Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of  
Greater Chicago  
100 East Erie Street  
Chicago, IL 60611  
Regular Board Meeting Minutes  
Thursday, November 21, 2024  
10:30 AM  
Board Room  
Board of Commissioners  
Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, Commissioner Yumeka Brown, Commissioner  
Cameron Davis, Vice-President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Chairman of Finance Marcelino  
Garcia, Commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski, Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda,  
Commissioner Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, President Board of Commissioners Kari K.  
Steele  
THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES WILL GOVERN THE MEETING PROCESS:  
1. Board Members who vote "Nay, Present, or Abstain" or have a question on any  
item may request the item be removed from the Consent Agenda.  
2. Citizens in the audience who address the Board on any item may request the item  
be removed from the Consent Agenda.  
3. Items removed from the Consent Agenda are considered separately.  
4. One roll call vote is taken to cover all Consent Agenda Items.  
Call Meeting to Order  
President Kari K. Steele presiding, called the meeting to order at 10:35 a.m.  
Roll Call  
8 -  
Present:  
Precious Brady-Davis; Yumeka Brown; Cameron Davis; Patricia Theresa Flynn;  
Marcelino Garcia; Daniel Pogorzelski; Mariyana T. Spyropoulos; and Kari K. Steele  
1 - Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda  
Absent:  
Approval of Previous Board Meeting Minutes  
A motion was made by Cameron Davis, seconded by Mariyana T. Spyropoulos,  
that the minutes from the last Regular Meeting of November 7, 2024, be approved  
without having to read them into the record. The motion carried by acclamation.  
Chorus of ayes - No nays  
A motion was made by Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, seconded by Cameron Davis,  
that the minutes from the Special Meeting of November 7, 2024, be approved  
without having to read them into the record. The motion carried by acclamation.  
Chorus of ayes - No nays  
Public Comments  
Zoe Leigh and Sharon McGee, Harvey residents, Tracy Key, Harvey 6th Ward Alderman,  
Shelby Rainey, on behalf of Carlita Poole Tingle, Ryan Sinwelski, resident of Harvey and  
head of the Harvey Historical Society, addressed the board regarding concerns for the  
Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin in Harvey  
Piper Rothschild, community member and Julia Bachrach, Preservation Consultant,  
addressed the board regarding concerns for agenda item 36  
Steve Wilson, Executive Director of Wilmette Park District, addressed the board in  
support for agenda item 36  
Recess and Convene as Committee of the Whole  
A motion was made by Marcelino Garcia, seconded by Mariyana T. Spyropoulos,  
to recess and convene as a committee of the whole. The motion carried by  
acclamation. Chorus of Ayes - No Nays  
Committee of the Whole  
Approval of the Committee of the Whole Agenda with the exception of Items: 10  
and 14  
Items 10 and 14 were deleted by the Executive Director  
President Kari K. Steele called for a motion to accept the agendas for each  
Standing Committee that was convened. Moved by Marcelino Garcia, seconded  
by Patricia Theresa Flynn. President Kari K. Steele called for any objections. No  
objections were voiced. Motion carried.  
The Committee of the Whole meeting of November 21, 2024, was adjourned at  
11:55 a.m.  
