Commissioner JESSICA VÁSQUEZ

Nonpartisan · IL District 8 · Board of Commissioners · cookcounty

Recent votes by Commissioner JESSICA VÁSQUEZ

• Voted Yea on Stone Park 911 dispatch moves to county sheriff — PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Department: Cook County Sheriff’s Office Other Part(ies): Village of Stone Park, Stone Park, Illinois Request: Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Stone Park Goods or Services: The Cook County Sheriff’s Office will provide 911 System dispatching/radio monitoring/call taking services for the Village of Stone Park, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week Agreement Number(s): N/A Agreement Period: Upon execution by all parties and shall continue for five (5) years from the effective date Fiscal Impact: None - Revenue Neutral Accounts: 11324-ETSB - 911 Special Purpose Fund Summary: Authorization for the County of Cook on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office to enter into and execute an Intergovernmental Agreement for 911 System dispatch/radio monitoring/call taking services for the Village of Stone Park, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The Village of Stone Park dispatch will transmit on a Cook County 800 mhz frequency. The Village of Stone Park agrees to reimburse the Cook County Sheriff’s Office monthly for all personnel and operational costs associated with this IGA, including but not limited to cost associated with any additional positions necessary for performance services (“Sheriff’s Reimbursement”). Reimbursements shall take place in accordance with the following schedule, with any partial year prorated based on the number of days the IGA has been in effect for that year: 1st year of service - $112,365.00 2nd year of service - $114,150.00 3rd year of service - $115,970.00 4th year of service - $117,827.00 5th year of service - $119,721.00 The Sheriff’s Office will send the Village of Stone Park an invoice monthly. Payment to the Sheriff’s Office will be due within thirty (30) days if receipt of the invoice.
• Voted Yea on Forest Park warehouse gets property tax break — PROPOSED RESOLUTION Chicago Specialty Bakers, Inc. 6B PROPERTY TAX INCENTIVE REQUEST WHEREAS, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development received and reviewed a Real Property Assessment Classification 6b application containing the following information: Applicant: Chicago Specialty Bakers, Inc. Address: 7501 Industrial Drive, Forest Park, Illinois Municipality or Unincorporated Township: Village of Forest Park Cook County District: 1st District Permanent Index Number: 15-24-404-024-0000 Municipal Resolution Number: Village of Forest Park Resolution No. R-85-25 Number of month property vacant/abandoned: Two (2) months vacant Special circumstances justification requested: Yes Proposed use of property: Industrial use - warehousing, manufacturing and/or distribution Living Wage Ordinance Compliance Affidavit Provided: Yes 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 abandoned industrial facility; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Classification System for Assessment defines abandoned property as buildings and other structures that, after having been vacant and unused for at least 12 continuous months, have been purchased for value by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest; and WHEREAS, in the instance where the property does not meet the definition of abandoned property, the municipality or the Board of Commissioners, may determine that special circumstances may exist that justify finding that the property is abandoned for purpose of Class 6b; and WHEREAS, in the case of abandonment of less than 12 months and purchase for value, by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest, the County may determine that special circumstances justify finding the property is deemed abandoned; and WHEREAS, Class 6b requires the validation by the County Board of the shortened period of qualifying abandonment in cases where the facility has been abandoned for less than 12 consecutive months upon purchase for value; and WHEREAS, the municipality states the Class 6b is necessary for development to occur on this specific real estate. The municipal resolution cites the qualifications of this property to meet the definition of abandoned with special circumstances; and WHEREAS, industrial real estate is normally assessed at 25% of its market value, qualifying industrial real estate eligible for the Class 6b can receive a significant reduction in the level of assessment from the date that new construction or rehabilitation has been completed, or in the case of abandoned property from the date of substantial re-occupancy. Properties receiving Class 6b will be assessed at 10% of the market value for 10 years, 15% for the 11th year and 20% in the 12th year; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Board of Commissioners of the County of Cook, that the President and Board of Commissioners validate the above-captioned property is deemed abandoned with special circumstances under the Class 6b; 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
