Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
June 17, 2021

The MWRD Board agenda began at 10:30.  All commissioners were eventually present. 
There were no public speakers.   Auditors presented their findings for the MWRD and the MWRD Retiree Health Care Trust financial statements for 2020.  There are no material weaknesses, and the MWRD is in stable financial condition.
Commissioners asked for a number of items to be discussed, but in the end, there were two significant discussions:

• Item 21-0494 was singled out by several commissioners, having to do with annual dues membership to Current Innovation, NFP.  Com. Garcia wondered if the MWRD was getting much from the membership.  Com. Shore explained the background of MWRD’s relationship to Current Innovation:  There is no economic development department at the MWRD to attract businesses and organizations that highly value clean water, and that this group was recommended by World Business Chicago, as a combination of academia, business contacts, and venture capital to be able to provide the MWRD the ability to attract the attention of water-oriented businesses.  Coms. Garcia and Pres. Steele appreciated the history but asked Exec. Dir. Perkovich to report results from the membership in the next year.
• Item 21-0508 is a fifth attempt at issuing a contract to decommission the Thornton Provisional Reservoir, in critical use from 2003 to 2015 until the Composite Reservoir came on line.  No contractors bid on the project when it was put out to bid four times before.  This contract should cost between $21 Million and $25.4 Million.    The scope has been limited now to decommission after a “plug” will be put in the tunnel connecting the transitional reservoir with the Composite.  The Transitional holds 3.6 billion gallons of water while the new Composite holds 7.9 billion gallons.  The worst rain event occurred in 2008 when 9.5 inches fell in one day, and the Transitional was filled to capacity.  Since then neither has been filled.  Dr. Katherine O’Connor in Engineering reported the MWRD is using updated rainfall estimates and has calculated they do not need the temporary reservoir.  It rained 3 inches in 15 minutes in South Holland July 29, 2016, and the reservoir did not fill but residents had extensive flooding.  This point to the need for remediation more locally like bioswales and disconnected downspouts from the combined sewer.  The combined sewer pipes are not wide enough to carry all the water to the reservoir.  This item is deferred.   
  

Other discussed items follow:

• Item 21-0515 was deferred by request of Com. McGowan to research more about minority contracting within the nearly $5 Million mechanical contract over three years.
• Item 21-0549 refers to pre-employment psychological testing for police candidates.  Com. Spyropoulos suggested the MWRD research economies of scale with other city and county agencies performing the same testing.
• Item 21-0545 refers to Green Alley Reconstruction in Westchester for $675 K.  Coms. McGowan, Garcia and Corral-Sepulveda were interested in minority contracting with the Village of Westchester.  

All items were passed with the exception of the two deferred contracts.
Amy Little - Observer            

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
September 17, 2020 
​
Approved General Agenda Items

• 20-0708 A purchase order with Colette Holt & Associations to conduct the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance Disparity Study that had previously been deferred was approved for an amount not to exceed $341,765.  Comm. Garcia said that he was pleased the study will have an expanded scope.
• 20-0742 Request to decrease the 20-year contract amount with Metropolitan Biosolids Management to design, build, own, finance, operate and maintain a 150 dry tons per day biosolids processing facility at the Stickney plant and to beneficially use the final product for a period of twenty years.  The District isn’t producing the volume expected.  The contract calls for $10 million per year for 20 years starting from 2010 to Metropolitan  Biosolids to produce the final product.

Approved Stormwater Management Items

• 20-0762 The board approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Lyons in the amount not to exceed $500,000 for a Green Alleys permeable paver project.  Comm. Garcia asked if the Districts biosolids were used in this type of project.  Answer:  No for alleys and Yes for landscape.  It was noted that Chicago has refused to use biosolids but with a new city person, the District is trying to educate him/her on its value. 
• 20-0763 The District is entering into agreements with municipalities for the use of the District’s GPS units to complete sewer system mapping to help find blockages.
• 20-0749 The District is entering into an agreement for a Stormwater Master Plan for Avalon Park, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, and South Shore communities.