Executive Session  
None  
Recess and Reconvene as Board of Commissioners  
At 11:55 a.m. President Kari K. Steele reconvened the regular board meeting to  
order  
Motions, Ordinances and Resolutions  
Ordinance  
Adopt Ordinance O24-015 An Ordinance Authorizing and Providing For the  
O24-015  
1
Issuance of Not to Exceed $300,000,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Capital  
Improvement Bonds of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater  
Chicago  
Attachments: Ord O24-015 New Money $300M LTD BTL 2024-11-21 FINAL.pdf  
Met Water 2024 - Ordinance Number O24-015 - $300M GO Limited  
Tax Capital Improvement Bonds FINAL.pdf  
A motion was made by Patricia Theresa Flynn, seconded by Marcelino Garcia,  
that this Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the following roll call  
vote:  
8 -  
Aye:  
Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Patricia Theresa Flynn,  
Marcelino Garcia, Daniel Pogorzelski, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Kari K. Steele  
1 - Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda  
Absent:  
Adopt Ordinance O24-016 An Ordinance Authorizing and Providing For the  
Issuance of Not to Exceed $25,000,000 General Obligation Unlimited Tax  
Capital Improvement Bonds of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of  
Greater Chicago  
O24-016  
2
Attachments: Ord O24-016 New Money $25M LTD BTL 2024-11-21 FINAL.pdf  
Met Water 2024 - Ordinance Number O24-016 - $25M GO Unlimited  
Tax Capital Improvement Bonds FINAL.pdf  
A motion was made by Patricia Theresa Flynn, seconded by Yumeka Brown, that  
this Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:  
8 -  
Aye:  
Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Patricia Theresa Flynn,  
Marcelino Garcia, Daniel Pogorzelski, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Kari K. Steele  
1 - Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda  
Absent:  
Adopt Ordinance O24-017 An Ordinance Authorizing and Providing For the  
Issuance of Not to Exceed $48,000,000 General Obligation Limited Tax  
Refunding Bonds of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater  
Chicago  
O24-017  
3
Attachments: Ord O24-017 New Money $48M LTD BTL 2024-11-21 FINAL.pdf  
Met Water 2024 - Ordinance Number O24-017 - $48M GO Limited Tax  
Refunding Bonds FINAL.pdf  
A motion was made by Patricia Theresa Flynn, seconded by Precious  
Brady-Davis, that this Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the  
following roll call vote:  
8 -  
Aye:  
Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Patricia Theresa Flynn,  
Marcelino Garcia, Daniel Pogorzelski, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Kari K. Steele  
1 - Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda  
Absent:  
Adopt Ordinance O24-018 An Ordinance Authorizing and Providing For the  
Issuance of Not to Exceed $90,000,000 General Obligation Unlimited Tax  
Refunding Bonds of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater  
Chicago  
O24-018  
4
Attachments: Ord O24-018 New Money $90M LTD BTL 2024-11-21 FINAL.pdf  
Met Water 2024 - Ordinance Number O24-018 - $90M GO Unlimited  
Tax Refunding Bonds FINAL.pdf  
A motion was made by Patricia Theresa Flynn, seconded by Yumeka Brown, that  
this Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:  
8 -  
Aye:  
Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Patricia Theresa Flynn,  
Marcelino Garcia, Daniel Pogorzelski, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Kari K. Steele  
1 - Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda  
Absent:  
Adopt Ordinance O24-019 An Ordinance Authorizing and Providing For the  
Issuance of Not to Exceed $37,000,000 General Obligation Unlimited Tax  
Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) of the Metropolitan Water  
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago  
O24-019  
5
Attachments: Ord O24-019 New Money $37M LTD BTL 2024-11-21 FINAL.pdf  
Met Water 2024 - Ordinance Number O24-019- $37M GO Unlimited  
Tax Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) FINAL.pdf  
A motion was made by Patricia Theresa Flynn, seconded by Marcelino Garcia,  
that this Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the following roll call  
vote:  
8 -  
Aye:  
Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Patricia Theresa Flynn,  
Marcelino Garcia, Daniel Pogorzelski, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Kari K. Steele  
1 - Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda  
Absent:  
Resolution  
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners congratulating  
employees that have retired in the last year  
