Jessica Gwozdz

The General Manager's Report for the February Board Meeting outlines documentation for several agenda items, including the proposed agenda, minutes from prior meetings in January 2026 (regular and special sessions), Claim Ordinance 1958, and memoranda regarding the Facility Plan Due Diligence Review and mechanical contractor approval for High-speed Turbo-blowers. Also included is a proposed ordinance revising the Pretreatment Ordinance and the proposed FY 2026-27 Budget/Five Year Plan. Operational reports for January 2026 cover Administrative Services, WWTC Operations, Maintenance, and Laboratory activities. Key safety updates include the closing of four safety reports, discussions on incident investigation, purchase of two new mobile AEDs, and recertification of forklift drivers. Financial reports provided include the Investment Schedule as of January 31, 2026, and the Treasurer's Report for January 2026.

The Board reviewed a request for sanitary sewer service for a proposed new 62-unit multi-family building at 4919 Forest Avenue, Downers Grove. The proposed building's estimated wastewater flow exceeded the District's design flow allocation per acre, necessitating the collection of an Additional Trunk Sewer Service Charge. Staff recommended approval, noting that existing infrastructure has adequate reserve capacity. The Board approved the request, contingent upon receiving the Illinois EPA permit, payment of all applicable fees, and compliance with all District ordinances and standard conditions.

The proposed agenda for the meeting includes the approval of minutes from the December 16th, 2025 meeting, a public comment period, and discussion on project P723 concerning a single-family sewer extension request for 4031 Venard Road. The supporting documentation details the request for sanitary sewer service for a proposed new single-family home at 4031 Venard Road, requiring a 100-foot sewer main extension, with staff recommending approval subject to permit receipt and fee payment. Additionally, the minutes from the December 16, 2025, meeting show the approval of a sanitary sewer service request for a proposed new 62-unit multi-family building at 4919 Forest Avenue, subject to conditions.

The special meeting focused on the District's facility plan for capital improvements. An engineering report detailed process modifications needed, a phased approach for addressing aging infrastructure and future phosphorus limits, including individual and combined costs adjusted for inflation. The General Manager also presented a memo outlining the timeline for next steps, potential financing options such as SRF loans and municipal bonds for 20-year and 30-year terms, noting these are preliminary examples requiring further work.

Key discussions during the meeting included the adoption of Claim Ordinance No. 1956 for $742,370.16, with a separate motion to approve a manual payment to Constellation NewEnergy. The Board approved proposed modifications to the Employee Policy Manual, specifically revisions to sections on Pregnancy and Lactation Accommodation, Deferred Compensation Plan, Pay Periods, and the addition of the NICLA leave act section. Shane Firsching from Baxter & Woodman presented an update on the facility plan, focusing on lift station and collections system improvements. The Board scheduled a special meeting for a detailed cost and implementation presentation. Trustee comments covered system maintenance reports, sampling results for industrial permitted users (noting Lovejoy, LLC results were outside acceptable limits), and inquiries regarding a recent cyber-attack and turbo blower purchase.