Here we go.

Yes.

The meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners will come to order.

The clerk will call the room.

Commissioner Aguilar.

Commissioner Naya.

Commissioner Britton, absent.

Commissioner Daly.

Here.

Commissioner Dugnan.

Commissioner Gaynor, excused absence.

Commissioner Lowry.

Present.

Commissioner McCaskill.

Commissioner Miller.

Miller here.

Commissioner Moore, excuse absence.

Commissioner Marita.

Commissioner Kevin Morrison.

Commissioner Sean Morrison, excused absence.

Commissioner Scott.

Commissioner Scott absent.

Commissioner Stamps.

Commissioner Stamps excused absence.

Commissioner Trevor.

Commissioner Vasquez.

Chairman, you have a quorum.

Commissioner Lowe.

There's no request for remote.

Commissioner Marita.

Cook County resides on lands that have been home to indigenous people for thousands of years.

The Pottawatomie, Ojibwa, Ottawa, and dozens of nations were the custodians and caretakers of this land for centuries before European colonization.

Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building understanding and mutual respect across all cultures, traditions, and heritages.

By reading the statement, Cook County recognizes the past wrongdoings as well as present harm upon people, tribal lands, and governments.

We honor the indigenous people, past and present, and pause to remember the acts of violence, displacement, colonization, and removal of the original inhabitants of this land.

With this land acknowledgement, Cook County commits to learning more about and doing better to support the county's native and indigenous residents as we work towards equity for all of Cook County.

We'll begin with public speakers, and the Secretary will outline the uh quorum.

Thank you, Chairman.

Members of the public who wish to testify have up until 24 hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.

Speakers will have three minutes to address the body and will be alerted when they have one minute remaining, 30 seconds remain, and when time has expired.

Translation services are available for this meeting.

If you need assistance, please put forth a request in the teams chat or see a staff member in the boardroom.

Persons authorized to provide public testimony shall not use vulgar, abusive, discriminatory, profane, or otherwise inappropriate language when addressing the body.

Failure to act appropriately or failure to adhere to the time requirements may result in expulsion from the meeting and or disqualifying the person from providing future testimony.

Written only comments provided to the start of the meeting will be made part of the meeting record.

We have one in-person speaker and one uh connected virtually, Judge Blake Moore.

You have three minutes to address the body.

We have two branches for government here.

We have the city and we have the county.

Where are you, Mr.

Blake Moore?

I'm at the county.

Right across the same deal.

It's the city.

They are both hooked up.

They just recycle from one hall pin to the other.

And when you say the presentation to the way, that was a dream with liberty and justice for all.

Racism is still alive.

What?

Racism is still alive.

Nephetism, corruption, and fraud.

With liberty and justice for all.

What about the black population?

What about your black population?

Did you have liberty and justice for the black population?

Paul Lawrence Thumbaugh and others.

The miseducation of the black man.

The miseducation of the black man.

The miseducation of the black men.

Again, the miseducation of the black man.

We had banks.

We had our own hospital when I came to Chicago.

They had a they had banks.

They had business.

They had service station.

They had a song.

They had great black leadership.

And they won elected officials.

Black people got to start to turn it to their business.

One minute.

And the goal and rule is he who controls the goal, the goods, the contract, and the service.

And at the bottom of a social economic system and a cash system of the blacks.

Why is that, Mr.

Blake Moore?

Why?

Tell me why the ocean is blue.

Tell me why the Ivy twice.

Why is it that the black are at the social economic in a cash system?

That's in India.

No, this is in America.

This is in Cook County.

This is in the city of Chicago.

My people are being gentrified out.

Out.

And other groups are coming in.

You don't have the number.

But you time has expired.

That's great.

Our next speaker connected remotely is Mark Armstrong.

Mark, you may begin.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Mr.

Chair, I rise today to push back on the carpet bagging and the scaling wagon on our fractured immigration and naturalization policy by uh Jamir Jaropaul and lately by uh Dealer Ramirez.

First of all, Chicago was not founded by DeSable either as a Haitian, which he didn't arrive in the Illinois country until a couple of decades after the Haitian Revolution, and was recognized and self-identified as a French national.

Chicago existed before he got here as in a multi-indigenous settlement.

