After Extensive Discussion MWRD Board Approves Association Dues

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)
Board Of Commissioners Meeting
November 2, 2023-10:30 a.m.

​Board Actions:

• #10-23-0985; Commissioner Davis announced that he would vote yes on the deferred item regarding dues for Watereuse Association, though he was not satisfied that the MWRD had received adequate representation. Commissioner Corral-Sepulveda inquired as to whether the MWRD could start an Illinois chapter of the organization. Approved unanimously by roll call vote. 
• #11-23-1011; Commissioner Davis announced that he would be voting no on the IAWA agency dues. This item had been deferred from the previous board meeting. His objection was that the MWRD Board had urged the agency to push for polluter pay a year ago. The agency did not pursue this policy. HIs question: why are we providing fees to agencies that are not actively promoting our interests? The IAWA has only proposed that a committee be formed to begin to study this issue. Commissioner Sepulveda asked what involvement the MWRD had on the committee. ED Perkovich reported that MWRD staff would be on the committee. Commissioner Davis said that nearby states are well on their way to developing “polluter pays” legislation and asked at what point does the MWRD catch up? He asserted that “we need our trade association to help.”  Roll call on this deferred item: 7ayes; 1 nay; 1 ab.
• #13-23-1068- Commissioner Davis asked why the bid from Thornton Equipment was being rescinded. ED Perkovich stated that Thornton had withdrawn the bid. Staff John Murray reported that the bid had gone out three times and that with the withdrawal, MWRD would be using internal resources to complete the work.  Commissioner Garcia stated that Thornton had sent a letter to the commissioners containing some information pertaining to their action. Perkovich and Murray, plus some of the commissioners, had no knowledge of this communication. Mr. Garcia asked for a deferral, so that the issue could be clarified. Item #13 was deferred.
• #14, #15, & #16 (23-0982, 23-0995, 23-1002) These items involved biosolids contracts, with one in particular related to hauling of fuel. There was a discussion of how the diversity department was making differentiations. Commissioner Garcia called for a second deferral, so that he could gain a better understanding of how these contracts are being awarded. Corral-Sepulveda said that there is a need to mentor smaller contractors, so that they can develop the capacity to bid for larger contracts. After discussion, the consensus was that items #14, #15, and #16 be deleted and that Mr. Murray bring back the contract in time for the next board meeting. This will allow the process to go forward and still meet the deadline of March when the season for this work typically begins. Motion to delete passed by roll call vote: Ayes 9.

New Business:

• Commissioner request:  Commissioner Corral-Sepulveda requested a memo regarding the diversity, equity, inclusion and justice department & director proposal by November 10, 2023. She asked for an outline of the cost and justification for positions proposed by the staff, the cost savings of eliminating the EJ Program Manager and any changes to the proposed DIJ Director position job specification. 

 
Observer: Georgia Gebhardt                 Meeting Length: 1 and 1/2 hours