Water District Board Takes Closer Look at Capital Expenditures in Study Session

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting - September 6, 2018

Board Votes/Decisions: 

• Four Resolutions [#18-0844,47,49,50] with reports on rejection of proposals dealing with bio-fuels recovery and delivery were removed from the agenda by the Executive Director pending further discussion.  At the post meeting study session on capital expenditures in 2019, the Executive Director (ED) said the District is not abandoning resource recovery or biofuels, but it is at a “reset to look at it all holistically”.
• An Executive Session was called during the meeting with one of the items being a discussion of the District’s information security procedures.  After which, approval was given to increase a current contract for an Emergency Forensic Cyber Audit of the District’s information Technology System.  
• Under Stormwater Management, the board approved payment to the Chicago Park District for the construction, operation, and maintenance of green infrastructure at three parks in Chicago.  The Board also awarded payment to several other communities and entities for “green infrastructure” improvements.

Items to Watch for in the Future:

• #18-0832  - Authority to advertise an $8 to $10 million dollar contract for replacement of stop logs, gates, and other equipment at the Lockport Powerhouse was deleted by the Executive Director.  No reason given.
• #18-0923 – Request to recognize the authority of the Governor to fill the vacancy of Commissioner Bradford by the appointment made on March 23, 2018 was removed from agenda. (Note: The Governor moved David Walsh from his appointed board seat to fill Mr. Bradford’s and then appointed Kenneth Dunkin to Walsh’s board seat.)
• #18-0922 – Requesting that board members receive parental leave was deferred

Other Comments or Observations:
1. The Board took several minutes to talk about the recent Calumet explosion where one employee was trapped when part of the roof collapsed.  Employees and the fire and police departments were lauded for their prompt and efficient response.  An independent Review is underway.

2. Following the Board Meeting, a Study Session was held to present progress to date and 2019 projections for major capital expenditures dealing with infrastructure and equipment upgrades and stormwater management measures. 

• This includes odor control upgrades at the Calumet and Stickney plants.
• No actual expense projections were included in the public presentation. 
• Commissioner Dunkin asked about minority contracts followed by response: 1.) Ex. Dir. Murray said that going forward the District will try to reduce the size of contracts to make it more feasible for minority organizations to bid.  2.) Staff will prepare a summary of minority contracts that have been awarded over the last 3-4 years.

To see video or read the minutes of this meeting click here: mwrd.legistar.com 

Observer - Diane Edmundson                                                        Meeting Length:  2 1/2 hours