2021 Departmental Budget Presentations
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Utilities
Chicago, IL 60611 (Directions)
This is a remote meeting. To watch the live meeting proceedings, visit/refresh the MWRD Legistar meeting page at the scheduled meeting time. A link labeled “In Progress” will appear under the Video column for the corresponding meeting (though it may not be until at or a little after the scheduled start time).
Check the source website for additional information
Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Chicago - IL Documenters Team
Note-taking by
Rebecca Reid
Live reporting by
Megann Horstead
Megann Horstead
@MegannHorstead
This is Megann Horstead here. I plan on live-tweeting a special meeting of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. It all begins today at 1 p.m. For live coverage, follow @CHIdocumenters. #CHIDocumenters
12:03 PM Nov 5, 2020 CST
If you've haven't already, check out the meeting agenda. It will feature a presentation and potential consideration of the 2021 Executive Director's budget recommendations and related changes. mwrd.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
If anyone would like to make a public comment during the meeting, please call 312-751-3299.
If you would like to view the live stream of the meeting, go to mwrd.legistar.com/calendar.aspx. Once there, you need to click the "In Progress" link under the video column. The "In Progress" link will only be active when there is a meeting in session.
A roll call is being taken to determine which officials are present for today's special session.
A quorum has been achieved to allow the meeting to proceed.
Now, the board is reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Now, the board is reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next up, is the public comments section of the meeting.
No one takes time to make remarks or ask questions.
Brian Perkovich, the executive director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, is preparing to give the budget presentation.
No one takes time to make remarks or ask questions.
Brian Perkovich, the executive director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, is preparing to give the budget presentation.
Perkovich is summarizing the highlights of the proposed budget for 2021. https://t.co/MfJdYah7VQ
Perkovich speaks on financial health and how it is helping the MWRD to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. https://t.co/BhMt8cjeoE
Here's a look at the MWRD's reserve claim fund balance over time: https://t.co/e2xLMN2ZsU
Next up is John Murray, the district's director of maintenance and operations. He is highlighting some of the departmental line items. https://t.co/XXBmvl7OZW
Murray gives the board a snapshot into what the MWRD has accomplished in 2020. Among the projects highlighted was a discharge valve actuator replacement for raw sewage pump #6. https://t.co/a8I5mMB7u5
Murray said all the metrics on biosolids management improved in 2020 compared to the prior year. https://t.co/MzPgsdgWNI
Murray speaks on the initiatives to be explored in the year to come. https://t.co/jIruyTIyZe
Commissioner Debra Shore raises a series of questions after sitting in on the presentation delivered by Murray.
One of her questions sought to inquire of board consensus regarding if the MWRD could put a placeholder of $200,000 in the budget for renewable energy credits.
One of her questions sought to inquire of board consensus regarding if the MWRD could put a placeholder of $200,000 in the budget for renewable energy credits.
Shore's previous question did not prompt any discussion during the meeting among the rest of the commissioners.
Highlights from the construction fund were delivered to the board. Next up is the MWRD's engineering - corporate fund. The following is a snapshot of some of the accomplishments. https://t.co/wbftMWcdXa
There's been a drop in permit activity as the COVID-19 pandemic has persisted, according to a presentation shown to the commissioners.
Funding is being sought by the MWRD to help pay for 2021 initiatives. https://t.co/i4Nt262eY7
Shore has some questions on storm water. She asked if the MWRD is keeping its tax levy the same, why is the appropriation for storm water initiatives less for 2021?
Catherine O'Connor, director of engineering for the MWRD, said the intent is to catch up & keep the levy stable.
Catherine O'Connor, director of engineering for the MWRD, said the intent is to catch up & keep the levy stable.
Next up is a presentation on the capital improvement bond fund. https://t.co/MiWlkkmT9U
O'Connor takes time to review some of the 2020 accomplishments. https://t.co/b68GBHspQv
O'Connor gives an update on 2021 initiatives. https://t.co/NvtrwfLZgi
O'Connor begins presenting on the MWRD's stormwwater management fund. https://t.co/ja4wZXdNig
In speaking on historical expenditures, O'Connor gives credit to several officials for going to the Illinois legislature in 2014 to seek bond authority. https://t.co/dpHe7lkHMr
O'Connor said the MWRD acquired 90 flood-prone properties in Cook County in 2020.
"That is really sending a lifeline," she said.
"That is really sending a lifeline," she said.
The MWRD's acquisition of 90 flood-prone properties is one example of all the accomplishments of 2020. Others include: 👇 https://t.co/j3Nzn2fQpk
The MWRD has had its share of challenges in the era of COVID-19. https://t.co/KQmTbKjwTW
Next up is a review of 2021 initiatives. https://t.co/NDxvizzYO3
On a final note, O'Connor said the MWRD is planning to renew its focus with partner agencies to ensure that progress can continue.
Shore has some additional questions. She and staff continue to go back and forth in discussion.
At one point, Shore said she would like a new program manager position added to the MWRD budget.
At one point, Shore said she would like a new program manager position added to the MWRD budget.
Commissioner Kimberly Du Buclet asked if there's ever been a study of disproportionally impacted communities for racial equity.
O'Connor replied, saying they are studying those areas.
Currently, there are 0 shovel-ready projects in disproportionally impacted communities.
O'Connor replied, saying they are studying those areas.
Currently, there are 0 shovel-ready projects in disproportionally impacted communities.
O'Connor acknowledged that stormwater issues arise in every community.
Shore suggested the MWRD establish a working cash fund within the stormwater fund to support a major tree planting program when projects get delayed. She said there are a lot of benefits to having shade.
