MWRD Board Focuses On Environmental Justice Policy & Approval Of Legislative Program

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
January 19, 2023, 10:30 a.m.

Board Action:

• ​#39-23-0085    The environmental justice policy was strongly supported by the commissioners. Commissioner Davis voiced support for the policy which advances equity and diversity. Commissioner Spyropoulos echoed that support,  highlighting it as a “living document” that can adapt to changing times. Commissioners Garcia, DuBuclet and Brown also spoke in favor.
• #40-23-0086  The commissioners adopted criteria for leasing district lands. Commissioners complimented Director Perkovich and the staff for their work.  Commissioner Garcia stated that the district is more than a waste water treatment facility. It is the second largest property owner in the county. He complimented the Friends of the Chicago River for their work. The district receives $25 million per year in income from its leasing. Commissioner Spyropoulos expressed appreciation for the fact that the policy was broad in scope, allowing for flexibility, while Commissioner Brown approved the policy’s openness to input from municipalities.
• #42-23-0091 MWRD Legislative Program for 2023. Commissioner Davis complimented Director Perkovich and his staff on building in adequate time for the board to consider the program. He highlighted the plan to facilitate solar and wind initiative and strongly urged the agency to push for a Department of Diversity (JEDI-Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion).  He asked Director Perkovich if the staff was ready to act on the will of the board.  Commissioner Steele spoke for the director and assured Commissioner Davis that the staff was prepared to address this issue. Commissioner Spyropoulos  expressed support for an equity department and urged that it go beyond the creation of the department to being specific in its goals, authority and method of reporting. 
• #45-23-0109  The  Board accepted the appointments of the chairs and vice chairs for the standing committees as revised. Commissioner Steele stated that these assignments were for a period of two years. 

No New Business - No Executive Session

Observer: Georgia Gebhardt