Eric J. Johnson

The Board received a presentation regarding the District's Facilities Master Plan goals and long-term capital improvement strategies. Key business actions included the approval of the FY 2027 board meeting schedule, the adoption of Resolution 552 regarding investment and banking matters, and Resolution 553 concerning the disposal of district property. The Board also approved Phase 1 bids for building additions and renovations, Change Order No. 7 for the North WRF Influent Bar Screens, and various amendments to the North WRF Bar Screen Installation and North PC 5-7 Rehabilitation projects. Additionally, engineering design services for Building 45 sludge conditioning improvements were approved, and the Executive Director provided a report on rate adjustments and potential grant funding for the ADP Solar Project.

The meeting included an executive session concerning the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific district employees. The consent agenda approved connection permits, payment of bills across multiple funds totaling over $4.7 million, and preapproval of IEPA permit applications for the Vista Gardens Townhome Project and the U-46 School District Larkin High School new stadium. New business involved the approval of a proposal for accounting services from Governmental Accounting, Inc., and approvals for several amendments and change orders related to facility projects, specifically the ADP WRF Bar Screen Installation Project, a clarifier mechanism addition, and the ADP Building 19 heat exchanger replacement project. The board also discussed and approved the annual performance evaluation and compensation review for the Executive Director. Reports were provided on ongoing projects, including updates on the facility master plan, biosolids master plan evaluation, North Electrical Improvements Project, and RAS/WAS Pump Station Project. The Executive Director reported on building expansion progress and confirmed that the West Plant solar field is fully energized and has received a certificate of completion, with subsequent steps involving rebate and tax credit submissions.

The meeting included discussion and approval of the tax levy for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, Change Order No. 3 for roof replacement at West WRF Sludge Pumping Station, professional service agreement for TYLin for ventilation safety compliance, employee year end bonus, and insurance proposal for Fox River Water Reclamation District. The District Engineer provided an update on ongoing projects, including the Facility Master Plan and the solar project at West Plant. The Executive Director reported on operational updates, including staffing adjustments and participation in a pilot training program.

The Board reviewed connection permits, contracts, and purchase orders. Discussions included a motion to approve the 2022 Holiday schedule, a personal leave policy change, the 2021 employee year-end bonus, and the 2022 property tax levy ordinance. Renewals for worker's compensation insurance and the annual subscription of the Oracle ERP/EPM Cloud System were approved. The board also discussed and approved a 1-year Oracle support agreement, a proposal for conversion to Traverse accounting software, and a vehicle replacement purchase. Additionally, the board approved the destruction of audio tapes of executive sessions, a recapture agreement, corrected pretreatment discharge permits, and an amendment to the Pump Station 31 improvements engineering services agreement. The meeting also covered a name change in financial policy and included technical services and executive director's reports.

The Board of Trustees held a meeting that included the election of officers for FY 2024, the appointment of trustees for the Board of Local Improvements, and the appointment of an Assistant Clerk. The board discussed and voted on reappointing Airdo Werwas, LLC as Attorney, with concerns raised about the contract language and billing practices. Cash disbursements were approved, and the board reviewed connection permits and purchase orders. A public hearing was held for the FY 2024 budget, which was subsequently approved. The board also approved the North Influent Screening Project, an agreement for construction engineering services, structural repair designs, a change order for a rehabilitation project, and a purchase order for sludge telescoping valves. Additionally, a salary increase, a rate study services proposal, and insurance coverages were approved. A resolution establishing a Decennial Committee on Local Government Efficiency was also approved, along with appointments to the committee. Technical Services reported on PFAS regulations and ongoing projects, while the Executive Director provided updates on accounting transitions, the upcoming 100th-anniversary open house, and legislative matters. The board also discussed the City of Elgin's plan to add Phosphorus to their water system and adjourned to an executive session before reconvening and adjourning the meeting.