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John P. Murray Appointed as Executive Director of the MWRD

11/24/2025

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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John P. Murray Appointed as Executive Director of the MWRD

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

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