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Interest Expressed in Resuming Distribution of Biosolids to Residents

3/22/2024

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board of Directors Meeting
March 21 2024

Board Action:

There was a single substantive item discussed at the meeting. Utilizing a proposed contract for beneficial reuse of biosolids, Commissioner Garcia asked the Director of Maintenance and Operations John Murray where the MWRD was at with regard to resuming the distribution of biosolids for residential use. Director Murray confirmed that the MWRD has continued to provide biosolids for use at golf courses and some other non-residential locations. Director Murray said there are no current plans to resume making biosolids available to residents, which was paused three years ago. Commissioner Garcia said that he is often asked by residents who liked the program as to when it would resume. Comm. Garcia asked if there was a fact sheet available to use to educate the public and whether a marketing program should be resumed. President Steele also expressed interest. Comm. Flynn asked about the costs to the district for this program, which Director Murray said was one of the more expensive programs, but had lots of public relations benefits. The upshot was that Director Murray will consult with Executive Director Perkovich and put together some information for the Commissioners. However, Director Murray did say that the MWRD had stopped producing the material, so that not much would be available this year in any case.
All 33 items on the Consent Agenda were approved by a 5-0 vote (Commissioners Brady-Davis, Brown, and Pogorzelski were absent from the meeting and Commissioner Spyropoulos was absent when the vote was taken).

Upcoming events:

The MWRD plans to have floats in a number of upcoming parades. Members of the public who would like to be part of this should contact [email protected]. The next parade will be the Greek Independence Day parade in Greek Town on April 7.
Thursday, March 27, 12 to 1 at 100 E. Erie: Lunch & Learn in honor of Women’s History Month featuring Dr. Claudia Hernandez, incoming President of the Chicago Dermatological Society, speaking on skin cancer prevention and general skin care practices. Register by March 26 at MWRD.EventRegistration

Observer - Priscilla Mims Meeting time: 41 minutes (no executive session)

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Shannon Rovers Irish Bagpipe Band Highlights Board Meeting

3/14/2024

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)
Board of Commissioners Meeting
March 7, 2024

Agenda Items:

Resolutions 2-4;( 24-0149-24-0167)- The Board of Commissioners recognized the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Shannon Rovers Irish Bagpipe Band, and the contributions of John J. Fitzpatrick and Mary G. Harris (Mother Jones). Irish-Americans were praised for their support of labor in the Chicago area.
Kevin Byrne, the Irish consul, was honored. He spoke on the bond between the City of Chicago and Ireland.
#5-24-0170- The MWRD comptroller informed the Board that the District has been awarded Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting in 2023, and for the MWRD Retirement Fund and Retiree Health Care Trust for fiscal year 2022.

Stormwater Management:

The commissioners lauded the intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Board of Education. “Space to Grow” is a program that diverts stormwater on school property, plus it provides a safe place for children to play. Commissioner Davis spoke in support of this green infrastructure in schools and urged that the MWRD push to extend this to the suburbs as well. It is hoped that federal funds can be found to allow this program to move into the suburbs.

New Business:

Commissioners used the time to highlight various activities such as the Polar Plunge, Women’s History Month and their participation in various panel discussions.

Consent Agenda was passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Observer: Georgia Gebhardt Meeting Length: 10:30 to 11:40 Executive Session: None

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Interest Expressed in Resuming Distribution of Biosolids to Residents

Shannon Rovers Irish Bagpipe Band Highlights Board Meeting

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