His wife was here before he uh he um his wife became a partner in his enterprise, uh, which would have made him maybe one of the earliest developers of Chicago, but definitely not the uh necessarily the first um settler, the first non-indigenous settler, and by erasing her and even ignoring her is a uh insult to uh indigenous womanhood as well as uh marginalizing her as an indigenous woman and as the person who acted as CEO for his enterprise, and it also uh makes uh the reading of the indigenous um uh the indigenous statement that um commissioner marita just read as an empty gesture to uh Jarl Paul really gaslights by trying to cast uh immigration or illegal immigration as a primarily a um civil uh function, it is a misdemeanor to enter the country twice first uh initially uh without authorization and then be appointed.

That is a misdemeanor, but to do it subsequently after that becomes a felony, so that needs to be recognized as a civil and also a criminal uh criminal um uh function, and lastly, this whole thing about um uh uh select the sensitivity.

Uh the uh you elected officials need to be just as sensitive uh to the uh grief of citizens who have lost their children and it has include white, black, and brown brown to uh illegal aliens and potential immigrants who uh operate in this country in violation of the alien and enemies act, you know, all lives matter matter, and that's my word chairman.

That concludes our list of speakers for this meeting.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairman.

Uh I would like to uh move uh for approval of the entire consent calendar, Chairman.

Your micro the entire consent calendar chairman, yes, Chairman.

Pursuant to section two-107H3 consent calendar agenda.

Each commissioner will be limited to two consent resolutions per meeting.

Please offer a brief summary, no more than two minutes of your celebratory resolutions.

Then photos will be taken immediately following the summary of your resolutions.

Commissioners will be called in order of seniority.

Thank you, Chairman.

And Bill, will you just share this not share this before I take to the meeting?

I'm good.

Since I'm first I'm going to do the first presentation.

So Chairman Daly, do you have a resolution for the body?

Please proceed.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Item number two six one nine five three.

Would the Rito family please come up?

This item honors uh Louis Faberito, an individual who has devoted many years to the residents of Stickney Township with commitment, accessibility, and a strong sense of responsibility.

He has been an advocate for those residents throughout his tenure.

He has worked to ensure that township services reaches reaches those who are in need most, particularly the seniors of his township, veterans, working families, and red residents that are facing very difficult circumstances at different times.

One of Lou's most significant accomplishments is Sickney Township, was bringing the new Stickney Township Senior Center to end.

A lasting investment for the generations of seniors, a facility where the county has been able to host many events.

Who has understood, understood from day one that seniors deserve more than just basic services?

Where they can remain active, connected, and engaged.

And that as we look today, that is what one of the most important things for seniors to do for their mental health as their personal health is to remain engaged.

The senior center reflects a vision by providing modern services for programs for wellness, activities, education, and social opportunities.

Legacy of services is his career.

The belief that local government is most effective when it responds to the compassion and focus every needs of the people it serves.

I'm grateful for his good work, his legacy, his family, and to his it continues on with his job with his daughter Diane, who has currently been elected the supervisor of Stiffney Township.

And to uh also Dean, the other members of the trustees, to Donna, to Louise, and to Peter, I thank you.

But most of all, Lou, this is a day that we honor you and thank you for your continued commitment to the people, not only of sticky with of your township, but throughout the county.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, John Daly, Commissioner Daly.

I am deeply touched by this honor.

But I am especially thankful for it for my community.

Because my community needs an uplift, and you have helped to them to get it.

Your recognition in this body of men and women mean a great deal to us in Stickney Township.

When I moved there, I put five hundred dollars down.

I was just out of Korea, and I have been in the same house.

No, I bought another house, I'm sorry.

But I built two blocks from where I was.

And at that time there were no streets, there were no curbs, there were floods when it rained, cottonwood trees all over the place.

And the VFW place was the biggest fish for I on Friday night.

But John, I've known you since I've been just a little guy.

And of course I do remember your great father, who was so touching to me and helpful to me when I first started in government.

He encouraged me and made me believe in myself.

And I want to thank you, John, for your kindness.

God bless you all.

Thank you for allowing me to be here with you.

Thank you, Bill.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Right here, behind you.

Okay.

This is Anthony.

No, that's Anthony.

Anthony, it's Anthony's going.

No, Ned, this is an okay.

Good afternoon.

My name is Commissioner Bridget Dugnan.

And I'm here and honored to uh present this resolution recognizing Cook County for receiving a record number of awards from the National Association of Counties or NACO.

Cook County has received come on up a hundred and fifteen awards.

These awards recognize innovative and effective county-led programs and honor the people who create, workshop, communicate, and implement them.

