MWRD Board Observer Reports

Board Votes on Several Resolutions and Again Defers the Drug Takeback Program with the Cook County Sheriff

1/7/2026

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
December 18, 2025

Agenda Items Approved:

After a month of deliberations and a public hearing, the board approved annual tax levies and adopted a 2026 final budget of $1.8B that includes investing in public infrastructure, stormwater and flood management, and with new consideration of the long-term environmental and financial implications of permit compliance. Soon to be available is an online interactive budget dashboard* The 2025 budget was just under $1.7B. Ordinance 025-0004A
They also adopted an Ordinance establishing the minimum qualifications and duties for the MWRD Inspector General and are convening search and selection committees for appointing an IG to replace the current interim, Patrick Blanchard, whose contract was extended thru June 2026 at the December 4, 2025 board meeting. 025-012
Previously twice deferred by Commissioner Sepulveda, the board approved a $250,000 contract with Web-based Compliance Software. Commissioner Sepulveda asked that in the future RFPs include a “no charge” provision to allow business to upload redundant information from other submissions. #22 25-0848

Agenda Items Deferred/Deleted:

For the 3rd time, Commission Davis asked that the Intergovernmental Agreement with the CC Sheriff’s Office for the Prescription Drug Take-Back Program in the amount of $80,000 be deferred so that his team can digest the responses received from MWRD staff. The board agreed to the deferral but voiced several strong supporting comments including those reported in the November and then again at the December 4 meeting. Brady-Davis said she understands that the issue isn’t the value of the program but who pays. Garcia strongly supports and wants more boxes in communities in 2027. Sepulveda asked that staff develop a strategy for getting the pharmaceutical association(s) more involved in 2027. #43 25-0885
Commissioner Flynn deferred a $191,525,00 landscaping contract for a Paver Walkway Improvement. No reason was given. #35 25-0962
President Steele deferred with no discussion the Recommendations for the State of Illinois 2026 Legislative Program. Expect to see it on the January 8, 2026 agenda. #45 25-0968

Other Interesting Items:

Authorization was given for payment to the Water Research Foundation for the 2026 Annual Research Commitment not to exceed $190,663. Commissioner Waller now serves on a new committee covering IT Data Centers: Understanding Economic Considerations and Opportunities for Water and Wastewater Utilities #20 25-0941

No Executive Session; All commissioners present; Length of meeting: 70 minutes

Observer - Diane Edmundson

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MWRD Board Holds 3 Meetings on Dec. 4

12/14/2025

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meetings
December 4, 2025

The Board held

The Annual Meeting at which President Steele presented her Annual Message which can be found HERE by clicking on the link “President’s Message 2025” (item 25-0893).
The regular Board meeting, with information provided below.
The public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget for the public to provide any comments, but no one spoke.

At the regular Board meeting, all items were approved, except for Agenda Items 20, 33, and 34, which were deleted by the Executive Director; and Agenda Items 9 and 32, which were deferred.

Commissioner Sepulveda requested a second deferment of an authority to advertise a contract to furnish, deliver and install web-based compliance software at an estimated cost of $250,000. (See the observer report for the November 20 meeting.) Since this was the second deferment, a vote had to be taken and the deferment was approved. There were no comments or questions about this Item 25-0848 (agenda item #9).
Commissioner Davis deferred Item 25-0885 (agenda item #32), the proposal to amend and extend the intergovernmental agreement with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for its prescription drug take-back program at a cost of up to $80,000 for 2026. Comm. Davis said that he continued to have problems (also raised last year) with using taxpayer money for the take-back program which, now under law, the drug companies are required to pay for. Comm. Flynn and President Steele both expressed support for the MWRD continuing in the program, with President Steele saying that the MWRD contribution allows for receptacles and drug pick-up in communities where there otherwise would be none.

Also discussed:

Authority to advertise a contract to create in Harvey a 23-acre stormwater detention basin to provide flood storage and installation of storm sewer to convey the stormwater to the basin and allow discharge into the Wood Street storm sewer system. Cost is estimated to be between $11.4 M and $13.8 M. This project is expected to provide flood reduction for 209 structures. Comm. Davis asked about the annual maintenance costs for these facilities should Harvey not perform its duties to maintain. Exec. Director Murray said that they would be nominal. In response to a question from Comm. Sepulveda, Exec. Director Murray said that the MWRD had the sole authority to pick the vendors for the construction, with Harvey playing no role. (Agenda item 10, Item 25-0897)
Comm. Garcia thanked the Board members who back in 2007 created the Other Postemployment Benefits Fund, which is used to cover the costs of the MWRD providing medical and prescription drug benefits to qualifying employees and their eligible spouses and dependents. Under the existing policy, $5 M was to be provided to the Fund in 2026. However, the Fund is above 100% of its funding goal. So no payment will be made in 2026 and the Policy for the Fund has now been amended to provide that funds will only be deposited in the future to maintain the 100% funding goal. (Agenda item #1, Item 25-0908)

During public comments, Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, a former MWRD Commissioner, presented a resolution from herself and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle congratulating John Murray on his appointment as the MWRD Executive Director.

