Water Reclamation Board Approves Legal Representation for Service Contract Investigation

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting - September 14, 2017

Decisions Made:

• After going into executive session for one hour and 10 minutes, the Board approved a request to issue a purchase order for legal representation of the District by the law firm of Seyfarth Shaw LLP, relating to an investigation of engineering professional service contracts.  The Director of Procurement and Materials Management is authorized to issue a purchase order and enter into this agreement in an amount not to exceed $100,000. (Agenda Item 17-0967)

Other Comments or Observations:

• Commissioner Avila requested clarification on the services being provided by the law firm of Thompson Coburn LLP.  Commissioner Durkan responded that the law firm will provide branding of the District’s Biosolids and will respond to intellectual property questions.  The need for branding is due to the uphill battle in promoting the positive impact of Biosolids.
• Lou Presta, Mayor of Crestwood, provided brief comments on the planned use of 9+ acres of District real estate.  Once the leasing is approved, this parcel will be developed for recreational use including a Veterans Park.
• During public comment, George Blakemore raised concerns regarding whether minority contractors are receiving a fair share of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District contracts.
  

Observer - Diane  Hodges                                         Meeting Length: 2 hours 15 minutes