Earlier this summer, Commissioner Goslin introduced an amendment to the Zoning and Building Ordinance related to Home Occupations--businesses run as a secondary use on residential properties--in unincorporated Cook County.  The previously exisiting ordinance regarding Home Occupations sets forth a variety of requirements.  One of those requirements, that NO commodity intended for sale be stored on the premises, created problems for legitimate businesses trying to obtain a General Business License.    

Commissioner Goslin's amendment allows home occupation businesses to store some merchandise in their home, with a limit of 15% of the total floor area.  This amendment will allow small businesses that may operate through mail order, or businesses that may carry products with them for on-site visits to comply with all necessary county ordinances.  After meeting with various county departments regarding this change, this amendment was approved at this week's County Board Meeting.      

Commissioner Goslin will continue to monitor any undue hardships or implementation difficulties discovered as the new Cook County General Business License is enforced.  If you have any thoughts on this matter, please feel free to call our office at 312-603-4932 or e-mail us at commissioner.goslin@cookcountyil.gov.   

At this week's meeting, the Cook County Board approved an overhaul of the county's procurement process. Along with his colleagues, Commissioner Goslin sponsored this ordinance, which re-organizes and streamlines the procurement process.  The improved language will help avoid unnecessary delays and eliminate the redundancy and inconsistency of certain provisions.

The new ordinance  clarifies and provides for best procurement practices, such as joint governmental purchasing and group purchasing. This enables the county to proceed with joint purchasing efforts with the Cook County Health and Hospital System and the City of Chicago, which yields significant savings for county residents.

Additionally, the new language include changes to the county's payment program that require documentation that work was performed and increased transparency in the contract process, with each step posted online for the public to see.

September 17 & 18, Noon - Dusk

Join the Forest Preserve District of Cook County & the American Indian Center of Chicago in celebrating a Traditional Pow-Wow at Busse Boating Center, Grove #24 in Schaumburg.

This free event will feature Native American dancers & singing, arts & Crafts vendors, cultural demonstrations, kids craft corner, storytelling, archery and more!  Pow-Wow dancing will take place from 1-4pm on Saturday and Sunday, as well as 6pm-Dusk on Saturday.

For more information, please visit the American Indian Center website.  

Fall Bulb Festival at Chicago Botanic Garden

October 1 & 2, 10am-4pm 

Fall fun for the whole family! Festival highlights include live music, 240+ varieties of bulbs for purchase, and a marketplace with 20 local vendors. Children will enjoy navigating the straw bale maze and participating in drop-in activities such as leaf rubbings, a leaf hunt, and creating mini-scarecrows.   

For more information, please visit the Botanic Garden website. 

• Approved application for Special Use in the R-3 Single Family Residence District for subdivision of existing 1.66 acre property into two single family parcels, one conforming to the R-3 requirements and one non-conforming to the R-3 requirements.  Property consists of approximately 1.66 acres located on the east side of Overland Pass approximately 442.73 feet west of Landwehr Road. 

• Approved Variation to increase height of pillars in front yard from 3' to 4' 8" (existing); reduce right interior side setback  from 15' to 2' (existing); and reduce rear yard setback from 40' to 33' (existing) for setback compliance of principal structure, shed and pillars in the R-5 Single Family Residence District.  The subject property consists of 0.23 acres located on the NE corner of Elmdale Road and Central Road.

• Approved Change in Plans and Extra Work on Lake-Cook Road, East of Wilmot Road to Pfingsten Road in the Village of Deerfield.  Adjustment of quantities and new items.  $282,057.63 (Addition). 

• Approved Highway Authority Agreement along with a Supplemental Agreement between the County of Cook and Fifth Third Bank 1804 West Northwest Highway at Wilke Road (CH V68)  in the Village of Arlington Heights.  Fiscal Impact:  None