Shannon Rovers Irish Bagpipe Band Highlights Board Meeting

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)
​Board of Commissioners Meeting
March 7, 2024

Agenda Items:

• Resolutions 2-4;( 24-0149-24-0167)- The Board of Commissioners recognized the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Shannon Rovers Irish Bagpipe Band, and the contributions of John J. Fitzpatrick and Mary G. Harris (Mother Jones). Irish-Americans were praised for their support of labor in the Chicago area.
• Kevin Byrne, the Irish consul, was honored.  He spoke on the bond between the City of Chicago and Ireland. 
• #5-24-0170- The MWRD comptroller informed the Board that the District has been awarded Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting in 2023, and for the MWRD Retirement Fund and Retiree Health Care Trust for fiscal year 2022.

Stormwater Management:

• The commissioners lauded the intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Board of Education. “Space to Grow” is a program that diverts stormwater on school property, plus it provides a safe place for children to play. Commissioner Davis spoke in support of this green infrastructure in schools and urged that the MWRD push to extend this to the suburbs as well. It is hoped that federal funds can be found to allow this program to move into the suburbs.

New Business: 

• Commissioners used the time to highlight various activities such as the Polar Plunge, Women’s History Month and their participation in various panel discussions. 

Consent Agenda was passed unanimously by roll call vote. 

Observer: Georgia Gebhardt                    Meeting Length:  10:30 to 11:40                Executive Session:  None