TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 19, 2018
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to issue a five (5) year permit to the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, as co-permittees, to continue to access, operate, maintain and improve their Chicago Waterway Observatory within an approximate 3’ x 6’ area of the District’s Chicago River Controlling Works South Sluice Gate Building located at DuSable Harbor in Chicago, Illinois. Consideration shall be a nominal fee of $10.00
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Dear Sir:
Since 2008, the Board of Commissioners has issued a series of permits to the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (“USGS”) and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (“UIUC”), as co-permittees, to access, operate, maintain and improve their Chicago Waterway Observatory (“Observatory”) within an approximate 3” x 6” area of the District’s Chicago River Controlling Works South Sluice Gate Building located at DuSable Harbor in Chicago, Illinois. The current permit, which was issued for a $10.00 nominal fee, commenced October 1, 2013, and expires September 30, 2018.
USGS and UIUC have requested a new 5-year permit to continue accessing and operating the Observatory. The current permit allows USGS and UIUC to measure bi-directional flow, stratification, and density pertaining to the Chicago River. Under the new permit, they will also gather water level, water velocity, and water discharge data to support ongoing research into Chicagoland area flooding and water quality.
The District’s technical departments have reviewed this request and have no objections thereto. A nominal fee of $10.00 is recommended as USGS and UIUC are public entities utilizing the property in furtherance of a public purpose.
It is requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it authorize and approve the issuance of a five (5) year permit to U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, as co-permittees, to continue to access, operate, maintain and improve their Chicago Waterway Observatory within an approximate 3’ x 6’ area of the District’s Chicago River Controlling Works South Sluice Gate Building located at DuSable Harbor in Chicago, Illinois. Consideration shall be a nominal fee of $10.00.
It is also requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it authorize and direct the Chairman of the Committee on Finance and the Clerk to execute said permit agreement on behalf of the District after it is approved by the General Counsel as to form and legality.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:CMM:JW:vp
Recommended, David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Respectfully Submitted, David J. Walsh, Chairman Committee on Real Estate Development
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for April 19, 2018
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