NACO has a membership of over twenty-three hundred counties, and I learned so much about what other counties do when I attend NACO's that it's one of my favorite things we do during the year.

But receiving so many NACO awards also show that counties across the country are looking to us for leadership and continued innovation.

But we only lead when we constantly ask what can we do better?

Making adjustments as needed.

Whether it's for Digital Inclusion Week, Racial Equity Week, the Property Tax Reform Working Group, early eviction resolution programs, modular home pilots, boosting solar power is one of our favorites, naloxone access, the pretrial seed program, and so much more.

Our county agencies and independently elected county offices are stepping up every single day to build capacity and be agile in their work.

Most importantly, they're making people's lives better.

Cook County Health, the Assessor's Office, the land bank, the county clerk, Clerk of the Circuit Court, and the Forest Preserves are also receiving awards for their innovative work.

Our number one job is to protect our residents and make their lives better.

In today's economy, that means affordability, health care, and housing, among other things.

The people that fill out our county agencies are dedicated to that work, and I am so proud to be here to honor them today with Chairman Daly.

Oh, I'm sorry.

You handed it to me.

Congratulations to all the agencies and their employees.

Thank you so much for the work you do.

Here you go.

Thank you.

And the awards, this is a lot about county government from NACO and those.

I know there might be resolution forcing me to go to NATO.

But Commissioner, I I know a number of love NACO and what and the the what they get out of NACO, and this is a lot about the government, about Cook County government.

We thank you all.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Did you want to come up?

Yes.

Oh, there you are.

I don't know if I don't want to everybody.

Do you have people here?

Okay, Commissioner and I.

Thank you.

Um, Mr.

President Pro Temp.

Um, I'd like to um uh pay atten uh call attention to two resolutions.

The first one, item twenty-six uh twenty twenty-three.

This is in our second um new items.

Um specifically, uh this is for uh the hundred and fiftyth anniversary of St.

Procopius Catholic Church in my district.

Uh receiving this resolution on behalf of the church and on behalf of Father uh Santiago uh is Ephraim Mata, uh one of uh the church's most active parishioners.

If we can have him come up.

But I'm honored to recognize the legacy and impact of St.

Procopius Church.

Uh, they were founded by Shech uh Catholic migrants to uh this day they continue to be a safe place for immigrant families.

St.

Procopius uh Church is located in the heart of the 7th district in the southwest side of the city of Chicago and has become a beacon of hope in the Pilson community.

Through the years, um they have uh not only strengthened the faith of families, but have also strengthened Chicago's social and spiritual life.

I want to personally thank St.

St.

Procopius Church uh for their impact the last 150 years, and uh know that their legacy will continue to grow uh in the decades ahead.

I also want to give a special uh recognition and thanks to the 150th uh anniversary committee that helped us with this resolution.

Uh and I will be requesting a picture of uh Mr.

Ephraim Mata and myself.

First of all, uh thank you, Commissioner.

Uh right there thank you, Commissioner.

Um, you've been very uh active and helpful to our parish, and thank you to our uh past and present uh parishioners from St.

Procopius uh promise of God.

Uh it's been uh a hard journey as we know a lot of our uh our Catholic churches have been closing.

Uh we're going strong, and we're uh very excited to celebrate our hundred and fifty years anniversary.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And my um second resolution is item 26 uh 20 uh 24.

Um, this is in recognition of July as a disability pride month in Cook County.

Um, here to receive this resolution.

We have folks from Access Living and also a Center for Disability and Elder Law.

Uh Disability Pride Month recognizes um all the people with all abilities and the fact that they are integral in integral uh members of our community and uh contribute to our social, cultural, civic, and economic vitality here in Cook County.

This resolution is timely because under the current administration we're seeing a lot of rollbacks of uh longstanding protections and um a push to dehumanize our community members.

It also uh July 26th of this year, we celebrate the 36th anniversary of the passage of ADA.

Um, so now more than ever, it is extremely important for us to unite um and have a united front to protect the civil rights of the people with uh disabilities and ensure that residents with all abilities can participate in every aspect of life.

So I want to thank obviously the various organizations that are here today, but also those that uh may not were not able to join us today.

But I want to uplift Access Living, Equipped for Equality Center for Disability and Alder Law, and the Progress Center for Independent Living.

Um, many of these organizations had actually uh been uh very important here in Cook County to advocate, and they've also been members of the Cook County Accessibility Working Group.

