MWRD Board Reelects Same Officers

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting - January 5, 2017

Highlights from the Meeting:

The following Board Members were nominated and elected unanimously:

• President of the Board -  Mariyana T. Spyropoluous
• Vice President - Barbara McGowan
• Chairman of the Finance Committee - Frank Avila

This whole election process was not on the agenda and the people nominated/elected were already in those offices.

A contract for a native plant and tree nursery at the Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant was not approved. Comm. Shore stated that she hoped that native plants would be central and that this project would include plans for  "work force development." Concerns with the bid also included that there was no bid deposit required and the same firm has been at least 20% over bid. The Director said that MWRD is beginning to learn what the cost of green-infrastructure is and he will have another bid process prepared. (Agenda Item 27)
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Commissioners also expressed concern with another project that had many change orders to the contract. Apparently there was additional cost due to a ruptured pipe but the subcontractor was not at fault since the pipe was not properly drained. (Agenda Item 32)

During Public Comment, Citizen Mr Blackmore gave comments saying he was here to “count the cows”and “drink the milk” – he wants good policy and services for black people of Chicago and Cook County.  He said there is a little clique that all elected themselves – he said the president of the MWRD should be elected by the people. There was objection voiced by the Board to Mr. Blakemore saying the Board is corrupt.

To view meeting agenda

Observer - Cate Whitcomb