MWRD Procurement Process Still Questioned by Board

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
September 19, 2024

Board Action:
​There was a long Commissioner discussion about the award of the 39th Street conduit rehabilitation to Michels Trenchless for a higher bid than Instituform, who bid $3 million less (the total bid was over $40 million), but for which Instituform did not make a good faith effort to comply with the MWBE requirements of the MWRD.  The issue is that MWRD be fiscally responsible to taxpayers while at the same time requiring 12% MWBE participation.  Coms. Davis and Garcia needed more questions answered before committing to the higher bid, and seven commissioners voted to delete the item from the agenda.  (Item 24 #24-0786)

Coms. Corral-Sepulveda and Spyropoulos voted against the deletion.  The Procurement department keeps a list of MWBE approved subcontractors that could do work for the award winner.  Michels Trenchless apparently did not meet the 12% MWBE hurdle either, but Instituform had asked for a complete waiver.  During Public Comment the VP of Sales for Instituform spoke in opposition to the bid award to Michels Trenchless, in a repeat of the September 5 MWRD meeting.  

Com. Brady-Davis promised that they would have the report covering the MWBE process by the December meeting.  The consultant’s full procurement report with recommendations is also due in December.

The state lobbying contracts with four law firms for another year was deferred by Pres. Steele, with no discussion.  (Item 28 #24-0803)

With the exception of Items 24 and 28, all other board items were approved including the twice deferred EMS PRISM Compliance Mgmt. Software License Contract. (Item 15 #24-0690)

Public Comment - Environmental groups spoke in support of Urban Agriculture to reduce flooding and decrease urban food insecurity

• Speakers from the Cook County Farm Bureau and Friends of the Chicago River spoke in support of the MWRD’s resolution to use available land for urban agriculture projects. (Item 4 #24-0817) 
• Friends of the Chicago River supports the MWRD plan to lease sixteen acres OF WATER at the Schaumburg Egan Plant to install a floating solar array.  Com. Davis thanked the MWRD staff for innovation in helping to make the floating solar panels a reality. (Item 42 #24-0813).

Observer:  Amy Little                              The meeting lasted 90 minutes with no Executive Session.