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Meeting date/time:
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4/16/2026
11:00 AM
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Minutes status:
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Draft
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Meeting location:
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Cook County Building, Board Room,
118 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois
Consent Meeting Issued on: 4/10/2026
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26-0829
| 1 | | COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF FILBERT’S OLD TIME ROOT BEER | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF FILBERT’S OLD TIME ROOT BEER
WHEREAS, Filbert’s Old Time Root Beer, located at 3430 S. Ashland Avenue, will celebrate 100 years as a neighborhood business; and
WHEREAS, Filbert’s Old Time Root Beer was founded in 1926 by George Filbert and his family; and
WHEREAS, Filbert’s Old Time Root Beer originally began as a milk, ice and coal delivery business; and
WHEREAS, in 1926, during the prohibition, the family began brewing draught root beer; and
WHEREAS, George Filbert passed along the leadership of Filbert’s to his son Charlie Filbert; and
WHEREAS, Ron Filbert, a fourth generation Filbert, is currently the owner; and
WHEREAS, Filberts Old Time Root Beer has 30 flavors, Root Beer, Banana Cream Soda, Black Cherry, Ginger Ale, Grapefruit just to name a few; and
BE IT RESOLVED that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby extend its warmest wishes and congratulations to Filbert’s Old Time Root Beer on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary: and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that th | | |
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26-1027
| 1 | | NATIONAL LAW DAY 2026 | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
NATIONAL LAW DAY 2026
Whereas, the Declaration of Independence states that all individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights and chief among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and
Whereas, the Rule of Law, as defined by the World Justice Project, refers to a system of self-government in which the government and all individuals are held accountable to a set of fair, publicized and broadly understood laws that are evenly enforced; and
WHEREAS, in 1931, James Truslow Adams defined the “American Dream” in Epic of America as “a dream of a social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position”; and
WHEREAS, for many the American Dream is the right to the opportunity to prosper - to own property, to operate a small business, to work in fair labor conditions without discrimination, to achieve economic mobility and financial independence for one | | |
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26-1186
| 1 | | IREFIGHTER MICHAEL “MICKEY” ALTMAN, IN MEMORIAM | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREFIGHTER MICHAEL “MICKEY” ALTMAN, IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called Michael Altman from our midst; and
WHEREAS, Michael Altman was the beloved husband of Nora (nee Fiorella); and
WHEREAS, Michael Altman was the proud and loving father of Theodore and Evelyn Rose; and
WHEREAS, Michael Altman was the beloved son of Mark and Mary Altman; and
WHEREAS, Michael Altman was the dear brother to Marki and Sara (Thomas) McIntyre; and
WHEREAS, Michael Altman was the treasured son-in-law to Steven “Jocko” and Linda Fiorella, and caring brother-in-law of Natalie, Andrew, Michael (Courtney), and Steven (Katie) Fiorella.
WHEREAS, Michael Altman was the fond uncle, cousin and friend to many; and
WHEREAS, Michael Altman proudly served as a Chicago Firefighter for two years and was a dedicated member of Local 597 for eight years; and
WHEREAS, Michael Altman had a passion for life and those around him. Michael found joy in Jiu-jitsu training, playing 16” softball and spending time on th | | |
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26-1084
| 1 | | A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF TAYLOR ELIZABETH MASON | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF TAYLOR ELIZABETH MASON
WHEREAS, Taylor Elizabeth Mason was born on December 30, 1992, to Carla D. Watson (Ditmars) and John R. Mason, and from the very beginning of her life, Taylor embodied a spirit of resilience, grace, and profound humanity; and
WHEREAS, Taylor was educated at St. Ailbe, Robert A. Black Elementary School, McKinley Junior High School, Thornwood High School, and later attended South Suburban College, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and self-development; and
WHEREAS, Taylor was christened at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Chicago, Illinois, where her faith journey was nurtured and where she actively participated in worship through Martial Arts and Liturgical Dance ministries, using movement as both a spiritual offering and a powerful form of self-expression; and
WHEREAS, Taylor possessed an enduring love for the arts, particularly dance, which served as a vital medium through which she communicated her joy, creativity, and inner strengt | | |
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26-0912
| 1 | | RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND JESSE LOUIS JACKSON, SR. | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND JESSE LOUIS JACKSON, SR.
