John P. Murray Appointed as Executive Director of the MWRD

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners Meeting
​November 20, 2025

After serving eight months as Interim Executive Director, John Murray was offered and accepted the position on a permanent basis.  This was the second stint for Mr. Murray as an “interim”.  He will likely be vacating the position of Director of Maintenance and Operations. #26 25-0875

Other Agenda Items:

• Commissioner Corral Sepulveda deferred Item #6, a Furnish and Deliver contract for web-based compliance software at an estimated cost of $250,000. She then asked for information on the scope of the contract. E.D. Murray responded that they do not typically release information until the contract is complete, but he promised to send her a summary.   #6 25-0848
• Commissioners Waller & Flynn thanked staff for report on Public Notification of Dischargers found in significant noncompliance with pre-treatment standards or other requirements. See attachments #1-2 of the non-compliance report for the list of companies found not to be in compliance and a 4-year comparison.  Item #20 25-0868
• Commissioner Waller commented that she had addressed a question to staff on the possibility for allowing a reuse of water credit applied against noncompliance penalties and was given reasons why it could not work.  She then challenged the staff to rethink its position.  She also went on to mention that Congress has HR 2940 under consideration which would grant a 30% tax credit for onsite reuse both individually and in partnerships; and that the Water Reuse Association is looking for funding for water reuse projects when water and wastewater run thru separate sewers. President Steele said that she looks forward to a meeting with staff and Commissioner Waller to talk about her ideas and then to present to the full Board for a decision.

New business: 

• MWRD received the Outstanding Geology & Environmental Award.  The deep tunnel, known as TARP, being built for water retention during heaving storms was cited as one of the reasons the Agency was singled out for this recognition.
• Commissioner Waller noted the November 8 propane gas explosion at a Homeless encampment at a park on land owned by the MWRD on the NorthShore Channel. The blast was felt by nearby residents. She urged the MWRD to assist in finding housing, especially for couples who do not want to be separated, and to help facilitate the encampment removal before cold weather sets in.  Steele asked Waller to meet with her that afternoon for Steele to put Waller in touch with local elected officials that could help with the situation. Flynn asked for Murray to provide information on previous MWRD efforts in regard to the encampment.
• Commissioner Flynn congratulated all recent retirees from the MWRD.

Executive Session: Yes. To discuss minutes of lawfully closed meetings and to discuss items regarding the Open Meetings Act – 26 minutes.                     Attendance:  8 Commissioners present – absent:  1 (Brown)

Observer:  Georgia Gebhardt