Category: MWRD

Non-Profit Groups Urge MWRD Board to Modify Proposed Ethics Ordinance

1/16/2020

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
January 9, 2020

The League of Women Voters of Cook County and Friends of the River both spoke in favor of modifying the proposed ethics rules the MWRD is in the process of trying to strengthen. The Ethics Ordinance had been pulled from the agenda due to letters sent by the League and other groups to commissioners, according to Commissioner Cam Davis, so that better language could be used to distinguish commercial interests from public advocacy interests.

The board recognized the plight of Puerto Ricans without drinking water and electricity after earthquakes. Commissioner Garcia had been in touch with his mother in Puerto Rico.

Board Items Discussed and Approved:

A software expenditure was discussed by Commissioner Shore as being very important for the security of a public infrastructure entity like MWRD especially with regard to current events with Iran. Mimecast is a security software that is used to protect public computer systems. She noted it was a small amount of money to pay for computer security. (Agenda Item 19)
Commissioner Garcia asked why MWRD would charge a small farm for use of MWRD land and bio-solids in Blue Island. Due to an ordinance, when a farm wants to sell its produce the MWRD is required to charge the entity rent. (Agenda Item 32)

Agenda Items Deferred or Deleted

Commissioner Davis asked that Bio-Solids Farming contract bids be made smaller so that smaller and minority companies would be able to bid on the contracts. He noted that many small non-profit farms are unable to bid on large contracts due to lack of scale. His argument was noted and future contracts will be smaller. (Agenda Item 13)
An item regarding the furnishing and delivery of liquid carbon dioxide to the Stickney Plant was deleted by the Executive Director. There was no discussion of this item. (Agenda Item 28)

Observed by Amy Little [by video] Meeting length - approximately 50 minutes

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MWRD Board Approves Watershed-specific Storm Water Studies Meant to Facilitate Pilot Storm Water Credit Trading Program

11/21/2019

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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.

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MWRD Board Forwards Land Deal for Crestwood Casino Project

10/4/2019

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
October 3, 2019

What did the Board decide?

Approved 99-year lease for 44.4 acre property for Crestwood development project (AgendaI Item #16, 19-0992)

The board unanimously accepted an initial annual rental bid of $820,626 from the City of Crestwood. It is not clear if the lease is contingent on Crestwood receiving a casino license from the State of Illinois. The lease is for 99 years, a departure from the MWRD’s typical lease length of 39 years. There was no discussion of the 35% reduction in annual rent from the minimum $1,262,500 Commissioners authorized for this property at their August 8, 2019 meeting.
During public comment Chelsey Grassfield, policy specialist for Friends of the Chicago River, addressed the board, seeking vigilance in maintaining 60-100 foot required setbacks from the river and advocated use of sustainable landscape design when the MWRD reviews site plans for the 44.4 acre parcel bordering the Cal-Sag canal that the City of Crestwood will lease from the MWRD. The community is seeking a casino license to anchor development on this property. Ms. Grassfield said leaseholder’s focus should be on the health of the river and maintaining established waterway standards.
Later in the meeting Commissioner Cameron Davis inquired when the public would again be able to comment on sustainability and design of the development of the property. Staff said the MWRD would review site plans when they are available, and Commissioners could participate in the process.

2020 Regular Board Meeting Calendar approved (Agenda Item #1 - 19-0998)

Study of Affirmative Action hiring record deferred (Agenda Item #23 - 19-0993)

The MWRD is required to conduct a study of disparity in its Affirmative Action hiring practices. This item would have authorized request for proposals seeking an outside contractor to perform the analysis at an estimated cost of $200,000.
Commissioner Marcelino Garcia asked for this item to be deferred until he had time to discuss his concerns with staff. He said that he wanted this to be a meaningful accounting of the District’s minority hiring practices, and not just the minimum required by law. After supporting comments from Commissioners Frank Avila, Barbara McGowan, and Board President Kari Steele, the Board directed staff to schedule a study session for them on progress in minority hiring practices
Commissioner Garcia then asked to remove this RFP authorization item the Board’s agenda until after the study session.

Allocation for expert witness testimony deleted from agenda (Agenda Item #29 - 19-0952)

This item would have budgeted $200,000 for expert witness testimony in an ongoing lawsuit.
It was removed from the agenda without comment by Executive Director Brian Perkovich

Bio solids bagging contract deferred (Agenda Item #18- 19-0937)

The MWRD gives away biosolids (compost) to the public at its Stickney plant. People can take it away in their own containers, but the District pays to bag some of the material for distribution. This item proposed to seek and pay a contractor $45,000 over a 3-year period to pick up composted biosolids from the Harlem Ave. composting facility, transport them to an off-site location, bag it, and return the filled bags to the Stickney Plant.
In response to Commissioners’ questions, staff said the plan would produce 5,000 bags of compost per year at a cost of $15,000 per year. Commissioner Debra Shore asked for cost-comparisons between buying the bagging equipment and having MWRD employees do the bagging and outsourcing. Commissioner Barbara McGowan questioned the process of transporting the compost back and forth.
Commissioner Marcelino Garcia questioned the value of the project, saying that while it is very nice that the District gives away composted biosolids, the MWRD lacks a plan to monetize and distribute it products at scale. “We need to industrialize and sell the products we create,” he said. “We need a staff person who is dedicated to this idea, and who can move us forward.” The Commissioners agreed to defer this item until it could be more fully explored.

