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Meeting date/time:
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2/5/2026
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: 1/30/2026
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26-0642
| 1 | | Acceptance of awards recognizing DES's Climate Resiliency and BRITE Programs | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability (“DES”) to foster healthy, resilient and thriving communities by improving the quality of life, protecting the environment and promoting sustainability and environmental justice throughout Cook County; and
WHEREAS, DES develops and implements innovative programs that address climate change, pollution prevention and community engagement, while cultivating partnerships with residents, municipalities and the business community; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Resiliency Planning for Communities Program and the Businesses Reducing Impact to the Environment (“BRITE”) Program are two DES initiatives funded, in whole or in part, with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocated to Cook County pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2) (“ARPA”), and are designed to respond to the negative economic and public health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, including investment in enviro | | |
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26-0700
| 1 | | Honoring Lets Boogie Records and Tapes 50th anniversary | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING LET’S BOOGIE RECORDS & TAPES ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, Let’s Boogie Records & Tapes, located at 3321 South Halsted Street, will celebrate in March of 2026 a milestone, 50 years as a neighborhood music landmark; and
WHEREAS, Let’s Boogie has preserved the joy of discovering music in person, new and vintage vinyl, rock artifacts and 8-tracks across all genres; and
WHEREAS, Neal Keller dreamt of entering the record business during his time working for the State of Illinois and before starting a family; and
WHEREAS, Neal Keller and his wife Sandy brought that dream to life in 1976 by opening their own record shop; and
WHEREAS, Neal Keller and his wife Sandy faithfully operated the store six days a week, serving the community, making a welcoming space for neighbors to gather and friendships to be built; and
WHEREAS, Jason Keller, their son, spent many Saturdays in the shop throughout his grade school, junior high, and high school years, where he developed a lasting love for music and a deep appreciatio | | |
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26-0684
| 1 | | Celebrating National Religion Day | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING NATIONAL RELIGION DAY AND AFFIRMING THE IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSION, UNDERSTANDING, AND MUTUAL RESPECT
WHEREAS, Cook County is one of the most diverse counties in the United States, home to residents who practice a wide array of religious traditions and spiritual beliefs, as well as those who identify as nonreligious; and
WHEREAS, National Religion Day provides an opportunity to recognize the vital role that religious and spiritual traditions play in the lives of individuals, families, and communities, and the positive contributions they make to the cultural, social, and civic fabric of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, faith communities across Cook County have long served as centers for service, charity, education, advocacy, and community-building, offering support to those in need and fostering a spirit of compassion and responsibility for the common good; and
WHEREAS, in a diverse and pluralistic society, inclusion and understanding among people of different religious traditions, beliefs, and backgrounds are essential to strengthening democracy, | | |
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26-0726
| 1 | | RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS AMERICAN HEART MONTH AND DECLARING FEBRUARY 5TH, 2026 AS GO RED DAY IN COOK COUNTY | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS AMERICAN HEART MONTH AND DECLARING FEBRUARY 5TH, 2026 AS GO RED DAY IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, the month of February is recognized as American Heart Month; and
WHEREAS, the annual celebration began in 1963 to encourage Americans to join the battle against heart disease and each year a presidential proclamation pays tribute to researchers, physicians, public health professionals and volunteers for their tireless efforts in preventing, treating, and researching heart disease; and
WHEREAS, heart disease (including coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke) remains the No. 1 cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States and cardiovascular diseases claim more lives each year than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined accounting for 1 in every 4 deaths; and
WHEREAS, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Cook County as well, accounting for 9,690 deaths in 2023 of that, 4,690 were in the City of Chicago and 5,000 were in suburban Cook County; | | |
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26-0378
| 1 | | HONORING NICK SHIELDS | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING NICK SHIELDS FOR HIS EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, Nick Shields has served the Office of the Cook County Board President with distinction for the past seven years, most recently as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, and has been an invaluable asset to Cook County government; and
WHEREAS, an award-winning communications professional with nearly two decades of experience, Nick built, strengthened, and elevated the communications division of Cook County, recruiting and developing a talented team within the President’s Office while unifying communications professionals across Offices Under the President (OUP) so that Cook County spoke with clarity, cohesion, and one strong voice; and
WHEREAS, Nick possesses an exceptional ability to communicate at the intersection of policy and politics, masterfully overseeing Cook County’s strategic and crisis communications efforts, ensuring transparency, trust, and accessibility for the residents we serve; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure, Nick led communications for some of C | | |
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26-0804
| 1 | | Resolution for Miguel Perez Jr. | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE, SERVICE, AND LEGACY OF MIGUEL PEREZ JR.
