MWRD to Create Veterans' Employment Program

 Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting - November 3, 2016
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President Spyropoulos called the meeting to order at 10:35 a.m. and ended proceedings at noon. The President and several Commissioners congratulated the Chicago Cubs on their World Series win.  A 2017 Budget Presentation was scheduled for 1:00 p.m., but observer was unable to stay for it.

Highlights from the Meeting

• Public Comment:  Mr. Charles Love, representing Trillion C&G – Compressed Gas, congratulated the Board for its plans and effort to harvest waste and sell the compressed gas as motor fuel.  He pointed out this is not a fossil fuel, will displace the need to purchase as much foreign fuel and that MWRD is among the first to do this.  
• President Spyropoulos spoke about upcoming Veterans’ Day and the importance of recognizing veterans and their needs.  She indicated that the Board is creating a Veterans’ Employment Program which will give preference to veterans. (Agenda Item #40-16-1161)
• Contract Changes - An RFP about Biogas Purchaser for Vehicle Fuel (Agenda Item #13-16-1159) and an RFP for Organic Waste Receiving Facility and Digester Gas Flare System Upgrade (Agenda Item #15–16-1110). both led to extensive discussion about why there was a contract change.  Mr. Pierre, MWRD Executive Director, explained that the original provisions of the Americus contract fell through and there would now have to be a pipeline to carry the gas a much longer distance.  This problem appeared to void the contract and the ability to sell the gas.  MWRD is now exploring different opportunities, and it is anticipated that this approach will cost less.  BP is willing to purchase the gas and sell it locally rather than connect with pipeline,  This will required modification of the sludge building to eliminate the possibility of explosions.
• A proposal that would provide for the Authority to negotiate and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Water Environment Federation and District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority in developing a National Green Infrastructure Certification Program was discussed. MWRD already is a member of this organization and contributes to this program.  There was extensive discussion of why a Memorandum of Understanding was needed and it was decided that more information was needed before taking action on this item. (Agenda Item #38-16-1158)

Observer:  Syvia Tillman