Deleted Agenda Items

• 20-0622 The Executive Director requested that this item be deleted without discussion.  It had already been deferred at the September 3rd and August 6th board meetings.  The item asked for authorization to advertise a professional services contract to market EQ Biosolids from the District’s Harlem and Calumet plants.  The September 3rd observer reported that it has been difficult to find sub-contractors that are qualified to sell the biosolids.  
• 20-0659 Authority to rescind a contract for native landscape areas maintenance was deleted at the September 3rd meeting and was not on the September 17 agenda

Deferred Agenda Items

• 020-007 Request to Amend the Resources Recover Ordinance to reduce the tipping fee and increase Breweries’ willingness to sell and haul their waste to the Calumet Plant. Previously the waste was taken to Stickney, but Calumet is in need of the Carbon and Stickney isn’t.  Comm. Morita deferred.  Comm. Davis said he is in favor but would vote “no” because he had previously asked for a 30 day notice for ordinance changes.
• 20-0731 Comm. McGowan asked for deferral to advertise for bids for contracts, legal notices for original entrance and promotional civil service examinations, and other legal notices for a one-year period.  No reason was given.
• 20-0738 Request to advertise for a Management Services Contract to perform real time energy reverse auctions and advisory services.  Comm. Shore deferred as she wants to know how this fits in with the Districts “climate action plan”.
• 20-0744 Request to enter into agreement with AECOM Technical Services for civil consulting support services in an amount not to exceed $1.5 million.  Deferred by Comm. McGowan without discussion.
• 20-0773 Purchase order with Next Generation Technology, Inc. for enhancements to the District’s new website in the amount of $300,000 was deferred by Comm. Garcia.  Comm. Shore said that she found their initial presentation to be “underwhelming”.  This contract with a different vendor was previously deleted by the Executive Director.

Future Items:

• There will be a Study Session scheduled for October 1 at 1:00 to discuss concerns expressed by non-profits regarding how implementation of the District’s new Ethics Ordinance is impacting the non-profit community.  Three speakers using audio technology addressed the virtual board meeting.  Friends of the Chicago River represented two of the three speakers and asked for a moratorium on implementation of the Ordinance until concerns are heard and hopefully resolved.  The Inspector General will attend the study session.  
• Comm. McGowan asked for a report covering Intergovernmental Agreements over the last three years. Report would contain the following information:  1) Total amount paid by MWRD and total amount of the Project; 2) Names of the partners in the agreements; and 3) List participation goals both for the MWRD and the IG partners.  No time frame was given.

Diane Edmundson, Observer                          Meeting Length - 2 hours

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting  
June 4, 2020 

The nine Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s Board members participated in an audio/visual board meeting that included input from public speakers via phone hookup.

Agenda Items -  The Board approved all consent agenda items.  The four below are included here either because of the size of the contract, interest of the Board, or interest of the Observer. 

• Agenda Item 20-0444 Authorization to amend the agreement with The Gordian Group, Inc., for professional services for the development and implementation of the Job Order Contracting System, for a one-year period, in an amount not to exceed $78,000.00.  Commissioner McGowan inquired about the fees concerning this company, and staff answered that the $78,000 is the maximum contracted payout and included the per assignment fee. 
• Agenda Item 20-0445 Authorization to increase Contract 17-942-11, Job Order Contracting Services, with McDonagh Demolition, Inc., for an additional twelve month period (first term), in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000.00, from $8,000,000.00 to $12,000,000.  A Presumptive Ethnicity Summary Report was attached. 
• Agenda Item 20-0437 Authorization to increase Contract 13-806-2S Television Inspection and Recording of Sewers and Manholes at Various Locations to National Power Rodding in an amount of $180,000.00, from an amount of $1,944,450.00, to an amount not to exceed $2,124,450.00. 
• Agenda Item 20-0440 Authorization to extend until July 31, 2020, the terms of the collective bargaining agreements between the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and the unions representing MWRD workers. 

Stormwater Management

• Agenda Item 20-0446   Authorization to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with and make payment to the Village of Forest Park for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Storm Sewers Connection to Existing Des Plaines River Outfall in Forest Park, SSA (18-IGA-21), in an amount not to exceed $1,955,206.00

Deferred or Deleted Items - None

New Business

• Commissioner Avila commented on Covid-19's impact on declining revenues, the need to reduce future expenditures while ensuring the health and safety of employees. 
• Commissioner Shore commented on MWRD's Covid-19 response in providing essential services without interruption while protecting the health and safety of its employees.  Since MWRD's Covid-19 Response Plan will guide the district through the remainder of the crisis, Commissioner Shore requested the Board hold a study session to review this plan and the District’s Return to Work Plan.
• President Steele said her office will check with the staff as to their readiness and with the board for their availability.

Commissioner Requests

• Commissioner Davis asked for a report on the District’s plans for Bond Issuance, which he said, typically occurs every 3 years.  Staff answered that it is currently evaluating two RFP’s for a bond underwriter and a financial advisor.
  
• Commissioner McGowan asked for the total amount paid to the Gordian Group for its services over the last two years. [20-0444].

