@CHIdocumenters The meeting starts on time at 10:30. After the usual opening ceremonies they start with public comments. I'm watching remotely.

The first public comment is by Tessa from Friends of the Chicago River, speaking in support of the green infrastructure partnership program.
She invites the board and public to participate in Chicago River Day.

Next speaker is Erin from Resource Environmental Solutions who wants an extension of a program regarding stormwater management.

Chicago River Day is May 11.
All rivers should have their own day, imo.

The MWRD board begins meeting as a committee of the whole to discuss agenda items.
Commissioner Garcia is asking about agenda item 10 but response from staff is not audible online.

Commissioner Davis brings up agenda item 40 about the Green Infrastructure Partnership Project and thanks Friends of the Chicago River for their supportive comments.

A staff member, Dr O'Connor, speaks about green infrastructure projects underway. Many involve permeable pavement. "We're very excited about these projects."

Davis asks about project criteria and encourages new partnerships. Both talk about "DIAs" repeatedly without saying what that is.
O'Connor says equity is hard wired into their process.

President Steele thanks staff for a handout about the Green Infrastructure program, but it's not made available online. She wants to make sure they continue to serve disadvantaged areas.

Commissioner Spyropoulos praises the program. When the concept of green infrastructure was first raised she got skeptical reactions and side eyes. The district has come a long way.

Commissioner Corral Sepúlveda wants to make sure the entire county is served by the program fairly, including areas facing excessive flooding. Mentions a specific project that may not be a good return on investment.

Steele responds that many goals go into selecting projects. Suggests a meeting with Dr O'Connor to talk about details.
More info on the green infrastructure program:

They adjourn the committee of the whole after passing the consent agenda and are taking a 5 minute break before reconvening as the MWRD board of commissioners regular meeting.

Coming back from recess, the clerk reads the title of all agenda items.
There will be a change in the board after the November election. Commissioner Pogorzelski lost the primary election to Sharon Waller. Info on her:

They pass the consent agenda and then go into executive session to discuss a personnel issue.

I've been watching MWRD meetings for a while and it's unusual for them to enter executive session. This one feels unbearably long because I'm getting hungry for lunch.

MWRD returns from executive session. They take no action and President Steele doesn't say anything about what they discussed.
She recognizes Cinco de Mayo and Asian American and Pacific Islander month.

Commissioner Garcia recognizes May Day as an international day for workers' rights.
Corral Sepúlveda recognized an upcoming Greek Orthodox holiday. Also adds, "May the fourth be with you."

Commissioner Pogorzelski's mic keeps cutting out so I can't hear him. But he sings something in...Polish, I guess?

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board of commissioners adjourns at 11:55. This concludes my posting for #CHIDocumenters.