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners mourns the passing and celebrates the extraordinary life, indelible legacy, and tireless activism of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., who departed this life on February 17, 2026, a towering figure in the modern civil rights movement, a passionate advocate for social justice, and one of the most influential African American leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries; and
WHEREAS, born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Reverend Jackson rose from humble beginnings to become an internationally respected voice for the oppressed, the disenfranchised, and the marginalized. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Illinois before transferring to North Carolina A&T State University, where he embraced activism and graduated with a degree in sociology. He later studied at the Chicago Theological Seminary and was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1968; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Jackson’s leadership was forged under th | | |
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26-1121
| 1 | | RECOGNIZING BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK AND MINORITY HEALTH MONTH IN COOK COUNTY | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK AND MINORITY HEALTH MONTH IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, the month of April is National Minority Health Month, a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities and highlight the importance of improving their health while reducing health disparities; and
WHEREAS, in solidarity with National Minority Health Month, the week of April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week in the United States, it is a week of awareness, activism, and community building intended to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in the U.S.; amplify community-driven policy, research, and care solutions; center the voices of Black Mamas, women, families, and stakeholders; provide a national platform for Black-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth and reproductive justice; and enhance community organizing on Black maternal health; and
WHEREAS, this year’s theme for Black Maternal Health Week is “Rooted in Justice & Joy”, reflecting the strength and resilienc | | |
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26-1122
| 1 | | DESIGNATING APRIL AS STI AWARENESS MONTH AND APRIL 13-19, 2026, AS STI AWARENESS WEEK IN COOK COUNTY | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
DESIGNATING APRIL AS STI AWARENESS MONTH AND APRIL 13-19, 2026, AS STI AWARENESS WEEK IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, April is designated as National STI Awareness Month with the theme of “Forward Together: Uniting Science, Community, and Care for STI Prevention”; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control designates the 2nd week in April as STI Awareness Week with the theme “Talk, Test, Treat”, an opportunity to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and how they impact our lives; reduce STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination; and ensure people have the tools and knowledge for prevention, testing, and treatment; and
WHEREAS, anyone who is sexually active can get an STI, so it is important to learn more about them and how to minimize your exposure to STIs and take care of your sexual health; and
WHEREAS, according to the CDC, the STI epidemic continues to be widespread, and the 2024 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Surveillance Report underscores that STIs must be a public health priority as more than 2.2 million cases of | | |
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26-1123
| 1 | | HONORING LA RIBIDA’S CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER ON ITS 40th ANNIVERDAY IN CONJUNTION WITH CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS PREVENTION MONTH | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING LA RABIDA’S CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER ON ITS 40th ANNIVERSARY IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS PREVENTION MONTH
WHEREAS, in recent federal fiscal year data, approximately 4 million reports were made to child protective services nationwide; and
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect are serious problems affecting every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and
WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of our community; and
WHEREAS, child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and
WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; and
WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community- and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and f | | |
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26-1125
| 1 | | HONORING THE LIFE OF TRACEY ANN DANIEL ALSTON | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF TRACEY ANN DANIEL ALSTON
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called from our midst Tracey Ann Daniel Alston, on February 25, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Tracey Ann Daniel Alston was born on December 4, 1961, in Gary, Indiana, to Thomas Daniel Sr. and Freddia Daniel. She shared an extraordinary and unbreakable bond with her parents, a bond rooted in love, guidance, and unwavering support. Bolstered by the love and support of her endearing grandparents. From that foundation, she developed the independence, confidence, and trailblazing spirit that would define her life; and
WHEREAS, from an early age, Tracey was marked by an unmistakable presence. A proud graduate of Indiana State University, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education before pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College in Chicago. Her dual passions for education and media became the foundation for a groundbreaking career defined by vision, courage, and impact; and
WHEREAS, at just 25 years old, Tracey made hi | | |
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26-0901
| 1 | | HONORING SHERMANN “DILLA” THOMAS | Consent Calendar Resolution | RESOLUTION HONORING SHERMANN “DILLA” THOMAS
WHEREAS, Shermann Thomas, affectionately known as “Dilla,” is an Emmy Award-winning modern historian, cultural worker, brand ambassador, influencer, activist, and proud lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side; and
WHEREAS, through the power of storytelling and innovative use of social media, Dilla has created publicly accessible, perspective-shifting history lessons focused on the city of Chicago, garnering more than 40 million views and building a following of over 300,000 across platforms; and
WHEREAS, Dilla’s engaging digital presence has earned him recognition as Best Chicago Twitter Page, Best Chicago Instagram Page, and Best Chicago TikTok Page by Chicago Reader; and
WHEREAS, his impactful storytelling has led to national media appearances on programs including Today and The Kelly Clarkson Show, further amplifying Chicago’s cultural contributions to audiences across the country; and
WHEREAS, Dilla was named the 2022 Chicago Tourism Ambassador of the Year by Choose Chicago in recognition of his dedication to uplifting | | |
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26-1074
| 1 | | Honoring Herbie Hancock | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING HERBIE HANCOCK AND CELEBRATING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY 2026 IN CHICAGO
WHEREAS, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed International Jazz Day in 2011 to recognize jazz as a force for peace, intercultural dialogue, artistic freedom, and mutual understanding; and
WHEREAS, the United Nations General Assembly formally recognized April 30 as International Jazz Day on the United Nations official calendar (Resolution A/RES/70/20), affirming jazz as a universal language of creativity, diplomacy, and global connection; and
WHEREAS, International Jazz Day is observed annually on April 30, engaging communities in more than 190 countries through education, performance, cultural exchange, and international collaboration; and
WHEREAS, Herbie Hancock, born April 12, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the most influential artists in modern music history and a global ambassador for culture, education, innovation, and artistic excellence; and
WHEREAS, a Chicago native and child p | | |
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26-1138
| 1 | | Life and Service of Police Officer James F. Knapp | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF POLICE OFFICER JAMES F. KNAPP
WHEREAS, Police Officer James F. Knapp faithfully served the residents of Cook County as a member of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department for sixteen (16) years, demonstrating unwavering commitment to public safety and the protection of others; and
WHEREAS, on January 4, 2006, Officer James F. Knapp tragically lost his life in the line of duty following a traffic collision while en route to his assigned roll call at the Sheriff’s Police office in Bridgeview, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Officer Knapp served with distinction as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and HBT Operator, contributing not only to public safety operations but also to the mentorship, development, and preparedness of fellow officers; and
WHEREAS, Officer Knapp’s sacrifice was formally recognized as a Line of Duty Death, and his legacy is permanently memorialized at the Illinois Police Officers Memorial in Springfield, Illinois, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and throug | | |
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26-1024
| 1 | | HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT OF TRACEY ALSTON | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT OF TRACEY ALSTON
“I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT,
I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE,
I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.”
