Water District Board Opposes Creation of Single Member Commissioner Districts

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting - October 19, 2017              

Decisions Made:
The Board voted to oppose proposed State Legislation to create single member districts for the commissioners. All nine elected at large board members were present for this vote.  Commissioner Walsh abstained from voting.  The remaining eight commissioners voted for the resolution to oppose Illinois HB 4075. 
Pertinent points made in defense of their position:  

• We (the Board) work in a non-partisan manner…  
• Individual districts would dramatically narrow the perspective and accountability of each commissioner and would foster competition and rivalry among the various communities served…   
• As a result of commissioners having a regional perspective, the District currently has over 100 on-going stormwater management projects throughout its service area…
• The District strongly advocates retaining the District-wide election of commissioners because this method has proven highly effective in ensuring that the District services the needs of all communities within its jurisdiction…

Other Comments or Observations:

• Subsequent to a Study Session held on October 5, a resolution with proposed amendments to the Watershed Management Ordinance [WMO] was removed from today’s agenda with no reason given.  This observer will investigate further.  The proposed changes to the WMO were “based on comments and suggestions from the Technical Advisory Committee, municipalities, design engineers, and the public comment period…”
• A request to increase a Phosphorus Recovery System contract at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant was removed from the agenda without comment.  President Spyropoulos noted that the subject will be taken up in a separate study session to be scheduled.  Current contract is for almost $35 million dollars.  This proposed increase would add almost $2 million more.  
• The Board unanimously approved the 2018 calendar for board meetings.

Observer -  Diane Edmundson [by video]                Meeting Length:  90 minutes