• Voted Yea on Tightens Cook County contract oversight rules — PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AMENDMENT TO MANAGEMENT OF CONTRACTS REQUIREMENTS BE IT ORDAINED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Chapter 34 Finance, Article IV Procurement Code, Division 9 Contract Management, Section 34-302 of the Cook County Code is hereby amended as Follows: Sec. 34-302. Management of contracts. (a) Using Agency responsibilities are as follows: (1) Assign Using Agency personnel with the knowledge, skills, ability, and ability to manage the Contract; (2) Monitor performance of the Contract in accordance with its terms; (3) Track Contract budgets and expenditures and review invoices and charges to ensure compliance with the Contract and the County’s Code Part 1, Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 10; (4) Document the timeliness and acceptance or rejection of deliverables and initiate appropriate action to enforce the Contract terms; (5) For Contracts over 1,000,000.00, evaluate and document compliance with Contract requirements on a periodic basis during the term of the Contract and submit to the CPO; and (6) Track Contract expiration dates and extension options and, where applicable and necessary, make timely requests to the CPO to exercise extension options or to initiate a new Procurement. (b) CPO’s duties: (1) Create evaluation forms for use by Using Agencies, to evaluate the extent to which the Contractor satisfied the Contract terms; (2) Establish appropriate procedures to ensure that evaluations made within the past three years may be utilized in determining whether a Person is Responsible; (3) Assist Using Agencies in obtaining contract management training.; and (4) Require that all Contracts exceeding $3,000,000.00 include a statement providing that a vendor’s failure to perform or failure to deliver may result in a minimum 10% penalty. Effective date: This ordinance shall be in effect immediately upon adoption.
• Voted Yea on Cook County appoints acting finance chief — PROPOSED RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT OF ACTING CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the Bureau of Finance, as well as the management oversight for the Comptroller, Budget, Revenue, Risk Management, Procurement, and Liquor Commission; and WHEREAS, in the case of a vacancy in the position of Chief Financial Officer, it is necessary to appoint an Acting or Interim Chief Financial Officer to perform the duties of the Chief Financial Officer and said Acting or Interim Chief Financial Officer shall have the full authority to otherwise execute the duties and responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer until the appointed candidate for Chief Financial Officer can be confirmed by the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the current Chief Financial Officer will vacate the position on 5/15/2026; and WHEREAS, it is imperative to the successful operation of County government that the duties of the Chief Financial Officer continue to be carried out in an efficient and transparent manner; and WHEREAS, President Toni Preckwinkle has appointed the Director, Department of Risk Management, Deanna Zalas, to serve as the Acting Chief Financial Officer; and WHEREAS, Ms. Zalas is highly knowledgeable of the County operations and finances and the Finance Bureau operations and is highly qualified to manage the operations of the Bureau of Finance and assumes the duties of the Acting Chief Financial Officer. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the appointment of Deanna Zalas as Acting Chief Financial Officer effective 5/16/2026, and grants Deanna Zalas the full authority to fulfill the responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer and execute the duties of the Chief Financial Officer until a successor is confirmed.
• Voted Yea on Funds specialized prosecutors for domestic violence cases — PROPOSED GRANT AWARD Department: State’s Attorney’s Office Grantee: State’s Attorney’s Office Grantor: Northwestern University Request: Authorization to accept grant Purpose: Through this program, the SAO will create two victim specialist positions, two investigator positions, and one data collection specialist position to be dedicated to the Targeted Abuser Call (TAC) Program. This specialized prosecutorial intervention targets domestic violence cases that are assessed to be at high risk of severe harm. Grant Amount: $1,549,797.00 Grant Period: 5/1/26-4/30/29 Fiscal Impact: None Accounts: N/A. Concurrences: The Budget Department has received all requisite documents and determined the fiscal impact on Cook County, if any. Summary: The funds will allow the SAO to add personnel to allow Northwestern University’s Institute for Policy Research to implement their research project “Causal Evidence on Survivor-Centered Prosecution & Domestic Violence Outcomes.” This research will examine whether a survivor-centered intervention that makes sustained, proactive efforts to safely engage victims after contact with law enforcement can improve both prosecution outcomes and long-term victim safety.
