Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)
Board Of Commissioners Meeting November 2, 2023-10:30 a.m. Board Actions:
New Business:
Observer: Georgia Gebhardt Meeting Length: 1 and 1/2 hours
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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
September 21, 2023 All 9 Members were present Board Actions: Commissioner Spyropoulos, without comment, deferred a vote to advertise a $1.5 million contract for professional engineering services to create a biosolids management strategy for the Stickney wastewater treatment plant. Commissioners Garcia and Sepulveda, while encouraging long-term planning for a new solids strategy, asked staff to restore a popular program that distributed biosolids to the public. MWRD’s distribution of biosolids garden material to individuals ceased when PFAS concerns surfaced. #10 23-0892 One other item was deferred: Commissioners Sepulveda and Brown sponsored a motion to recommend the inclusion of establishing a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Department for consideration as part of the District’s forthcoming State of Illinois 2024 Legislative program. Commissioner Garcia deferred, saying more discussion was needed on how a new department would fit within the existing structure of the District. Commissioner Davis noted the initiative has been under discussion for 6 months, and deferral is a delay. Commissioner Sepulveda said adding the item to the 2024 Legislative program would allow the Board to openly discuss the plan without fear of violating strictures of the Illinois Open Meetings act. #37 23-0927 All other of the 37 resolutions were passed including a resolution to grant Hanover Park a 60-year non-exclusive easement for a 6-inch water main. That resolution had been deferred from the September 7th meeting. Item #27 23-0860 Item #23 23-0878 cut the contracted amount with Metropolitan Biosolids Management LLC to design, build, own and operate a biosolids processing plant at the Stickney water treatment plant (20-year agreement) from the initially agreed $191.4 million to an amount not to exceed $189.9 million, a $1.4 million contract reduction. Item #8 23-0886 The board agreed to advertise a contract for farming at the Hanover Park wastewater treatment plant at an estimated cost of $890,000. Item #11 23-0894 The Board granted authority to advertise a contract to upgrade the Wilmette lift station, with an estimated cost of between $1.5and $1.8 million. Item #22 23-0902 National Power Rodding Corporation was awarded a $7.5 million contract to use television equipment to inspect and record conditions of sewers and manholes around the District. Item # 31 23-0912 The Board agreed to lease 82 acres of District land on the south bank of the Cal-Sag channel for 50 years to the City of Palos Heights for public recreation. Stormwater Management: The Board gave authority to enter into negotiations for stormwater facilities and improvements with the City of DesPlaines at a cost of $1 million and agreed to enter an intergovernmental agreement with Lyons township to acquire flood-prone properties and construct stormwater storage at a cost not to exceed $2.5 million. Further, a Report on Green Infrastructure, Detention, and Compensatory Storage Volumes Required by the Watershed Management Ordinance was approved and filed. Observer: Laurie Morse Meeting length: 1 hour, 37 minutes 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 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 |
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