MWRD Board Presses for More RFP’s vs Sole Source Contracts

 Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting
September 7, 2023

Board Action:
A motion to appoint David Ormsby, Inc. as Public Relations Consultant for the MWRD for a one-year period to advise on crisis communications management was approved 7 to 2 after being deferred from the August 10, 2023 meeting and again from the morning to afternoon session of this meeting.  The issue at hand was discussed at the August Procurement Study Session where board members made known that they want more contracts to go out to bid.  Commissioners Davis and Spyropoulos were the two voting against the contract saying that it should go out to bid.  Several of the remaining seven that voted to approve the contract said that they have met with Mr. Ormsby, that he is very qualified, and that there should be no delay in getting the help needed.  Commissioner Davis said the contract language was not clear as to how this will lead to better systemic communications.    (Agenda Item #1 23-0801).

Two other agenda items were deferred:

• A resolution recognizing Reverend Leslie Sanders was deferred to the September 21 meeting by Commissioner Garcia as he would like to have Rev. Sanders present.  (Agenda Item #4 23-0876).
  
• A resolution to grant the Village of Hanover Park a 60-year non-exclusive easement to continue to operate a 6-inch water main on District land for $10 was deferred by Commissioner Sepulveda.  She wants the language changed to allow the District to use the land for new opportunities if Hanover Park doesn’t move forward with its plans.  (Agenda Item #57 23-0806).

All of the other 64 resolutions were passed including four Stormwater Management Intergovernmental agreements or authority to enter into same.  The total expected expenditures reported at almost $6 million.  One of the Stormwater agreements is being terminated and replaced in an amount not to exceed $3,483,000.  The Legal Department shared that the District cannot legally require that local governments adopt the District’s AAP goals. Commissioners Garcia and Sepulveda requested giving priority to municipalities that comply with the District’s participation goals or a higher scoring value at project selection.  This approach appears to be legal. 

Another item of interest is the staff’s request to advertise for Individual Coaching and Training services for a 3-year period.  This is for managers identified as needing improvement in their managerial skills or for those managers requesting the help.  (Agenda Item #26 23-0825)

New Business

• PFAS - Commissioner Davis passed out a graph listing the current action efforts of utility and water member organizations the District financially supports to hold PFAS manufacturers financially responsible for cleanup.  He asked that, as the District approaches renewal of membership dues for the organizations it supports, it considers the legislative efforts expended.
  
• Commissioners Sepulveda and Brown gave a heads up to the Board that they will be putting a motion on the September 21, 2023 agenda to create a separate department for DEIJ [diversity, equity, inclusion, and Justice].    

Observer:  Diane Edmundson                                      
All 9 Members were present – Garcia on Video
No Public Speakers – No Executive Session
Meeting length:  70 minutes