The 2012 Cook County Highway Plan will improve 70 miles of roads in more than 30 suburban municipalities at a cost of $65 million dollars. There are 27 county roadway projects scheduled for this construction season.

Projects in the 14th District include construction on sections of Quentin Road in Palatine, Euclid Avenue in Rolling Meadows, Harms Road in Glenview and Penny Road in Barrington Hills.

Live video streaming of the proceedings of the Cook County Board is now available through the Secretary to the Board’s website!  Tune in to watch LIVE Board Meetings and follow along with the agenda as items are discussed.

The application deadline is May 4th.

Within the context of a structured learning environment, Fellows gain first-hand experience in the various departments within Cook County through:

• Completing high-impact projects while working side-by-side with a management level program officer within one of their fellowship program areas: President’s Office [Policy, Communications, IGA, External Affairs and Legal] Human Resources, Economic Development and Finance.
• Developing an understanding of government policies, projects and operations, as well as approaches and challenges for each.
• Developing in-depth content knowledge through research conducted within that program area.
• Lunch and learn activities within the Civic Consulting Alliance summer internship program, in addition to independent County learning activities and events.

Candidates should be registered in a graduate degree program in business, public policy, public affairs, or other related degree. Candidates may also be registered in a law school if they are currently entering or have completed their second or third year.

For more information, please visit the Civic Consulting Alliance website.

• The Finance Committee will consider an amendment increasing reporting requirements and clarifying eligible uses for Commissioners’ contingency funds.

• The Finance Committee will consider a resolution on the suburban courthouse closures that requests the Chief Judge to review possible solutions to providing court services on the weekends in suburban areas.

• The Committee on Building and Zoning will consider an application for variation to increase the Floor Area Ratio from the maximum allowed 0.15 ft to 0.19 ft for a proposed addition at 558 Ridge Road in New Trier Township.

To download complete agendas for the Cook County Board meeting, please visit the County Clerk’s website.

For committee meeting agendas, please visit the Secretary to the Board’s website

If you wish to testify at a public hearing, please visit the Secretary to the Board’s website to register as a public speaker.   Speakers may also submit proposals for redistricting plans.   A room is available at the County Building to assist the public with drawing map proposals.

To begin working on a map, please visit the Cook County Redistricting Office at 118 N Clark St, Room 1134, Chicago, IL or call (312) 603-2885.

The schedule for the upcoming public hearings is listed below:

Tuesday, April 17, 2012
6:00 PM
Sixth District Courthouse
16501 S Kezie Pkwy
Markham, IL

Tuesday, April 24, 2012
6:00 PM
Oakton Community College
1600 E Golf Rd, Room 1610
DesPlaines, IL 60016

Thursday, April 26, 2012
6:00 PM
Fourth District Courthouse
1500 S Maybrook Dr
Maywood, IL

Tuesday, May 1, 2012
6:00 PM
Merit School of Music
38 South Peoria
Chicago, IL

The Forest Preserve District is a known source of recreation for hundreds of thousands of Cook County residents, but few recognize the important role it serves as a biological field station for observational and experimental studies of nature where the wilderness begins.

On Thursday, April 19th, the Forest Preserve District will host its inaugural Science and Research Symposium at Lincoln Park Zoo. The symposium will showcase the notable scientific research, restoration work and stewardship occurring throughout the Forest Preserve District’s extensive and diverse holdings.

The one-day event brings together Forest Preserve District experts as well as fellow researchers, university partners, students, volunteer monitors and others to learn, interact, and collaborate with one another.

Attendees will participate in a unique fast-paced format aimed at showcasing the exciting projects underway to study, protect, and restore the unique nature and wildlife found throughout a major urban area.

The event’s multidisciplinary nature encourages “cross pollination” opportunities for participants, offering the chance to learn, interact and collaborate with one another, inspiring more opportunities for the future.

For more information about this event, please visit the Forest Preserve District website.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is developing a new Camping Master Plan.  In addition to updating and enhancing the current camp facilities that are available for organized youth groups, they are considering adding additional camping experiences and programs to engage broader populations, such as families, retreat or reunion groups, day camps and people with special needs.

The Forest Preserve District needs your help. In an effort to determine what might best serve the interests of our residents, they are hosting an online survey to encourage input on potential camping experiences. Please take a moment and share your thoughts by completing the survey, available at www.camping.fpdcc.com.

Your input will help shape the future of the Forest Preserve programs and facilities as they strive to provide unique recreational and educational experiences in nature for the citizens of Cook County.

The Cook County Vacant Building ordinance went into effect on February 14, 2012. The ordinance applies only to unincorporated Cook County or those municipalities that decide to opt-in. Currently no municipalities have opted in to the ordinance.

Owners of a building that has been vacant for more than 30 days in unincorporated area must register building with Cook County Building and Zoning Department.

The county has created a new website for municipalities, owners, mortgagees and residents to register their vacant properties, track progress and engage directly with County government. Click here for more information and to register a vacant building.

Up to 15 ICA Scholarships of $3,000 are available to incoming freshman and the John H. Stroger Memorial Scholarship is available for $3,000 for students Masters level or above.

Applications are available for download at the ICA website and can be submitted online via e-mail. Along with the electronic application, you must submit:

• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Endorsement statement from County Official
• 500-word Personal statement
• 300-word Essay on an Issue facing youth in your community
• High School or College Transcript

For more information on the scholarships, you can download the brochure.

Live streaming audio of the proceedings of the Cook County Board is now available through the Cook County website. Tune in to listen to today’s Board Meeting at 10am.