MWRD Postpones Decision to Allow Alcohol at Lake Katharine Nature Center

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting - December 1, 2016

Highlights from the Meeting:

The only item discussed during the meeting was the proposal to amend a Lease Agreement with the City of Palos Heights to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol in certain portions of the land leased, commonly known as the Lake Katherine Nature Center. 

• The portions in question are the clubhouse and auditorium, as well as an outdoor area known as Festival Grounds, but only within the confines of a tent or other confined area.  
• The amendment would also allow the leased premises to be used for hosting/giving educational tours and classes, fundraisers, banquets, receptions, festivals, and other similar events.
  
• However, directly across the road from this area is a group of 90 townhomes whose residents are objecting to the amendment because of the concern with expected resulting noise, particularly late into the night.  These residents state they have already been bothered by events that go past midnight.  
  
• At Commissioner McGowan’s recommendation, the Board postponed taking action and asked the MWRD Executive Director to meet with all interested parties to see if an agreement can be reached.  As part of that, Commissioner Shore requested that the not-for-profit entity that manages the Center agree to disclose records more along the lines of what the City of Palos Heights would have to do per the Freedom of Information Act.  Commissioner McGowan suggested that the lease provide more details as to what constitutes a “nuisance,” which is prohibited under the lease.  

Item of Note:
This was the last meeting of Commissioner Alvarez, who is finishing his 6-year term, and Commissioner Walsh, who had been appointed to serve in an open seat until the November election.  The Commissioners who will be taking their seats will be sworn in at the Special December 8 Board Meeting.

Observer - Priscilla Mims