2 TIMOTHY 4:7
WHEREAS, born in Gary, Indiana, she pursued higher education at Indiana State University and Columbia College Chicago, blending education, media, and storytelling to create meaningful change; and
WHEREAS, Tracey Alston was a visionary marketing executive, public relations strategist, and community leader whose work over more than three decades uplifted families and strengthened communities across Cook County and beyond; and
WHEREAS, at the age of 25, Tracey made national history as the youngest female radio station owner in the United States as co-owner of WBEE Jazz Radio 1570 AM in Harvey, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, she was a loving wife to Marcus Alston, a proud mother to Marquise, Taylor, and Morgan, and a cherished grandmother to her beloved grandson, Reignn; and
WHEREAS, in 1994 she founded the Danielle Ashley Group, an award-winning marketing and public relations firm named in hon | | |
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26-1071
| 1 | | Honoring Herbie Hancock | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
PROCLAIMING APRIL 30, 2026, AS “NATIONAL THERAPY ANIMAL DAY” IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, National Therapy Animal Day was created by Pet Partners to celebrate the exceptional therapy animals who partner with their human companions to bring comfort and healing to those in need; and
WHEREAS, Pet Partners has designated April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day; and
WHEREAS, Pet Partners is the national leader in demonstrating and promoting the benefits of animal assisted therapy, activities, and education; and
WHEREAS, there are thousands of Pet Partners therapy animal teams serving in communities across the United States, including in Cook County, and they play an essential role in improving human health and well-being through the human-animal bond; and
WHEREAS, Pet Partners therapy animal teams make millions of visits each year to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and hospice care settings, assisting a diverse cross section of the community including veterans, seniors, patients, students facing literacy challenges, and those appro | | |
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26-1182
| 1 | | RECOGNIZING SIKH AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION MONTH - APRIL 2026 | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING SIKH AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION MONTH - APRIL 2026
WHEREAS, Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 120 years; and
WHEREAS, during the early 20th century, thousands of Sikh Americans contributed to the nation’s growth by working on farms, in lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific & Eastern Railroad; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Sajna Diwas (Sikh Foundation Day) marks the historic day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib, signifying the birth of the Khalsa Panth and inspiring Sikhs to live with courage, equality, and faith; and
WHEREAS, celebrated alongside Vaisakhi, this day is honored through prayers, community service, and remembrance of the Panj Pyare, reinforcing the values of unity, sacrifice, and righteousness; and
WHEREAS, there are an estimated 500,000 Sikhs in the United States, including more than 25,000 in the State of Illinois, and Sikhism is the world’s fifth-largest religion with over 25 million followers globally; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans serve in | | |
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26-1181
| 1 | | RECOGNIZING MARITZA CARVAJAL FOR HER DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY SAFETY WITH THE NORTHWEST CENTER AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING MARITZA CARVAJAL FOR HER DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY SAFETY WITH THE NORTHWEST CENTER AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT
WHEREAS, Maritza Carvajal serves as the Director of Community Strategy at the Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault; and
WHEREAS, in her role, Maritza ensures hospitals in North & Northwest Cook County are staffed with a sexual assault advocate 24/7 so that no one has to face sexual violence alone; and
WHEREAS, she additionally offers trauma informed training and support to nurses, law enforcement, teachers, students, and the community; and
WHEREAS, Maritza also leads the Center’s Prevention Education program to help stop sexual harm before it even starts in our communities; and
WHEREAS, beyond direct crisis intervention, Maritza also delivers essential trauma-informed education to local institutions, fostering a more supportive and understanding community environment; and
WHEREAS, a tireless leader, Maritza not only oversees the 24/7 crisis hotline, ensuring every call related to sexual harm receives immediate atte | | |
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