Cook County Hospital Security Sergeants, Chapter 270, entered into Compulsory Interest Arbitration under Section 14 of the Illinois Public Relations Act; and
WHEREAS, an Interest Arbitration Award has been issued concerning unresolved salary issues covering the period of December 1, 2001 through November 30, 2004.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this award be submitted for consideration by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved that the Resolution be approved and adopted. The motion carried unanimously.
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ITEM #4
Transmitting a Communication, dated May 15, 2003 from
MARK KILGALLON, Chief, Bureau of Human Resources
Transmitting herewith is a Wage Resolution covering Employee's Union Local 743 for your consideration and approval at the May 20, 2003 Board Meeting.
Estimated Fiscal Impact: $640,938.00.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, a Collective Bargaining Agreement for the period of December 1, 2001 through November 30, 2004 has been negotiated between Cook County and the Warehouse, Mail Order, Office Technical and Professional Employee Union Local 743;
and
WHEREAS, these general increases and salary adjustments are reflected in the Salary Schedules.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that these general increases and salary adjustments be approved by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County.
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado, moved that the Resolution be approved and adopted. The motion carried unanimously.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ITEM #5
May 19, 2003
The Honorable,
The Board of Commissioners of Cook County
ATTENDANCE
Present: Chairman Collins, Vice Chairman Goslin, Commissioners Hansen, Maldonado and Quigley (5)
Absent: Commissioners Gorman and Murphy (2)
Also Present: Commissioners Butler and Suffredin (2), Gwendolyn Clemons - Director, Department of Planning and Development; Jacquelyn Harder - Economic Development Project Director; William P. Colson - Attorney; Paul Furlow - Co-President of Tech Lighting; and Marty Fields - President, Jet Age Container
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Your Committee on Business and Economic Development of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County met pursuant to notice on Monday, May 19, 2003 at the hour of 10:00 A.M. in the Board Room, Room 569, County Building, 118 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois.
Chairman Collins asked Gwendolyn Clemons to provide a brief overview of the Class 6b property tax incentive and how the incentive helps retain businesses in Cook County.
Gwendolyn Clemons, Director of the Department of Planning and Development, stated that the Department of Planning and Development, through the Economic Development Division, supports, retains and attracts businesses to Cook County. There are a variety of tools that are used to grow businesses in Cook County that are offered through various mechanisms. Through the business center, the Department of Planning and Development provides direct assistance to companies that have had inquiries, called into the office or that are following up on various requests. Further, Ms. Clemons stated that the Department of Planning and Development facilitates and assists in property tax incentives and operates the “No Cash Bid” program. Ms. Clemons stated that every year the Department of Planning and Development produces “The Marketing Report,” which highlights the number of businesses that the Department has assisted in the last year. In conclusion, Ms. Clemons stated that the Department of Planning and Development provides direct business development assistance to more than 1,600 domestic and foreign companies and provides market and trade-related information to an additional 2,500 businesses.
Commissioner Hansen stated that the problem with Class 6b proposals is that commissioners do not have enough time to review the proposals and take action. He noted that the timeframe should be lengthened, and suggested that new language be added to the Real Property Assessment Classification Ordinance.
Gwendolyn Clemons commented that the Department of Planning and Development had been working with the State’s Attorney’s Office, which has drafted language that will be used in terms of outreach to all municipalities indicating that the Department of Planning and Development must be given thirty days so the County Board can review and act upon the applications. Further, Ms. Clemons stated that her office received the new language last week from the State’s Attorney’s Office. The Department of Planning and Development is in the process of putting together an information package that will be distributed to everyone involved in the process. Finally, Ms. Clemons noted that the State’s Attorney’s Office will be working with the Assessor’s Office to strengthen the language.
Commissioner Hansen asked if legally, any new language is needed as a pre-condition in order for the Department of Planning and Development to have more time when proposals are before the Board.
Gwendolyn Clemons stated that the State’s Attorney’s Office informed her office that this could be handled administratively.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT continued
ITEM #5 cont'd
Commissioner Hansen commented that this matter needs to be immediately clarified; and the Chairman of the Business and Economic Development Committee and the commissioners should be notified on both counts. He concluded by noting that commissioners should receive something in writing if an amendment is needed.
Chairman Collins agreed with Commissioner Hansen’s comments. The chairman stated that part of the problem is that this is the first time the committee on Business and Economic Development has met to discuss proposals. She noted that in the future, all proposals would be placed on a Board Agenda and then referred to committee for discussion.
Commissioner Hansen stated that he wanted to be certain that the county is acting according to the law and the timeframe is not shortened. He then requested a copy of the State’s Attorney’s legal opinion.
Gwendolyn Clemons stated that a copy of the legal opinion would be distributed to the commissioners today. (The referenced document is on file in the Office of the County Clerk.)
259129 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, by Gwendolyn D. Clemons, Director, transmitting a Communication, dated April 7, 2003:
Re: Howard SRG, LLC
Resolution Approving Class 6b Special Exception to Abandonment
respectfully submitting this Resolution regarding the Company’s application for Class 6b property tax incentive for your consideration.
