TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 4, 2025
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authority to Increase purchase order and amend agreement with attorney Patrick Blanchard to continue his service as the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s Interim Inspector General, in an amount of $150,000.00 from an amount of $175,000.00, to an amount not to exceed $325,000.00, Account 101-11000-612430, Purchase Order 3135089 (As Revised)
Body
Dear Sir,
On April 3, 2025, the Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance O25-010 establishing the Officer of Interim Inspector General and authorizing the Director of Procurement and Materials Management to issue a purchase order and enter into an agreement with attorney Patrick M. Blanchard to serve as the MWRD’s Interim Inspector General (“Interim IG”) and perform inspector general services for MWRD and establish policies and practices for a non-interim inspector general, in an initial amount of $175,000.00. On September 4, 2025, the Board of Commissioners passed Ordinance O25-011 amending Ordinance O25-010 to clarify confidentiality provisions, allow public statements regarding inefficient or wasteful management, and to correct non-substantive grammatical errors.
This purchase order has no prior change orders.
Original Contract Amount $175,000.00
Date of Board Approval 04/03/2025
Cumulative Change Order $0.00
% Change of Original Contract Value (0.00%)
Current Contract Value $175,000.00
Requested Increase $150,000.00
New Contract Value $325,000.00
% Change of Current Contract Value 85.71%
Total % Change of Original Contract Value (85.71%)
The continued services of the Interim IG are necessary as MWRD is not currently ready to appoint a non-interim inspector general. Increasing the purchase order is necessary to compensate Mr. Blanchard for continued service as Interim IG for an additional six-month period until June 30, 2026.
As Mr. Blanchard possesses a high degree of professional experience and skill, such action may be taken without advertising in accordance with Section 11.4 of the MWRD’s Purchasing Act.
Funds for the 2026 expenditures in Account 101-11000-612430 are contingent upon the Board of Commissioners' approval of the District's 2026 Budget.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:mmv
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Precious Brady Davis, Chairperson Committee on Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for December 4, 2025