Water District Board Approves Membership in Non-Profit Water Entity Current Innovations

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting -  July 12, 2018      

What did the Board Decide: 

• The Board spent a good portion of the meeting discussing Current Innovations.  Current Innovations is a non-profit water entity based in Chicago. They aim to enhance the efficiency and resiliency of water systems, develop innovative water technology solutions to safeguard clean water and improve wastewater treatment, and raise global awareness of water to increase investment and employment in the water industry. They collaborate with world-class utilities, research institutions including Universities, and industries. Current Innovations will help the Chicago region including the MWRD work towards securing sustainable, efficient, and water resilient systems. Majority of the Board felt that this was a good move and funds were available to cover the expenses. There were two Commissioners, Frank Avila and Kenneth Dunkin that felt that this was not necessary as MWRD already accomplishes this in house and why does it need to be out-sourced.   The Board was assured that this does not take away any jobs or staff. The Board by a 6-2 roll call vote (with 1 commissioner not present) voted to approve annual membership dues to Current Innovations for 2018 and 2019, not to exceed $400,000.00. (Agenda Item #13 {18-0691})

What else did the Board discuss or refer to committee?​

• The Board accepted the resignation of David St. Pierre, Executive Director, effective June 27, 2018. Under the terms of separation agreement the District will pay Mr. St. Pierre a separation payment not to exceed $95,000.00 and will provide COBRA insurance for the next six months after his resignation. There was no discussion. John P. Murphy is the Acting Executive Director. 
• With the exemption of 3 items that were removed from the agenda, all remaining items were routine and approved.

Watch for in the Future:

• Commissioner Shore under new business brought attention to the mowing of the north end near Willow Road of the Techny Basin in Glenview. This was an unnecessary accident by a substitute mower who was told to mow the entire area. This caused damage to all existing native plants, the insects living in this area especially the monarch butterflies and could cause water damage if flooding occurs during a rain event as these plants helped with water control.  Commissioner Shore stated that there should be no mowing during the  peak growing season. Education of the mowing crew should occur so that they understand what or what not to mow. All need to understand the role of native plants in our area, and more native plants should be planted.  Watch for future discussion of this.

 
Observer - Nancy Marcus                      Meeting Length: 2-1/2 hours with a ½ hour Executive Session