Um and we will can ask, you know, um if we can have Julia and some of the other members come up so we could take a picture of the Commissioner, thank you.

Um board, it's an honor to accept this resolution recognizing recognizing Disability Pride Month on behalf of the Center for Disability and Elder Law and all organizations advocating for our disability rights throughout Cook County.

Um we're really grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of people with disabilities in Cook County as a free legal service provider for Cook County residents.

It's really our honor to serve, and we're really grateful for um this opportunity and this recognition.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chairman.

I'd like to uh first reference item 26-1938, a resolution honoring the life and enduring legacy of Mother Khadijah Farrakhan.

I presented uh this resolution in district, but wanted to uh take this opportunity here in the chamber to also uh remember uh Mother Khadijah Farrakhan.

She was born Betsy Ross on November 26, 1935.

She devoted her life to faith, family, and service as a beloved wife of the honorable minister Louis Farrakhan for 72 years and the rev revered first lady of the Nation of Islam.

She embodied humility, dignity, compassion, and unwavering spiritual conviction.

Through her steadfast leadership, quiet sacrifice, and lifelong commitment to strengthening women, children, and families.

She touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Mother Khadija Farrakhan's extraordinary contributions extended far beyond public recognition.

She served with distinction as an administrator, mentor, entrepreneur, accomplished seamstress, and advocate whose work strengthened the nation of Islam and empowered communities across the nation.

Her life exemplified the highest ideals of service, perseverance, integrity, and unconditional love.

While her grace and wisdom became a source of hope and encouragement to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, Bill Larry, Cook County Commissioner of the Third District, Tony Prequinkle, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and the members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Mother Khadijah Farrakhan.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Honorable Minister Louis Farragon, Farrakhan, the Farrakhan family, the Nation of Islam, and all who mourn her passing.

May her remarkable example of faith, compassion, service, and unwavering devotion continue to inspire generations to come, and may she forever rest in internal peace.

Secondly, Chairman, I would like to lift up item 261869.

This resolution recognizes the 2026 United Negro College Fund National Walk for Education.

On April 25th, 1944, the United Negro College Fund was incorporated with 27 member colleges as a not-for-profit entity established to assist its member institutions of higher education to raise funds from the public for their mutual support.

The importance of UNCF and the historically black colleges and universities it supports, promotes the values of higher education as well as the traditional values of family and heritage that have made this nation great.

Over the past seven decades, UNCF has grown to become the nation's oldest and most successful African American higher education assistance organization in the country by having raised more than $6 billion and having helped more than 550,000 students, not just attend college, but to thrive and graduate and become leaders.

Each year, UNCF awards more than 11,000 student scholarships in building institutional endowments worth more than six billion dollars to support 37 member institutions.

The annual UNCF Chicago Walk for Education is being held on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

And Cook County has proudly supported UNCF's efforts for more than 31 years.

Cook County Board President Tony Preckwinkle is an honorary chair for the 2026 UNCF Chicago Walk for Education.

The President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize and express Cook County's support for the 2026 UNC of Chicago Walk for Education and commits to provide assistance and resources to ensure its success.

Now therefore be it resolved that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby acknowledge and commend the UNCF for its continued positive impact throughout the United States and express the county's sincere appreciation and gratitude for selecting President Preckwinkle as the honorary chair of the 2026 UNCF Chicago Walk for Education.

Thank you, Chairman.

Thank you, Chairman.

Yes, no, I just wanted to uh recognize two uh resolutions that I have uh for this consent calendar.

Uh June 14th is our July 14th is the non-binary People's Day, uh, which was celebrated this week.

It began in 2012 and celebrates and raises awareness of non-binary people uh who do not identify within traditional gender roles as we continue to see attacks on our LGBTQ plus community and especially against those outside the gender binary.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting and protecting these vulnerable populations.

Uh I'll just uh point out, you know, we made a post this week uh uh recognizing non-binary people's day, and we're trolled.

Uh you know, I want to put out their bullying still uh is a incredibly uh negative uh situation that we continue to deal with.

And uh, you know, I just want to push that message out there uh to folks uh that when you're attacking folks online, uh you have an impact.

Uh and so be mindful of the words and actions you take.

Uh also uh this month we are uh uh recognizing World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Um this resolution recognizes July 30th as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and reaffirms Cook County's commitment to protecting survivors as well as preventing future trafficking, human trafficking affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities.

