Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)
Board Of Commissioners Meeting
November 2, 2023-10:30 a.m.

​Board Actions:

• #10-23-0985; Commissioner Davis announced that he would vote yes on the deferred item regarding dues for Watereuse Association, though he was not satisfied that the MWRD had received adequate representation. Commissioner Corral-Sepulveda inquired as to whether the MWRD could start an Illinois chapter of the organization. Approved unanimously by roll call vote. 
• #11-23-1011; Commissioner Davis announced that he would be voting no on the IAWA agency dues. This item had been deferred from the previous board meeting. His objection was that the MWRD Board had urged the agency to push for polluter pay a year ago. The agency did not pursue this policy. HIs question: why are we providing fees to agencies that are not actively promoting our interests? The IAWA has only proposed that a committee be formed to begin to study this issue. Commissioner Sepulveda asked what involvement the MWRD had on the committee. ED Perkovich reported that MWRD staff would be on the committee. Commissioner Davis said that nearby states are well on their way to developing “polluter pays” legislation and asked at what point does the MWRD catch up? He asserted that “we need our trade association to help.”  Roll call on this deferred item: 7ayes; 1 nay; 1 ab.
• #13-23-1068- Commissioner Davis asked why the bid from Thornton Equipment was being rescinded. ED Perkovich stated that Thornton had withdrawn the bid. Staff John Murray reported that the bid had gone out three times and that with the withdrawal, MWRD would be using internal resources to complete the work.  Commissioner Garcia stated that Thornton had sent a letter to the commissioners containing some information pertaining to their action. Perkovich and Murray, plus some of the commissioners, had no knowledge of this communication. Mr. Garcia asked for a deferral, so that the issue could be clarified. Item #13 was deferred.
• #14, #15, & #16 (23-0982, 23-0995, 23-1002) These items involved biosolids contracts, with one in particular related to hauling of fuel. There was a discussion of how the diversity department was making differentiations. Commissioner Garcia called for a second deferral, so that he could gain a better understanding of how these contracts are being awarded. Corral-Sepulveda said that there is a need to mentor smaller contractors, so that they can develop the capacity to bid for larger contracts. After discussion, the consensus was that items #14, #15, and #16 be deleted and that Mr. Murray bring back the contract in time for the next board meeting. This will allow the process to go forward and still meet the deadline of March when the season for this work typically begins. Motion to delete passed by roll call vote: Ayes 9.

New Business:

• Commissioner request:  Commissioner Corral-Sepulveda requested a memo regarding the diversity, equity, inclusion and justice department & director proposal by November 10, 2023. She asked for an outline of the cost and justification for positions proposed by the staff, the cost savings of eliminating the EJ Program Manager and any changes to the proposed DIJ Director position job specification. 

 
Observer: Georgia Gebhardt                 Meeting Length: 1 and 1/2 hours

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.”

• 22-0931. Item 8. Authorization for pay 2023 membership dues ($16,725.00) to the Water Reuse Association. Deferred
• 22-0932. Item 9.  Authorization to pay annual membership dues ($93,880.) to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). Deferred
• 22-0933. Item 10. Authorize payment of $24,426 in membership dues to the American Water Works Association. Deferred

Commissioner Davis asked to see proposed legislation by the trade associations regarding PFAS, and if it holds manufacturers responsible for removal costs. Other Commissioners agreed, adding questions for staff. Commissioner Corral-Sepulveda asked for an assessment of the issue from the MWRD’s federal lobbyist, and asked for a report on proposed PFAS legislation in Illinois. Commissioner Morita said life cycle accountability of products should require producers of PFAS to pay back taxpayer-funded clean ups. Commissioner Garcia asked for information on what entities are responsible for guiding PFAS clean up. Commissioner McGowan requested a staff note on the benefits the District receives from these Trade Associations.

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

• 22-0913. Item #27 The Board authorized an increase in its contract with Metropolitan Biosolids Management, L.L.C., to design, build, own, finance, operate and maintain a 150-dry-tons per day Biosolids processing facility at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant.  The contract also allows the vendor to “beneficially use” the biosolids product for a period of 20 years. The $1.3 million contract increase brings the new contract amount to $192 million.
• 22-0917. Item #14 Staff authorized a call for bids to re-pave and rehabilitate the Lawndale Avenue solids management area.  The MWRD estimates the paving cost will be $8.1 million.

Both of these items were approved as part of the consent agenda without Board questions or comment.

