@CHIdocumenters For those who aren’t familiar, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) was first created in 1889. It’s governed by a state agency to oversee water quality/treatment in all of Cook County, not just Chicago.

@CHIdocumenters Remember how the Chicago River’s flow was reversed in 1900? The MWRD was responsible for that, and currently boasts an annual budget of $1.4 billion for infrastructure projects, one WTTW report said. news.wttw.com/elections/vote…

@CHIdocumenters The MWRD board carries nine commissioners, with Kari K. Steele serving as president. Commissioners are elected every two years for six-year terms.

@CHIdocumenters Today’s agenda states that the board will discuss, among other things, contracts for pipes, purchases of manhole covers, a study for rehabilitating a reservoir and property rights for maintaining a storm water basin.

@CHIdocumenters This board meeting started on time at 10:30 a.m. on May 1, 2025, in its headquarters at 100 East Erie Street. There’s about 40 people in the audience, and four stationed uniformed police officers (which seems heavy to me for the relatively small board room/meeting.)

@CHIdocumenters There was only one taker for public comment, a spokesperson from the Friends of the Chicago River nonprofit who thanked the board for its investment in “Green Infrastructure” projects ahead of the fifth annual Chicago Water Week.

@CHIdocumenters Before digging into the agenda, the board discussed a resolution honoring WTTW reporter Geoffrey Baer for his work highlighting the MWRD’s work and waterways on television. “Thank you for the mostly invisible work that you do to protect us 24/7,” Baer said.

@CHIdocumenters The board recessed for a closed executive session at 11:10 a.m. but is now back in order. Commissioner Steele noted that WMRD will host free educational tours of its Calumet Reclamation Water Plant from noon to 3 p.m. on Sat, May 10. No RSVP is required.

@CHIdocumenters One commissioner noted that Chicago River Day is set for Saturday, May 10. City staff and volunteers will be cleaning up over 75 river sets from 9 a.m. to noon. You can learn about getting involved with Friends of the Chicago River. chicagoriver.org/get-involved/v…

@CHIdocumenters Otherwise, the 26 items on the board’s agenda were all approved unanimously by commissioners through one single vote. As mentioned, the various items concerned various contracts—including for HVAC improvements, roof inspections, janitorial supplies.

@CHIdocumenters What otherwise sticks out to me from the agenda was the approval of disbursing $62.5k worth of funds to settle two different worker’s compensation claims against the MWRD. Also, one commissioner questioned when the agency’s 2024 Dashboard will be back online with information.

@CHIdocumenters All in all, today’s MWRD meeting involved thanking WTTW’s Baer for highlighting the agency on the news, approving a general lot of maintenance services in one swoop, and light discussion from commissioners about upcoming events like River Day/reclamation center open houses.

@CHIdocumenters With that, the MWRD board adjourned at 11:45 p.m. This concludes the agency’s May 1 regular board meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, 2025. For more public meeting coverage, check out . Thanks for following! documenters.org