MWRD Board Observer Reports

Water Reclamation Board Passes Amendment to Watershed Management Ordinance

5/21/2019

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
May 16, 2019

What did the Board Decide?

The commissioners passed the Authority to Amend the Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) that was previously pulled from the May 2, 2019 MWRD Agenda. This Amendment to WMO contains a number of changes, the most significant of which provides for the study of current provisions and potential future amendments to the WMO. This study is scheduled to begin at the end of 2019 with a target end date of May 2022. The study provides for the following:

Pilot study on regional storm water detention and a volume control training program.
Impact of watershed release rates on Communities
Impact on release rates under existing and future development in Collar Counties on Watershed and MWRD.
Impact on volume control and watershed release rates on streams erosions and related water quality.

Other Business:

The commissioners authorized an increase to the cost estimate for an Order Control System at Two TARP shafts and the decommissioning of the Thorton Transitional Reservoir, Calumet Service Area. This is due to complaints of odor. MWRD will continue to monitor the air quality.

New Business:

Commissioner Davis requested a status update on the website from the Technology Department. Davis stated that during the recent heavy rain events the website did not adequately communicate to the public about river and other flooding. It was reported that the public had difficulty finding flooding information on the website. Davis asked the Technology department to give a status report on the Website improvements as soon as possible.
Commissioner Shore requested MWRD look into the possibility of setting up cameras at reservoirs which can be monitored during heavy rain events. She requested information concerning the costs and feasibility of completing this project.

After adjournment the Commissioners celebrated the 130th anniversary of the MWRD.

Observer - Nancy Marcus Meeting Length: 2 hours

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MWRD Board Postpones Consideration of the Watershed Management Ordinance Amendment

5/6/2019

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
May 2, 2019

Items of Interest that were discussed:

Executive Director Brian Perkovich pulled from the agenda at the start of the meeting, Item 9 (File #O19-004), the proposed Amendment to the Watershed Management Ordinance (“WMO”). This Amendment contains a number of changes to the WMO (1) to effectuate Watershed Specific Release Rates by June 6, 2019, as required by Article 5 of the WMO, (2) to incorporate updated rainfall data for the State of Illinois, and (3) to provide clarity on the regulatory requirements and moving guidance and explanatory information from the WMO to the Technical Guidance Material. Based on comments from Commissioner Davis, it appeared that the Amendment was pulled to allow more time to respond to questions from individual Commissioners. The Executive Director told this Observer that he expects the Amendment to be on the agenda for the May 16 meeting.
During the “New Business” section of the meeting, Executive Director Perkovich gave an update on the status of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (“TARP”) in light of the heavy rains the past week. The McCook system, which serves central Chicago and 36 suburban communities, was at full capacity, storing approximately 5.1 billion gallons. The Kirie TARP system in the center of northern Cook County was storing nearly 300 million gallons. The Calumet system serves the far South Side of Chicago and 13 south suburban municipalities and was storing 3.5 billion gallons. All of this water will be pumped back to MWRD water reclamation plants for treatment when conditions permit. The Executive Director did not expect to have to release any water into Lake Michigan. The Commissioners praised the MWRD staff for all that they had been doing.
The Commissioners were also given an update on the status of the Intergovernmental Agreement with Cook County for the County’s Independent Inspector General (“IG”) to provide similar services to the MWRD. It is expected that the Agreement will be fully executed in the next week or so. The IG (Patrick Blanchard) is planning a series of meetings with employees at the plants and main office to explain the role of the IG and how to contact him. A brochure about the IG is being prepared that will be sent to all employees. The IG says he expects to have the two employees called for in the Agreement to be at the MWRD very soon.
The MWRD is celebrating its 130th anniversary by hosting open houses on May 18 at its Calumet, O’Brien, and Stickney plants, which include tours, free compost, free oak saplings, and kid-friendly activities. People are also encouraged to bring unused medications for proper disposal.
Commissioner McGowan said she had given a package of information to each Commissioner concerning the time capsule that was installed with the Nicholas G. Melas Centennial Fountain (located on the north bank of the main branch of the Chicago River to the east of the Sheraton Hotel) in 1989, the centennial of the creation of the Chicago Sanitary District, now known as the MWRD. This time capsule is to be opened in 2089, and Commissioner McGowan wants to make sure that, in case she isn’t around, the other Commissioners will continue to pass on the information so that the time capsule is not forgotten.

