Metropolitan Sewer District

County & City still at odds over hiring practice

Tana Weingartner — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:25:05 +0000

Hamilton County Commissioners still aren't happy with the City of Cincinnati's responsible bidder program for Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) construction projects.

The board is drafting replacement language and, to show he means business, commissioner Chris Monzel is considering a restraining order forcing the city not to award any MSD contracts until the issue is resolved.

The key issue is a clause requiring companies bidding for sewer work to have certified apprenticeship programs with graduates.

County and city sparring over hiring language for sewer work

Tana Weingartner — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:57:14 +0000

Hamilton County Commissioners want Cincinnati to change some language in the city's hiring policies for companies bidding on Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) construction projects.

The city wants all construction firms to have apprenticeship programs.

Groups like the Greater Cincinnati Building Construction Trades Council like the plan. However, some companies say it's not feasible for several reasons, including that apprentice programs for some specialized trades simply don't exist.

Council updates responsible bidder ordinance

Jay Hanselman — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:55:41 +0000

Cincinnati Council is making changes to a responsible bidder ordinance it enacted nearly a year ago.

It's designed to make sure job training is a part of major contracts awarded by the Metropolitan Sewer District.

Council Member Chris Seelbach said the purpose hasn't changed.

Keeping a lid on sewer costs

Ann Thompson — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:28:47 +0000

The EPA says every year 14 billion gallons of wastewater is dumped into the Mill Creek. This is because Cincinnati's sewer system is too old to handle the stormwater runoff and it mixes with sewage in one series of pipes.

Cincinnati and cities across the country are under a federal mandate to update their antiquated systems. As you can imagine, each city will pay billions to upgrade.

County throws out MSD contract hiring policies

Tana Weingartner — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 19:17:04 +0000

Hamilton County Commissioners are throwing out hiring and procurement policies related to the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD).

The city, which operates MSD had instituted new bidding requirements the county, which owns MSD, says were unfair- and in some cases illegal. Chief among them were apprenticeship requirements and a policy giving preference to contractors within city limits.

Commission President Chris Monzel says a working group will be formed to draft a new procurement policy.