Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Works Committee met April 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Alderman Cahoe, Barragree, Marcier, Miller, Mayor Allhands

ABSENT: Alderman Garfield, and Alderwomen Rohlfs and Musk

GUESTS: Librarian Darcy Wallace, Resident Whitey Davis, Stephanie McCullough, Public Works Director Loren Grosvenor, and Keith Mulholland with Robinson Engineering

Alderman Cahoe opened the meeting at 6:55 pm. Head Librarian Darcy Wallace spoke first. She asked the committee about putting up a story walk in Lakeview Park. The library board is ok with the project and there will be no cost to the city. There will be 20 frames that will tell a story. The committee is ok with the project.

Stephanie McCullough spoke next about the residence at 300 N Market, she brought pictures to share with the committee. Alderman Cahoe informed her it was discussed in Finance, Legal and Audit and the properties will be turned over to the city attorney for demolition.

Alderman Cahoe stated Whitey Davis has been in multiple times to discuss the business water bills that he feels are too high. Alderman Cahoe stated he feels the committee has 3 options: leave them alone, drop the minimum to 3,000 gallons vs 4,000 gallons and if that happens the city will not be able to do projects and will have to lay off personnel or sell to Aqua and then the bills will triple. Alderman Cahoe stated 13 new businesses have come to the city and none of them have complained about the water rates. Public Works Supervisor Loren Grosvenor stated the city has many projects for the funds to be used on infrastructure that needs work, 2 new wells, water main loops on Elm St, wastewater treatment plant that needs updated because the last contractor didn’t fix/repair items as needed. Loren stated the city just spent $600,000 at the wwtp putting the rings back to working condition. Mr. Davis stated he asked other businesses owners to come to the meetings, but no one showed up. He did thank Loren for the discussion, and he does understand.

Public Works Supervisor Loren Grosvenor reported on the following projects: Meter Reading Improvements: Still waiting on more radios

Fire Hydrants: Hydrant valves are being replaced and cleaned out. Loren stated hydrants will be painted red because yellow paint is a special order and they will then color code the top Oxidation Ditch: The rotor on the west end of the outer ring failed. Helm is aware and Loren is expecting this to be warranty work

New Well: Robinson has a proposal for $21,232 for the survey, design and IEPA permit. Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the committee to accept the proposal from Robinson for $21,232 for the survey, design and IEPA permit for well #11 and Alderman Marcier seconded. Roll call carried 5-0.

Well 6: IEPA is requiring an NPDES permit to discharge water into storm sewer even with an air stripper. Loren thinks the EPA is never going to let them use this well again. Loren stated if that happens the new equipment that was put into that well can be used in another well and save the $60,000 to $80,000 that has already been spent.

Road Improvements 2022: yard restorations were done April 10th & 11th Drainage Project along Walnut: Still waiting on TPW for road safety

Locust/Brown Street Manhole Project: Still a work in progress

GIS Mapping: In person training will happen sometime this month

Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project on Park and Yount Ave: the materials have been ordered

Staffing: 2 full-time employees have quit. 1 seasonal employee has been hired and still looking for a 2nd seasonal employee for mowing. 5 employees are signed up for sprayer license class on April 19th in Matteson. Loren is meeting with Express Employment tomorrow for more applicants.

Miscellaneous: Proposed free pool days during the Family Festival 8/24/23 teen pool party 6p-9p and 8/26/23 open to the public 11a-3p.

No parking signs installed along N 5th St between Elm and Hickory

No thru truck traffic signs ordered for N 4th & Walnut

20 tons of asphalt purchased to date for pot holes

Equipment: Skid loader-ordered, new truck-ordered, Televising Van waiting on delivery expected week of 4/17 the new computer was delayed. Loren stated he has found an asphalt roller for $26500 for 2020 48” with 700 hrs or $29,500 with a 3yr/500hr warranty. This is coming from the same dealership that IPC uses. Loren stated in the future he would like for the city to purchase a grinder.

It was stated the spending of money is being done wisely and there is training being done on equipment in house.

Keith Mulholland stated IDOT has the plans for the MFT road projects and the 8th St FAU project phase 2 has been approved by IDOT and there will be a resolution for the meeting on Tuesday.

Mayor Allhands stated he will be meeting with Iroquois County Building and Grounds committee regarding drainage by the jail and the north parking lot.

Mayor Allhands also reported he handed out a proposal from Center St Productions for possible videos to market the city. Mayor Allhands also reported the city will be closing on the 3 Garcia properties on the 25th.

There was a short discussion about Lavickas looking at the vacant lot with ideas for landscaping.

Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to adjourn at 8:15 pm and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 5-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/public-works-water-wastewater-4-18-23.pdf