Observed by: Priscilla Mims Meeting Length: 1 hour 45 minutes

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Water District Board Adopts Cook County Independent Inspector General Ordinance

4/22/2019

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
April 18, 2019

What did the Board decide?

Agenda Item 019-003 - Adoption of Cook County Independent Inspector General Ordinance for services to the MWRD

Discussion of the proposed Inspector General ordinance centered on who will receive summary reports from investigations, including an investigation of an individual commissioner. The Cook County ordinance sends them to the “chair and applicable personnel.”
Commissioners Shore and Davis were concerned that confidentiality be protected and that the report not be distributed to the entire board. Patrick Blanchard, head of the Cook County Office of the Independent Inspector General, gave assurances that only the Board president, applicable personnel, and the involved individual would receive the report. Indeed, the individual under scrutiny would need to submit a written request before the report could be released. Blanchard also assured the commissioners that the quarterly reports, sent to the entire board, would have no identifying information that would cause a breach in confidentiality.
Commissioner McGowan expressed concern that the term, “chair and applicable personnel,” was too general. MWRD counsel stated that there was specific language in the ordinance delineating precisely who was on the list to receive information.
Public Comment: Representatives of four organizations made statements in support of the ordinance: League of Women Voters of Cook County, the Civic Federation, the Better Government Association (BGA), and Reform Illinois.
Before the final vote, all commissioners went on record with their full support for the role of the Independent Inspector General and the importance of transparency in government. The final vote accepted the Cook County ordinance without amendments. Vote: 9 ayes 0 nays

Agenda Item 19-0319

The Energy Efficiency Project under the Agreement with the Public Building Commission of Chicago was discussed again, after having been considered at the last meeting.
Commissioner Shore reiterated support for lighting efficiency but still had questions about why this needed to be contracted out. Staff stated that it could be done in-house, but would take significant time away from other jobs.
Commissioner Shore said that it’s a fact that there will be savings from the project, so there is no need for an outside group to guarantee this. Doing it in-house would save the commission fee. Commissioner Steele said that they are now in the third phase of the project and might have to pay a “walkaway” fee of $175,000. Shore pointed out that $375,000 would be saved, even if the “walkaway” fee applied.
Final vote: 8 ayes 1 nay

Board adjourned and went into executive session to discuss open meetings and retention of legal counsel.
Regular MWRD Board meeting convened after executive session.

New business:

Commissioner Shore expressed concern about the effect of the Fox-Conn project on Des Plaines River flooding in Cook County. She requested that staff research this.
Commissioner Avila expressed interest in increasing the dollar amount that would trigger projects that must come before the Board for consideration.
Commissioner Garcia urged all commissioners to sign a letter opposing the citizenship question on the census form.

WORKSHOP ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT followed. The topic of the session was the proposed 2019 Watershed Management Ordinance.

MWRD engineering department gave a presentation. Commissioners Shore and Davis asked about water quality. It is not mentioned in the act. Staff replied that the EPA had jurisdiction, but that commissioners could request a study if they wished.
There was some discussion about the technical guidance manual. Commissioner Shore was concerned with moving items outside the ordinance. Her concern was that this might weaken those items and be open to challenge.
Shore asked what appeal process does the general public have? Answer: the WMO has a limited appeals remedy. Only the one with the permit can appeal. Commissioner Davis joined Shore in concerns about water quality and the appeals process.

Observer left the workshop at 3pm while it was still in session..

Observed by: Georgia Gebhardt Meeting Length: 90 minutes

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Water Board approves Watershed Management Amendment Unanimously

4/7/2019

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
April 4, 2019

Several items were discussed during the Committee of the Whole.

