TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
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Approve Payment of the 2026 Membership Dues for the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition in the Amount of $25,140.08
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Joliet has been a member of the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition since 2011. The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition consists of approximately 12 entities who have joined together to conduct water quality sampling, negotiate permit conditions, and prepare required planning documents. Participation in the watershed group is a condition of the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the Aux Sable Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and is not optional. The benefits of membership in the group are:
• Stronger position to negotiate NPDES permit conditions with Illinois EPA and Environmental Action Groups
• Cost-sharing in watershed data collection and analysis that can assist with permit requirements
• Cost-sharing on Nutrient Assessment and Reduction Plan development which will encompass both point and nonpoint contributions
• Sharing resources to develop outreach materials and trainings to meet MS4 permit requirements
• Pooling resources to obtain expertise, lower cost, and save time.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
The 2026 membership fee for the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition is $25,140.08.
Funds will be charged to the Water and Sewer Operating Fund / Aux Sable WWTP / Memberships and Dues (Org 50080804, Object 518001, $25,140.08).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve payment for the 2026 membership fee, in the amount of $25,140.08, on behalf of the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition.
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