Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency (Krma)

The meeting included the presentation of the Financial Report, noting strong cash positions but high sludge removal expenses, which the Executive Director is aware of. The Operations & Maintenance Report indicated successful treatment metrics for ammonia, BOD, and TSS, with decreased chlorine usage. The Executive Director reported on the installation of the Kankakee flowmeter, progress toward implementing Bill.com for account payables by November 2025, and efforts to secure quotes for AC replacement. An injured employee returned to work, and a new EIC Technician was hired. In Old Business, the bid opening for Phase 1 engineering was extended to October 14, 2025. New Business included discussions on local financing for the Phase 1 project shortfall and the approval of an Ordinance Providing for Local Preference in the Awarding of Contracts Competitively Bid by KRMA. The Board entered Executive Session to discuss Personnel and Probable or Imminent Litigation.

The meeting included a public comment segment where concerns about the 2025 Equipment Replacement and Modification Bid Process were raised, and thanks were given for assistance provided to the City of Kankakee's Environmental Service Utility. Operations and Maintenance reports detailed September's fecal coliform maintenance, an increase in TSS, and observations regarding cyclical ammonia loadings related to landfill leachate. The Executive Director reported on utility costs remaining consistent despite rate increases, summarized hauled in waste data focusing on BOD and ammonia strength differences between various landfill sources, and announced the decision to adopt bill.com for the AP process. New NPDES permit requirements necessitate a study on river mussels. Financially, the agency is nearing payoff of an IEPA loan, and hauled in waste revenue is exceeding budget projections, offsetting increases in chemical, utility, and sludge removal expenses. Old Business discussions, conducted partly in Executive Session, involved updates on engineering phases and financing for Phase 1, with a resulting decision to seek a line of credit over a standard loan. New Business included the rejection of all bids for Phase 1 construction, recommending a re-bid process with clearer guidelines for local subcontractor utilization, approval of the 2026-2027 meeting schedule, a presentation on the Water Leadership Institute Program, approval of a contract for Air Conditioning replacement, and acceptance of the Local 399 Health & Welfare Rate Increase.

The meeting included public comment regarding the 2025 Equipment Replacement and Modification Bid Process, and thanks were extended for assistance with environmental service utility issues. The final audit report was presented by SIKICH, which indicated a positive audit with no proposed adjustments or recommendations. Operations reports covered monthly maintenance, including ongoing investigation into anomalous chlorine readings potentially caused by a positive interference agent, and preparation for the annual IEPA inspection. The Executive Director reported on utility usage, hauled-in waste volume (which remains over budget, though some sources have decreased), and the need to conduct a mussel survey per the new NPDES Permit. The possibility of combining the November and December meetings was discussed. The Financial Report showed solid cash balances despite a slight decrease from the prior year, and detailed the transition to QuickBooks Online and Bill.com for financial processes, confirming no financial loss due to fraud activity. Legal counsel provided an update on the $38,000 received from the Sims lawsuit. Old business included discussion on seeking a line of credit for Phase 1 financing. New business resulted in the acceptance of the low bid from Williams Brother's Construction Company for Phase 1 construction. The board entered and exited an Executive Session to discuss Personnel and Probable or Imminent Litigation issues, taking no action upon returning to open session.

The meeting addressed several key areas including operations and maintenance, financial status, and future engineering projects. Discussions covered the KRMA's compliance with NPDES permits, management of TSS levels, and updates on hauled-in waste. The board also reviewed utility usage and addressed a violation notice from the IEPA. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 engineering projects, including a pause on Phase 2 and 3 expenditures pending clarification of grant availability. The board also discussed and approved employee life insurance and addressed the Synagro contract. The meeting concluded with a discussion regarding public concerns about rate increases and a clarification of past board actions.

The meeting addressed operational challenges, including issues with permit compliance due to low loadings affecting the F:M ratio, and discussed strategies to manage filamentous bacteria. Updates were provided on utility usage, hauled-in waste, and ongoing projects, including the purchase of mini trucks and progress on the Tammy Duckworth Grant for Phase 1. The board reviewed financial statements, noting revenue from hauled-in waste and expenses related to electric and professional fees. Engineering updates were presented for Phases 1, 2, and 3, with discussions on construction permit submissions and cost estimates. The board also discussed the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Local 399 Collective Bargaining Agreement and the status of CMOM reports.