Other discussions of interest:

Commissioner Mariyana T. Spyropoulos questioned why certain contracts were rejected and why the District received so few responses to some requests for proposals. She asked if specifications for services were being too narrowly written. She suggested a look at procedures for contracting.
Commissioner Marcelino Garcia questioned if minority guidelines were being observed when the District added scope or funding to existing contracts. There were several items on the agenda that did add funds to existing contracts, and he highlighted them. Staff said that they would be attentive to this issue.

Observer - Laurie Morse Meeting Length - 2.5 hours

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Lack Of Quorum Requires MWRD Board To Reconvene On August 9

8/27/2019

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
August 8, 2019

Board Actions:

Agenda Item 19-0785 #70

Lou Presta, Mayor Village of Crestwood and Terry O'Brien, the O'Brien Network, addressed the Board to consider the lease on 44.61 acres of District real estate in Crestwood, specifically to consider the lease terms at 6% for the Crestwood Casino Project.
Later in the meeting, a motion was made by Debra Shore, seconded by Marcelino Garcia, to Amend Agenda Item #70 to put parcel out for bid at 8%. The motion to amend failed.
MOTION was finally passed to amend File No. 19-0785 to grant Authority to advertise Contract 19-365-11 for public tender of bids for a 99-year lease on 44.61 acres of District real estate located south of the Cal-Sag Channel between Cicero Avenue and Kostner Avenue in Crestwood, Illinois; Cal-Sag Channel Parcels 12.05, 12.07 and 12.08. The minimum initial annual rental bid shall be established at $1,262,500.

Agenda Item 19-0720: #22

Authorization to amend Board Order of June 6, 2019, for Authority to advertise Contract 16-708-21, Repair and Rehabilitation of the Gloria Alitto Majewski Reservoir in Des Plaines, Illinois, estimated cost $1,200,000.

Agenda Item 19-0745 #35

Authority to advertise Contract 18-277-3M Digester Sludge Heating System Upgrades and Boiler Removal, Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, estimated cost between $27,075,000 and $32,775,000. The contract is expected to be awarded in December 2019.
The boilers for the Digester Complex are between 20 to over 30 years old. Due to their condition, the increased risk of failure necessitates their replacement to ensure an appropriate level of service for the digestion process and space heating. It is felt that it is economically justified to replace or rehabilitate them due to the increased level of maintenance cost.

Observer - Nancy Mitzen Meeting Length: 2½ hour

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Water District Board Revises Bid Deposit Requirement

7/23/2019

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
July 11, 2019

The Board approved:

Change to Bid Deposit Requirements: At the request of Commissioner Garcia at the June 6 meeting, the staff did a survey of other governmental entities to find out for what types of contracts a deposit is required of bidders. Overwhelmingly, the results were that deposits were generally only required for construction contracts. The Board approved the new policy proposed by staff so that the MWRD will generally only require bid deposits for construction contracts. Other types of contracts may require bid deposits on a case-by-case basis, as determined by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management. This new policy should reduce the number of instances when a bid deposit is required, and the hope is that this will increase bidder participation and reduce costs to the MWRD by having a more competitive bid process. (Agenda Item 15, 19-0691) Commissioner Garcia requested that a similar survey be performed to find out the Minority, Women and Small Business owned business requirements (MBE, WBE, & SBE) that other government entities have.
Award of Contract after Lowest Bid Struck: Commissioner Garcia expressed concern that the staff was proposing to award a contract to a bidder with a bid of $452,000 after the lowest bid of $354,880 was struck because the bidder did not comply with the MBE, WBE, SBE requirements. Commissioner Garcia, who is a great proponent of these requirements, asked whether any attempt had been made to work with this lowest bidder so it could comply. Staff responded that they had had discussions, but the bidder said it could not. When it came time to vote, Commissioner Garcia said he would vote to award the contract to the higher bidder after talking to Commissioner McGowan during a break. (Agenda Item 44, 19-0683)
Amended Evanston lease agreement to allow Evanston to have festivals and sell and consume alcoholic beverages. This was deferred from the June 20 meeting. Evanston agreed to do environmental assessment before the start of each season, and then to do walk-throughs before and after (with MWRD staff) each event to see if there are any car leakages. If so, Evanston will do environmental testing and perform any necessary clean-up. (Agenda Item 58-19-0600)
Extend Space to Grow program with Chicago Public Schools to 2022: This adds $1 million to the program and extends for 1 year; program to cover 30 schools. Staff felt that prior concerns about school maintenance had been satisfied by schools proposing a new entity to do maintenance. Commissioner Davis said he hopes this program can be expanded in the future to cover schools elsewhere in Cook County, too. (Agenda Item 69, 19-0675)

