Cook County Asset Management Committee Meeting - May 13, 2026

The Cook County Asset Management Committee convened on May 13, 2026, at 9:45 AM. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Moore, who later arrived. The meeting included public comments, approval of prior minutes, a vote on a contract for jail campus renovations and demolitions, and a presentation on the Build Up Cook program. The meeting lasted approximately [duration not provided] and was adjourned after routine business.

Consent Calendar

• Item 26-1357: Approval of the minutes from the March 11, 2026 meeting. Motion by Vice Chair Aguilar, seconded by Commissioner Naya. Approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• George Blakemore criticized commissioners for abusing the remote participation policy, stating it should be reserved for emergencies. He argued that the practice shows disrespect for their jobs and a lack of leadership.
• Jessica Jackson echoed Blakemore’s remarks, calling the remote participation “comical” and a “joke.” She accused the leadership of being “God awful” and alleged that the commission fails to settle cases and perform audits due to poor leadership. She referenced a specific probate case (2016P 005729) that she claims was not audited.
• Zoe Lee defined asset management and accused the county of corruption, including illegal property transfers, improper demolitions, and neglect of vacant properties. She stated that public land is transferred unfairly and that political insiders benefit from redevelopment deals. She urged the committee to review her and Jessica Jackson’s cases, noting a pattern of misconduct.

Discussion Items

• Item 26-1057: Contract for Renovation and Demolition of Jail Campus (Divisions 4 and 5)

  • The committee considered a motion to authorize the Chief Procurement Officer to enter into a contract with A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc. for architectural and engineering services related to the renovation and demolition of the jail campus. The contract value was approximately $2 million.
  • Commissioner Degnan questioned the procurement process, specifically the use of an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) instead of an RFP (Request for Proposals). Chief Procurement Officer Rafi Sarafian explained that RFQs focus on qualifications and are standard for architecture and engineering services, with price negotiated later. Degnan expressed concern about the two-year timeline from the RFQ advertisement to board approval, noting that stale pricing and potential missed opportunities for better bids. Sarafian could not provide specific dates or the number of respondents to the RFQ. Degnan requested that staff come prepared with such details in the future.
  • The motion to approve was moved by Commissioner Aguilar and seconded by Commissioner Britton. After debate, the roll call vote resulted in 8 ayes and 1 absent (Commissioner Moore). The motion carried.

• Item 26-1144: 2025 Build Up Cook Program Annual Report

  • Jamie Myers, Interim Bureau Chief of Asset Management, and Drew Williams Clark, Director of Build Up Cook, presented the annual report. The program, funded by $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, focuses on critical infrastructure needs in under-resourced municipalities. Key points:
    • 60 projects on track for completion by fall 2026, including water main replacements and fire suppression improvements.
    • 49% of construction dollars awarded to minority, women, and small business enterprises (MWBE).
    • Created 149 laborer and 344 skilled trade positions.
    • Capacity building workshops for water operators and financial readiness, and a grant guide to help municipalities compete for federal funds.
    • The program has helped municipalities secure over $50 million in additional funding for lead water service line replacement.
    • A partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Government Finance Research Center is conducting a survey of 118 municipal drinking water utilities in Cook County (50% response rate) to assess capital needs and recommend governance reforms.
  • Commissioner Aguilar asked for a list of participating municipalities and whether the survey data was segmented by water source. She also inquired about integration with the South Suburban water infrastructure plan; staff agreed to discuss offline.
  • The motion to receive and file the report was moved by Commissioner Naya, seconded by Commissioner Degnan. Approved unanimously by roll call vote (8 ayes, 1 absent – Commissioner Moore).

Key Outcomes

• Item 26-1057 approved (8-0-1, with Commissioner Moore absent) to authorize the Chief Procurement Officer to contract with A. Epstein and Sons for jail campus renovation and demolition design services.
• Item 26-1144 received and filed (8-0-1, with Commissioner Moore absent) for the 2025 Build Up Cook annual report.
• Staff directed to provide future procurement details (timelines, respondent numbers) to the committee.
• The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time after a motion by Vice Chair Aguilar, seconded by Commissioner Britton.