REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION,
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND VETERANS
RELATIONS
The Honorable,
The Board of Commissioners of
ATTENDANCE
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Present: |
Chairman Suffredin, Vice Chairman
Silvestri, Commissioners Beavers, |
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Absent: |
Commissioners Collins, Gorman, |
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Also Present: |
Rupert F. Graham, Jr., P.E. - Acting Superintendent of Highways |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Your Committee on Legislation,
Intergovernmental and Veterans Relations of the Board of Commissioners of Cook
County met pursuant to notice on
Your Committee has considered the
following item and upon adoption of this report, the recommendations are as
follows:
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286856 |
RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS (PROPOSED RESOLUTION). Submitting a Proposed Resolution sponsored by Todd H.
Stroger, President, Cook County Board of Commissioners. PROPOSED RESOLUTION RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in the Office of
Superintendent of Highways, Cook County, Illinois due to the resignation of
the incumbent County Superintendent of Highways, Mr. Walter S. Kos, P.E., which occurred on December 31, 2006; and WHEREAS, the Cook County Board by
resolution dated May 1, 2007, certified the name of one candidate to the
Department of Transportation to take the examination for the Office of County
Superintendent of Highways; and WHEREAS, Milton R. Sees, Acting
Secretary, the Illinois Department of Transportation, certified to the NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Cook County Board that
Rupert F. Graham, Jr., P.E., be, and is hereby appointed, County
Superintendent of Highways for Cook County for a term of six years effective
May 15, 2007; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the *Referred to the Committee on Legislation, Intergovernmental &
Veterans Relations on |
Chairman Suffredin stated that on this meeting’s agenda
there is a resolution from the President appointing the Superintendent of
Highways.
Chairman Suffredin outlined the procedure of how the Committee
would handle the appointment. He stated that the nominee would be given the
opportunity to make a statement on their qualifications and their vision for
the office. Any other candidates who
wished to be considered for this appointment would then be heard. A motion to approve would be made after the
presentation. Each Commissioner would
have the opportunity to question the nominee.
Mr. Graham gave his presentation to the Committee members. (See
Attachment #1, which includes his biography and resume.)
Commissioners were called upon to ask Mr. Graham
questions.
Vice Chairman Silvestri requested information from Mr.
Graham regarding the apparent lack of identifying signage on County highways.
Mr. Graham responded that he would research and address Vice
Chairman Silvestri’s question.
Commissioner Murphy commented on
the report distributed by the Highway Superintendent that lists Highway Department
projects by County Board District. She
stated that she found it very helpful, and inquired
whether this report would continue to be distributed under Mr. Graham’s
administration.
Mr. Graham responded
affirmatively.
Chairman Suffredin referenced a
memorandum he sent to the Commissioners dated
Chairman Suffredin indicated that
he had requested in the memorandum that if any Commissioners wished to submit
the name of any other candidates to be considered for this appointment, that
they do so prior to the meeting. He
stated that Commissioner Maldonado was the only one who responded with the name
of another candidate. Chairman Suffredin
said that the resume of Commissioner Maldonado’s candidate had been distributed
to all members (see Attachment #2,) however Commissioner Maldonado’s candidate
was not present.
Chairman Suffredin inquired as to
Mr. Graham’s interest in developing a formal policy at the County in all of the
road programs to incorporate - when possible - all forms of transportation,
especially bicycles.
Mr. Graham responded that he was
interested in doing so.
Chairman Suffredin also inquired
as to Mr. Graham’s interest in working with the Forest Preserve District on
solutions and ideas for the problem of stormwater
management, caused by run off from the roads.
Mr. Graham agreed that this was
important, and stated that he had such interest in working on stormwater management issues. He added that ideas such as the use of bioswales and working towards enhancing the relationship
between the Forest Preserve District and the Illinois Tollway
Authority have been productive.
Chairman Suffredin noted that the
County’s Highway Department is the third largest in the state yet did not have
any projects in the T21 legislation from the federal government one and one
half years ago. He asked Mr. Graham if
he would commit to work with the federal government for the County’s fair share
in federal funds for capital projects for bridges and roads.
Mr. Graham responded
affirmatively.
Commissioner Butler, seconded by Commissioner Beavers, moved the
approval of Communication No. 286856. The motion carried. Commissioner Maldonado voted no.
Chairman Suffredin asked the Secretary to the Board to call
upon the registered public speakers.
1. George
Blakemore, Concerned Citizen
Commissioner Butler moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Daley. The motion carried
and the meeting was adjourned.
YOUR COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING ACTION WITH REGARD TO THE MATTERS NAMED HEREIN:
Communication
Number 286856 Approved
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Respectfully submitted, Committee on Legislation, Intergovernmental and Veterans
Relations xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Larry Suffredin, Chairman |
Attest:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Matthew B. DeLeon, Secretary
** The audio recording for this meeting is available from
the Office of the Secretary to the Board,