Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
May 19, 2022

Public Speaker:

• A representative from the Sierra Club was the public speaker and he wanted the MWRD to be aware what is planned for the wetlands located on 55 acres near Rodenburg and Irving Park roads next to the Schaumburg Metra Station.  In 2018 the village of Schaumburg sold this land to Experior Transportation and the plan is to build a corporate headquarters, warehouse space and fueling station with storage tanks for trucks on top of the wetlands.  This will upset the natural ecosystem and destroy the natural flow of water, disperse wildlife, leaks in fuel storage tanks could contaminate underground water table, and the neighborhood and school will be exposed to polluted air.

​Board Action:

• The Board passed a resolution recognizing May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and honored Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago, a nonprofit organization that has a “mission to advance civil and human rights for Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.”
• MWRD received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2021 budget.  A budget that is comprehensive and understandable improves transparency for residents and assures that tax dollars are being spent appropriately.  To win this award MWRD leaders and the financial team met demanding criteria showing their commitment and professionalism.
• The board approved authority to advertise a  $11.4 million contract to furnish and deliver polymer.  Polymer is used in the wastewater treatment plants to create larger waste particles that can separate from water and to help manage the process of drying and condensing  biosolids.  The use of polymer makes the treatment process more efficient and cheaper.
• Commissioner Davis brought up the subject of rain barrels.  These barrels capture rainwater from roofs and keep this water out of the sewer system helping to prevent sewer overflows and flooding.  Rain barrel water is naturally free of chlorine, lime and calcium.  Rain barrels can be ordered from MWRD.

Observed by  Michele Niccolai

Special Meeting of the MWRD’s Committee on the Budget & Employment
November 5, 2020

On October 13, the Executive Director presented his 2021 budget recommendation.  At today’s meeting, the Committee voted to accept some slight increases to that recommendation, which still result in a small overall decrease from 2020 of 2.1% currently.  The proposed 2021 tax levy may increase by 1.1%.  However, all numbers could still change before final approval of the budget, scheduled for December 17.
Next steps:

• Commissioners to provide further ideas for the budget to President Steele, which are incorporated into a second set of changes.  Upon approval, these are included in what is referred to as the “Tentative Budget” which will be posted on the web site.
• Dec. 3 at 2 pm:  public hearing for the public to weigh in on the Tentative Budget
• December 10 (time not yet set):  Special meeting to consider the Tentative Budget with any further changes
• December 17 at 10:30:  regular Board meeting, with one last opportunity to further amend the budget

Proposed budget as it currently stands (incorporating changes approved on Nov. 5);

• Total appropriation request:    $1.127 B, decrease of $24 M from 2020, or 2.1% reduction
• 2021 estimated tax levy (a portion of the total appropriation):  $658 M, increase of $7 M from 2020, or 1.1% increase of levy.  However, the estimated cost per $100 of Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) is 23.61 cents for 2021 vs. 23.90 cents in 2020
• Total positions:  1,938, a decrease of 15 positions from 2020
• If the past is any indication of the future, these numbers will likely go up with further revisions

At this meeting, all major department areas of the MWRD presented highlights of their accomplishments in 2020, along with key initiatives for 2021, all of which are reflected in the Executive Recommendation, as amended at this meeting.  These areas include:
Stormwater Management Fund  --

• There continues to be an issue with levies greater than what is being spent.  MWRD’s responsibility for storm-water management began in 2004, with bonding authority received in 2014.  It takes a long time to identify and implement projects.  2021 levy will remain flat.  COVID responsible for delaying or cancelling some projects in 2020.  
• Comm. Shore recommended a placeholder be added to the budget for someone to help get the Stormwater Trading Project going and oversee the rollout.
• Comm. Du Buclet asked whether there has ever been a study on racial impact.  Not based on race, but there is a map reflecting disproportionate impacted communities (focus on income, not race).  MWRD using this to develop where shove-ready projects should be identified.  
• Comm. Avila reminded that MWRD only has jurisdiction in Suburban Cook County as Chicago has its own stormwater management operation.

Monitoring & Research – included in 2020 highlights was providing samples of wastewater for surveillance for Covid-19

Procurement & Materials Management – moved up and fully implemented electronic bidding and signature process as a result of needs due to COVID-19

General Administration – Planned space\use study halted due to COVID; no provision to do this in 2021 budget.  In Diversity section, President Steele said she wanted to add a position.  Plan is to conduct an affirmative action disparity study for purposes of evaluating MWRD’s Affirmative Action Policy.  With regard to Public Affairs, Comm. Du Buclet asked how the MWRD can be more visible to the public.  Comm. Garcia wants translator to appear at more events.

