BOARD APPROVES SEVERAL IMPORTANT RESOLUTIONS

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meerting
July 16, 2026

The District’s second initiative to expand its Schoolyard Program to the Suburbs was approval by the Board to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with School District #104 and the Village of Summit for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of a “Space to Grow project” that would serve an elementary and a middle school.  The cost for the District is projected at $3.6 million, and 775 thousand gallons of water are expected to be captured.   #41 26-0487
       #Davis thanked E.D. Murray for finding the money for this important project as the 
         District has been struggling to identify funders.
       #Garcia suggested setting up a foundation for Space To Grow and other green projects.
       #Murray noted that a legislative change would likely be needed to set up the foundation
            ( It is expected to appear on the 2027 Legislative Priorities )

The Board agreed to the purchase order with IHC Construction for engineering design, construction, and installation services to Rebuild the Calumet’s Plant “Dewatering” facility at a cost not to exceed $82,225,000M. Due to the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line extension, trucking digested sludge from the lagoons to the drying beds is no longer practical.  #18-260475  

The Board also approved increasing an IHC contract by $31M to $15,597M for Phosphorus Removal Modifications at the O’Brien water reclamation plant.      #27 65-0477

James Mohler, Executive Director of the MWRD Retirement Fund presented the 2025 Audit Results for the MWRD Retirement Fund.  Below are highlights:     #35 26-0464  
    *Market Value of Assets up by $240M over the last two years.  Up to $1.79B
    *Net pension liability decreased by $173M over the last two years.
    *Over the last 7 years, the Fund’s cumulative net annual return of 8.8% exceeded the actuarial   
     assumed rate of return of 7%. 
    * Report assumes the board will remain focused on diversifying this portfolio to reduce risk.

Trinity Christian College has leased 57 acres of MWRD land for athletic fields since 2008 but closed at the end of the 2026 school year.  The board approved signing the lease over to Chicago Christian Schools at the current lease rent of $136,800.    #40 26-0489

New Business
Commissioner Brady-Davis asked for an update on the Harvey stormwater/flood control retention project.  Ans:  late 2026 for demolition; work starts in 2027 and finishes in 2028.  When finished, 209 homes will be protected and 7.5 million gallons of water captured.
Brady-Davis also asked what investment is needed in S. Suburban Cook County to prepare for the future.  Ans:  A feasibility study on this question will soon be ready.

Executive Meeting:  YES                             
Deletions or Deferrals:  NO

Observer:  Diane Edmundson