Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Works Committee met Feb. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

ABSENT: Alderman Garfield and Alderwoman Musk

GUESTS: Public Works Director Loren Grosvenor and Keith Mulholland with Robinson Engineering

Alderman Cahoe opened the meeting at 6:53 pm. There was no public comment. Public Works Director Loren Grosvenor reported on the following projects:

Meter Reading Improvements: 385 radios installed as of 2/17/2023. There is less than 100 left to install, Loren is asking if its ok to place another order for 475 and pay for them in May.

Alderman Marcier makes a motion to recommend to the Council to order another 475 radio read meters and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

Fire Hydrants: Loren stated he has 2 hydrants in stock now, he stated he thinks public works could repair the broken hydrants, but they don’t have the tools to fix them. Loren stated a new hydrant is about $3000.00. There was a lengthy discussion about purchasing more hydrants if was finally decided to keep 6 in stock, Loren will get more ordered.

Oxidation Ditch: Still waiting for some punch list items to be completed

New Well: Loren reported the cost is going to be about $300,000 and another $10,000 for the piping. It was asked when the project can be started. Loren will have the proposal ready for the council meeting Tuesday and after that is should be about 45 days to start.

Well 6: Still looking for an air stripper

Road Improvements 2022: Keith stated the 8th St Project phase 1 has been submitted and phase 2 has been started with a bid letting in June. Keith stated the Kay St storm sewer and the Elm St water main projects the state now has a debt forgiveness of up to 1 million. The road projects for this summer will be Market St, South 3rd St, Oak from 5th to 8th and Hickory from 5th to 8th, and 8th St from Mulberry to Tenth. Keith also reported another letter will go going out for the Martin Ave Road extension to the residents effected and then the environmental review will be done. There was some discussion about Mulberry St and Iroquois St. conditions, Loren said he would put these on Public Works list of streets to look into. Alderman Cahoe asked Keith about Hot Burning of some streets and if there’s a saving in doing that. Keith stated it depends on the condition of the street but yes it could be a cost savings to the city, he will look into and get back to the committee. There was also some discussion about the crack sealing and how in some spots its not holding up well.

Locust/Brown Street Manhole project: Still waiting on the railroad for track safety

GIS Mapping: there will be an in person meeting in March for training

Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation project on Park and Yount Aves: Loren has a price from Core and Main to install the new storm basin and 10’ storm sewer and remove from sanitary for $3,222.00. It was asked if the pipe should be increased. Alderman Cahoe makes motion to recommend to the Council to do the project on Park Ave and Yount Ave. Alderman Marcier seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

Staffing: Loren is conducting interviews and is looking to hire 2 more people.

Miscellaneous: The new RAS #2 pump at the wwtp has been installed and are now waiting for the manufacture to start up before installing Pump #1 and elbow assembly

b. Automatic hydrant flushers for the westside of the city will be installed yet this month.

c. Contract for the pond treatments have been signed and will take place in spring to prevent curly leaf weed growth

d. Fish order to restock all 3 ponds signed and will receive fish in March. The pond next to city hall had fish kill due to fuel spill so this pond is being treated as a new pond stocking.

e. Street sweeper ran full route including downtown cleaning all curbs and storm grates week of February 6th

f. All storm basins cleaned out in month of January

g. Rebuilt road to drainage ditch on Mulberry with rip rap rock to stop erosion. City used old concrete that was removed from various jobs throughout town.

Equipment:

a. Skid loader has been ordered.

b. Valve exerciser was purchased used from Robinson for $1500

c. Lawn mowers arrived and waiting to get prepped for pickup

d. new truck ordered 8 weeks out

e. Televising truck repaired and running. Loren has new quotes from Standard Equipment for a 2023 Ford E450 Box $275,000.00, 2023 Ford Transit $265,000.00 and from EJ Equipment 2023Ford E-450 Chassis for $321,030.00. and 2023 Ford Transit Van for $297,675.00. There was a lengthy discussion about buying new vs used. EJ Equipment brought a used 2013 Sprinter to public works to look at and it was stated it was in good shape and has been stored inside and has low miles. Loren stated he thought the department could get by with the used truck for another 10-15 years. After more discussion Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the council to purchase a 2013 Sprinter Televised Truck for $99,000 with giving ours for a trade in and Alderman Marcier seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

f. Loren stated the department needs another trailer for the mowing crew. He has found an 18’ steel trailer that is in stock from Morris trailers for $4625.00. there is also an aluminum trailer for $5900 with a wood deck that’s in stock also. Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the council to purchase a trailer for $5900 from Morris Trailers and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

g. Loren has a quote from McCullough’s for new bristles for the skid loader. The cost is $914.26, the committee told Loren to move forward with the purchase.

Loren also stated he will have the proposals for the cameras for the wells and the treatment plant for next week.

Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to adjourn at 8:15 and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 6-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/public-works-2-21-23.pdf