TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR THE BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 16, 2020
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Declaration of an emergency affecting public health and safety relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Body
Dear Sir:
On Friday, March 13, 2020, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (the “District”) began operating with minimal on-site staff to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). However, the water reclamation plants and other essential facilities continue to be manned around the clock in order to protect the health and safety of the residents of Cook County, Illinois.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a threat to public health and safety. The Governor of Illinois has declared all counties as disaster areas and issued stay at home orders to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The Governor also encouraged public bodies to postpone consideration of public business where possible.
In order to meet the demands of this unprecedented emergency, the District was required to purchase additional equipment and supplies to ensure the safety of District employees and continuity in District operations. In accordance with Section 11.5 of the Purchasing Act, the Board of Commissioners was polled, and tentatively declared an emergency affecting public health and safety through August 31, 2020. Pursuant to this declaration, the Executive Director authorized the execution and issuance of purchase orders utilizing Corporate funds for these purchases. Increases in existing purchase orders were authorized to ensure continuity in District operations.
In consideration of the above, and in accordance with Section 11.5 of the District’s Purchasing Act, 70 ILCS 2605/11.5, it is requested that the Board of Commissioners formally declare an emergency affecting public health and safety due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. Separate board transmittal letters will request that the Board of Commissioners approve and ratify all prior actions by the Executive Director and staff related to the implementation, increase or execution of these contracts.
It is also requested that the Board of Commissioners fix the date on which the emergency is to terminate as August 31, 2020. A full report of the resolution of the emergency will be presented to the Board of Commissioners at a future Board Meeting.
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara J. McGowan, Chairman Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for April 16, 2020