Stormwater Management

• 22-0938. Item 11.  Board members approved an increase in the estimated cost of building the main drop shaft at the Chicago River on Armitage Avenue. The drop shaft is part of a flood control project on Chicago’s north side, and part of the Agency’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). The MWRD did not supply the original cost estimate. The revised estimated cost to construct the drop shaft is now $12 to $14.5 million. This item was approved without discussion as part of the consent agenda.

Deferred or Deleted Agenda Items

• The Exec. Director deleted item # 39 – Thank you to P. Blanchard, Retiring Inspector General
• Commissioner Davis deferred #22-0932, 0932, 0933, Items 8-10
• Commission Corral-Sepulveda #22-0948, Item 15

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:

• Authority to advertise Contract 22-483-11 to provide co-location services for District infrastructure, estimated cost $300,000. Commissioner McGowan asked for further information about why it is a co-location service.   The contract is for a service that will house some of the Districts IT equipment, providing proper environment and for moving the equipment.  The provider has other clients in the same location.   Commissioner McGowan also asked about the affirmative action requirements for contracts.     It was not included because moving IT equipment is a very specialized service. (Agenda Item #11-22-0801)
• Authority to issue a five-year permit to the U.S. Dept of Agriculture to access MWRD land to study Canada Geese and prevent their interference with air traffic at Midway Airport.  The nominal fee is $10.   Commissioner Spryopoulos asked for more information on what are the challenges in this process and what methods the USDA will use in controlling the geese.  A report will be provided to the Board. (Agenda Item #34-22-0831)

All 39 agenda items were approved.

Stormwater Management:

• Authority to amend an Intergovernmental agreement with the Berwyn Park District for the construction, operation and maintenance of a green infrastructure project in Berwyn. (Agenda Item #39-22-0837)

New Business

• President Steele announced that the MWRD employees were collecting donations for bottled water for the Village of Dixmoor while its water system is being repaired
• Commissioner Davis requested that an item be put into the budget to fund measuring PFAS chemicals at the source.
• Commissioner Davis asked Executive Director Perkovich to explore how the MWRD can use funding provided by the Federal Infrastructure Act  to reduce its carbon footprint.  Mr. Perkovich will report next month on taking advantage of the funding.
• Commissioner Corral-Sepulveda thanked the MWRD staff that helped with the Monarch Butterfly event at a Berwyn park.

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.

• Commissioner Shore asked staff to come up with proposals to accommodate the League’s concerns, and Commissioner Morita was supportive, asking staff if there were any reasons why the change couldn’t be made. 
• Commissioner Corrall Sepulveda called on her previous role as Clerk for the Village of Hanover Park, and said having executive sessions at the end of public meetings was considered “best practice” and “seen as a way to make meetings more accessible to everyone.”
• Commission DuBuclet also asked if there was a legal reason not to make the change. President Steele asked staff to circulate a memo written two years ago on this issue. 
• Vice President McGowan asked staff and Board members if they had received comments from others about this issue. 
• It was agreed the board would return to the issue after new Commissioners read the subject memo.

Board Action 

• The Board heard Dr. Catherine O’Connor read the proposal to sell $575 million in general obligation bonds to fund District capital projects.  The Board voted in favor by acclamation, with all but Commissioner Davis present.   (Agenda Item 21-0962)
• Three items passed as part of the consent agenda with limited discussion. They grant the MWRD authority to advertise $13 million worth of janitorial; trucking; and facilities work. The three items included a $2 million contract for janitorial services at the Erie Street headquarters (deferred from the Oct. 7 meeting); $6.5 million in truck hauling of bio solids; and Drop Shaft Modifications and Collection Facilities work for $4.5 million.  (Agenda Items 21-0879 (18), #21-0937 (19), #21-0942 (20).
• The board also approved, as part of the consent agenda, a contract change order for biosolids handling. The change will pay Steward Spreading $14,137,905 for the work, instead of the previously agreed $12,937,905; an increase of $1.2 million. (Agenda Item 21-0936 (31).
• The Board continued its debate over board rule revisions that might allow Commissioners to attend Executive Sessions remotely (so long as an in-person quorum has been met) after the Covid state of emergency has passed.  Commissioner Corral Sepulveda made a series of motions and amendments, with the initial motion agreed upon unanimously, and the amendments passing without the support of President Steele or Vice President McGowan.  (Agenda Items 21-0923 (46), 21-0923A, 21-0923B)

Stormwater Management

• The Board agreed to assist the City of Northlake in the amount of $600,000, for the purpose of acquiring flood-prone properties in that community.  (Agenda Item 21-0947 (47)

Special requests

• Commissioner Shore asked Staff to provide proposals to accommodate the League’s request to move Executive Sessions from the middle to the end of the board meetings [but before the board adjourns].
• President Steele requested staff to circulate a memo on Board executive sessions.
• Commissioner Garcia asked staff if there was anything the MWRD could do to assist with the drinking water crisis in Dixmore and Harvey.