• Voted Yea on Matteson hotel gets property tax break — PROPOSED RESOLUTION 5210 Hotels, LLC CLASS 8 PROPERTY TAX INCENTIVE REQUEST WHEREAS, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development received and reviewed a Real Property Assessment Classification 8 application containing the following information: Applicant: 5210 Hotels, LLC Address: 5210 Southwick Drive, Matteson, Illinois Municipality or Unincorporated Township: Village of Matteson Cook County District: 6th District Permanent Index Number: 31-21-402-016-0000 Municipal Resolution Number: Village of Matteson, Resolution Number 1394-0325 Number of month property vacant/abandoned: One month vacant Special circumstances justification requested: Yes Proposed use of property: Commercial use- Hotel Living Wage Ordinance Compliance Affidavit Provided: N/A 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 an abandoned commercial facility; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Classification System for Assessment defines abandoned property as buildings and other structures that, after having been vacant and unused for at least 12 continuous months, have been purchased for value by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest; and WHEREAS, in the instance where the property does not meet the definition of abandoned property, the municipality or the Board of Commissioners, may determine that special circumstances may exist that justify finding that the property is abandoned for purpose of Class 8; and WHEREAS, in the case of abandonment of less than 12 months and purchase for value, by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest, the County may determine that special circumstances justify finding the property is deemed abandoned; and WHEREAS, Class 8 requires the validation by the County Board of the shortened period of qualifying abandonment in cases where the facility has been abandoned for less than 12 consecutive months upon purchase for value; and WHEREAS, the municipality states the Class 8 is necessary for development to occur on this specific real estate. The municipal resolution cites the qualifications of this property to meet the definition of abandoned with special circumstances; and WHEREAS; commercial real estate is normally assessed at 25% of its market value, qualifying commercial real estate eligible for the Class 8 can receive a significant reduction in the level of assessment from the date that new construction or rehabilitation has been completed, or in the case of abandoned property from the date of substantial re-occupancy. Properties receiving Class 8 will be assessed at 10% of the market value for 10 years, 15% for the 11th year and 20% in the 12th year; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Board of Commissioners of the County of Cook, that the President and Board of Commissioners validate the above-captioned property is deemed abandoned with special circumstances under the Class 8; 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
• Voted Yea on Sheriff's office gets $900K for firearm restraint orders — PROPOSED GRANT AWARD Department: Cook County Sheriff’s Office Grantee: Cook County Sheriff’s Office Grantor: Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) Request: Authorization to accept grant Purpose: The Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is requesting authorization to accept a new grant award in the amount of $900,000.00 from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority/Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP), which provides funding for the creation and/or implementation of extreme risk protection order programs , state crisis intervention court proceedings and related gun violence reduction programs /initiatives. Grant Amount: $900,000.00 Grant Period: 3/1/2026 - 2/28/2027 Fiscal Impact: None - Grant Award: $900,000.00 Funding Period: 3/1/2026 - 2/28/2027 Accounts: N/A. Concurrences: The Budget Department has received all requisite documents and determined the fiscal impact on Cook County, if any. Summary: The Cook County Sheriff’s Office will provide comprehensive education and support services for the fair, equitable and uniform implementation of Firearms Restraining Orders (FRO) throughout Cook County. The FRO program will place specific emphasis on engaging members of the community who are at high risk of self -harm, lack services and have historically encountered barriers within the court system. This program will also leverage existing practices in identifying areas where FROs are most needed.