24-1006  
6
7
Attachments:  
2024 Retirement List October 1. 2023 through September 30. 2024  
Final 10.28.24  
Adopted  
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing  
November as Puerto Rican Heritage Month  
24-1035  
Adopted  
Finance Committee  
Report  
Report on Cash Disbursements for the Month of October 2024, in the amount of  
$37,619,194.44  
24-1045  
8
Attachments: October 2024 Cash Disbursements Summary  
Published and Filed  
Authorization  
24-1024  
9
Authority to approve Travel Expenses for the Executive Director in the amount  
of $2,241.78, Accounts 101-15000-612010, 612030, 612080  
A motion was made by Patricia Theresa Flynn, seconded by Precious  
Brady-Davis, that this Agenda Item be Approved. The motion carried by the  
following roll call vote:  
8 -  
Aye:  
Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Patricia Theresa Flynn,  
Marcelino Garcia, Daniel Pogorzelski, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Kari K. Steele  
1 - Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda  
Absent:  
Procurement Committee  
Report  
Report of forfeiture of Contract 24-109-11, Furnish and Deliver a Gel  
24-1027  
24-1029  
10  
Permeation Chromatograph System in the Organic Compounds Analytical  
Laboratory at the Egan Water Reclamation Plant, to Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.,  
in an amount not to exceed $43,970.02, Account 101-16000-634970, Purchase  
Order 3131284  
Deleted by the Executive Director  
Report of bid opening of Tuesday, November 5, 2024  
11  
Published and Filed  
Report of Request for Proposal (RFP) opening of Friday, November 1, 2024  
24-1030  
12  
Published and Filed  
Authority to Advertise  
Authority to advertise Contract 25-655-11, Manhole and Infrastructure Repairs,  
estimated cost $1,200,000.00, Account 101-66000-612600, Requisition  
1621389  
24-1012  
13  
14  
Attachments: Contract 25-655-11 Affirmative Action Goals Report.pdf  
Approved  
Authority to advertise Contract 25-624-21, HVAC and Sludge Pump  
Improvements at Various Locations, estimated cost $19,945,900.00, Account  
201-50000-645780, Requisitions 1626920 and 1626921  
24-1013  
Attachments: Contract 25-624-21 (Group A) Affirmative Action Goals Report.pdf  
Contract 25-624-21 (Group B) Affirmative Action Goals Report.pdf  
Deleted by the Executive Director  
Issue Purchase Order  
Issue purchase order to Thermo LabSystems, Inc., for Renewal Licenses and  
Software Upgrades for the Laboratory Information Management System, in an  
amount not to exceed $144,749.27, Account 101-27000-612820, Requisition  
1627675  
24-1010  
15  
Approved  
Issue purchase order to Canon Solutions America, Inc., to Furnish and Deliver  
Multi-Functional Devices, in an amount not to exceed $225,795.41, Accounts  
101-27000-623810, 634810, Requisition 1628223 (As Revised)  
24-1014  
24-1015  
24-1016  
24-1017  
16  
17  
18  
19  
Approved  
Issue purchase order to CDW Government LLC, for FileMaker Pro Software  
License Renewal, in an amount not to exceed $45,360.00, Account  
101-27000-612820, Requisition 1627797  
Approved  
Issue purchase order to CDW Government LLC for licensing and maintenance  
of the SolarWinds ITSM system for a one-year period, in an amount not to  
exceed $58,770.00, Account 101-27000-612820, Requisition 1627943  
Approved  
Issue purchase order to Early Morning Software, Inc. for EMS PRISM  
Compliance Software License Renewal and Stage Infrastructure, in an amount  
not to exceed $85,540.00, Account 101-27000-612820, Requisition 1628243  
Approved  
Issue purchase order and enter into an agreement with Hinshaw & Culbertson  
LLP to conduct a technical review of the plan document for the District Deferred  
Compensation Plan and Trust in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00, Account  
101-25000-612430, Requisition 1627073  
24-1023  
24-1036  
20  
22  
Approved  
Issue purchase order and enter into an agreement with Ponder Diversity Group,  
LLC for Contract 23-RFP-07R, Small Business Program in an amount not to  
exceed $75,000.00, Account 101-15000-612430, Requisition 1596936  
Approved  
Award Contract  
Authority to award Contract 24-601-21, Mechanical Process Improvements at  
Various Locations, Group A to Independent Mechanical Industries, Inc.  
(Independent), in an amount not to exceed $8,991,250.00 and Groups B and D  
to John Burns Construction Company, LLC (Burns), in an amount not to exceed  
$8,867,700.00, Account 201-50000-645750, Requisitions 1615055, 1615057,  
and 1615060  
24-1025  
23  
Attachments:  
Contract 24-601-21 Affirmative Action Goals Report - Group A -  
Independent Mechanical Industries, Inc.  