Board of Commissioners (includes Treasurer and Legislative Section) – Comm. Shore would like to put excess funding released from TIF districts toward Retirement Fund, as was done last year.  Told would be done.  Currently expecting $19 M.

​Retirement Fund – at 56% funding and holding steady

Additional Comments at end from Comm. Davis:

• As part of the Climate Action Plan, wants to establish benchmarks for adding electronic vehicles to MWRD’s fleet.  Suggested 50% by 2025 and 100% by 2030.
• Expressed concern about the Thornton composite reservoir as the clock is ticking on the transitional reservoir.  This impacts flooding in the South Suburbs.  Comm. Davis suggests that green infrastructure projects should be prioritized here to provide capacity to prevent/reduce flooding.  Comm. Davis impressed with the acquisition work in flood plains and flood-prone properties in this area.  He also applauded the work on identifying disproportionately-affected areas as important for prioritizing projects.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims                                                       Length of meeting:  4 hours

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting 
​October 15, 2020

By deleting one high profile item and deferring two others, Commissioners are increasingly expressing their desire to receive information 2-4 weeks before board meetings on large contracts, ordinance and policy changes, and even some legal settlements.  Comm. Davis suggested that committees be used to vet these requests before bringing them to the board. [See “Deleted/Deferred section].

Approved General Agenda Items

• 20-0876: The staff rejected bids from Odor Control Systems at two Tarp Shafts and the decommissioning of the Thornton Transitional Reservoir because of low bids.  This is second time bids were rejected as too low.  Staff is worried about the safety risks involved if there is a lot of rain.  The staff estimated the costs should be $14.5 to $17.6 million dollars.  Commissioner Spyropoulos said she would have more questions before the contract goes out for bid for the third time.
• 20-0870: The Board approved the District executing an Intergovernmental Agreement to receive $212,000  in Federal Covid-19 funds from the Cook County Bureau of Finance.  Commissioners thanked County Government for sharing these relief funds.
• 20-0845: The Board authorized staff request to advertise for Legal Advisory Services related to the District Financing Program for a period of 5 years at a cost of $235,100.  In approving this request, staff noted that a goal of 30% minority and female participation was set and it will hire five legal firms for each bond sale which increases opportunity for minority and female participation.  Per Commissioners requests, Staff will include participation goals in the RFP for this and other bond sales.

Deleted/Deferred Items

• Deleted:   20-0773 After two previous deferrals, Comm. Garcia asked for the $300,000 contract with Next Generation Technology, Inc. to enhance the District’s new website be rejected.  His concern is with the platform Word Press which is not the platform the District is currently using and is not highly regarded by several of the Commissioners.  In previous deferrals, Comm. Shore said that she was underwhelmed with New Generation’s presentation.  Comm. Garcia wants the new RFP to be tightened to state specifically what the District needs.  Staff indicated New Generation’s does have experience with the District’s platform; and in public comments at the end of the meeting, the Director of Business Development for New Generation confirmed that it did and also stated that Word Press is actually newer than the platform currently in use by the District.  
• Deferred:  #41 20-0880 The Legal Department brought to the board a settlement proposal with Peoples Power and Light and Coke Company which included a 50-year easement for continued operation and maintenance of a natural gas pipeline and remediation of District property in Chicago under an IEPA consent decree.  The concern is the 50 year easement, and would Peoples stretch out the remediation.  Ans:  There is no drop dead settlement date for remediation but the company has agreed to clean up the site to Residential vs Commercial level.  The District set the rent for 28 acres which is 22.5 more acres than Peoples actually needs at a cost of $500,000 per year.  The Legal Staff urged the board to approve this settlement as it has a court date the next week and wanted to bring the settlement to the judge.  During the 2nd comment period, the lawyer for Peoples called in and tried to assure the board by saying that if good weather prevails, the remediation will be done by mid-2021.  However Comm. Spyropoulos did not withdraw the deferral.
• Deferred: #42-20854 [Stormwater Management].  The District requested approval to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Niles.  The agreement is in the amount not to exceed $2M most of which will be paid by the Illinois EPA and is for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Greenwood Stormwater Park.  Comm. Garcia asked for the deferral based on questions about participation goals.