• Voted Yea on Cook County backs gun conversion device ban — PROPOSED RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ILLINOIS SENATE BILL 2801 AND HOUSE BILL 4471 WHEREAS, federal and state statutes long imposed stringent prohibitions on the manufacture, sale, transfer, and possession of fully automatic firearms, including machine guns, in recognition of their inherently indiscriminate lethality and profound threat to public safety; and WHEREAS, recent technological adaptations enabled certain semi-automatic handguns to be illicitly modified into fully automatic weapons through the installation of a diminutive, yet highly dangerous device commonly referred to as a “switch,” often composed of plastic or metal and readily obtainable through unlawful channels; and WHEREAS, once converted, these firearms can discharge ammunition at an alarming rate of up to 1,200 rounds per minute, rendering them exceedingly difficult to control and exponentially increasing the likelihood of mass casualty incidents, collateral damage, and loss of innocent life; and WHEREAS, once converted, these firearms can discharge ammunition at an alarming rate of up to 1,200 rounds per minute, rendering them exceedingly difficult to control and exponentially increasing the likelihood of mass casualty incidents, collateral damage, and loss of innocent life; and WHEREAS, the proliferation of such conversion devices directly correlates with a troubling escalation in gun violence across urban and suburban communities alike, undermining decades of public safety progress and placing an undue burden on law enforcement, emergency responders, and healthcare systems; and WHEREAS, evidence indicates a limited number of firearm manufacturers are cognizant of the susceptibility of certain semi-automatic handgun models to facile conversion, yet continued manufacturing, distributing, and marketing such weapons without sufficient design modifications or safeguards to mitigate this risk; and WHEREAS, Illinois Senate Bill 2801 and House Bill 4471, sponsored by Senator Celina Villanueva and Representative Justin Slaughter, seek to address this critical public safety vulnerability by prohibiting licensed firearm dealers from selling or transferring to civilians any semi-automatic handgun that can be readily converted into a machine gun by hand or with commonly available tools; and WHEREAS, this legislation establishes a framework of escalating civil penalties to ensure compliance and accountability, thereby deterring negligent or complicit conduct within the firearm marketplace; and WHEREAS, these measures are narrowly tailored and judiciously crafted so as not to infringe upon the rights of law-abiding gun owners, as they do not affect the lawful possession or carrying of currently owned firearms, and explicitly provide exemptions for sales to law enforcement agencies and members of the military; and WHEREAS, the proposed legislation represents a balanced, evidence-based approach that harmonizes constitutional considerations with the urgent imperative to safeguard communities from preventable violence; and WHEREAS, Cook County remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing policies that promote public safety, reduce gun violence, and protect the health, welfare, and security of all residents. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 3rd DISTRICT, AND TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, do hereby resolve, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners formally expresses its unequivocal support for Illinois Senate Bill 2801 and House Bill 4471; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Cook County urges the Illinois General Assembly to enact these measures with all deliberate speed in order to curtail the proliferation of illegally modified firearms and to enhance the safety of communities throughout the State of Illinois; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of Illinois, members of the Illinois General Assembly, and other relevant stakeholders to advocate for the passage and implementation of this critical legislation. Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd. District.
