Public Speaker Rules Changed for MWRD Board Meetings

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting-April 21, 2016

Major Items Discussed:

• The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board proposed a change to the Rules of the Board. Section 5.25-Limit on Public Speakers. Previously, the public was able to speak throughout the board meeting. Now, Public comment will only be accepted during the beginning of the Board’s agenda, unless otherwise authorized by the presiding officer. Comments will remain at 3 minutes and speakers will still have to fill out a Speaker’s form.  Commissioner Shore requested the following sentence be removed from beginning of section 5.25: “Speakers Request forms will be accepted until the beginning of the time of the meeting.” Shore asked to allow Public Comment at the beginning of Recess, and Convene as Committee of the Whole. She felt that this would give latecomers to the meeting a chance to fill out a Speaker’s Request form. This rule change was unanimously approved by roll call. This change will go into effect on May 5, 2016.  (Agenda item 16-0396)
• Board members approved a contract with the Stream Bank Stabilization Project for the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River, to Pan Oceanic Engineering Company in the amount not to exceed $433,650.00. This project will stabilize the eastern stream bank along the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River through construction of a 155-foot gravity retaining wall. The project will address public safety and protect two structures and utilities in imminent danger due to active stream bank erosion. Board agreed that these projects needed to be done.  (Agenda item16-0438)

The board went into Executive Session but reconvened the meeting at 11:40 am where they approved all agenda items.

Observer Nancy Marcus