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Will the Rules of the MWRD Board Change?

2/18/2017

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting - February 16, 2017

The MWRD Board meeting was convened by Pres. Spyropoulos at 10:35am. After Public Comment 3 agenda items were read into the record.

#33 - a resolution recognizing Black History Month
#35 - a resolution recognizing National Engineer’s Week.
#34 - a Resolution to Comply with the Government Travel Expense Control Act, dealing with the types of travel and travel expenses that staff and board members are allowed for reimbursement. An amendment was proposed to also include the Ex. Director and it passed unanimously. There was no discussion and the resolution was also approved unanimously.

At this point the Board was adjourned and reconvened immediately as a Committee of the Whole.

Comm. Bradford asked for clarification on a proposed 39 year lease agreement for space in the 101-111 East Erie building owned by MWRD. (Agenda Item #9) He questioned the length of the lease and also the request to sell alcohol. ED St. Pierre stated that a 39 year lease was in line with other leases they have and that is what the bidder requested. The use for the space will be as a restaurant and they would like to be able to serve alcohol. With no further questions or discussion the item was returned to the consent agenda.

At 11:05am the Board reconvened.

During Public Comment Charles Derringer stated the need to deal with all watershed areas and suggested the use of drones to check for log jams in streams to prevent damming of water. ED St. Pierre says they do not at present use drones for inspection of creeks.
Mr. Blakemore questioned the practice of meeting as a Committee of the Whole which apparently is the meeting of all committees.
The Consent Agenda was approved by the Board unanimously with no further discussion.

At this time Miscellaneous or New Business were called for by Pres Spryopoulos.

Comm. Shore requested that an additional legislative issue be added to the Study Session scheduled for Feb. 23. She asked that a legislative solution for retirement benefits for spousal support be investigated for domestic partners who are now married but were not when they retired since marriage was not legal when they retired. It was agreed to add it to the agenda of the Study Session.
Comm. Durkan proposed an amendment to the Board Rules that would require agenda items be approved by the Chair and Vice-Chair of Committees before they appear on the agenda. He said that would ensure that items are vetted by board members as well as staff prior to board meetings. Ms. McGowan stated opposition to such an amendment as she thinks the way they do things now is more transparent. A board member cannot refuse to put an item on the agenda for some unknown reason and board members are not supposed to be looking at contracts. Comm. Shore stated that she appreciated Comm. Durkan's efforts to have a more robust committee structure and that perhaps a study session on this issue would be beneficial. Comm. Morita stated that the way things are listed on the agenda implies that these items have come through a committee and that is not the case. Mr. St. Pierre was asked to explain why the board process is as it is and he stated that it is historical although new rulings may necessitate another look at their procedures. Since the MWRD Board has only 9 members - every member is on every committee. Items that are brought to committees arise in different ways. A Study Session will be held to look at committee structure and board process.
Comm. Bradford asked when the last inspection of the cafeteria was and if they have a current sanitation license. A staff person stated the city inspects once a year and she thought the last time was last summer. She was going to check on the sanitation license.

Meeting adjourned at 11:35am.

Observer - Cynthia Schilsky Meeting Length - 1 hour

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Is Cloud Cybersecurity for MWRD Invoicing System a Concern?

2/13/2017

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting - February 2, 2017

Major Items Discussed:

Report on request for an RFP for a 3-year contract to move the district’s cloud for the Real Estate Management and Invoicing System to a Microsoft cloud built for government agencies. Several commissioners questioned the value and security of the new cloud framework due to recent concerns with cybersecurity. President Spyropoulos referenced recent news reports concerning hacking. The item was removed from the consent agenda as more information was gathered and will be shared with the commissioners. (Agenda Item #17-0099)
Authorization to execute change orders to decrease purchase orders or carry forward FY2016 encumbrances to FY2017. Executive Director David St. Pierre explained that the request was to close out every purchase order at year end, most of which happen to be capital requests. The purpose is to clean up the purchase orders and free up funds to make money available for other projects. The item was approved. (Agenda Item #17-0059)
Authorization to exercise the option to extend an agreement with Ace Coffee Bar, Inc. to provide vending machines at various locations for an additional 3 years. A couple of commissioners questioned Executive Director David St. Pierre regarding this contract extension and the bidding process. Ace Coffee Bar had been the only bidder 3 years ago to set up vending machines at the many MWRD sites. The contract offered a 3 year extension which was the purpose of this request. There have been no complaints about the service of the vending machines, but some commissioners questioned whether any of the profits were shared with MWRD. It also was brought up that the machines are put in and no rent was paid to MWRD. Ex Dir. St. Pierre explained that the company had to secure and service the vending machines and did so it numerous and distant locations for MWRD, some with only 1 or 2 employees in the location. As the current contract expires May 31, 2017, it was decided to ask other government agencies how they handle this type of situation. During public comments, George Blakemore complained that this vendor used electricity supplied by public money and a business should only expect what was agreed- in this case, a 3 year contract and should not expect an extension, even if it is part of the original agreement.

Other items of interest:
I was very impressed with the professionalism and helpfulness of the security personnel at the MWRD. Additionally, both Jennifer Burns of the Office of Public Affairs and Commissioner Debra Shore came to me and introduced themselves. Jennifer Burns was very gracious in offering any help I might need.

Observer - Laura Davis Length of Meeting - 75 minutes

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Will the Rules of the MWRD Board Change?

Is Cloud Cybersecurity for MWRD Invoicing System a Concern?

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