Observer:  Michele Niccolai                                             Meeting length: one hour

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
May 21, 2020                      

Nine Board members participated in the virtual meeting, and 3 public speakers, 2 representing Northwestern University, 1 from Friends of the Chicago River, and 1 from GTM Strategies participated by audio hookup .

Decisions

• Agenda Item #48 20-0427    Authorized report on feasibility of partnering with suburban school districts on green infrastructure. Commissioner McGowan requested that the project be broken into three geographic areas to ensure diversification.    Approved unanimously.      Report due May 31, 2021.

The following agenda items, deferred from the May 7, 2020 Board Meeting, were approved unanimously: 

• Agenda Item # 1 20-003  Authority to amend the sunset provision of the Affirmative Action Ordinance to extend the expiration date until the end of 2021.  
• Agenda Item # 6 20-0342 Authorization to extend the agreement with Ace Coffee Bar, Inc. (Re-Bid) to provide vending machine at various locations for an additional 6 month period. 
• Agenda Item #19  20-0287 Issue purchase order and enter into agreement with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to analyze root causes of flooding in Lower Salt Creek and Addison Creek River Basins in connection with ongoing litigation entitled Hampton v. MWRD, Case No. 2011 CH 25822, and Jacklin v. MWRD, Case No. 2011 CH 25985 in an amount not to exceed $230,000.00,   
• Agenda Item #20  20-0288 Issue purchase order and enter into agreement with Marcelo H. Garcia, PhD in connection with ongoing litigation entitled Hampton v. MWRD, Case No. 2011 CH 25822, and Jacklin v. MWRD, Case No. 2011  CH 25985 in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00,
• Agenda Item #27 20-0282 Authority to award contract for manhole and infrastructure repairs to Sumit Construction Co. Commissioner Garcia expressed his approval that the MWRD is awarding this contract to a minority company and that minority participation is higher than the goal.  
• Agenda Item #29 20-0261 Authority to increase purchase order to AT&T Corporation, to furnish and deliver two new PRI Telecommunication lines in an amount of $22,089.12, from an amount of $28,972.80 to an  amount not to exceed $51,061.92.

The following deferred agenda items, after discussion, were unanimously deleted:

• Agenda Item #21 20-0302 Issue purchase order for a Compensation and Benefits Study by MGT of America Consulting. Commissioner Garcia stated that it would be appropriate to defer the HR study until after the conclusion of the current pandemic.  
• Agenda Item #39 20-0264    Authority to issue a 5-year permit to Northwestern University to allow parking and tailgating activities during home football games on North Shore Channel  in Evanston.   In deference to the Evanston City Council, which has not yet considered the issue, the Commissioners were not willing to go ahead with the authorization.  

All other items deferred from the May 7, 2020 Board Meeting were unanimously approved.

The following Stormwater Management  proposals were approved unanimously:

• Agenda Item #45 20-0413 Authority to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with and make payment to the Village of Broadview for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Green Alley Improvements project in  the Village of Broadview, Illinois in an amount not to exceed $448,000.00, 
• Agenda Item #46 20-0416 Authority to negotiate Intergovernmental Agreements to assist various local municipalities and   townships with Local Stormwater Partnership Projects
• Agenda Item #47 20-0417  Authority to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with and make payment to the Village of  Harwood Heights for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Harwood Heights Green Alleys Project in the Village of Harwood Heights, Illinois in an amount not to exceed $353,203.00,

All other agenda items were approved.  Among the significant decisions: 

• Agenda Item #16 20-0399 Authority to advertise a contract for furnishing and delivering rock salt to various service areas. Commissioners  Garcia and Spyropoulos had questions regarding whether the salt used was as environmentally appropriate as possible and whether there was a stockpile remaining from last winter.  Executive Director Perkovich answered  affirmatively.
• Agenda Item #18 20-0424 Authority to advertise a contract for installation of mechanical mixers at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. Commissioner Avila commended the staff for its forward thinking in putting together this proposal.
• Agenda Item #4 20-0389 Authority to add project to furnish and deliver a lathe and accessories to the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant, to the Construction Fund, estimated cost of the project is $170,000.00.
• Agenda Item #8 20-0421 Authorization to execute settlement agreement for Streambank Stabilization on Oak Lawn Creek, to Judlau Contracting Inc. in an amount of $773,500.00, from an amount of $3,079,848.82, to an amount not to exceed $3,853,348.82. 
• Agenda Item #30 20-0364 Authority to increase purchase order and amend the agreement with V3 Companies of Illinois, Ltd. for professional engineering services for contract for Melvina Ditch Reservoir Improvements in Burbank, Illinois in an amount of $41,250.00 from an amount of $1,321,477.00, to an amount not to exceed $1,362,727.00 
• Agenda Item #31 20-0402 Authority to increase the contract to furnish, deliver and install boiler controls at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, to M.G. Electric Service Company, in an amount of $153,932.00, from an amount of $1,345,208.00, to an amount not to exceed $1,499,140.00, 
• Agenda Item #32 20-0418 Authority to increase purchase order and amend the agreement with ARCADIS, U.S., Inc., for professional services in connection with the Stormwater Master Plan for the Little Calumet River/Cal-Sag Channel Drainage Area in an amount of $4,690.25, from an amount of $923,479.50, to an amount not to exceed $928,169.75.

