MWRD Amends Watershed Management Ordinance and Includes A Regional Credit Trading Pilot Program

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting 
​May 7, 2020        

Nine Board members participated in this virtual meeting, and three public speakers participated by audio hookup.  Two of the speakers supported the new Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) and the third speaker represented Northwestern University in Evanston concerning Agenda Item #52 (see below).

Board Action and Discussion:

• Agenda Item #1, 20-0004.  Approved.  The Board unanimously approved the amended Watershed Management Ordinance [WMO] and thanked organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the Metropolitan Planning Council for their participation on the Stormwater Planning Council and the Council’s contributions to the WMO.  A regional stormwater control credit trading pilot will be introduced for the Little Calumet and Des Plains Watersheds. The goal is to use this market based tool to ensure the watersheds are safer and more resilient to heavy storms.  
• Agenda Item #12, 20-0344.  Approved.  Authority to decrease the cost estimate for a repair and rehabilitation contract for the Majewski Reservoir in Des Plaines.  Asked why more money is needed as $6 million was authorized in 2014, staff responded that the work that was done in 2014 covered a little more than half of the Reservoir.  This contract is for the rest of the Reservoir.  Staff noted that the Majewski takes on water about six times a year and is inspected regularly.  
• Agenda Item #14, 20-0229.  Approved.  Authority to advertise a pavement contract prompted a Commissioner’s query about using green infrastructure for this type of contract.  Staff answered that for new pavement contracts, green infrastructure is used.  For repairs, it is used when possible and practical.  
• ​Agenda Item #38, 20-0369.  Approved.  Authority to issue a purchase order for Telephone and Software updates prompted a discussion on use of thumb drives – Is it best practice from a safety perspective.   Staff believes that it is safe and will provide more information via a memo rather than in this public meeting.
• Agenda Item #48, 20-0330.  Approved.  Authority to decrease a purchase order with the Chicago Public Schools led to a discussion on the District’s Space to Grow Program.  With COVID-19 and school closings, a question was raised about expenditures at this time.  Staff answered that school closing makes it easier and quicker to complete the 4 projects planned for this year, which brings the total to 34 schools.  
• Agenda Item #58, 20-0332.  Approved.  Staff asked for authority to negotiate intergovernmental agreements with the City of Chicago’s Park District.  Commission DuBuclet said the goal is to improve stormwater amenities in the Park District and staff added that the agreement can provide leverage for flood reduction and possible neighborhood revitalization.  

Requests

1. Commissioner Shore asked Staff to study the Governor’s COVID-19 transition plan and provide guidance to the Commissioners.  
2. Commission Spyropoulos asked staff to look into providing either a bonus, hazard pay, or perhaps a day off for workers going into the plants.  McGowan asked that this consideration be extended to workers going to the downtown office.
3. Commission Avila stated he has concerns about 2020 finances due to COVID-19 and cautioned the board to be conservative in developing the 2021 budget.
4. Commissioner Davis strongly urged the board not to consider using TIF funds to augment COVID-19 budget deficits – but to continue to reserve TIF monies to reduce Pension debt obligations.  He asked colleagues to join him in identifying expense reductions.
5. Commissioner Davis said he is working on a Space to Grow amendment and invited the commissioners to provide input on an expansion of the program.  He will offer his amendment at the May 21 meeting.  
6. Commissioner McGowan requested a Study Session in early June to discuss the Affirmative Action Amendment and the 4 points raised by Garcia in his deferment of Agenda Item #2. (see below)

Deferred Items

• Agenda Item #2, 20-0003.  Authority to amend the Affirmative Action Ordinance expiration date to December 31. 2021.  Commission Garcia troubled by an extension to December 2021.  Wants to act sooner.  
• Agenda Item #11, 20-0342.  Authority to extend vending machine contract.  Commissioner Garcia wants to discuss the food service operations in the District.
• Agenda Items #13,15,21,24,31,43.  Each of these items are contracts where Commissioners Garcia and McGovern asked for more details on participation goals and if other agency lists of available contractors were reviewed.
• Agenda Item #32, 20-0288.  Commissioner Garcia deferred a settlement agreement with Marcelo H. Garcia, Ph.D. in connection with a litigation case.  No discussion held.
• Agenda Item #33, 20-0302.  Second deferral requested by Garcia.  Board received information one day before meeting.  Subject:  Agreement for a Compensation and Benefits Study.
• Agenda Item #47. 20-0261. Garcia troubled that a contract increase with AT&T is being requested just six months after signing the original purchase order.
• Agenda Item #52, 20-0264.  Authority to issue a 5-year permit to Northwestern University to allow parking and tailgating activities during home games on several parcels along the North Shore Channel, for a fee of $80,000.   Davis deferred and asked for estimated costs to MWRD to provide long-term maintenance.

Observed by:  Dianne Schmidt                      Meeting Length:  3 hours