Public Hearing on 2017 MWRD Budget - December 1, 2016

The Civic Federation was the only speaker at this Public Hearing.  However, Commissioner Avila at the end of the hearing raised concerns about the process being followed for selecting people for Deputy Director positions.

Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, a non-partisan government research organization, expressed support for the proposed $1.13 billion proposed budget, stating that:

• it reflects a sensible and pro-active approach to meeting the MWRD’s financial challenges
• it maintains substantial reserves and liquidity which bodes well if there are any emergencies or unexpected financial needs, as opposed to having to resort to short-term borrowing
• it includes additional contributions to the pension funds
• it reflects an exemplary capital planning process that the Civic Federation wishes other governments would emulate
• it is being considered under a process that allows for sufficient time for review and consideration.

However, Mr. Msall also expressed the concern over the size of the unfunded liabilities under the pension fund, despite the strides that the MWRD has taken and is taking.  The Civic Federation’s report on the budget can be found HERE. 

While not pertinent to the budget, Commissioner Avila expressed concern that only one person (presumably the Executive Director) was making decisions about who would be hired for Deputy Director positions.  Executive Director St. Pierre stated that Deputy Directors are only hired when an existing Director states an intention to retire.  When that happens and the Board approves a deputy position, there is a 3-person team who interviews candidates and makes a recommendation as to whom should be hired.  President Spyropoulos suggested that the process be circulated for review by the Commissioners.  Commissioner Shore pointed out that if any employee feels the process has been unfair, there are procedures in place to deal with any complaints.

Observer - Priscilla Mims

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting - December 1, 2016

Highlights from the Meeting:

The only item discussed during the meeting was the proposal to amend a Lease Agreement with the City of Palos Heights to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol in certain portions of the land leased, commonly known as the Lake Katherine Nature Center. 

• The portions in question are the clubhouse and auditorium, as well as an outdoor area known as Festival Grounds, but only within the confines of a tent or other confined area.  
• The amendment would also allow the leased premises to be used for hosting/giving educational tours and classes, fundraisers, banquets, receptions, festivals, and other similar events.
  
• However, directly across the road from this area is a group of 90 townhomes whose residents are objecting to the amendment because of the concern with expected resulting noise, particularly late into the night.  These residents state they have already been bothered by events that go past midnight.  
  
• At Commissioner McGowan’s recommendation, the Board postponed taking action and asked the MWRD Executive Director to meet with all interested parties to see if an agreement can be reached.  As part of that, Commissioner Shore requested that the not-for-profit entity that manages the Center agree to disclose records more along the lines of what the City of Palos Heights would have to do per the Freedom of Information Act.  Commissioner McGowan suggested that the lease provide more details as to what constitutes a “nuisance,” which is prohibited under the lease.  

Item of Note:
This was the last meeting of Commissioner Alvarez, who is finishing his 6-year term, and Commissioner Walsh, who had been appointed to serve in an open seat until the November election.  The Commissioners who will be taking their seats will be sworn in at the Special December 8 Board Meeting.

Observer - Priscilla Mims