Commissioner Requests:
            1.  Commissioner Spyropoulos requested a snapshot of the Cash Disbursements for April, 2020.
      2. Commissioner Davis requested a statistical report of the recent storm event showing quantity of                 water discharged.
            3. Barbara J. McGowan requested a report on how the masks the District received were distributed.        
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Observed by:  Ann Bolan                                      Meeting Length:  1 and 1/2 hours

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting 
​May 7, 2020        

Nine Board members participated in this virtual meeting, and three public speakers participated by audio hookup.  Two of the speakers supported the new Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) and the third speaker represented Northwestern University in Evanston concerning Agenda Item #52 (see below).

Board Action and Discussion:

• Agenda Item #1, 20-0004.  Approved.  The Board unanimously approved the amended Watershed Management Ordinance [WMO] and thanked organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the Metropolitan Planning Council for their participation on the Stormwater Planning Council and the Council’s contributions to the WMO.  A regional stormwater control credit trading pilot will be introduced for the Little Calumet and Des Plains Watersheds. The goal is to use this market based tool to ensure the watersheds are safer and more resilient to heavy storms.  
• Agenda Item #12, 20-0344.  Approved.  Authority to decrease the cost estimate for a repair and rehabilitation contract for the Majewski Reservoir in Des Plaines.  Asked why more money is needed as $6 million was authorized in 2014, staff responded that the work that was done in 2014 covered a little more than half of the Reservoir.  This contract is for the rest of the Reservoir.  Staff noted that the Majewski takes on water about six times a year and is inspected regularly.  
• Agenda Item #14, 20-0229.  Approved.  Authority to advertise a pavement contract prompted a Commissioner’s query about using green infrastructure for this type of contract.  Staff answered that for new pavement contracts, green infrastructure is used.  For repairs, it is used when possible and practical.  
• ​Agenda Item #38, 20-0369.  Approved.  Authority to issue a purchase order for Telephone and Software updates prompted a discussion on use of thumb drives – Is it best practice from a safety perspective.   Staff believes that it is safe and will provide more information via a memo rather than in this public meeting.
• Agenda Item #48, 20-0330.  Approved.  Authority to decrease a purchase order with the Chicago Public Schools led to a discussion on the District’s Space to Grow Program.  With COVID-19 and school closings, a question was raised about expenditures at this time.  Staff answered that school closing makes it easier and quicker to complete the 4 projects planned for this year, which brings the total to 34 schools.  
• Agenda Item #58, 20-0332.  Approved.  Staff asked for authority to negotiate intergovernmental agreements with the City of Chicago’s Park District.  Commission DuBuclet said the goal is to improve stormwater amenities in the Park District and staff added that the agreement can provide leverage for flood reduction and possible neighborhood revitalization.  

Requests

1. Commissioner Shore asked Staff to study the Governor’s COVID-19 transition plan and provide guidance to the Commissioners.  
2. Commission Spyropoulos asked staff to look into providing either a bonus, hazard pay, or perhaps a day off for workers going into the plants.  McGowan asked that this consideration be extended to workers going to the downtown office.
3. Commission Avila stated he has concerns about 2020 finances due to COVID-19 and cautioned the board to be conservative in developing the 2021 budget.
4. Commissioner Davis strongly urged the board not to consider using TIF funds to augment COVID-19 budget deficits – but to continue to reserve TIF monies to reduce Pension debt obligations.  He asked colleagues to join him in identifying expense reductions.
5. Commissioner Davis said he is working on a Space to Grow amendment and invited the commissioners to provide input on an expansion of the program.  He will offer his amendment at the May 21 meeting.  
6. Commissioner McGowan requested a Study Session in early June to discuss the Affirmative Action Amendment and the 4 points raised by Garcia in his deferment of Agenda Item #2. (see below)

