[remote or in person] Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners

Roll call for today’s board meeting is called at ~10:32 and Chair Kari Steele announces a total of seven members, quorum is reached.

There are several items on the agenda, including a slate of resolutions. The full agenda can be found here:

https://mwrd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1236667&GUID=17E3D95C-3F47-4CAF-84DE-DD2B8EE3D4BD

Following the Chair providing a space for public comment, a presentation of an audit of the 2024 financial reports is given in the Finance Committee.

There are no significant concerns and several board members are confident in the direction of MWRD’s findings.

Chair Steele recesses the Finance Committee and reconvenes the board as a Committee of the Whole to advance the Consent Agenda.

Attending board members are invited to note items that they would like further discussion on. There are 3-4 of these.

The first item on the agenda is a resolution to recognize June as Pride Month for the LGBTQ community and honor the Chicago Parks Foundation as sponsor of the AIDS Garden.

Some LGBTQ history is named in the reading and Taskforce Prevention Service’s role in this year’s parade is highlighted.

Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, the first Black trans woman elected in Cook Country, provides remarks on the resolution in a soft yellow suit, noting that it “honors our reflection” before inviting a speaker who notes that the garden is “more than a memorial” because it celebrates those living.

Here’s a bit of coverage on Commissioner Brady-Davis and her historic election:

https://windycitytimes.com/2024/12/05/precious-brady-davis-cook-countys-first-elected-black-transgender-woman-sworn-into-office/

Commissioner Marcelino Garcia is the next speaker and favorably comments on the ordinance because it works against a “divisive culture.”

He notes that Juneteenth will take place later this month and connects both to the pride he has about being Puerto Rican and the rich history of the island.

Following his remarks, Chair Steele calls a brief recess to allow for photos of the resolution with today’s guests.

This is not visible on the livestream, but here is a bit more information on TaskForce and its local impact in servicing the LGBTQ community:

https://pridechicago.org/local-impact-takes-center-stage-at-2025-chicago-pride-parade/

The Committee of the Whole reconvenes at 11:07am and Chair Steele notes that Commissioner Eira Corral Sepulveda is in attendance.

Item #3, recognizing June as a month of celebration for Puerto Rican pride, comes up and Cmsr. Garcia jokingly suggests celebrating on the island.

Item #24, an item which restricts public access to District space for the benefit of the Blue Island Fire Department is brought up for discussion.

Vice President Theresa Flynn provides a bit of context on the area, but doesn’t seem to see major issues given that the site will be used for training.

The site in question appears to be a part of a parking lot held by the District that will restrict access for five years for a $5,000 permitting fee.

A few commissioners ask whether an intergovernmental agreement is needed and legal counsel notes that existing norms make it unnecessary.

Several commissioners request that the item be deferred for additional consideration and a roll call vote is taken. All commissioners vote in support of deferring the item.

Item #27, establishing and advancing ecological health for Chicago waterways, is briefly discussed by Commissioner Cameron Davis and he notes it has the support of several groups, including the Environmental Law and Policy Center and Earthjustice.

Chair Steele asks whether any other items need discussion in executive session and no commissioners vocalize the need.

The Items for the Consent Agenda are established absent #24 which will be discussed later.

Chair Steele requests a brief recess.

The regular Board meeting reconvenes at 11:30 and Cmsr. Sepulveda moves to lift deferring Item #24. She is seconded by Vice President Flynn and the permitting item is moved to the Consent Agenda.

The full Consent Agenda is read.

Chair Steele solicits additional comment from members of the board and hearing none

A motion to approve is moved by Commissioner Yumeka Brown, and seconded by Vice President Flynn.

The Board adopts the Consent Agenda, 8-0 with no NAYs.

Chair Steele begins the section for New Business and recognizes MWRD’s role as the first body in Illinois to give public employees the optional holiday off.

Commissioner McAvoy Davis spends some time highlighting Spencer Technical Academy in the Austin neighborhood, which recently had a ribbon-cutting.

https://mwrd.org/news/space-grow-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-set-spencer-academy-may-30

The school also boasts a new, responsive playground design that mitigates flooding and improves safety.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/04/austin-elementary-school-debuts-playground-that-protects-against-flooding/

Following additional comments from commissioners, a motion to adjourn the meeting is moved and passed at 11:49

The board meeting of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago concludes.

The next meeting will take place Thursday, June 26th at 10:30am.

Thanks again for following today’s meeting and don’t forget to check out the @https://documenters.org/ network to see what your coverage of local meetings looks like.

Until next time!

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