Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Works Committee met July 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Cahoe, Marcier, Barragree, Miller, Anderson, Alderwomen Rohlfs, and DeLahr and Mayor Allhands

ABSENT: Alderman Muench

GUESTS: Public Works Supervisor Loren Grosvenor, Keith Mulholland with Robinson Engineering

Alderman Cahoe opened the meeting at 7:47 pm. There was no public comment. Mayor Allhands stated another public hearing meeting needs to be set for the downtown street scape grant even though the city lost out by 1 point. The committee is in agreement to hold this public hearing one night before a committee meeting. Mayor Allhands will get with Neil Piggush and figure out a date.

Public Works Supervisor Loren Grosvenor reported on the following projects: Meter Reading Improvements: 646 radios installed as of 7/18/23

Fire Hydrants: 60 hydrants have been painted to date

New Well: Loren stated after looking at the Julie locates in front of city hall it was determined that getting an 10 foot easement from Bob Tincher might be a better alternative. Mr. Tincher is ok with this if he can get some language in the agreement to be able to construct storage units at some time. Loren stated by doing this it would shorten the length of piping needed and therefore save on costs also.

Well 6: Keith with Robinson was able to locate an air stripper through a rental program with the option to possible purchase when finished. Keith will confirm with the EPA to make sure this is acceptable to them.

Distribution System: The permit was received Friday for the North St water main extension and now the city is waiting on IPC to get rail pros on site.

Oak St Water Tower: Washout and inspections are scheduled for 7/13/23 this was delayed due to draining issues.

Sanitary & Storm Sewers: Loren stated he is waiting on the right of entry response from the railroad.

Locust/Brown St Manhole Project: Keith stated the design phase should be done by the end of the month.

Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation on Park Ave & Yount Ave: City crews to install new storm basin and 18” storm sewer and remove storm from sanitary, materials have been received and project is started.

Iroquois County Courthouse Storm Sewer Drainage Project: Robinson completed the survey by the courthouse and Loveridge Lane for a joint effort storm sewer project. GIS Mapping: Loren stated the city may need to purchase a GPS receiver, because the current one is not working properly. Loren stated additional equipment may need to be purchased and a subscription will be needed also.

Parks: Storywalk boards have been installed at Lakeview Park and a grand opening will be held soon. Loren also stated public works crews are painting the skate park at Lakeview. The department will be painting the roof of the pavilion at Kay Park soon. They have also moved some bleachers to the soccer field for the park district to use. The parts for West side park were ordered June 1.

Streets: 8th St bid letting was June 16 and the bid came in over the estimate by $200,000 but the stated has confirmed they will pick up the extra. The city was going to be $250,000 short. MFT & RBI Road Projects: These bids were rejected and will be rebid for Mulberry St. Keith also stated they have the permission now from the owner for the Martin Ave extension project. Staffing: A public works employee was sprayed in the eyes with fuel, so Loren will be purchasing eyewash stations for the shop, pool, wwtp and Well 9 at a cost of $600 each. The committee is ok with this.

Miscellaneous: 4 tons of asphalt has been purchased to date, street sweeper operated the week of July 10th including nightly downtown street cleaning. Loren stated a new quote for the SCADA is $5750.

Equipment: the new truck has been received and the decals are complete, the Volvo loader turbo needed to be replaced for a cost of $5000

Loren stated the tree dump is full and he has been burning it. He also stated Watseka Ford has been bringing debris from the west side location to they can put up a fence.

Alderman Miller asked about the tiling project behind Kingdons and Keith reported its still a work in progress. There was a heated discussion with Alderwoman Musk about transparency, payroll rates, added holidays, raising taxes, purchasing meetings in the conference room. She also stated she has been bullied for 2 years.

Mayor Allhands stated has received notification from KCC regarding the TIF 3 extension and they are on board with it. He is now waiting on the school districts.

Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to adjourn at 8:30 pm and Alderman Barragree seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/public-works-water-wastewater-7-18-23.pdf