TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JULY 11, 2013
COMMITTEE ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
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Authorization to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Chicago Department of Water Management and Chicago Public Schools to install green infrastructure at Dirksen Elementary School, Morrill Math and Elementary School, and Grissom Elementary School in the City of Chicago (Deferred from the Board Meeting of June 20, 2013)
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Dear Sir:
Staff from Openlands, the District, the City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM), and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have discussed the possibility of installing green infrastructure, such as permeable pavement and rain gardens, in conjunction with improvements CPS is planning for Dirksen Elementary School, Morrill Math and Elementary School, and Grissom Elementary School. A key objective of the improvements is replacing impermeable asphalt surfaces with green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff. A detailed description of the program and a location map for the schools are provided in the attached documents.
It is envisioned DWM and the District would share the cost of the green infrastructure components and CPS will assume all costs associated with all recreational improvements. It is anticipated the green infrastructure components will cost approximately $2 million. The facilities would be installed in summer of 2014.
Runoff captured by green infrastructure will reduce stormwater runoff entering the combined sewer system, which contribute to flooding, combined sewer overflows, and unnecessary treatment costs. The improvements will serve as educational opportunities for the students and general public to learn about the benefits of green infrastructure.
It is therefore requested the Board of Commissioners grant authority to negotiate terms of an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Chicago Department of Water Management and Chicago Public Schools to install green infrastructure at Dirksen Elementary School, Morrill Math and Elementary School, and Grissom Elementary School. A subsequent request outlining terms of the agreement and seeking authority from the Board of Commissioners to enter into IGA will be provided upon conclusion of negotiations.
Requested, Catherine A. O'Connor, Director of Engineering, WSS:JPM
Recommended, David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Respectfully Submitted, Michael A. Alvarez, Chairman Committee on Stormwater Management
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for July 11, 2013
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