Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
October 20, 2022 Agenda Items The Board in a series of resolutions recognized October 18th as the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. The District is also celebrating the centennial of the Cal-Sag Channel. Commissioner Spyropoulos remarked on the return of wildlife to the Chicago area waterways since the Clean Water Act was implemented, and noted the law continues to protect our waterways and our drinking water. The day’s agenda included authorizations to pay for MWRD memberships in three national trade associations in the water industry. Commissioner Davis pulled these items for discussion, and then deferred their approval until the Board knows more about the lobbying strategies of these organizations and how they are planning to hold PFAS polluters accountable for PFAS clean-up. “Our taxpayers should not be paying the cost of removing PFAS,” Davis said. “Manufacturers should be responsible.”
22-0948. Item 15. Funding for a technical assistance program. Commissioner Corral-Sepulveda deferred this item, saying funding proposed for the program did not seem adequate to achieve its goals. 22-0947. Item 32. Report on change orders and time extensions approved by the Director of Engineering from June through September 2022. Commissioner Davis questioned why the district had so many change orders, and suggested implementing a process that can more precisely scope projects. Executive Director Perkovich agreed, saying he would go back to staff and take a look at their process. Bio solids
Stormwater Management
Deferred or Deleted Agenda Items
Observer - Laurie Morse No Executive Session
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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
September 15, 2022 President Steele began the meeting by reading a statement requesting that the Executive Director pause the free EQ Biosolid distribution program. She stated that she believed the MWRD is following the EPA rules regarding PFAS but wants this pause to ensure that the District remains compliant, environmentally friendly, and mindful of public concern. (See second item under new business.) Two agenda items were pulled for discussion:
Stormwater Management:
New Business
Observer: Kathi Graffam Length of meeting: 1 hour 15 minutes No Executive Session was Held Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
October 21, 2021 Commissioner Debra Shore said good-bye to fellow commissioners, staff and the public, thanking them for their work and support, and noting she and her colleagues strove to improve the quality of lives for all residents. Saying that as an environmental activist, her landing on the MWRD Board was “improbable” and that it was equally improbable “to be leaving here as I am.” President Biden appointed Ms. Shore as Regional Administrator for Region 5 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she has already begun work. Ms. Shore quoted from President John F. Kennedy’s “Strategy of Peace” Commencement Address to American University in 1963: “If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” Public Comment Diane Edmundson, League of Women Voters of Cook County Board Member, addressed the board, requesting the Agency restructure its Board Meetings so executive sessions are held at the end of the board meeting prior to adjournment. Ms. Edmundson said this change would allow more efficient use of staff and observer time, and generally help the Public.
Board Action
Stormwater Management
Special requests
Observed by Laurie Morse Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
August 5, 2021 The meeting was held in person with COVID-19 precautions such as a mask requirement, socially distance and limited seating. 6 out of the nine commissioners were present. Commissioners Davis, Sepulveda and Morita were absent. There was one speaker, Kelley Gendurski, Deputy Manager City of Evanston. She spoke in favor of the lease agreement between the City of Evanston and the MWRD to allow public parking and tailgating along the North shore Channel during Northwestern University home football games. Agenda Items grouped for discussion and approved: The following items were grouped into one discussion by the Board.
Agenda Items that were pulled for discussion and approved:
Stormwater Management:
Deferred or Deleted Items:
Resolution of Interest: The MWRD passed a Resolution congratulating Matthew B. DeLeon on his retirement. Observer - Nancy Marcus Meeting Length: Total of 4 hours with a 2- hour Executive Session sandwiched in the middle Metropolitan Water reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
July 15, 2021 The meeting was held by videoconference. The next board meeting, August 5, will be held in-person in the first floor Board Room at district headquarters. Agenda Items The following two agenda items, deferred from the 6/17/21 board meeting were approved:
Several items were pulled from the Agenda for discussion and approved.
Stormwater agenda items approved:
Deleted Items
New business:
Observed by Michele Niccolai Meeting length: 2.5 hours Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
December 17, 2020 All Board members in attendance at various times After amending the budget passed on December 10 to include a small salary increase for non-union employees, the Board approved a $1.2 billion budget for 2021 - an increase of $52,812 million over 2020. FTE’s are budgeted at 1,941 which is a decrease of 12 employees. All agenda items were passed. Items of Interest:
Green Alley Projects - Intergovernmental Agreements:
Intergovernmental Agreement with Chicago
New Business
Biosolids Request
Observer: Diane Edmundson Length of Meeting 3 hrs. |
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