Slower-than-expected Interest for Solar and Wind leasing on MWRD Lands

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting 
January 18, 2024 

24-0027  The item, passed in 2023, allows the MWRD to accept renewable energy credits for solar and wind on MWRD property.  Com Davis wanted to know what kind of progress has been made on soliciting leases to build solar or wind projects on MWRD property.  MWRD staff has shown sites like Fulton County to various interested parties but to date, has received no proposals.  Davis asked what barriers they have encountered.  The largest barriers are the location to the grid and start-up costs.  Com. Davis asks why the MWRD can’t do it themselves if there are no interested parties so far.  The staff will revisit the task force findings.  

Com. Coral-Sepulveda asked for updates regarding the Hanover Park plant where, she reminded the board, plans had been presented a few months ago.  Staff said they would investigate.

24-0016  This item was deferred for a second time.  Com. Coral-Sepulveda asked that the RFP for the Deferred Compensation Plan administrator be delayed and deferred while she goes over race and gender make-up requirements and charitable work with ED Perkovich, MWRD Executive Director.. 

24-0047  Com. Spyropoulos asked why the bid for the Algal assessment was so much more expensive than the original estimate.  Staff responded that the original estimate was based on a price from a contractor who chose not to submit a bid, hence it was underestimated originally.  

24-0042  This item was deferred by request of Com. Flynn, while staff and board review affirmative action goals of the contractor for subcontractors.  

24-0035  Com. Brady-Davis brought up this item to advertise an RFP for flood control of the Midlothian Creek.  She wanted to thank the staff for including the community of Robbins, IL in putting together the requirements and for all their hard work.

Observer - Amy Little