TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 8, 2013
COMMITTEE ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authorization to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Chicago Department of Water Management and Chicago Public Schools to install green infrastructure at Horatio N. May Elementary Community Academy, Schmid Elementary School, Morrill Math and Elementary School, and Grissom Elementary School in the City of Chicago
Body
Dear Sir:
Staff from the District, the City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM), and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have discussed the installation of green infrastructure, such as permeable pavement and rain gardens, in conjunction with improvements CPS is planning for Horatio N. May Elementary Community Academy, Schmid Elementary School, Morrill Math and Elementary School, and Grissom Elementary School. A key objective of the improvements is replacing impermeable surfaces with green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff. A location map for the schools is attached.
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. This runoff contributes to flooding, combined sewer overflows, and unnecessary treatment costs. The improvements will also 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 Horatio N. May Elementary Community Academy, Schmid 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 the 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 August 8, 2013
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