Water District Board Hears Objections to Cook County Highway Department Request for Access Road

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting - September 20, 2018 

Public Comments

• Three speakers, Leslie Shad, Natural Habitat Evanston and Citizens for Greener Evanston; Brian Abbott, Commissioner from Wilmette Park District; John Olvany, resident and Wilmette Park District Commissioner, all urged the MWRD Board to oppose a potential request from the Cook County Highway Department for an access road, which they believe will only benefit a private developer. Shad and Abbott expressed concern about the impact of the proposed road on the Canal Shores Golf Course, which is a recreational destination beyond golfing.  Additional concern was expressed about the desire to preserve the habitat.
• George Blakemore expressed concern about the lack of public input into the search process for Executive Director.
• Mike Archey from GTM Strategies expressed concern about the procurement process.

Board Actions

• #18-0922 – A motion to adopt a policy providing parental leave to Commissioners was removed by a vote to delete from the consent agenda.  This item had been deferred at the 9/6/18 Board meeting. Reports Filed
• #18-0953-This item prompted discussion after Commissioner Dunkin raised questions about the number of change orders on a west side project in a brief period of time.  Mr. Murray provided an explanation on the process for approving change orders.  Report from Engineering Committee
• #18-0946- Declaration of an emergency and ratification of execution of contracts to conduct an investigation into and repair damage caused by the 8/20/18 roof collapse at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant.   In response to questions, Mr.  Murray provided an overview of the scope of the necessary work, ie. removal of debris, building walls before winter to protect equipment.  He also indicated that the contractors’ work on this project is being monitored by MWRD staff. Report from Maintenance and Operations Committee
• #18-054 – Authority to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement  (IGA) with and make payment to Leyden Township.  Question was raised about an IGA with a township, which is unusual.  The response was the project is in an unincorporated area, where there is no municipality.  In response to Commissioner Dunkin’s question regarding, when the project will be completed, the project should be finished in 2019.  Authorization approved.

Other Comments

• Mr. Murray provided an update on the employees, who were injured in the Calumet explosion.  All employees have been released from the hospital; however, one employee is in rehabilitation.

Items to Watch for in the Future

• While not an item, the potential request by the Cook County Highway Department to construct a roadway has significant community interest especially due to its potential negative impact on recreational and environmental assets.
• #18-0922 – Policy providing parental leave for Commissioners

​Observer - Diane Hodges                                     Meeting Length - 1 Hr. 20 Min.