Survivors face long-lasting trauma and barriers to housing, health care, and employment.

And I want to thank my colleagues for the support of this resolution.

Uh thank you very much.

I commissioner, I did Commissioner Miller.

I know you have guests.

Commissioner Rita has guests.

Frank, do you have guests?

Wait, and Commissioner Marita as guess here to lead.

Thank you, Chairman.

So it's with great honor that I acknowledge this resolution for 26 uh 1990, which is honoring Will Pauling on signing with the San Francisco 49ers.

Will Pauling is from Chicago, attended Homewood Flossmore High School, where he became a star receiver for their football team.

He had a breakout season after graduation.

He committed to the University of Cincinnati, was a top wide receiver.

He is part of a team competing in an unprecedented season at the Faircats played Alabama in the national championship for the semifinal cotton ball on New Year's Eve in Cincinnati.

For the 2023 season, he entered the transfer portal and played for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, where he was a key slot receiver.

And then he led the team recording 74 catches, 837 yards, and six touchdowns in 2023.

So even as a person who's not great in sports, I know that's pretty good.

So on April 26, 2026, Will was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent and expected to compete for a spot as a slot receiver, bringing his feed and team's potential to the 49ers rosters.

It's a great honor for me to present this resolution.

And his family is here, a family that I've known for decades.

And I also wanted to give a special shout out to Sugar Alamine, who is uh the rich township trustee who is here as well.

Can the whole family come up and I just wanted to congratulate you.

So thank you for being here.

Chairman, after this picture, then we're going to refer back to you.

Thank you.

Please come to the dais for picture.

And while they're coming up, I just wanted to read a comment from Will himself.

He said thank you to Commissioner Miller and the entire county board for this incredible honor.

I'm sorry I couldn't be there in person due to my football responsibilities.

But please know how much I appreciate this recognition.

I'm grateful to everyone who played a role in helping me reach this point.

Thank you to my family and friends for their support, my coaches for their guidance, my teammates for challenging me in ways and believing in me, and thank you to the Homewood Flossmore community and everyone throughout the South suburbs who supported and encouraged me throughout my journey.

I'm proud to represent the place and the people who helped shape me into the person I am today.

More importantly, I want to thank God for his guidance and faithfulness every step of the way.

I don't take any of these opportunities for granted, and I am honored to represent Cook County, Homewood Flossmore, and the South Suburbs on this stage.

Thank you again for this special recognition.

This is from Will himself.

Thank you.

Anyone?

So this is his father.

So thank you, Commissioner.

Thank you.

Yes, my name is Gerald Pauling.

My wife is here with me, Eugenia, and Will's big brother is also here.

We appreciate the invitation.

Thank you to you, Commissioner Miller, and to President President Preck Linkel and the Commissioners.

My wife and I believe strongly in the precept that it takes a village to raise a child.

And we raised three children in the South Surbs, and the South Suburbs has been a great village for our children.

Our baby son is Will.

He's the he's the football player.

And his village is here with us today.

And they have been our village for the years that Will has uh has developed as a young man.

Um we appreciate this opportunity uh and this recognition, Commissioner Miller, and I would be remiss if we didn't thank you for your leadership uh and for uh the your efforts on behalf of the the people of the South Suburbs.

Uh and so we're happy to be here.

Um we wish Will could be here, but he's getting ready for a training camp that starts next week.

Uh and so he was a little busy.

But uh thank thank you all.

Um this is a wonderful honor for for Will and for our family.

Yes, thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you all for being here representing the South Suburbs.

Commissioners, if you're your offices are behind, please come in.

Yeah, yeah.

So next, I also want to lift up 26-1992.

This is honoring Lewis Bond as being selected in the 2026 NFL draft by the Houston Texans.

So Lewis Bond is a proud Chicago native.

His football journey began in Blue Island with the Blue Island Untouchables, where he played football from Pee Wee through junior high.

His final two years of high school, he attended uh Kenwood Academy in Chicago, and he was a dynamic all-purpose offensive weapon.

Lewis senior football season was postponed until the 2020 because of COVID.

And then he represented Illinois in the high school of football, earning recognition as a highly regarded recruit, receiving scholarship opportunities from many prestigious schools, and eventually graduated from Boston College in 2021.

So Lewis's family is here if they wouldn't mind coming up as well.

And we want to congratulate Lewis Bond on being selected for the 2026 NFL draft by the Houston Texans.