New Business

• Comm. Morita requested a comprehensive update regarding the District’s role and goal in collaborations with cities or the state for studies on COVID-19 and wastewater.  Comm. Shore requested a memo or briefing to the Board on updates in regards to COVID-19 and fiscal impacts, savings, unexpected costs and employees returning to work.
• Comm. Davis thanked President Steele for considering the League of Women Voters of Cook County’s recommendations on modifying its practice on meeting roll-call votes.  Effective with this board meeting, individual roll-call votes were only taken on agenda items that were removed for discussion.  All non-discussed items were bundled together for a single roll call vote.

Future Items

• Comm. Shore gave a brief update on the District’s Strategic Planning Team’s efforts to date including internal and external surveys, wide and comprehensive outreach, and a Stakeholder’s Workshop on October 22.  Comm. Garcia is co-chairing the planning team with Comm. Shore.
• The 2021 Board Meeting Schedule has been set and posted on the website.

Observer:  Diane Edmundson                                                         Length of Meeting:  2.5 hours

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
​July 16, 2020 

All 9 Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board members were present at the meeting.  Due to technical difficulties, only audio recording, without video, was available. The meeting also included input from several public speakers via phone hookup; MWRD Executive Director Brian Perkovitch and Director of Engineering Dr. Catherine O’Connor also participated.

Agenda Items 
The Board approved all agenda items except #54, which was deferred.
The following agenda items were treated as a group:
Issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement for Request for Proposal 19-RFP-32 Professional Services for Stormwater Master Plan for 

• #28 20-0531  Butterfield Creek Study Area Contract 18-848-AF, with Baxter & Woodman, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $249,140.00. 
• #29 20-0545  North Creek and Deer Creek Study Area, Contract 18-848-BF with Strand Associates, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $245,314.00.  
• #30 20-0546  Dixmoor, Dolton, Harvey, Phoenix, Posen, and Riverdale Study Area Contract 18-849-AF, with Donahue & Associates, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $250,000.00.
• #31 20-0549  Willow Creek and Weller Creek Study Area Contract 18-848-CF, with CDM Smith, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $291,188.00. 
• #32 20-0550  Austin, Humboldt Park, and West Garfield Park Study Area Contract 18-849-BF, with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $249,970.00.

Commissioner Shore questioned whether some of the subwatersheds not included in storm water study areas had been omitted because they were not within the corporate boundaries. Dr.O’Connor affirmed that these areas had not been included because it was not known how to recover the associated costs.  Commissioner Shore asserted that these subwatershed areas should be included and Commissioner McGowan stated that the fees should be assessed first and the project should continue. She requested that staff visit the omitted areas.
The cost of a large contract was decreased slightly:

#39 20-0498 Authority to decrease Contract 18-611-11, Repair and Alterations to Various Water Reclamation Facilities in the Stickney Service Area and Other Installations, to Independent Mechanical Industries, Inc., in an amount of $470,099.70 from an amount of $12,962,035.59 to an amount not to exceed $12,491,935.89.

Two affirmative action policies were unanimously approved:

• #46 20-577  Authority to adopt a policy for increasing opportunities with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for small business enterprises that are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender owned and operated to be designated as “LGBTBE Policy” .
• #47 20-0578 Authority to adopt a policy for increasing opportunities with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for small business enterprises that are owned and operated by persons with disabilities to be designated as “BEPD Policy  

#53 20-0486  Authority to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Chicago to reroute a section of the West Side 9 Interceptor, which had been deferred from the June Board meeting, was approved.  

Stormwater Management

• #67 20-0566  Authority to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with and make payment to the City of Des Plaines for the acquisition of flood-prone properties in an amount not to exceed $800,000.00.  Approved unanimously.

    
Miscellaneous and Deferred Agenda Items
#54 20-0521 Authority to commence statutory procedures to lease a parcel of District real estate located on the southeast bank of the Collateral Channel.   

• Several Commissioners spoke approvingly of Lakeside Recycling Systems, the potential lessee,  and were in favor of proceeding.  Others were concerned that feedback had not been obtained from community groups despite     attempts by Lakeside Recycling.  The difficulty of getting input from under-resourced community groups in light of the current pandemic and economic conditions in the Little Village area was noted. 
  
• Commissioner Morita requested the item be deferred, and the deferral was agreed to unanimously.

Commissioner Requests

• Commissioner McGowan requested the Executive Director have staff look into adding a Juneteenth option to the 6 Commissioner holidays currently offered.  Employees would then be able to choose one of 7 options for their Commissioner holiday at no extra cost to taxpayers.

Observer:  Ann Bolan                        Length of Meeting:  3 ½ 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