Board members present: McGowan, Santos, Shore, Steele and President Spyropoulos
Board members absent: Alvarez, Avila and Bradford
The minutes of the previous Board meeting were approved.
The remainder of the meeting was spent in dealing with contract bids and approving purchase orders. Most of the items were on the consent agenda. However, a few were singled out for discussion.
15-1059 was a request for policy direction for continued District employee participation in the Working in the Schools Program. This is a volunter program which has been very successful. Commissioners applauded the program and enthusiastically endorsed continuing participation by the MWRD. Commissioner Steele emphasized that this is voluntary, and that employees give their time during their lunch hours. It serves only Chicago Public Schools.
Commissioner Shore raised the issue of the unreported spillage that received publicity through the BGA investigative report. Her question, "Did Reliable [the company leasing the MWRD property] notify staff when the citation was issued?" They did not. It was suggested that the MWRD should notify all tenants that they are expected to notify staff when cited for a violation. Commissioner Shore asked that a letter be sent to all tenants reminding them of this obligation. So ordered.
Executive Director David St. Pierre was asked about entering into an agreement with Gartner, Inc. for technology consulting services. He said that Cook County has tapped into an existing contract originally put out to bid by the state of Kansas. This gives the staff a brain IT trust to go to when starting a new project. It helps keep staff current and provides access to the database of Garnter.
A grant to the Village of Wilmette for $130,000 for "green alleys" was questioned. This is for a project whose purpose is to absorb rainwater. Wilmette will pay $600,000; the MWRD is contributing $130,000.
Commissioner Shore announced that there would be a WEFTEC conference later this month and that a MWRD team will be participating.
President Spyropoulos called for a vote on the consent agenda. Five commissioners present voted aye. Motion was passed.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:05 am.
Submitted by Georgia Gebhardt
No comments:
Post a Comment