Cook County Asset Management Committee Meeting - June 10, 2026

The Cook County Asset Management Committee convened on June 10, 2026, at 9:15 AM. The meeting focused on a single agenda item: a $13.25 million increase to the countywide Job Order Contract (JOC) program. Commissioners expressed concerns over transparency, procurement authority, and contractor performance, leading to a divided vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• George Blake Lore spoke about the importance of investing in young people and urged commissioners to remember their heritage and community obligations, particularly when accepting campaign contributions.
• Tywan Sims testified about his experience with the domestic relations division, alleging manipulation of court documents and denial of due process in a child custody and order of protection case. He pointedly asked when he was deemed unfit, stating he faces a behavioral clinical exam requirement.

Discussion Items

• Item 26-0842: Authorization for Chief Procurement Officer to increase contract with multiple vendors for countywide JOC program by $13,250,000.
  • Catherine Leonardo (Deputy Bureau Chief, Bureau of Asset Management) presented the item, noting the increase addresses increased capacity for the FY26 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), particularly for health and hospitals and public safety portfolios. Projects include sewer replacement at Provident Hospital, water main replacement at Skokie Courthouse, emergency generator work at the DOC campus and courthouses, and fire alarm upgrades at county corrections, courts, and health facilities.
  • Earl Manning (Director of Capital Planning) provided details on the JOC program: current contract authority is $197.25 million; at end of 2025, $94.51 million was spent; the program helped avoid $7 million in costs; average contract size is $638,000.
  • Commissioner Degnan raised concerns about the Chief Procurement Officer (Rafi) extending the contract by two years (through January 2028) without board notification, under new procurement code authority. He expressed discomfort with the lack of transparency for a nearly $200 million contract and noted a stop-work order on the 5th floor boardroom project. He requested more granular oversight and voted present.
  • Commissioner Moore asked about vendor details, including BMI Construction, Stingray Electric, and MQ Sewer & Water contractors, seeking confirmation of local status, union signatory status, and MBE/WBE certification. He also questioned the timeline for completing the boardroom (estimated 80% complete, work resuming within a week).
  • Commissioner Naya emphasized the need for transparency, asked for the difference between JOC and CMAR contracts, and confirmed that internal union employees (under COP agreements) have first opportunity to perform work under the JOC program.
  • Chief Procurement Officer Rafi confirmed the renewal was time-only with no money attached, and that the $13.25 million increase is expected to be sufficient through the contract end (January 2028), with no additional funding requests anticipated for these vendors.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve Item 26-0842: Vice Chair Aguilar moved, seconded by Commissioner Naya. The motion passed despite a present vote from Commissioner Degnan and Commissioner [Commissioner Moore – name not fully captured]. The chair noted the motion passes despite the division.
• Commissioner Degnan stated he will propose rule changes next month regarding notification requirements for contract extensions.
• Meeting adjourned after approval of item 26-0842.

Consent Calendar

• Item 26-1660: Approval of minutes from the May 13, 2026 meeting – passed unanimously.

Vote Summary

• Item 26-1660: Approved by voice vote (all ayes).
• Item 26-0842: Passed with a split vote; Commissioners Degnan and [Moore] recorded as present.