• Voted Yea on Tax break for Bedford Park warehouse development — PROPOSED RESOLUTION Common Market Philadelphia, Inc.6B PROPERTY TAX INCENTIVE REQUEST WHEREAS, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development received and reviewed a Real Property Assessment Classification 6b application containing the following information: Applicant: Common Market Philadelphia, Inc. Address: 7424 S Lockwood Ave Bedford Park, Illinois Municipality or Unincorporated Township: Village of Bedford Park Cook County District: 11th District Permanent Index Number: 19-28-102-008-0000 Municipal Resolution Number: Village of Bedford Park Resolution Number 25-014 Number of month property vacant/abandoned: Six (6) months vacant Special circumstances justification requested: Yes Proposed use of property: Industrial use - warehousing and distribution Living Wage Ordinance Compliance Affidavit Provided: Yes 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 abandoned industrial facility; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Classification System for Assessment defines abandoned property as buildings and other structures that, after having been vacant and unused for at least 12 continuous months, have been purchased for value by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest; and WHEREAS, in the instance where the property does not meet the definition of abandoned property, the municipality or the Board of Commissioners, may determine that special circumstances may exist that justify finding that the property is abandoned for purpose of Class 6b; and WHEREAS, in the case of abandonment of less than 12 months and purchase for value, by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest, the County may determine that special circumstances justify finding the property is deemed abandoned; and WHEREAS, Class 6b requires the validation by the County Board of the shortened period of qualifying abandonment in cases where the facility has been abandoned for less than 12 consecutive months upon purchase for value; and WHEREAS, the municipality states the Class 6b is necessary for development to occur on this specific real estate. The municipal resolution cites the qualifications of this property to meet the definition of abandoned with special circumstances; and WHEREAS, industrial real estate is normally assessed at 25% of its market value, qualifying industrial real estate eligible for the Class 6b can receive a significant reduction in the level of assessment from the date that new construction or rehabilitation has been completed, or in the case of abandoned property from the date of substantial re-occupancy. Properties receiving Class 6b will be assessed at 10% of the market value for 10 years, 15% for the 11th year and 20% in the 12th year; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Board of Commissioners of the County of Cook, that the President and Board of Commissioners validate the above-captioned property is deemed abandoned with special circumstances under the Class 6b; 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
• Voted Yea on Cook County seeks public hearing on workforce challenges — PROPOSED RESOLUTION PROPOSED RESOLUTION REQUESTING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING COOK COUNTY GOVERNMENT’S STATE OF OUR LABOR WHEREAS, Cook County Government has an employee base of over 22,000 dedicated professionals that provide wide-ranging services to its 5.18 million residents; and WHEREAS, the nation’s unpredictable business climate and volatile job market have placed increasing pressures on Cook County Government to attract, develop, and retain the workforce needed to provide necessary services to residents; and WHEREAS, Cook County Government has positioned itself as an employer of choice by supporting and investing in its workforce through equitable and innovative approaches to recruitment and retention; and WHEREAS, Cook County Government counts on the leadership of independently elected officials to run and deliver essential services, including the Cook County Board President who oversees Offices Under the President, the Cook County Assessor, the Cook County Board of Review, the Clerk of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the County Clerk, the Sheriff, the State’s Attorney, and the Treasurer. Additionally, operations and policy for Cook County Health are governed by the independent Cook County Health Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, the Bureau of Human Resources directs and coordinates all human resources activities for those departments under the jurisdiction of the President of the Cook County Board; and WHEREAS, Cook County Health and independently elected offices count on the support of their individual human resources department to maintain hiring policies and procedures; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners is tasked with prioritizing transparency and accountability in County operations and services, which includes understanding the current state of Cook County Government’s workforce. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby request a public hearing of the Labor Committee to understand the challenges and opportunities surrounding Cook County Government’s workforce, and requests an update on the following matters: a. Efforts to reduce current vacancy rate and decrease hiring timeline; b. Efforts to reduce employee turnover rate; c. Presentation on aggregate demographics of the agency’s current workforce, limited to race and gender; d. Efforts to work collaboratively with labor unions on hiring initiatives; e. Efforts to establish and expand pathway programs to create and sustain a future workforce. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Cook County Board of Commissioners requests the following agencies to provide a short presentation on the status of their workforce describing matters (a) - (e) above: 1. Cook County Bureau of Human Resources; 2. Cook County Health; 3. Cook County Assessor; 4. Cook County Board of Review; 5. Clerk of the Circuit Court; 6. Cook County Clerk; 7. Cook County Sheriff; 8. Cook County State’s Attorney; 9. Cook County Treasurer; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this resolution be distributed to the Cook County Bureau of Human Resources, Cook County Health, Cook County Assessor, Cook County Board of Review, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Cook County Clerk, Cook County Sheriff, Cook County State’s Attorney, and Cook County Treasurer. All relevant stakeholders will facilitate participation in the hearing with the goal of strengthening Cook County Government’s workforce.
