RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 4, 2023
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and honoring Water and Waste Management (As Revised)
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WHEREAS, on March 28, 1979 President Jimmy Carter issued Presidential Proclamation 4650 designating the week beginning May 4, 1979 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, highlighting the dynamic role that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders play in our society with contributions in the field of science, arts, industry, government, and commerce; and
WHEREAS, on May 14, 1991 Public Law 102-42 was passed as a Joint Resolution of the United States Congress proclaiming May 1991 and May 1992 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. This Joint Resolution recognized May 7, 1843 as the date when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States and May 10, 1869 (Golden Spike Day) as the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States which could not have been accomplished without the valued dedication of Chinese innovators; and
WHEREAS, on October 23, 1992, Public Law 102-450 was passed designating May of each year as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. With the passage of this Law, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month became a permanent symbol of the appreciation and gratitude of the United States towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; and
WHEREAS, the Asian American and Pacific Islander population is one of the fastest growing demographics in Illinois with immeasurable influence in social, economic, and democratic institutions which increase the prosperity of the Greater Chicago Area; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s theme for the 2023 celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity”. This theme is the third in the “Advancing Leaders” series; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) acknowledges the significance of people of Asian American and Pacific Islander lineage and recognizes organizations that are focused on community service, leadership, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, Water and Waste Management is comprised of consultants, scientists, engineers, academicians, and subject matter experts from countries around the world whose mission is to explore and develop sustainable solutions to water and wastewater concerns. Since its inception, the District has been honored to be a contributing organization; and
WHEREAS, Water and Waste Management strives to encourage participation and discourse among the stakeholders in the water industry including government organizations and policy makers, academic and research institutions, and corporations. During its annual conferences, problems are identified and innovations are shared in a collaborative effort to address sustainability in a global manner; and
WHEREAS, in February of 2023, Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia and Commissioner Theresa Flynn participated in the 5th International Water and Waste Management Conference and Expo in India. Additionally, in June of 2022, Vice President Kimberly Du Buclet, Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, and Commissioner Mariyana T. Spyropoulos contributed to the 4th International Water and Waste Management Conference and Expo which was held in Thailand; and
WHEREAS, past participants from the District include: Former Commissioner Frank Avila; Executive Director Brian A. Perkovich; Director of Operations John P. Murray; Director of Engineering Dr. Catherine O’Connor; Former Director of Maintenance and Operations Dr. Thomas Granato; Sam Pappu; Dr. Kuldip Kumar; Brendan Dailey; Pinakin Desai; Dr. Theresa Johnston; Khaja Moinuddin; Sanjay Patel (retired); Hitesh Shah (retired); Reed Dring (retired); Stephen Carmody (retired); and Dr. Prakash Tata (retired); and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and honor Water and Waste Management; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Water and Waste Management.
Dated: May 4, 2023