MWRD Board Approves Large Maintenance Contracts and Continuation of Partnership with Chicago Department of Public Health

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
August 11, 2022

Board Action of Note:

• Item 31. # 22-0657 The Board awarded a $16.356 million contract to IHC Construction Companies for work at the District’s Chemical Phosphorus Removal Facility, Calumet Water Reclamation Plant. The information provided did not specify if the work was for expansion, re-design, or repairs.
• Item 33. # 22-0687 Commissioner Spyropoulos pulled this $12.3 million repair and alterations item from the agenda for discussion, then returned it for board approval.  This was a new version of the contract, divided into groups, and she asked about the differences.  Executive Director Perkovich explained the groupings were based on geography.  The Board agreed to award Independent Mechanical Industries, Inc. all three sections of the contract.
• Item 49. # 22-0721 The Public will be interested to know the MWRD continues its cooperation with the City of Chicago’s Department of Public Health that began as a result of COVID.  The Board approved permits for the Health Department to continue accessing the District’s sewer systems in Chicago to install and maintain sampling devices as part of its wastewater surveillance project for pathogens of public health concern. 

Stormwater Management

• Item 10. #22-0678   The Board approved an amendment to a June 2, 2022 approval to increase funding to $5.2 million dollars for a contract being advertised for Small Streams Maintenance in Cook County. The District is tasked with clearing debris and windfalls from the County’s small streams to prevent flooding.
• Item 14. #22-0673 The Board also granted authority to advertise a contract in an amount ranging between $57.1 million and $69.1 million for Addison Creek Channel Improvements; an on-going project of the District.

New Business

• Commissioners congratulated the MWRD Public Affairs Office for winning an award for the District’s children’s book, “Where Does It Go?” published in 2021.

Commissioner Requests

• Item 9. #22-0625 The Board authorized payment of its $100,000 annual membership dues to Current Innovation, a not-for-profit organization co-founded by the District. Current Innovation conducts water-related programs and research, and promotes public involvement in water issues. Commissioner Garcia pulled this item for discussion and then returned it to the agenda.  The Commissioner praised the organization, then noted the MWRD cannot provide grants to communities. He asked Executive Director Perkovich to explore the possibility of the District paying participation fees to communities and community organizations engaged in efforts relating to the District’s goals.  The Executive Director agreed to explore this idea and report back to the Board.  

Executive Session:

• Yes, the bulk of the meeting was an executive session to discuss closed meeting minutes.

Observer - Laurie Morse