Commissioner Davis defers extension of the agreement allowing Cook County’s Office of Independent Inspector General to serve as the MWRD’s Inspector General.

METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT (MWRD) BOARD MEETING
APRIL 4, 2024

Administration:
Commissioner Davis said he would like more time for the Board to internally assess the arrangement allowing the Cook County IIG to serve as the MWRD's IIG. He noted the Inspector General’s role is to investigate waste, fraud and abuse, and while he saw nothing wrong with the current situation, it was important for the Board to fully vet the extension.  The contract expires May 16th. The Commissioner suggested the Board come back to the issue in the next two meetings.  The MWRD has budgeted $600,000 for the service, and the proposed extension is for 1 year.    #14 24-0244

All other items on the agenda were approved without discussion.  Those items included:

Aquatic Invasive/nuisance Species: 
The MWRD allows the US Army Corps of Engineers to use District land on the main channel of the Chicago River near Romeo Road and 135th Street in Will County to operate and maintain barriers designed to keep nuisance species (including giant carp) from traveling further upriver. This partnership was first agreed to in February, 2002.  The Board voted to approve a 2-year extension of that easement agreement, allowing the Corps to continue its work for a nominal fee of $10.  #24 24-0245

PFAS:
The Board agreed to advertise a contract for analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater samples.  The estimated cost is $98,000.    #4 24-0236

New Business: The Commissioners amended standing committee Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons for the remainder of 2024.  (Note: Commissioner Garcia is no longer Co-chair of the Real Estate Committee).   #25 24-0184 and #26 24-0182 

Executive session:  A brief closed session was held after the completion of the consent agenda.   

Meeting length: 47 minutes including executive session.

8 Members present, Commissioner Garcia was absent for the majority of the meeting, but re-joined for the final 10 minutes

Observer:  Laurie Morse