Thank you.

And so I just wanted to ask for leave for to um as we all know.

He has spent the last several weeks working on a resolution that I would like for him to promote.

And he's a proud graduate of St.

Ignatius, and just so happens we'll be attending Howard University.

I have nothing to do with that.

So thank you, Quentin.

Thank you, Commissioner.

Good morning, Madam President and members of the board.

My name is Quentin Stevens.

I'm a recent graduate of St.

Ignatius College Prep and will be attending Howard University and an intern in Commissioner Miller's office through MIGFA Challenge Program.

Today I am presenting a resolution recognizing mentoring youth through technology, also known as MITT, for their extending contributions to STEM education and youth development throughout Cook County.

Founded in 2013 by Randall Carter, MITT was created with the vision of exposing young people to technology innovation and career pathways to prepare them for success in today's technology driven economy.

Mr.

Carter recognized the gap in access to STEM technology and mentorship for many young people and built an organization dedicated to helping close that gap.

He wants to take kids from just being consumers of technology to creators.

For more than a decade, MYTT has prevented year-round programs in robotics, coding, cybersecurity, engineering, web development, and digital media.

These programs not only teach technical skills, but they help promote creative thinking, team building, and professionalism and other life skills that help prepare you for your future career.

In 2025 alone, MYTT served approximately 800 youth across South Lancook County.

Throughout their programs, they have school partners, workshops, and other community initiatives.

They are more than just a youth mentoring program.

It is a family and a community that continues to support young people every day, not just in workshops or special events.

Organizations like MITT are not only preparing young people for the future, but they are opening doors and opportunities that many students may have never imagined possible.

Through their commitment to serving the community, they are shaping the next generation of professionals.

MYTT ensures that they have the guidance, knowledge, and opportunities needed to succeed.

Thank you, Commissioner Donna Miller and the Board of Commissioners for uplifting our youth and continuing to support programs such as MITT across Cook County, Chicago.

Congratulations.

Commissioner Marina.

Thank you.

And I'll just add an addition on MYTT my uh Randall Carter is my cousin.

Commissioner, but thank you, Chairman.

Um I'd like to uh Did you want to come up and do it here?

Uh sure Thank you, Chairman.

Uh I would like to present a resolution recognizing the city of Chicago receiving a four-star rating as a welcoming city uh from welcoming America.

Um we have Beatrice Ponce de Leon, I think do we have Jesus del Toro as well from the City of Chicago's uh Office of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights.

I'm presenting this resolution with Alma and Jessica if they want to come up as well.

I think we know uh the great work that the city in partnership with the county have been doing to continue to make Chicago and Cook County as welcoming as possible, especially um in this moment.

And so I want to thank uh Beatrice and Jesus for their work.

Um the welcoming America team came out for a number of days through a very thorough audit in December of last year.

I was honored to be part of that process.

Um and it's a uh city of Chicago is joining 33 cities across the nation that have gone through this process and City of Chicago receiving the highest honor of four stars.

So thank you, B and Jesus.

Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner, and thank you.

Um for this recognition, you know, Chicago is a global city, it's a city that um shines nationally and not just because we are Chicago, but we are in Cook County and in the state of Illinois, and I appreciate your partnership and other you know the commissioners as a whole for supporting our immigrant communities, especially over the last couple years here, um, given what is happening across the country.

So thank you so much.

And again, um as well.

I just have to acknowledge the people of Chicago of Chicago land who have um really demonstrated how big our hearts are and how much we support and protect one another.

So thank you.

I'll just say very quickly a point of pride here.

So not only um perhaps still is an eighth district uh constituent, Jesus del Toro, also a former intern at the 35th ward office, used to supervised him many years ago.

So not only is it exciting that the city is receiving this recognition, but it is also incredibly exciting that a homegrown 8th district residents helped to achieve this.

Thank you.

No, I just wanna I just wanna uh publicly thank uh these two wonderful individuals, uh Deputy Mayor and and and Jesus, just because of you know, my district got hit a lot during um Operation Midway Blitz, and actually I always say that the first instance that we saw was about a block from where I live and a few blocks from my district office.

Um and we have been in close collaboration with the city.

Uh we have held uh round table in which we discussed, you know, what the city can do in regards to their schools or parks and how to collaborate, you know, with with um the resources that we have here in Cook County, whether it be uh health and hospitals and our clinics or whether it be any other support systems.

