Money Decisions and Deferrals Produce Good Board Discussion

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting  - March 17, 2016

Significant Topics Discussed:
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) will provide an $180,000 grant to a new non-profit being “birthed” in Chicago called “Current”.  World Business Chicago is launching this water technology research center that will focus on local water issues.  The MWRD staff and Debra Shore among other commissioners believes this technology center has the potential to be a great resource and will monitor Current’s value over the next two years.

Board Members asked the staff to provide new real estate appraisal guidelines and to get an updated appraisal for a vacant property that is currently being rented at an annual rate of 10% of its 2012 appraised value.   The importance of this request reflects the board’s interest in its fiduciary responsibilities to MWRD and the citizens that underwrite the work of its operations.

A citizen during the public comment period called for an Independent Inspector General for the MWRD.  The League of Women Voters of Cook County strongly supports the creation of this office.

Significant Topic Removed from Agenda:
Deleted from the agenda was a request by Executive Director, David St. Pierre to start the statutory procedures to sell the MWRD’s lobby and plaza areas of its 101-11 East Erie Street building.  The board was very reluctant to give approval without investigating long-term rental or other options.  A hotel is being built adjacent to the MWRD building and its owners want to buy the current lobby in order to facilitate getting a liquor license to serve alcohol on the lower level of its hotel.  

Observer - Diane Edmundson