• Voted Yea on Broadview warehouse gets property tax break — PROPOSED RESOLUTION Clear Height Acquisitions, LLC 6B PROPERTY TAX INCENTIVE REQUEST WHEREAS, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development received and reviewed a Real Property Assessment Classification 6b application containing the following information: Applicant: Clear Height Acquisitions, LLC Address: 2400 S 27th Ave, Broadview, Illinois Municipality or Unincorporated Township: Village of Broadview Cook County District: 1st District Permanent Index Number: 15-21-202-079-0000 Municipal Resolution Number: Village of Broadview, Resolution Number R-2025-19 Number of month property vacant/abandoned: One month vacant Special circumstances justification requested: Yes Proposed use of property: Industrial use- warehousing, manufacturing, or distribution Living Wage Ordinance Compliance Affidavit Provided: Yes 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 abandoned industrial facility; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Classification System for Assessment defines abandoned property as buildings and other structures that, after having been vacant and unused for at least 12 continuous months, have been purchased for value by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest; and WHEREAS, in the instance where the property does not meet the definition of abandoned property, the municipality or the Board of Commissioners, may determine that special circumstances may exist that justify finding that the property is abandoned for purpose of Class 6b; and WHEREAS, in the case of abandonment of less than 12 months and purchase for value, by a purchaser in whom the seller has no direct financial interest, the County may determine that special circumstances justify finding the property is deemed abandoned; and WHEREAS, Class 6b requires the validation by the County Board of the shortened period of qualifying abandonment in cases where the facility has been abandoned for less than 12 consecutive months upon purchase for value; and WHEREAS, the municipality states the Class 6b is necessary for development to occur on this specific real estate. The municipal resolution cites the qualifications of this property to meet the definition of abandoned with special circumstances; and WHEREAS, industrial real estate is normally assessed at 25% of its market value, qualifying industrial real estate eligible for the Class 6b can receive a significant reduction in the level of assessment from the date that new construction or rehabilitation has been completed, or in the case of abandoned property from the date of substantial re-occupancy. Properties receiving Class 6b will be assessed at 10% of the market value for 10 years, 15% for the 11th year and 20% in the 12th year; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Board of Commissioners of the County of Cook, that the President and Board of Commissioners validate the above-captioned property is deemed abandoned with special circumstances under the Class 6b; 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
• Voted Yea on Cook County renews retirement plan administrator contract — PROPOSED RESOLUTION PROSPECTIVE AGREEMENT WITH NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS WHEREAS, on February 2, 1978, the County adopted the County of Cook Employees Deferred Compensation Plan for employees of the County of Cook and Cook County Forest Preserve District pursuant to Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States; Public Act 78-1277 of the Illinois General Assembly (40 ILCS 5/24-101 et seq.) and Article VII, Section 6 of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and WHEREAS, effective July 1, 2025, the County updated The Deferred Compensation Plan for Public Employees as Amended and Restated for the County of Cook (“Plan”); and WHEREAS, the declared purpose of the Plan is to enable all participants to better provide for their retirement security; and WHEREAS, the Plan entails no County or taxpayer funds as the funds are voluntarily contributed by employees as payroll deductions; and WHEREAS, an Administrative Services Provider is required to perform reasonable and necessary third party administrative services to the Plan on behalf of the 20,000 Plan participants; and WHEREAS, in exercising its duties and responsibilities, the Deferred Compensation Committee (“Committee”) has the authority to “issue from time to time competitive Requests for Proposals and take such other action as necessary or appropriate to negotiate prospective agreements with selected Administrative Services Providers(s) or professional consultants;” and WHEREAS, in exercising its duties and responsibilities, the Committee also has the authority to enter into contracts with an Administrative Services Providers as deemed necessary, advisable or prudent by the Committee; and WHEREAS, the Committee has determined it is necessary and in the best interest of the participants to continue with the current Administrative Services Provider, Nationwide Retirement Solutions, who was selected in 2019 pursuant to a competitive Request for Proposals, with agreement to reduce plan fees evidenced by a Letter of Intent; ; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in accordance with the Plan, the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby support the Committee’s decision to negotiate an Administrative Services Provider contract with Nationwide Retirement Solutions for the Plan; and BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes that the Chair of the Committee is authorized to execute the negotiated contract with Nationwide Retirement Solutions on behalf of Cook County in accordance with the Plan.