Length of regular Board meeting: 55 minutes

Observer: Priscilla Mims

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John P. Murray Appointed as Executive Director of the MWRD

11/24/2025

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners Meeting
November 20, 2025

After serving eight months as Interim Executive Director, John Murray was offered and accepted the position on a permanent basis. This was the second stint for Mr. Murray as an “interim”. He will likely be vacating the position of Director of Maintenance and Operations. #26 25-0875

Other Agenda Items:

Commissioner Corral Sepulveda deferred Item #6, a Furnish and Deliver contract for web-based compliance software at an estimated cost of $250,000. She then asked for information on the scope of the contract. E.D. Murray responded that they do not typically release information until the contract is complete, but he promised to send her a summary. #6 25-0848
Commissioners Waller & Flynn thanked staff for report on Public Notification of Dischargers found in significant noncompliance with pre-treatment standards or other requirements. See attachments #1-2 of the non-compliance report for the list of companies found not to be in compliance and a 4-year comparison. Item #20 25-0868
Commissioner Waller commented that she had addressed a question to staff on the possibility for allowing a reuse of water credit applied against noncompliance penalties and was given reasons why it could not work. She then challenged the staff to rethink its position. She also went on to mention that Congress has HR 2940 under consideration which would grant a 30% tax credit for onsite reuse both individually and in partnerships; and that the Water Reuse Association is looking for funding for water reuse projects when water and wastewater run thru separate sewers. President Steele said that she looks forward to a meeting with staff and Commissioner Waller to talk about her ideas and then to present to the full Board for a decision.

New business:

MWRD received the Outstanding Geology & Environmental Award. The deep tunnel, known as TARP, being built for water retention during heaving storms was cited as one of the reasons the Agency was singled out for this recognition.
Commissioner Waller noted the November 8 propane gas explosion at a Homeless encampment at a park on land owned by the MWRD on the NorthShore Channel. The blast was felt by nearby residents. She urged the MWRD to assist in finding housing, especially for couples who do not want to be separated, and to help facilitate the encampment removal before cold weather sets in. Steele asked Waller to meet with her that afternoon for Steele to put Waller in touch with local elected officials that could help with the situation. Flynn asked for Murray to provide information on previous MWRD efforts in regard to the encampment.
Commissioner Flynn congratulated all recent retirees from the MWRD.

Executive Session: Yes. To discuss minutes of lawfully closed meetings and to discuss items regarding the Open Meetings Act – 26 minutes. Attendance: 8 Commissioners present – absent: 1 (Brown)

Observer: Georgia Gebhardt

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Commissioners Honor Former Commissioner Debra Shore and Chief of Staff Alfred Saucedo

11/12/2025

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
November 6, 2025

Agenda Items:

Request Authority to Review Proposed Amendment User Charge Ordinance of the MWRD. Commissioner Waller requested that a definition of reuse be added to the ordinance. Executive Director (ED) Murray asked that additions be emailed to him for inclusion. Passed unanimously with no further discussion. UC25-001- #1
The board approved without discussion the 2026 $20,384 annual membership fee for the Water Reuse Association. Water reuse legislation is becoming a bigger priority for the MWRD, and Commissioner Waller noted the work of the association and its members. 25-0807-#12
Authority to advertise Rebuild of Dewatering Facility. Commissioner Waller asked ED Murray why there was a rebuild on the same location rather than a new building, perhaps at a different location. Murray responded that decision was impacted by the planned extension of the CTA Red Line. Pumping of biosolids was a consideration. The current building is basically in good shape, so rebuild makes better sense than beginning anew. Also, location serves the drying beds function well. 28-0826-#16

Resolutions:

Board of Commissioner honored Green Corps for three decades of leadership in job training. 750 trainees have come through the program learning skills in horticulture, landscaping, and community gardening. Trainees receive nine months of training; 76% of participants have a criminal background. 65% have gone to full employment after training. Commissioner Precious-Brady-Davis said, “This is what equity looks like.” 25-0802-#2
The Board also honored Debra Shore and her chief of staff, Alfred Saucedo for their commitment to public service. Commissioners praised Shore for her work at the MWRD and as President Biden’s appointee as regional EPA administrator (2021-Jan. 2025). Among her accomplishments: creation of the pharmaceutical take back program, support of the Inspector General position at the MWRD, board member of the Great Lakes Protection Fund, and creator of Chicago Wilderness magazine. Commissioner Shore was known for her close questioning of MWRD business. Commissioner Davis stated that Shore and Saucedo were embodiments of public service at its best and that both remain actively engaged on environmental issues. 25-0843-#40

Executive Session: Session was held from 11:50 a.m. to 12:55 p.m.

Chairman Steele announced a 1:15 p.m. meeting for budget presentations.