WHEREAS, Miguel Perez Jr., was born on April 17, 1978, in Guadalajara, Mexico and came to the United States with his family at 8 years old; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Perez was a combat veteran of the United States Army who honorably served in the War on Terror, including two tours in Afghanistan in direct support of U.S. Special Forces; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Perez provided indispensable logistical and operational support under combat conditions and endured significant combat-related trauma, later diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and
WHEREAS, upon returning from service, Mr. Perez sought assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs but faced systemic barriers to care, including denial of services; and
WHEREAS, due to physical and mental injuries, Mr. Perez began battling drug addiction, which eventually led to incarceration for a nonviolent offense; and, despite having completed his sentence, was subsequently detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and | | |
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26-0789
| 1 | | James Mannino, In Memoriam | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
JAMES MANNINO, IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, James Mannino was born on May 4, 2021, to Raphael and Hannah Mannino; and
WHEREAS, at a mere 20 months old, it was discovered that James had a neuroblastoma tumor in his abdomen, a cancer that is regrettably almost always diagnosed in young children; and
WHEREAS, family, friends, and community members alike rallied around James as he prepared to undergo chemotherapy treatment; and
WHEREAS, despite enduring physically taxing treatment, James was beloved by doctors and hospital staff at University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital and Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital; and
WHEREAS, James enjoyed energetic play with his siblings, Daniel and Lucy; and
WHEREAS, James relished his time at St. David’s nursey school, where he loved to sing and spend time with his friends and teachers; and
WHEREAS, James taught those around him to appreciate the mundane, turning even a trip to the grocery store into a fun experience complete with a free cookie; and
WHEREAS, after fighting for more than t | | |
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26-0787
| 1 | | Celebrating the achievements of civil leadership of Dilara Sayeed | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND CIVIL LEADERSHIP OF DR. DILARA SAYEED, PRESIDENT OF THE MUSLIM CIVIC COALITION
WHEREAS, after ten years of dedicated service, Dr. Dilara Sayeed will transition from her role as President of the Muslim Civic Coalition; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dilara Sayeed’s lived experiences, from her family immigrating from India in the 1970s to her first graduation from Head Start preschool for low-income children, inform the lens through which she surveys the world around her; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dilara Sayeed has spent ample time learning about the world around her, including earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Marketing from the University of Illinois Chicago, Masters in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University, Masters in Education Administrative Certification, Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an honorary doctorate from Chicago Theological Seminary for her faith-grounded civic leadership; and
WHEREAS, prior to her time a President of the Muslim Civic | | |
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26-0793
| 1 | | Congratulating Karl Larson on his retirement | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CONGRATULATING KARL LARSON ON HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Karl Larson retired from the Winnetka Police Department on June 12, 2026, after 29 plus years as a law enforcement officer; and
WHEREAS, Karl Larson began his career as a Patrol Officer with the South Holland Police Department on April 7th, 1997; and
WHEREAS, Karl Larson continued his career as a Patrol Officer with the Winnetka Police Department on March 16, 2001; and
WHEREAS, Karl Larson was awarded Police Officer of the Year for 2007; and
WHEREAS, Karl Larson was appointed to the position of Detective on June 25th, 2007; and
WHEREAS, Karl Larson was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on October 20th, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Karl Larson attended and graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command on May 25, 2012; and
WHEREAS, during his career, Karl Larson served as a member of the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force, served in the capacity of a Traffic Enforcement Officer, Truck Officer, Evidence Technician, Child Safety Seat Technician, Traffic Cras | | |
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26-0773
| 1 | | James Boz O Brien In Memoriam | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
