It was a relatively quick and low-key Cook County Board meeting yesterday, the final one of the year. Board President Toni Preckwinkle was absent, away to attend a National Association of Counties-related event. President pro tempore Robert Steele (D-2), still recovering from surgery that sidelined him a month ago, was absent as well. Finance Chair John Daley (D-11) presided over the full board meeting, which attracted a sparse audience and had no major divided votes, but a few highlights of things to watch for in the new year.