Contract 24-601-21 Affirmative Action Goals Report - Groups B and D  
- John Burns Construction Company LLC.pdf  
Approved  
Authority to award Contract 24-611-11, Repairs and Alterations to Various  
Water Reclamation Facilities, to Independent Mechanical Industries, Inc., in an  
amount not to exceed $20,779,560.00, Accounts  
24-1026  
24  
101-67000/68000/69000-612600/612650, Requisitions 1614216, 1614474, and  
1614568 (As Revised)  
Attachments:  
Contract 24-611-11 Revised Appendix D and Appendix V Report -  
Independent Mechanical Ind., Inc..pdf  
Approved  
Authority to award Contract 24-055-11 Furnish and Deliver Pipe Covering &  
Insulation to Various Locations for a One-Year Period, to Bay Insulation of  
Illinois, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $44,771.74, Accounts  
101-20000-623170  
24-1031  
25  
Attachments: Contract 24-055-11 Item Descriptions.pdf  
Approved  
Increase Purchase Order/Change Order  
Authority to decrease purchase order to Sunbelt Rentals Inc., to Furnish and  
Deliver Two (2) Rental Low-Temperature Chillers and Accessories to the  
Stickney Water Reclamation Plant for an approximately three-month period  
under Sourcewell (formerly NJPA) Purchasing Contract No. 062320-SNB, in an  
amount of $122,732.71, from an amount of $213,646.03, to an amount not to  
exceed $90,913.32, Account 101-69000-612330, Purchase Order 3130085  
24-1020  
24-1021  
24-1033  
26  
27  
28  
Approved  
Authority to increase purchase order with the law firm of Neal & Leroy, LLC, to  
represent the District in acquiring certain property rights in connection with the  
construction, operation and maintenance of the Flood Control Project on  
Midlothian Creek (Contract 14-253-5F) in Robbins, Illinois, in an amount of  
$40,000.00, from an amount of $300,000.00, to an amount not to exceed  
$340,000.00, Account 501-50000-612430, Purchase Order 3111426  
Approved  
Authority to increase Contract 17-131-4FR McCook Reservoir Rock Wall  
Stabilization and Geotechnical Instrumentation, SSA, Rebid, to IHC  
Construction Companies, L.L.C. in an amount of $339,389.82, from an amount  
of $22,079,118.61, to an amount not to exceed $22,418,508.43, Account  
401-50000-645630, Purchase Order 4000086  
Attachments: Change Order Log - Purchase Order 4000086.pdf  
Approved  
Authority to increase purchase order with the law firm of Burke Burns & Pinelli,  
Ltd. to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the District’s  
procurement policies and procedures in an amount of $55,000.00, from an  
amount of $95,000.00, to an amount not to exceed $150,000.00. Account  
101-30000-612430, Purchase Order 3130512  
24-1051  
29  
Approved  
Engineering Committee  
Report  
Report on change orders authorized and time extensions approved by the  
24-1046  
30  
Director of Engineering during the months of August and September 2024  
Attachments:  
Attachment 1 CO Report Aug and Sept 2024 5% Contingency Final  
Revised- Final.pdf  
Attachment 2 CO Status Report August and September 2024 -  
final.pdf  
Attachment 3 CO Report August and September 2024 5%  
Contingency  
Published and Filed  
Labor & Industrial Relations Committee  
Authorization  
Authority to Approve the Agreement Between the Metropolitan Water  
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and the International Brotherhood of  
Teamsters, Local 700  
24-1039  
31  
Attachments: Local 700 Agreement 2024-2027.pdf  
Approved  
Authority to Approve the Agreement Between the Metropolitan Water  
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and The Building Trades Coalition  
24-1040  
24-1041  
32  
33  
Attachments: Building Trades Agreement 2024-2027.pdf  
Approved  
Authority to Approve the Agreement between the Metropolitan Water  
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and the International Brotherhood of  
Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 9, Electrical Instrumentation and Testing  
(AFL-CIO)  
Attachments: Local 9 EITM Agreement 2024-2027.pdf  
Approved  
Authority to Approve the Agreement Between the Metropolitan Water  
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and the International Brotherhood of  
Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 9, Electrical Operations (AFL-CIO)  
24-1042  
34  
35  
Attachments: Local 9 Electrical Operations Agreement 2024-2027.pdf  
Approved  
Authority to Approve the Agreement Between the Metropolitan Water  
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and the International Brotherhood of  
Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 9, Motor Vehicle Dispatcher Group  
(AFL-CIO)  
24-1043  
Attachments: Local 9 Motor Vehicle Dispatcher Group Agreement 2024-2027.pdf  
Approved  
Real Estate Development Committee  
Authorization  
Authority to grant the Wilmette Park District an 8-year, approximately 7,300± sq.  
24-1018  
36  
ft. non-exclusive easement to construct, operate, and maintain roadway  
improvements to Harbor Drive on portions of North Shore Channel Parcels 1.03  
and 1.14 in Wilmette, Illinois. Consideration shall be a nominal fee of $10.00  
Attachments:  
RE - Wilmette Park District Easement - NSC 1.14 and 1.03 -  
Aerial.pdf  
Approved  
Authority to settle the eminent domain lawsuit entitled The Metropolitan Water  
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago v. Wendell Poole, et al., Case No.  