JAMES L. “BOZ” O’BRIEN, IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called James L. “Boz” O’Brien from our midst on January 28, 2026, at the age of seventy-five; and
WHEREAS, James L. “Boz” O’Brien was the loving and devoted father of Brendan O’Brien and Dan (Emily) O’Brien, and the proud and adoring “Grandpa Boz” to his grandson, Michael; and
WHEREAS, James L. “Boz” O’Brien was the devoted son of the late Lawrence and Margaret O’Brien; and
WHEREAS, James L. “Boz” O’Brien was the dear brother of Sheila (Maurice) McNulty, Paula (Jeff) Litman, Joanie (late Edmund) Obiala, Kevin (Patricia) O’Brien, Larry (Marie) O’Brien, and Caron (Edward) Hayes; and
WHEREAS, James L. “Boz” O’Brien was a cherished uncle, cousin, and friend to many, whose warmth, storytelling, and generosity touched countless lives; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Queen of Martyrs Elementary School and Brother Rice High School, James L. “Boz” O’Brien embodied the spirit of Chicago’s South Side Irish community throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, on June 16, 1976, at ju | | |
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26-0797
| 1 | | Honoring the Legacy of Rick Garcia | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LEGACY OF RICK GARCIA AND CONTINUING THE FIGHT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
WHEREAS, after a four-decade career pushing for gay rights in Chicago, Rick Garcia, the hard-hitting political heavyweight who kept a laser focus on civil rights leaves behind a legacy as one of the city’s most influential behind-the-scenes political strategists, known for his deep relationships and focus on winning concrete policy change, passed on January 12, 2026; and
WHEREAS, in the late 1980s, Garcia was one of the “Gang of Four,” a group of activists who took the helm of the final, successful stage of a 15-year struggle to pass a Chicago ordinance, originally proposed in 1973, against sexual-orientation discrimination; and
WHEREAS, Garcia was deeply involved in Chicago’s municipal LGBTQ+ organizing and was among the leaders of the Gay and Lesbian Town Meeting, a community organization formed to spearhead passage of the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance, which the City Council approved in December 1988 under Mayor Eugene Sawyer; and
WHEREAS, Garcia and his colleagues turn | | |
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26-0796
| 1 | | HONORING UNITED POWER FOR ACTION AND JUSTICE’S RECLAIMING CHICAGO CAMPAIGN | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING UNITED POWER FOR ACTION AND JUSTICE’S RECLAIMING CHICAGO CAMPAIGN AS RECIPIENT OF THE PRITZKER TRAUBERT 2025 CHICAGO PRIZE
WHEREAS, United Power for Action and Justice’s Reclaiming Chicago Campaign has been named the recipient of the Pritzker Traubert 2025 Chicago Prize, marking a significant investment in affordable homeownership on Chicago’s Southwest Side; and
WHEREAS, The award will support the development of an entirely new community of 112 single-family and 2-flat homes in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood, activating long-vacant land while creating new opportunities for working families to build wealth; and
WHEREAS, This investment represents one of the largest clusters of new for-sale homes built on the Southwest Side in more than two decades; and
WHEREAS, Reclaiming Chicago is a coalition of community organizations convened through United Power for Action and Justice; and
WHEREAS, The coalition operates as a shared “brain trust,” bringing together experienced organizers, affordable housing developers and policy leaders, from th | | |
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26-0786
| 1 | | DECLARING FEBRUARY 20TH WORLD DAY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE | Consent Calendar Resolution | PROPOSED RESOLUTION
DECLARING FEBRUARY 20TH WORLD DAY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
WHEREAS, on November 26, 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed February 20th as World Day of Social Justice and it was observed for the first time in 2009; and
WHEREAS, World Day of Social Justice was created to highlight the importance of addressing global challenges such as poverty, exclusion, unemployment, gender inequality, and human rights; and
WHEREAS, this day advocates for social justice as a foundation for peace, equality, and sustainable development worldwide; and
WHEREAS, to achieve these goals, the Global Coalition for Social Justice was formally established in November 2023, a voluntary platform led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) that now has over 300 partners from governments, employers' and workers' organizations, international organizations, civil society, and academia, all of which share the same goal of building a world better tailored for social justice; and
WHEREAS, The World Day of Social Justice supports several United Nati | | |
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