Shore suggested the MWRD establish a working cash fund within the stormwater fund to support a major tree planting program when projects get delayed. She said there are a lot of benefits to having shade.
Next up is a review of the MWRD's monitoring and research fund.
There is a proposed reduction of three positions. https://t.co/boKZUfLJd9
There is a proposed reduction of three positions. https://t.co/boKZUfLJd9
2020 accomplishments are highlighted in a presentation to the board. Among the items noted are partnerships with Argonne National Lab, University of Illinois at Chicago and Northwestern University. https://t.co/vsVw6m8uxV
Other 2020 accomplishments in monitoring and research... https://t.co/VeCpOy7Cam
Here are some of the 2021 initiatives highlighted during the special meeting. https://t.co/dc32kne8b6
Next up is the finance department budget presented by Jacqueline Torres, the MWRD's director of finance. https://t.co/zZhpjD0OUl
Torres spoke of the accomplishment made in the MWRD's department of finance. Here are some highlights 👇 https://t.co/MP6x3ZpGq1
Torres makes mention of the various 2021 initiatives to be undertaken by MWRD and its finance department. https://t.co/libLrtlvTR
Susan T. Morakalis, general counsel for the MWRD, is preparing to highlight the law department's 2021 budget proposal. https://t.co/4XPFHuOaxX
The law department at MWRD had its share of accomplishments in 2020. https://t.co/w9B1szTS3E
Morakalis said the MWRD was rather busy processing more than 300 Freedom of Information Act requests in 2020.
Next up is a budget presentation by Darlene A. LoCascio, the director of procurement and materials management for the MWRD. https://t.co/SOvCOCZS9h
LoCascio is highlighting accomplishments made in 2020. https://t.co/3UpCXGEf1g
The MWRD's general administration budget is being presented to the commission for review and potential consideration. https://t.co/jT7VMl8TZ0
Here's a look at some of the 2020 accomplishments. https://t.co/FKdeEHNNPm
Shore asked if there will be a space usage/needs assessment conducted.
Currently, there is no funding budgeted to bring in a consultant to study the situation, officials said.
Currently, there is no funding budgeted to bring in a consultant to study the situation, officials said.
Regina Berry, diversity administrator for the MWRD, highlights some of the accomplishments of the organization in terms of diversity and inclusion. https://t.co/Y1BcdK23HC
Berry said PRISM will provide a host of data to help inform the MWRD and its efforts. https://t.co/4GWCvx95rq
Some initiatives to expect in the year to come are ... https://t.co/lkJxT9Vezb
President Kari K. Steele asked if there will be additional positions added to the general administration/diversity budget. She suggests it is needed given the added work that has been directed to the department.
Currently, there are no plans to add any positions to the general administration/diversity department.
Next up is presentation on what public affairs staff at the MWRD has accomplished over the past year.
Members of the commission intend to take a small break. The meeting will reconvene today at 4:06 p.m.
It's 4:08 p.m., and the meeting is reconvening for a presentation on the MWRD's information technology department budget.
Here's a snapshot of 2020 accomplishments... https://t.co/siqoExYQSQ
The following is a list of the initiatives to be undertaken in 2021 by the MWRD's information technology department. https://t.co/IDDFhygCMY
Next up is a presentation on the MWRD's Human Resources department. Beverly Sanders, director of human resources, said one position will be dropped if the department budget for 2021 is passed, as is. https://t.co/4rftlHdsnS
Here's a look at what the human resources department at the MWRD has accomplished over the past year. https://t.co/Bw9ctBHyw1
Shore questioned if the Human Resources department needs additional funding given the pandemic and potential impacts.
Sanders said staff is stretched with handling contact tracing, but the hope is the concern will be alleviated sometime in 2021.
Sanders said staff is stretched with handling contact tracing, but the hope is the concern will be alleviated sometime in 2021.
Here's a look at the proposed 2021 budget for the MWRD's Board of Commissioners. https://t.co/dF39f2cTYt
Some of the accomplishments made in 2020 include: https://t.co/NX7JUgi0il
Here's a look at what the MWRD Board of Commissioners hopes to accomplish in 2021. https://t.co/jqiIDmZBtN
Here's a look at the district's retirement obligations. https://t.co/cgCeSBabAw
Steele gives thanks to the executive director and staff at the MWRD for their contributions to the budgeting process.
Steele is directing members of the commission to email her in regards to the budget presentations delivered at today's meeting.
Commissioner Cameron Davis has some remarks to share with the board. He starts by giving kudos to MWRD staff for their work in compiling the departmental budgets for 2021.
Davis said he believes prioritizing green infrastructure will be key to addressing issues with Thornton Composite Reservoir. More details on this project can be found online here: mwrd.org/tunnel-and-res…
Commissioner Marcelino Garcia speaks on how important it is to work with other groups on the issue of diversity.
In a 9-0 vote, the MWRD's budget is approved.
A motion to adjourn the special meeting is motioned and seconded for approval; it's passed.
A motion to adjourn the special meeting is motioned and seconded for approval; it's passed.
This concludes all the live coverage at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's special meeting, brought to you by @CHIdocumenters. For more information, check out documenters.org. #CHIdocumenters
Agency Information
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Created in 1889 as the Sanitary District of Chicago, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) today is a special-purpose district responsible for treating wastewater and providing stormwater management for residents and businesses in its service area, which encompasses 882.1 square miles and includes Chicago and 128 suburban communities throughout Cook County.
The MWRD serves approximately 10.35 million people each day, including 5.25 million residents of Chicago and 128 suburban communities. To learn more about the agency’s management structure and departments, click here.
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