21L050123 in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, for final just  
compensation in the amount of $85,000.00, Account 501-50000-667330,  
Stormwater Management Fund  
24-1019  
37  
Attachments: RE - Robbins Parcel 12 Aerial.pdf  
Approved  
Authority to pay final just compensation in the amount of $7,800.00 to acquire  
the real estate commonly known as 13541 South Sacramento Avenue in  
Robbins, Illinois, through summary judgment in the eminent domain lawsuit  
entitled The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago v.  
Charles Soteras, et al., Case No. 2024L050210 in the Circuit Court of Cook  
County, Illinois, Account 501-50000-667330, Stormwater Management Fund  
24-1034  
38  
Attachments:  
RE - Acquisition of 13541 S. Sacramento Ave Robbins IL (MWRD  
Parcel 11) Aerial.pdf  
Approved  
Stormwater Management Committee  
Authorization  
Authority to execute a second amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement  
with the Village of Riverside for the Groveland Avenue Levee Improvements in  
Riverside, SSA (18-IGA-20)  
24-1047  
24-1048  
24-1049  
39  
40  
41  
Approved  
Authority to make payment to the Illinois Department of Transportation for the  
IDOT 55th Street Relief Sewer (23-IGA-34), in an amount not to exceed  
$810,410.04  
Approved  
Authority to negotiate and enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with and  
make payment to the Lyons Township Road District for the Acquisition of  
Flood-Prone Properties and Construction of Stormwater Storage in Lyons  
Township (23-IGA-43), in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000.00, Account  
501-50000-612400  
Approved  
Authority to negotiate and enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with and  
make payment to Orland Township Road District for the 157th Street and  
Spring Creek Flood Mitigation in Orland Township (24-IGA-24), in an amount not  
to exceed $150,000.00, Account 501-50000-612400  
24-1050  
42  
Attachments: 24-IGA-24 Exhibit.pdf  
24-IGA-24_ARPA Stormwater Projects List.pdf  
Approved  
Authority to Approve the Agreement Between the Metropolitan Water  
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and SEIU Local 1, Firemen-Oilers and  
Police Officers Division  
24-1044  
43  
Attachments: SEIU Local 1 Agreement 2024-2027.pdf  
Approved  
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners honoring  
Commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski for his years of dedication and service to the  
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago  
24-1052  
24-1053  
44  
45  
Adopted  
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners honoring  
Commissioner Mariyana T. Spyropoulos for her years of dedication and service  
to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (As Revised)  
Adopted  
Approval of the Consent Agenda with the exception of Items: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 14  
A motion was made by Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, seconded by Patricia Theresa  
Flynn, to Approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following roll  
call vote:  
8 -  
Aye:  
Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Patricia Theresa Flynn,  
Marcelino Garcia, Daniel Pogorzelski, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Kari K. Steele  
1 - Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda  
Absent:  
Miscellaneous and New Business  
Meeting Summary  
Speakers  
None  
Summary of Requests  
None  
Study Session  
None  
Announcements  
None  
Board Letter Submission Dates  
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2024, please  
prepare and submit Board items before the following absolute cutoff dates.  
Date agenda items are due to the Director of Procurement and Materials  
Management for signature and preparation: November 22, 2024  
Date all agenda items are due to the Executive Director: 1:00 p.m., November 26,  
2024  
Adjournment  
A motion was made by Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, seconded by Daniel  
Pogorzelski, that when the Board Adjourns, it adjourns to meet again on  
Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. and also move that today's meeting be  
Adjourned. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: /s/ Jacqueline  
Torres, Clerk  
8 -  
Aye:  
Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Patricia Theresa Flynn,  
Marcelino Garcia, Daniel Pogorzelski, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Kari K. Steele  
1 - Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda  
Absent:  
APPROVAL:  
In accordance with the provisions of 70ILCS 2605/4, each of the foregoing agenda items duly  
adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of  
Greater Chicago this November 21, 2024, are hereby approved.  
APPROVED:  
/s/ Kari K. Steele  
President Board of Commissioners of the  
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago  
November 21, 2024