Speaker Seeks Minority Status for LGBT Community in MWRD Affirmative Action Plan

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting - May 19, 2016

While the Board meeting was fairly routine the post study session to hear feedback from the author of the District’s Affirmative Action “disparity study” was not! The report itself was complimentary of the District’s goals and achievements but said it is time to use electronic tools for monitoring.  Testimony from several speakers highlighted the complexity for the District:  

• One speaker said it is time to include the LGBT community in the goal setting process – others said no they are already included if they are a female or a minority. 
• A regular public speaker wants set asides specifically for the black community stating that was the original intent of affirmative action initiatives. 
• A third commended the MWRD saying that blacks are more likely to be hired and helped through its apprentice program.  

Action of Note:
The Board expanded its prescription drug disposal hours at all of its locations to 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm and at its Downtown offices to 5 days a week with the same hours.  

Diane Edmundson - Observer