Howard SRG, LLC 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 its application to the Assessor of Cook County within the 90-day period from purchase of the property that will occur later this year.
Submitting the company application for Class 6b, the Resolution of the Village of Skokie, 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 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 Howard SRG, LLC and the Resolution from the Village of Skokie for a vacant industrial facility located at 3601 West Howard Street, Skokie, Cook County, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 10-26-302-007-0000 and 10-26-302-011-0000; 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 2 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 a Cook County Real Estate Classification 6b application by Howard SRG, LLC for an abandoned industrial facility located at 3601 West Howard Street, Skokie, 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.
*Referred to the Business & Economic Development Committee on 5/6/03
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT continued
ITEM #5 cont'd
259130 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, by Gwendolyn D. Clemons, Director, transmitting a Communication, dated April 10, 2003:
Re: 73rd Street SRG, LLC
Resolution Approving Class 6b Special Exception to Abandonment
respectfully submitting this Resolution regarding the Company’s application for Class 6b property tax incentive for your consideration.
73rd Street SRG, LLC 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 its application to the Assessor of Cook County within the 90-day period from purchase of the property which will occur later this year.
Submitting the company application for Class 6b, the Resolution of the Village of Bedford Park, 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 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 73rd Street SRG, LLC and the Resolution from the Village of Bedford Park for a vacant industrial facility located at 5555 West 73rd Street, Bedford Park, Cook County, Illinois, Property Index Number 19-28-100-053-0000; 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 5 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 to the filing of a Cook County Real Estate Classification 6b application by 73rd Street SRG, LLC for an abandoned industrial facility located at 5555 West 73rd Street, Bedford Park,
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.
*Referred to the Business & Economic Development Committee on 5/6/03
Commissioner Maldonado asked the number of current employees under this Class 6b proposal.
William Colson, representing Jet Age Container, stated that there are currently forty-five employees, and the Village of Bedford Park is very eager to assist in the expansion of their employee base but help retain the company in the Village. Mr. Colson submitted a Resolution of support from the Village of Bedford Park. (The referenced document is on file in the Office of the County Clerk.)
In response to Commissioner Hansen’s question, Gwendolyn Clemons noted that the Department of Planning and Development has already begun surveying the companies to make sure the incentives have helped increase the number of company employees.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT continued
ITEM #5 cont'd
Commissioner Hansen commented that it would be a good idea for the Department of Planning and Development to provide a status report on Class 6b tax incentives in terms of the provisions given to the Assessor’s Office.
Chairman Collins asked Ms. Clemons if the information is contained in the Annual Report submitted by the Department of Planning and Development.
Gwendolyn Clemons responded that the information is not included in the report, but a report could be submitted within two months.
Commissioner Maldonado asked the length of time the companies listed in the proposals have been in business.
Paul Furlow, Co-President, Tech Lighting, stated that Tech Lighting has been manufacturing low voltage architectural lighting systems since 1988. He said the company currently has 240 employees and if the Class 6b proposal is approved, 160 new jobs will be created. He also stated that the company is growing at approximately 23-24% per year, and within four to five years, the company should have a total of 400 employees.
Marty Fields, President, Jet Age Container, stated that he purchased the company October 1991 and the company has been in business for thirty years. He said that if the Class 6b proposal is approved, within four to five years, 45 more jobs would be added to the company.
Commissioner Suffredin spoke in favor of the project, and cited the Village of Skokie’s support.
Commissioner Maldonado remarked that the proposal provides very generous tax relief to the Jet Age Container Company, which projects an increase of 45 new jobs over a five-year period, and amounts to almost $100,000 per job. The commissioner suggested the county better scrutinize and analyze future requests in terms of the amount of the incentives compared to the number of jobs created.
Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Quigley, moved approval of Communication Nos. 259129 and 259130. The motion carried.
Commissioner Hansen moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Maldonado. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
EARLEAN COLLINS, Chairman
ATTEST: SANDRA K. WILLIAMS, Secretary
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Commissioner Maldonado, seconded by Commissioner Silvestri, moved to suspend the rules so that this matter may be considered. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Hansen, moved that the Report of the Committee on Business and Economic Development be approved and adopted. The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
ITEM #6
Pursuant to Rule 4-30, Charles W. Jones, Jr., addressed the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Jones spoke regarding the loss of his uncle's property and lack of access to county offices.
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ITEM #7
Pursuant to Rule 4-30, Delores Quinn, addressed the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Ms. Quinn followed up on her experience at Cook County Jail.
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ITEM #8
Pursuant to Rule 4-30, Suk Kim Graham, President and Owner of MedVentures, Inc., addressed the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Graham spoke regarding a contract addendum and a request to cancel a bid for pharmacy management (inpatient and outpatient) services for Provident Hospital of Cook County.
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ITEM #9
Pursuant to Rule 4-30, Maurice Perkins, President, Inner City Youth Foundation, addressed the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Perkins spoke regarding the role of the community and the overcrowding of Cook County Jail.
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ITEM #10
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.