RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 1, 2022
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing former Commissioner Nellie L. Jones
Body
WHEREAS, a native of Mississippi, former Commissioner Nellie L. Jones moved to Chicago with her family in the early 1960s, attracted by the prospect of creating a better life for her family. Settling in the Robert Taylor Homes housing complex, former Commissioner Jones quickly became acquainted with her new surroundings and went to work as an advocate for her community. She was elected president of the building council, was a precinct captain, and a member of the 2nd Ward Democratic organization; and
WHEREAS, former Commissioner Jones was elected to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s Board of Commissioners (Board) in 1976 and was re-elected in 1982. She was the first African American woman to be elected as a commissioner. While serving at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District), former Commissioner Jones was the Chairman of the Committees on Affirmative Action, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Maintenance and Operations; and
WHEREAS, former Commissioner Jones was an architect of the District's original Affirmative Action Program, resulting in the award of many contracts to qualified women and minority contractors. She retired from the District on December 6, 1988; and
WHEREAS, former Commissioner Jones was recognized for her work by numerous civic and business entities including the City of Chicago, the Coalition of United Community Action, the Minority Business Development Agency, the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women, and the Black Contractors United Agency; and
WHEREAS, former Commissioner Jones passed away on November 26, 2001. She was mourned by countless people as a wonderful lady and public servant whose kindness, integrity, and accomplishments continue to be acknowledged; 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 former Commissioner Nellie L. Jones; 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 the family of former Commissioner Nellie L. Jones.
Dated: December 1, 2022