TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 5, 2008
COMMITTEE ON PURCHASING
Mr. Richard Lanyon, General Superintendent
Title
Authorization to promote the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s Farmland Application of Biosolids Program with WGN Continental Broadcasting Company, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00, Account 101-16000-612490
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to enter into an agreement with WGN Continental Broadcasting Company (aka WGN Radio or WGN) to promote the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (District) Farmland Application of Biosolids Program on the Orion Samuelson’s farm reports. WGN is a leader in broadcasting agribusiness in the Midwest, with an estimated listening population of 900,000 on a weekly basis. Mr. Samuelson is widely known as the leading broadcaster of farm news in the United States. This agreement with WGN will end by or before August 31, 2008.
Using WGN to promote the District’s biosolids program will: improve public perception, provide education and acceptance, and help develop a sustainable local market, which will eventually reduce the District’s biosolids management costs. Also, this radio campaign will contribute to the Public Outreach component of the District’s Biosolids Environmental Management System, which requires the District to demonstrate its active participation in educating the public and other stakeholders (i.e., farmers, managers of golf courses, park districts) regarding its biosolids management programs.
WGN is the only radio station in the Chicago metropolitan area to broadcast farm reports on a regular basis, thereby reaching the target audience to whom we want to promote biosolids. Inasmuch as WGN is the only source of supply for the services required, nothing would be gained by advertising for bids (Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act).
WGN is registered and in good standing with the State of Illinois.
In view of the foregoing, it is requested that the Purchasing Agent be authorized to enter into an agreement with WGN, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00. Payment will be made by direct voucher.
Funds for the 2008 expenditure, in the amount of $20,000.00, are available in Account 101-16000-612490, Corporate Fund.
Requested, Louis Kollias, Director of Research and Development, LK:WJS:MPC:KB:bk
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Purchasing Agent
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara J. McGowan, Chairman Committee on Purchasing
ORDERED passed by affirmative roll call vote of a majority of the Commissioners present this June 5, 2008. Approved, President Terrence J. O’Brien