Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Works/Water Wastewater Committee met Dec. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Cahoe, Marcier, Barragree, Miller, Alderwoman Rohlfs, and Mayor Allhands

ABSENT: Alderman Garfield and Alderwoman Musk

GUESTS: Quinn Adamowski of Landmarks Illinois and Public Works Director Loren Grosvenor

Alderman Cahoe opened the meeting at 6:43 pm. There was no public comment. Quinn Adamowski from Landmarks Illinois spoke about trying to get the downtown area into a historical district and all the steps that it requires. Currently the old courthouse and the depot are on the historical list. He stated there are 250 districts throughout the state. There was some discussion about the Carlile Consultant Group proposal of $30,100. The committee was ok with sending out RFPs for consultant groups. Mayor Allhands stated he has two letters of recommendations from Lockport and Kankakee Illinois. Mayor Allhands also stated he has talked to the owners of the Penny’s building, the empty lot on W Walnut and the wood shake building on E. Walnut St. and the owner is willing to sell all three to the city for $45,000.00. Mayor Allhands also stated he is working on getting another TIF district formed from the railroad tracks east to 5th St and South to Cherry and North to Oak St.

Public Works Director Loren Grosvenor reported on the following projects: Meter Reading Improvements: Expecting wall mounted radios to be delivered week of 12- 12-2022.

Mulberry St Lift Station: Loren stated he had a cost from Metropolitan to replace the actuators and a new 16-inch valve assembly for $75,000.00. Loren stated this is a very critical piece of equipment. Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the Council to accept the proposal from Metropolitan for $75,000 to replace the actuators and the 16-inch valve assembly and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 6-0. New Well: Loren has a quote from Peerless Midwest for $200,000 for the well behind city hall (this does not include the electrical). Loren asked the committee if they want to accept this or put this out for RFPs. If the committee choses to have Peerless Midwest Loren will have Robinson Engineering look over the proposal to make sure it’s in line with what it should be. Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the Council to accept the proposal for the new well from Peerless Midwest for $200,000 that is under engineering review without competitive bidding and Alderman Marcier seconded. Roll call carried 6-0. This is only for the well drilling.

Non-Potable Pump: Loren stated he has 2 proposals from Xylem, one is a rebuilt pump for $4000 and the other is a new pump for $12,000 for the wastewater treatment plant. The committee wants a new pump. Alderman Marcier makes a motion to recommend to the Council to purchase a new non-potable pump from Xlyem for $12,000 and Alderman Cahoe seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

WWTP Wet Well Pump: Loren stated the sludge pumps have failed and need to be replaced. The cost from metropolitan is roughly $25,000 and there are 2 of them that need to be replaced. The pumps that are there now are not the correct type. Public works can install the pumps so it will save on labor. Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the Council to purchase 2 RAS/WAS West Well pumps for a cost of not to exceed $50,000 and Alderman Marcier seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

Televising Truck: Loren stated he has a quote for EJ Equipment for $105,000 with a $10,000 trade in for the truck we have now. A new truck will cost $300,000. The cameras in the truck are working for now but need to be upgraded. Loren will go look at this used truck and come back next month with a recommendation.

Generators: Loren stated there needs to be portable backup generators installed at the lift stations. The cost is about $13,000 to $14,000 each. The city has a $65,000 grant that could be used for this, there will be more information later. Loren also stated the control panel at Loveridge Ln needs to be updated, more information will be coming for this project also. Knox Boxes: Loren is wanting to put these on all city buildings and each one cost $460. The committee is ok with this.

Alderman Cahoe stated there has been discussion in the past about water bills for businesses and some business owners feel the minimum should be reduced. This would be a large loss for the city if this was done, it has been the way it is now for years. He along with other council members feel this needs to be left alone as there are a lot of expenditures in that department so the funds are needed. Alderman Cahoe also reminded everyone that the gas, alcohol, and telecommunications taxes are being used to help pay for many projects within the city.

Alderman Cahoe reported there is a request for a slow down sign at E Oak and N Eleventh St. He stated if this happens everyone will want a sign for something. It was stated an electronic sign that could be moved around the city would be more beneficial.

Alderman Cahoe asked if public works could work on getting the trees and brush removed on Brown St. for that project. Loren stated yes, they will be working on it.

There was a short discussion concerning trench boxes. Loren stated he is looking at an inflatable trench box and will be getting a demo on it soon. The cost for that would be about $10,000 and would be much easier to set up and use.

Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to adjourn at 9:15 and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/public-works-water-wastewater-12-13-22.pdf