MWRD Board Approves Affirmative Action Ordinance

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
December 1, 2022; 10:30 a.m.

Board Action:
Agenda Item #41-022-014B- Commissioners adopted the Affirmative Action Ordinance Revised Appendix D of the MWRD of Greater Chicago on an unanimous roll call vote.
Main provisions of the ordinance:

1. Certification from the City of Chicago, Cook County and other approved governmental agencies will be accepted.
2. Diversity Department will accept certification requests year-round instead of once a contractor is part of a winning bid.
3. The District will formulate a process for a Diversity Advisory Council during the next 6 months.
4. Furnish and Deliver contracts will be routed to Diversity. All Furnish and Deliver board letters will contain statements on whether goals can be added or not.
5. Diversity will develop a stand alone Small Business Program in 2023.
6. There will be reporting on a bi-annual basis.

President Steele reminded the commissioners that this is a living document and can be changed as circumstances evolve.

Agenda Item #2-22-1047:  The MWRD Board of Commissioners honored outgoing Chakena Perry, highlighting her impressive credentials. Ms. Perry is a graduate of Connecticut College and the University of Chicago. She has been the youngest commissioner on the Board. Commissioner Perry has been an activist in Planned Parenthood, chair of the Cook County Young Democrats and worked for environmental justice. 

Agenda Item #5-22-1080: The MWRD Board honored Nellie L. Jones (1976-1982) who was the first black woman commissioner at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Ms. Jones was an architect of the first affirmative action program. Commissioner Perry introduced the extended family of Nellie Jones, whom she had invited to her last meeting. Several commissioners expressed interest in developing a program to further highlight and honor Ms. Jones.

Stormwater Management:

• Agenda Item 37-22-1071- The Board granted the authority to amend the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Board of Education of Chicago to extend the Space to Grow program through 2023.

New Business:

• As of December 8, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Building will be named the Barbara G. McGowan Building in recognition of the commissioner’s thirty-two years of service. 

Commissioner Comment:

• After the second public comments, Commissioner Davis expressed interest in an equity department. This would require legislative authority. It would cover more than just affirmative action.

Observer: Georgia Gebhardt                    Executive Session:  Yes