AGENDA MEMO

City Council

May 3, 2010

 

Issue Statement

Consideration of a motion approving an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $3,377 to be used to lobby against House Bill 5552 and Senate Bill 580 which would abolish the DuPage Water Commission and put it under the authority of DuPage County.

 

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Background/History

I attended a meeting on April 6th, 2010, with representatives of the 25 municipalities that are customers of the DuPage Water Commission (DWC). All members in attendance represented that their communities are in opposition to HB 5552 and Senate bill 580. Mayor Hartwig of Addison asked if the group was willing to contribute to an intergovernmental effort to fund a lobbyist and other professional services to work against HB 5552 and Senate bill 580. Addison has contracted with the lobbying group and would receive reimbursement from those communities that contribute. Several years ago the same group of communities hired a lobbyist to oppose similar legislation that also gave $75,000,000 to DuPage County from the DWC reserves. Attached is the written request showing the exact amount requested of Darien.

 

Since the April 6th meeting 15 communities have committed to participate in the funding and 8 have declined. Two communities have yet to decide, with Darien being one of those. The original estimated cost for the group effort was $100,000. However, the current estimate of funds needed to cover the costs has been reduced to approximately $55,000.

 

The goal of the group is to continue to oppose the original House Bill 5552 and Senate Bill 580. Currently the group is working with Senator Cronin and others on amended legislation that maintains the DWC as an independent government body and achieves certain aspects of the original bills.

 

Staff Recommendation

The Administrative/Finance Committee discussed this at their April, 12th, 2010 meeting and recommended approval of the expenditure in an amount not to exceed $3,377 by a 2 (Poteraske, Gattuso) to 1 (Avci) vote.  

 

Alternate Consideration

As directed by the Council

 

Decision Mode

This item will be placed on the May 3, 2010 City Council meeting for formal consideration.