In summary, most of the meeting was spent on public comments and the resolutions. There was no substantive discussion of any agenda item. No information on what was discussed in the executive session

Observer: Georgia Gebhardt

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MWRD Board Holds 2 Special Meetings to Interview Candidates for the District’s Executive Director Position

10/31/2025

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
October 16, 2025

Special meetings: 2 special meetings of the Board
The Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago meet twice, once in the afternoon of October 16 and also on the morning of October 17th. The purpose of both meetings was to consider candidates to fill the vacancy in the office of MWRD Executive Director. The meetings were called to order and immediately closed for executive sessions. No action was taken by the Board following either executive session. The district is currently led by interim Executive Director John Murray. The previous Executive, Brian Perkovich, retired.

Board Action on October 16 at scheduled Board Meeting

Stormwater:

Item #39 25-0778 The Board agreed without discussion to pay the City of Markham to acquire a flood-prone property in an amount not to exceed $450,000.
Item #28 25-0773 The Board approved without discussion a contract with the engineering firm Bowman Consulting to design a flood control project in Northfield township in an amount not to exceed $2.2 million. That stormwater project, approved previously, will address a 3-mile corridor extending from Glenwood Ave. in Glenview to the Chicago River near Oakton Community College. It is intended to provide flood relief for 114 single and multi-family residences.

Real Estate:

Item #15 25-0752 Authorization to accept initial annual rental bid by Sanchez Group to lease 13 acres of District lands bordering the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near the Stickney water treatment plant for a 39-year term for $396,084. This item was pulled for discussion by Commissioner Brady-Davis, who asked staff what benefit could come from allowing such a lengthy lease and how would the rent be adjusted during the least term? Staff replied that long-term leases were preferred so tenants could invest in improvements on the land. MWRD attorney Susan Morakalis explained rents are adjusted annually with the Consumer Price Index as benchmark and the property value is re-assessed every ten years. The item was returned to the consent agenda.
Item #19 25-0751 The Board authorized without discussion the sale of less than an acre of District land located at 6861 North Milwaukee Avenue in Niles, Illinois, setting a minimum sale price of $92,130. The parcel is part of the former Niles pumping station near the Des Plaines River.

Large purchases:

Item 25 25-0753 The Board approved without discussion awarding Kemira Water Solutions, Inc. a contract for $21.6 million to furnish and deliver to the District an unspecified amount of Ferric Chloride. The chemical is used in wastewater treatment for phosphate precipitation and as a coagulant as well as for odor control.

Forever Chemicals:

Item 33 25-0745. Authority to increase Contract 25-105-11 Laboratory Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Adsorbable Organic Fluorine in Wastewater samples to Enthalpy Analytical, LLC in an amount of $36,300 from $63,500 to an amount not to exceed $99,800. Commissioner Waller pulled this item from the agenda for discussion. She praised staff and the district for continuing to pursue research and sampling for PFAS chemicals and said that she looks forward to the ability for in-house testing with reports available to the public. The item was then returned to the consent agenda.

New Business:

President Steele told the Board plans were being made for celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, with details available soon.
Commissioner Davis thanked staff for their work in a ground-breaking wetland mitigation project in Sauk Village in Chicago’s southern suburbs.
The Water Reuse Association of Illinois recognized Commission Waller for her passion in the pursuit of a controlling IL law that will allow expanded re-use of treated water. The MWRD was given an award for its collective efforts.

Observer: Laurie Morse Commissioner Garcia absent Meeting length: 32 minutes

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Security for Fulton County Farm Site

9/25/2025

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Board Action:

Item #20, 25-0689 accepted a contract for D & S Private Detective, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $259,999.80 to provide security for Fulton County Prairie Plan site. This site was a strip mine that is now being used to store bio-solids and also for research on phosphorus use. Tours are available for the public to see this site.
Item #22, 25-0693 promotes a 401(a) plan as an investment plan for employees to help with their pension.

Deferred or Deleted Agenda Items

Item #19, 25-0679 for a flood control project on Central Road was deleted.

New Business

Discussion and promotion for the conference WEF Tech that is coming to the McCormick Center. The Water Environment Federation Conference will have people from around the world attend and discuss the future of water and it’s use in our lives. This conference goes from 9/27 to 10/1.
Staff were commended on their drafting HB 2391 to harmonize MWRD’s authority for water reuse with the Illinois EPA.

All Commissioners in Attendance. No Executive Session Meeting Time: 50 minutes

Observer: Peggy Kell

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Board Votes on Several Resolutions and Again Defers the Drug Takeback Program with the Cook County Sheriff

MWRD Board Holds 3 Meetings on Dec. 4

John P. Murray Appointed as Executive Director of the MWRD

Commissioners Honor Former Commissioner Debra Shore and Chief of Staff Alfred Saucedo

MWRD Board Holds 2 Special Meetings to Interview Candidates for the District’s Executive Director Position

Security for Fulton County Farm Site

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