(Agenda Item 19-0319) This involved a purchase order and an agreement with the Public Building Commission of Chicago to implement Energy Efficiency Projects. Commissioners Garcia and Shore questioned the amount of savings and return on investment. Shore questioned whether the contract management was worth the fees and asked if the energy audit could have been done in-house. The PBC charges a 7% fee for contract management. Staff indicated that a walkaway fee would apply and would negate any savings.
(Agenda Item 19-0329) This contract involved post award services. Part of those services is to verify results. Commissioner Davis questioned the wisdom of the contractor verifying its own results. Wouldn’t an independent provider be better suited to do this in the future?
(Agenda Item 19-0241) This contract for Hazardous Waste Disposal has been deferred the past four meetings. Commissioner Davis stated he was still uncomfortable with the contract and would vote to abstain. He said there was a need to look at best practices in contract awarding in the future. The final vote: 6 ayes, 1 nay, 1 abstention, 1 present.

At noon the Board went into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss a matter under litigation.

When Board reconvened for the regular board meeting, the following two items were announced:

Commissioner Morita received a Water Impact Award.
Status of the Inspector General was announced. All comments are due next Wednesday, April 10. The item will appear on the agenda of the April 18 board meeting or the May meeting. Commissioner McGowan informed the board of her possible recusal when the Board deals with this issue.

Observed by: Georgia Gebhardt Meeting length: 10:30-12:40 Executive session: 30 mi

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Water Reclamation Board Approves Intergovernmental Agreements for Green Alley Improvement Projects

3/24/2019

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
March 21, 2019

What did the Board decide?

The Board approved Intergovernmental Agreements with seven communities for Green Alley Improvement Projects.

What else did the Board discuss or refer to committee?

Board deferred again a contract with a company that some commissioners felt had companion corporations with numerous violations. They directed legal to contact Indiana EPA to see if they had any concerns about their track record.

Unexpected Votes, Events, Testimony or Items to Watch for in the Future

In New Business, Commissioner McGowan noted she had met with the prospective Inspector General candidate. She would be requesting a meeting with legal to discuss whether she should vote on this issue when it does come to the Board.

Any Other Comments or Observations

MWRD received the Government Finance Officers Award for a Distinguished Budget Presentation for the 2018 Budget.

Observer - Peggy Kell Meeting Length: 47 min + 1:19 min

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Water Reclamation Board Opposes Creation of Single Member Districts for Commissioners

3/15/2019

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
March 7, 2019

What did the Board decide?

The Board passed a resolution opposing HB 2624 which would create single member districts for the MWRD Board of Commissioners. Most of the commissioners said their responsibilities cross over any borders that would be set up in single member districts. In addition, there is a diverse representation currently on the board, which would negate the need for single member districts.

What else did the Board discuss or refer to committee?

One hazardous waste disposal contract in particular was deferred because of questions on the company’s partnership with other entities that have had penalties assigned to them.

Unexpected Votes, Events, Testimony or Items to Watch for in the Future

A resolution was passed honoring Lee Botts for her tireless work with Lake Michigan restoration and protection of the Indiana Dunes upon her 91st birthday. Her son and daughter accepted the award in her place.

Any Other Comments or Observations

The Shannon Rovers are really loud in a closed space!
Chicago Junorneymen Plumbers Local Union 130 UA has been sponsoring the St. Patrick’s Day Parade since 1955.

Observer - Peggy Kell Meeting Length: 1 Hour 57 minutes

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Water Reclamation Board Passes Amendment to Watershed Management Ordinance

MWRD Board Postpones Consideration of the Watershed Management Ordinance Amendment

Water District Board Adopts Cook County Independent Inspector General Ordinance

Water Board approves Watershed Management Amendment Unanimously

Water Reclamation Board Approves Intergovernmental Agreements for Green Alley Improvement Projects

Water Reclamation Board Opposes Creation of Single Member Districts for Commissioners

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