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.

1. #10 21-0686 authorization to execute a bond purchase agreement for Professional Underwriting Services for District Bond sales in a title amount not to exceed $250,000.00 in the connection with sales of up to $500,000,000 of General Obligation Capital Improvement and Refunding Bonds of the MWRD.
2. #11 21-0688  authorization to enter into agreements for Financial Advisory Services related to District Financing Program, appointing Acacia Financial Group, Inc. as financial advisors, and Columbia Capital Management LLC, as co-financial advisor in total amount not to exceed $120,000.00 in connection with the sale of up to a total of $ 500,000,000 of General Obligation Capital Improvement and Refunding Bonds. 
3. #12 21-0696 authorization to amend Board Order of April 15, 2021, regarding authority to issue purchase order to enter into an agreement for contract 20-RFP-29 Bond Counsel Services for General Obligation Capital Improvement  Bonds for a 5-year period in amount to not exceed $244,719.00. 

It was stated that this is a  good time to enter into these agreements due to low interest rates, funds are needed to pay off debts, but the Board needs more information as to the cost to taxpayers. Updates will be coming to the Board.

Agenda Items that were pulled for discussion and approved:

• #15 21-0647 Authority to advertise Contract 21-RPF-22 Professional services to develop Conceptual Plans for Achieving Energy Neutrality at MWRD District of Grater Chicago, estimated cost $1,100,000.00. The importance of this contract is significant; and not only should they look into Energy Neutrality, but Carbon Neutrality as well.  A portion of this Study should also go to greenhouse gas reduction of the MWRD including cost and benefits. In the past there was a study conducted to determine if the MWRD could reach Energy and Carbon Neutrality by 2023. It was suggested that they revisit this study and provide a copy of the study to possible bidders to see if it would still be useful and could be used as a starting point to develop a new plan. Copies of the study will be sent to Commissioners.
• #22 21-0666 authority to advertise Contract 19-159-3P Chemical Addition Backup system for Stickney Water Reclamation Plant estimated cost between $8.105.172.00 and $9,811,524.00. This is a large contract. Phosphorus is normally removed from biosolids by a biological process.  Chemicals are used as a supplemental backup if biological process fails, and phosphorus levels are too high.  Unfortunately, if necessary to lower phosphorus levels by using chemicals the phosphorus cannot be used again for purposes such as plant fertilizers.  It was suggested that they look into possibly finding ways to limit phosphorus at the source instead of at the plant.  
• #52 21-0707 Authority to amend a lease agreement dated October 14, 1966, as amended between the District and City of Evanston on approximately 92 acres of the district land located in Evanston to be used for parking and tailgating during the Northwestern University Home Football games. Consideration shall be 25% of the annual gross revenues generated by such use with a minimum fee of $80.000.00 per season. All Commissioners supported this project however there was discussion as to some of the Commissioners believing that there was a change in Land Use Policy.   It was thought that since this is a Public Recreational Event that payment should be 25% of the net revenue. However, they are being charged 25% of the gross revenue.  It was explained that this really is a private event and not technically open to the public.  This item was passed but thought that it was not handled well and there should be more discussion in the future about this policy.  FYI, the Deputy Manager of Evanston spoke at the beginning of the meeting and Evanston was fine with the contract. 

Stormwater Management:

• #29 21-0709 Authority to advertise Contract 21-RFP-18 Market Research and Analysis estimate cost $125,000.00. The Commissioners would like more details as to what staff believes are their strategic communication needs.  Some suggestions are 1. Communicate how responsibility of stormwater management are shared with District and municipalities. 2. Debunk the myth that there is a man with a magical valve that controls local stormwater drainage. 3. Communicate the importance of not using impermeable surfaces for driveways, paths, etc. It was suggested that a survey be created to communicate with local municipalities and organizations that work with the MWRD and whether their needs are being met. 

Deferred or Deleted Items:

• Item #43 21-0687 Authority to decrease Contract 20-632-11 Furnishing and Delivering Sodium Hypochlorite to Alexander Chemical Corporation, in the amount of $2,842,800.41 from amount of $4,093,794 to an amount not to exceed $1,250,993.74 was deleted by the Executive director, Brian Perkovich.

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