Other discussions of interest:

Commissioner McGowan asked that the staff look at incorporating into lease agreements penalties for non-compliance. That way, the Board won’t have to deal with these breaches by others after the fact.
The MWRD received $9.2 million during the first quarter from a declaration by the City of Chicago of surplus TIF funds. Commissioner Shore asked that there be a discussion of how to treat such “bonus” funds (which are not budgeted); for example, Commissioner Shore suggested consideration might want to be given to using such funds for the Retirement Fund. (Agenda Item 53, 19-0669)
The Executive Director of the MWRD Retirement Fund reported that the Fund was down at the end of 2018 because of the drop in the stock market in December. However, it is up considerably this calendar year and he expects it to be up by 11.5% for the quarter just ending. (Agenda Item 57, 19-0661)

Items deferred:

Agenda Item 55, 19-0636, Authority to transfer $60,000 from account for payment of real estate taxes to the account for payment for professional services, in this case to pay the Barnes & Thornburg law firm to represent the MWRD in seeking a variance from the new winter quality standard for chlorides in the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS), taking the lead role for the CAWS Chlorides Watershed Group. Staff explained that because of the use of road salt in this area during winter, it is currently not possible to meet the new standard, which is why the variance is being sought for an initial 5-year period, even as efforts would continue to meet the standard in the future. It appeared from the discussion that the main issue here is that the MWRD would be bearing the full cost of this effort initially, until such time as the CAWS Chlorides Watershed Group is finalized. Commissioner Davis asked for the deferral so his questions could be answered.

Observer - Priscilla Mims Meeting Length: 1.5 hours

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MWRD to Study Bid Deposit Process

6/15/2019

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
June 6, 2019

Highlights of the Board Meeting:

Pris Mims accepted a resolution on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Cook County, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Illinois being the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment (Women's Right to Vote) to the United States Constitution.
Three other resolutions were presented: Celebration of the 100th Season of the Chicago Bears; Recognition of World Environment Day; Recognition of June as Puerto Rican Pride Month
Joe Evans of RSM – US (CPA firm) presented a report of their audit of MWRD, which resulted in an unmodified opinion (a clean opinion) which found that all appropriate standards are being met. Commissioner Debra Shore asked a series of detailed questions; a number of which it was suggested would be better answered by MWRD staff.

Consent Agenda Items Discussed:

Item #9 - Report on rejection of bids for contract - Commissioner Garcia asked if the MWRD requirement of bid deposits might be negatively impacting the number of bids being submitted. Staff responded that they are studying the bid deposit process, comparing it to the process utilized by other government agencies, but do see the bid deposit as a vehicle to reduce the number of frivolous bids. (Item was moved back to the consent agenda.)
Item #15 - Authority to advertise Contract for Repair and Rehabilitation of Gloria Alitto Majewski Reservoir - Commissioner Shore raised questions regarding the reason for slope failure at this site and wondered, if wet weather was impacting slopes at various reservoirs. Staff responded with explanation of engineering at the reservoirs that mitigate against impact of weather. (Item was moved back to consent agenda.)
Item #20 - Awarding of contracts to several companies for janitorial services and supplies Commissioner Garcia asked about the number of women and minority vendors for these contracts. Mr. Murray responded that staff will provide that information. (Item was moved back to consent agenda.)
Item #25 - Authority to increase purchase order with the legal firm of Neal & Leroy LLC to represent MWRD in acquiring property rights in connection with the Addison Creek Channel Improvements Project - In response to questions from Commissioner Spyropoulos, staff indicated that acquisition of 75 different parcels in six municipalities was involved. Staff also reported that as much legal work as possible was handled in-house to reduce costs. (Item was moved back to consent agenda.)
There was no new business.

Public Comment

Larry O’Toole of BIOS Farm requested that MWRD table an amendment to a lease of one acre of MWRD land, because the proposed lease change would prevent his group from continuing to grow organic produce at this site. BIOS Farm produce is sold at below market rate to underserved communities.

Observed by: Diane Hodges Meeting Length: 100 minutes

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Non-Profit Groups Urge MWRD Board to Modify Proposed Ethics Ordinance

MWRD Board Approves Watershed-specific Storm Water Studies Meant to Facilitate Pilot Storm Water Credit Trading Program

MWRD Board Forwards Land Deal for Crestwood Casino Project

Lack Of Quorum Requires MWRD Board To Reconvene On August 9

Water District Board Revises Bid Deposit Requirement

MWRD to Study Bid Deposit Process

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