MWRD Board Wants Polluter Pay Principle adopted by Water Trade Associations and Affirmative Action Ordinance Issues Require another Study Session

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
​November 3, 2022  

Three Water Associations’ membership renewals that were deferred from the October 22nd Board meeting were again deferred after extensive discussion prompted by Commissioner Davis’ statement that he would vote NO on all three.  His statement represents his strong viewpoint that State and National Water trade associations should better represent water utilities by adopting the “polluter pay principle” in their legislative agendas.  In particular, PFAS, which are considered a forever toxin, need to be identified and stopped at their manufacturing source.  
Executive Director Perkovich noted that he is in regular conversation with these trade organizations but that the issues are complicated.  The very robust discussion that ensued involved all nine commissioners and led to requests for more specific information about what the Trade Associations are doing to lobby for PFAS removal and what resources would be lost if membership was dropped.  They also asked the District to develop a strategy for how best to proceed.  Davis wants the District to push the Trade Associations to take more responsibility for helping utilities protect water effluents in addition to limiting member’s legal liability.  Several commissioners stated that they want to continue membership but work with staff and the District’s state and federal lobbyists.  Items #12-14, 22-0931,32,33
The resolution requesting board and public review of the Affirmative Action Ordinance Amendment prompted a request for another Study Session as several recommendations from the Disparity Study were not included.  Important missing items were the acceptance of other government procurement certification lists, moving previously exempted furnish and deliver contracts under AAP compliance, establishing a Diversity Advisory Council, and revisiting the surety bond requirement.  Item #44, 022-014

Budget & Employment

• Commissioner Spyropoulos asked if the delay in issuing the 2nd installment property tax bills has significantly affected the MWRD.  Answer:  No because of healthy reserves and the District has already received the 1st installment payment.      Item #37, 22-0991

Stormwater Management

• The Board approved entering into a $900,000 intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Winnetka for the acquisition of flood-prone property.       Item #43, 22-0981

Deleted Agenda Items

• #17, 22-0947  Commissioner Sepulveda asked that this item which was deferred at the October 22 meeting be deleted.  It is for a Technical Assistance Program to assist women and minority businesses.  She stated $100,000 is not enough investment to ensure a successful program and wants a new RFP with more specifics, expectations, and dollar investment.
• #41, 22-0994  The Executive Director deleted without discussion a request to grant the County of Cook a 75-year non-exclusive easement to construct, install, operate, maintain, repair, and remove a public road across several North Channel Parcels.   

Deferred:

• In addition to Items 12-14 above, a 3-year license renewal and software maintenance agreement was deferred by Commissioner Garcia without board discussion.  Item #22, 22-0053

                                    
Note:  The AAP Study Session will be held on November 9, 2022

Observer:  Diane Edmundson