Deferred Items

• Agenda Item #2, 20-0003.  Authority to amend the Affirmative Action Ordinance expiration date to December 31. 2021.  Commission Garcia troubled by an extension to December 2021.  Wants to act sooner.  
• Agenda Item #11, 20-0342.  Authority to extend vending machine contract.  Commissioner Garcia wants to discuss the food service operations in the District.
• Agenda Items #13,15,21,24,31,43.  Each of these items are contracts where Commissioners Garcia and McGovern asked for more details on participation goals and if other agency lists of available contractors were reviewed.
• Agenda Item #32, 20-0288.  Commissioner Garcia deferred a settlement agreement with Marcelo H. Garcia, Ph.D. in connection with a litigation case.  No discussion held.
• Agenda Item #33, 20-0302.  Second deferral requested by Garcia.  Board received information one day before meeting.  Subject:  Agreement for a Compensation and Benefits Study.
• Agenda Item #47. 20-0261. Garcia troubled that a contract increase with AT&T is being requested just six months after signing the original purchase order.
• Agenda Item #52, 20-0264.  Authority to issue a 5-year permit to Northwestern University to allow parking and tailgating activities during home games on several parcels along the North Shore Channel, for a fee of $80,000.   Davis deferred and asked for estimated costs to MWRD to provide long-term maintenance.

Observed by:  Dianne Schmidt                      Meeting Length:  3 hours

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board - November 7, 2019

Board decisions:
(Agenda Items #19-1082 and #19-1083 - {57 and 58})

• The MWRD’s Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO), Article 208 instructs the Agency to conduct studies pertaining to storm water release rates in specific watersheds, and to recommend potential amendments to the WMO once studies are complete. 
  
• ​Similarly, the WMO authorizes the MWRD to do a pilot study for a regional storm water detention and volume control trading program.   
  
• Commissioners approved the methodology for both studies, which are to be initiated in 2019 and completed by May, 2022.  
  
• Both are expected to be landmark studies that could change storm water drainage practices and regulations within the MWRD’s service area (Cook County). 
  
• Commissioners Debra Shore and Cameron Davis pulled these items for discussion, Commissioner Shore noted that the watershed model used to determine release rates in Item #19-1802 was not based on wet years, and asked if it were too late to modify the model to reflect “worst case scenario” of the wettest years already experienced.  Dr. O’Connor, the MWRD’s engineering director, responded by saying the model could still be modified after the vote.  
  
• Commissioner Davis asked Executive Director Perkovich to communicate directly with the Storm water Management Committee about modifications to the model.  Commissioner Davis was concerned the watershed storm water release study methodology didn’t include “disproportionately affected communities”. While this subgroup of multiply-flooded areas was studied in 2010, the proposed new model excludes them.
  
• Moving on to #19-1083, Commissioner Davis, Vice Chairman of the MWRD’s Storm Water Management Committee. said “We (the storm water committee) and staff aren’t on the same page,” on the goals and objectives of the pilot study for a storm water detention and control trading program (flood credit trading).  He asked that communication between the Board committee and the Staff be “squared up” before the study goes forward.  “We have misunderstandings with staff on the May directive,” Commissioner Davis said.
  
• Both of these items were returned to the consent agenda and passed unanimously.

Board discussions: 
Agenda Item #19-1080  

• Commissioner Mariyana T. Spyropoulos pulled agenda item 47 for discussion.  The MWRD has a long-standing agreement (from 2003) with Vulcan Materials to excavate the McCook Reservoir.  The agreement has been amended repeatedly, and the cost of the contract has risen with new work added.
• Commissioners were asked to increase the amount due to Vulcan Materials by $3,504,813.00, to a total not to exceed $101,200,234.25.   Commissioner Spyropoulos asked staff to compile a history of the Vulcan contract agreements for the benefit of the newer board members.  Executive Director Perkovich agreed.
• This larger payment to Vulcan was approved as part of the consent agenda.

Deleted Item:
Agenda Item #19-1050

• Executive Director Brian Perkovich withdrew item 54 from the agenda at the start of the meeting without discussion or explanation.  A vote on this item would have authorized the MWRD to join the US Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County in preparing a Comprehensive Water Resources Plan.  
• The Corps has agreed to inventory existing conditions in Chicago area river systems; assess restoration potential; identify opportunities for connecting existing and planned riverfront developments and recreational amenities; identify flood risk management strategies, assess public health impacts, and make evaluations.
• Federal dollars will pay half the projected $300,000 cost, and the MWRD was to pay its share of the remaining $150,000 along with the other local partners.

Other Comments or Observations:
The MWRD Board of Commissioners had a full day of meetings, so the morning session was briefer than usual.   The afternoon budget session is reported separately.

Observed by:  Laurie Morse                                  Meeting Length: 1 hour.