• Voted Yea on Cook County accepts $974K office furniture donation — PROPOSED RESOLUTION ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION TO COOK COUNTY WHEREAS, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), on behalf of Interactive Brokers as Donor, located in Chicago, Illinois, desires to donate various pieces of office furniture, including modular workstations, break room tables and chairs, conference tables, task chairs, lateral files, and lounge furniture to Cook County for use by the Cook County Bureau of Asset Management (BAM) and its departments (estimated value of the furniture is approximately $974,863.00); and WHEREAS, upon Board approval, BAM will accept and arrange transport of the office furniture to Hawthrone Warehouse, where it will ultimately be allocated or assigned per the furniture needs and requirements of various county agencies, including but not limited to: Board of Review, Department of Human Rights & Ethics, Office of the Chief Judge, Bureau of Finance, and Bureau of Human Resources; and WHEREAS, the policy of BAM and its departments is to always first consider using salvaged furniture to meet the furniture needs of user agencies whenever possible before purchasing new furniture for County use; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Cook County is hereby authorized to accept this donation on behalf of the Cook County Bureau of Asset Management and shall transfer the furniture to Cook County.
• Voted Yea on Cook County adds $2M for homebuyer down payment help — PROPOSED RESOLUTION PROPOSAL FOR ARPA FUNDING- MARKET RATE DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WHEREAS, on March 11, 2021, the federal government authorized the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) which includes $1.9 trillion in federal stimulus funds to hasten the United States’ recovery from the economic and health effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREAS, specifically, the federal government has authorized and allocated a federal award of approximately $1,000,372,385 of ARPA funding to Cook County to assist the County in its recovery from the economic and health effects of COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on June 24, 2021, the Cook County American Rescue Plan Act Framework (the “ARPA Framework”) was presented to the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners via Resolution 21-3654 accepted the ARPA federal award allocated to Cook County to assist the County in its recovery from the economic and health effects of COVID-19 in the amount of approximately $1,000,372,385.00; and WHEREAS, Resolution 21-3654 further authorized the Cook County Budget Director and Comptroller to create and implement a Special Purpose Fund for the ARPA award and other accounting measures to track the acceptance and spending of the federal award; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners authorized the Chief Financial Officer, Budget Director, Chief Procurement Officer and applicable using agencies to issue grants, contracts and agreements for ARPA programs approved via Resolutions 22-3657 and 22-0637; and WHEREAS, to further the Policy Roadmap Goals, the Bureau of Economic Development has developed a menu of programs to support economic recovery, inclusive of the development of affordable and supportive housing in the post COVID era, which have undergone review and approval through the Project Management Office process to utilize ARPA funding for such programs and initiatives pursuant to the issuance of grants, contracts, and loan agreements; and WHEREAS, Resolutions 22-3657 and 22-0637 provided that any awards issued regarding ARPA programs in an amount over $1M shall require the approval of the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Cook County (“the Board”) determined it to be advisable and in the best interests of the County, its residents, and its taxpayers that the County continue the promotion of economic development, affordable housing, and home ownership within the County; and WHEREAS, the Board further determined it to be advisable and in the best interests of the County, its residents, and its taxpayers that the County initiate and administer a program through which qualified buyers of residences in the County might more easily obtain competitive fixed-rate 30-year mortgage loans coupled with assistance for down payments and closing costs, herein referred to as a Market Rate Down Payment Assistance Program (Market Rate DPA Program); and WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners via Resolution 16-1343, as amended, authorized the Market Rate DPA Program that has been in continuous operation, most recently amended via Resolution 24-2513 to create a direct homebuyer subsidy utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding in an amount of $3,000,000; and further amended via Resolution 25-2057 utilizing Corporate Funds in the amount of $8,579,599 to advance the Program; and WHEREAS, the Department of Planning and Development is recommending funding an additional $2,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARPA) to Stifel, Inc., to further fund Down Payment Assistance to prospective homebuyers; and. WHEREAS, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Incorporated (Stifel, Inc.) and Club 720 have been and will continue to be the County’s Program Co-Administrators representing both marketing and underwriting of the Down Payment Assistance program. Stifel, Inc., is a wealth management and investment banking firm providing services to individuals, institutions, corporations and municipalities, while Club 720 provides buyer assistance, training and support in the homebuying process. The Co-Administrators will contract with mortgage service provider(s) and mortgages bankers to provide multiple options of both services and products to homebuyers. The network is projected to continue to have more than twenty lenders in the overall Cook County market, including the City of Chicago; and WHEREAS, Funds will be used to directly support homebuyers in Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIA), HUD Qualified Census Tracts (QCT) and the general market with the latter supporting homebuyers with incomes less than 120% of Area Median Income. Buyers purchasing properties within the DIA and QCT will not have income limitations. All homebuyers must reside in the property as their primary residence. WHEREAS, Homeowners will have two primary benefit options that may be used unilaterally or in combination to maximize benefit to the homeowner: 1. Using Down Payment Assistance to buy down the principal amount of their home mortgage 2. Using Down Payment funds to buy down the interest rate of the permanent mortgage Down Payment Assistance awards will be evidenced by a subordinate mortgage on the property requiring buyer affordability provisions and primary residency through a five-year period. Subordinate mortgages may be partially satisfied or forgiven pro rata annually during the initial five-year period to allow immediate wealth accumulation and to not limit homebuyer mobility during the residency period; and WHEREAS, Down Payment Assistance will be the least of five percent (5%) of home purchases or $25,000 to the extent it closes the homeownership gap of projected homeownership costs to 30% of Household Income. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the allocation of $2,000,000 in ARPA funds to support homebuyer down payment assistance and authorizes the Director of Planning and Development to further amend the agreement with Co-Administrators Stifel, Inc., and Club 720, to administer the down payment assistance program over an additional two-year period to complete the subject funding and program.
• Voted Yea on Inverness police gain access to county booking system — PROPOSED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Department: Cook County Sheriff’s Office Other Part(ies): The Village of Inverness on behalf of the Inverness Police Department Request: Authorization for the County of Cook on behalf of the Sheriff of Cook County to enter into and execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Inverness Police Department to allow access to the Sheriff’s Computerized Criminal Apprehensive and Booking System (“CABS”) via the Cook County Wide Area Network (“WAN”) Goods or Services: Access to the Sheriff’s Computerized Criminal Apprehensive and Booking System (“CABS”) via the Cook County Wide Area Network (WAN Agreement Number(s): N/A Agreement Period: Upon execution and shall continue, except as otherwise provided herein, for as long as the County operates CCWAN and the Sheriff operates CABS Fiscal Impact: None Accounts: N/A Summary: Authorization for the County of Cook on behalf of the Sheriff of Cook County to enter into and execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Inverness Police Department to allow access to the Sheriff’s Computerized Criminal Apprehensive and Booking System (“CABS”) via the Cook County Wide Area Network (“WAN”). The Countywide Live Scan Network provides support for law enforcement agencies in Cook County for the purpose of processing fingerprints through the Criminal Apprehension Booking System (CABS).

Other IL representatives

• Commissioner ALMA E. ANAYA
• District 2 Andrew Honig
• Commissioner BILL LOWRY
• District 3 Brian Krajewski
• Commissioner BRIDGET DEGNEN
• Commissioner BRIDGET GAINER
• District 1 Cynthia Cronin Cahill
• District 5 Dawn DeSart
• Chair Deborah A. Conroy
• Commissioner DONNA MILLER

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