Um so I always appreciate um the collaboration, the willingness to have uh tough conversations, and the fact that we um are at the forefront, I would say, of a lot of a lot of the work on nationally in pushing back against uh hate and against um all of the the bad things that have come done uh on our communities.

So thank you all for all the work that you're doing.

I want to thank you also because you your work in Chicago uh spills over to the Western suburbs.

So thank you very much for protecting our immigrant community and the work you want the work that you've done.

So thank you very much.

Let me also thank you.

Uh Chicago has always been a community welcoming to me.

But ne it's never never been challenged like it has in the past year or two years.

I thank my fellow commissioner for their leadership on the county board reaching out and making us aware of what is occurring.

I wish you the best and congratulations.

My best to the mayor.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you, Chairman.

I want to uh put that two resolutions and the third one, Berkeley put uh Commissioner Vlaskis will be the honors of presenting the library of 80 years in Berkeley.

But anyway, the first uh uh resolution is the item 2620 through 2009.

This is the uh honoring the Zakad Foundation of America on their 25th anniversary.

Congratulations, an organization celebrating 25 years.

Uh, it was founded um initially bridges the Islamic pillar of Zakad, charitable the giving and foundational the American spirit and pluralism of our community services.

It's also known as Safa, was founded uh and currently led by executive director forgive my bad names, but Hali Halil uh Demir.

Is that correct?

Yes, okay.

Forgive me if I mispronounce it.

A um a Turkish-born socialist and an immigrant who came to the United States in 1997.

Whereas Safad is an active in over 50 countries in five five continents.

You're all over the world.

Thank you very much for your work.

Uh the Safad is sponsored, sponsored over 637 orphans across 15 countries providing them with housing, food, food security, comprehensive health care, and long-term education uh mentorship.

And we do a lot of work uh the last 25 years, the God Foundation of America has made it in immeasurable positive impact to the people all over the world, the United States, and Cook County.

So on behalf of the board, uh Board President and the Board of Commissioners, uh, we recognize uh the uh the Zakad um the uh Zakad Foundation of America and your 25th anniversary and continue the good work.

Thank you.

Thank you, um, Mr.

President Pro Temp.

I just want to you know acknowledge and thank you for for being here.

Um twenty-five years um of what you all have been doing, and I you know I came across the Foundation of America um during the hardest times uh here locally in the pandemic, and the work that you all do, the dedication, the passion, the love that you pour into every single day, the work that that um that you do um is unmatched.

So I just want to personally thank you for your partnership for the many uh times in which you all have collaborated with us.

We still have uh a monthly food distribution in which you are always active participants of um so I just want to thank you all for for the the 25 years, and what a pride that it started in in Bridgeview.

What pride that it started here in Cook County.

Um but also want to uplift another resolution I wasn't able to mention was the Turkish festival, um, which you all are also in charge of.

So I congratulating that annual event.

I know there's uh flyers going around for August 1st and the 2nd.

Um in Tinley Park uh convention center.

So I just want to thank you again uh for touching so many uh families, so many communities and making such a positive impact in Cook County.

I just wanted to say congratulations on this as well, Halil.

And it's not just because your wife's name is Donna that we have a lot in common.

Um but uh I just congratulations and thank you for the work that you do and have continued to do.

You really stood out during COVID with uh your food giveaways and all the things that you've contributed to the community, it does not go unnoticed, so thank you.

25 years is a long time, and uh your continued commitment every single day for all communities.

Thank you.

Uh I have to say, if I will be asked where I would like to live, I will say I will live in Cook County.

And I'll tell you why.

The worst days of the world, there was a COVID.

We all were challenging moments.

And I don't want to name each individual here, but you know yourself, each of you.

We wear every single day, including Tani, for her age, even I sometimes I will say, you know what, she did one, but she showed up, the food distribution in street of Chicago, and thank you so much, being who you are.

And if I'm going to learn from anyone what the public service um look like, and I would say probably I would invite the world CD, uh, the Euroco County Commissioners and Cook County Board.

Thank you so much for being there.

That is, you know, during the COVID, during the cold days, during the freezing cold outside, you are always there.

You call us, you invite us, you you walk with us in the street.

I'm I'm I'm I'm proud to work with you guys.

Each of you know yourself, and each of you being there while we do this work.

So we do this work in Chicago, but in behalf of Chicagoans, we do this work also around the world.

