Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting - June 21, 2018

Commissioner Shore brought attention to the fact that an unnamed construction crew had discharged construction materials into the Chicago River.  The infraction was noted and reported by a newspaper reporter who happened to be on the river.  The Industrial Waste Commission investigated and found that the construction company had not followed through on its permit with the city which then requires contact with the MWRD for a permit.  The MWRD regulates the quality of the water and issued a cease and desist order [the City while telling contractors to contact the District, does not itself inform the District of a new permit].  The crew was supposed to discharge waste into the city sewer system.  To discharge to the river requires a State IEPA permit.  

Commissioner Shore asked the District’s staff to reach out to tour-boat operations, building managers, concessioners, etc. and inform them of the MWRD’s citizen reporting software app.  

Decisions Made: 

• Approved eminent domain of certain properties for the stage 2 Cook Reservoir construction after efforts to find owners failed.
• Because of failure to reimburse the District for contracted work, the Executive Director agreed that if the State approaches the MWRD for an intergovernmental agreement, the staff will seek authority from the board before undertaking negotiations. 

What to Look for in Upcoming Meetings:

1. Feedback on a meeting to be held in  Evanston with homeowners and the city regarding the placement of a water pumping station on a section of land leased from the MWRD and targeted for green space [June 7th meeting]. 
   
2. Feedback on the status of the Executive Director’s leave.  Acting Executive Director, Edward Murray, continues to handle the responsibilities in Mr. St. Pierre’s absence. 

Observer - Diane Edmundson                                               Meeting Length:    1 Hour (via video)

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting -  September 1, 2016

​Significant Decisions Made:

Resource Recovery Ordinance Approved (Agenda Item 16-010B): 

• To provide for the recovery and beneficial reuse of resources admitted to the Water Reclamation plants.
  
• Will allow MWRD to accept certain deliveries by truck or rail of high strength liquid waste, vegetative material, and other recovered resources to maximize the beneficial reuse of recovered resources for the production of renewable energy. 
  
• Will allow for the recovery and resale of valuable resources, to reduce greenhouse gases, to promote a more sustainable society, and to assist or enhance treatment operation. 
  
• Ordinance approved as amended. Action had been deferred from the August 4 board meeting.

Health Plan Authorized (Agenda Item 16-0888):

• Voted to authorize an agreement for a contract with UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company
• To provide a fully-insured group Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) Plan
• For Medicare-eligible retirees
• A three year contract - Effective January 1, 2017-December 31, 2019. 

Major items discussed:

Leasing of space in 101-111 East Erie Street Building (Agenda Item 16-0906):

• Will begin to advertise for a contract for public bids for a 39- year lease
  
• Leased space will be on portions of the ground floor and outdoor plaza consisting of approximately 10,751 sq. ft..
  
• The initial bid will be for $45,000.
• Action deferred as Commissioner Bradford wanted more information regarding the terms of the lease. 

Cal-Sag Channel Swimming Policies - Now that swimming is allowed in the Cal-Sag Channel, Commissioners thought that new policies should be created to allow for the safety of swimmers in an area that also has barges.

Other item of note:
Public speakers were given time to speak at the beginning of the meeting and when the board reconvened after a 5 minute break.

Observer: Nancy Marcus                                                Meeting Length: 1 hour 30 minutes