We make you proud today when you ask which is which organization one of the most active organizations in Venezuela people will point out to the Cat Foundation and because of the spirit that you have spirit that you give us the uplift us.

Thank you and God bless you for this recognition and I am I'm glad to be here I'm glad to thank you publicly that what you do for our communities.

God bless you all right the Turkish food I was worth a second so the second resolution is also relevant to the SACA foundation is item 26 2011 this is a resolution to uh sponsor resolution the solitary solidarity for a valence civilian survey community the Venezuelan community both Venezuela abroad Venezuelan civilians abroad have suffered in immense due to to uh these earthquakes um and I am very proud to stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela wherever wherever they may live the resolution is presented to demonstrate cook counties recognizes and appreciates the humanitarian work of Casa Venezuela of Illinois ill uh Illinois Venezuelan alliance IVA and PANAS in Chicago we have been organized efforts to collect food medicine medical supplies and essential items to support affected communities in Venezuela through uh through trusted humanitarian channels over hundreds of thousands and thousands of people have suffered have died lost their homes are still reported missing and the numbers are climbing the catastrophe has caused an unprecedented devastation to numerous communities affecting homes hospitals schools critical infrastructure and essential services for the population cook county is a home to the vibrant community of the Venezuelan community to a vibrant home a home to committed Venezuelan community whose members maintain deep family cultural and personal ties to their country of origin and who today are shared with with tremendous pain and concern of their loved ones affected by this tragedy.

So on behalf of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and President we recognize the resilience of the Venezuelan people that express to support Venezuelan Venezuelan community in Cook County during the most difficult time thank you.

Thank you Commissioner for putting this resolution forth it is resilience that Venezuelans have actually had to um do because as you know Venezuela has been in a political economical crisis for the longest time and in on top of that we just got hit with this earthquake that is devastating it's really a catastrophe and I don't know how much attention it has gotten in the news but uh we Venezuelans know that uh the country because of the economic and political crisis that it has been immersed in is not nearly prepared to deal with this with this catastrophe.

So we appreciate that you're bringing forward this resolution and bringing attention to the earthquake uh Pana San Chicago and Illinois Venezuelan alliance we have been working uh endlessly to send um humanitarian aid we both have sent humanitarian aid and we know that this is just the beginning so we we need the support of the Chicago community which we have received ever since the Venezuelans arrived here through the Office of Immigration and Refugees that Beatriz and Jesus is the Toro lead.

So we're very thankful for all the help uh that we have gotten so far but we still need more because this is something that just uh hit us and we don't you know we didn't expect it yet thank you very much for this resolution today also one of the things I want to ask for everybody's pray for our country because we've been in really bad situation right now and I want to say thank you very much to the city of the Chicago the community's help a lot to recollect humanitarian thank you very much I have the distinct honor of supporting my colleague uh commissioner Frank Aguilar in presenting an honorary resolution for the Berkeley Library anniversary

Thank you, Chair.

I have the distinct honor of supporting my colleague uh Commissioner Frank Aguilar in presenting an honorary resolution for the Berkeley Library anniversary, their 80th anniversary, I believe.

Here with us is Isabel La Babera, the assistant director of Berkeley Public Library.

If you could please join uh Commissioner Aguilar at the dais, and then Commissioner Aguilar, if you would like to speak on the resolution, I'll join you.

Please to say hi to the mayor uh uh Robert E.

Lee, a great great mayor.

Uh I'm I'm a book reader.

I got a c I got a small library at home, so I appreciate libraries.

Thank you very much for being here.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I want to thank Commissioner Aguilar.

We are a small library serving a very small population.

We have to navigate our residents to services and things well beyond books, and he shows up all the time.

We're very grateful.

We thank you for your support.

Let me thank you also.

And when libraries are being attacked at all levels, we thank you for your commitment of openness and awareness.

Thank you very much.

Present the resolution at your board meeting.

Okay.

Thank you, sir.

It is motion to adjourn by Commissioner and I second by Commissioner Miller.

Sorry, may I be added as a co-sponsor to an item?

This was for the Sakat Foundation um 25th anniversary.

I um did not see my name on here as a co-sponsor and wanted to that's uh 26 2009.

Can I be crying that on it?

And Commissioner Miller wants to be added for the question.

And any other member in the room.

Now, Matthew's motion to adjourn by Commissioner and I second by Commissioner Barbasquez.

All those in favor favor signify by saying I oppose the motion carries.

Don't forget Tuesday.