Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Works Committee met March 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

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

Alderman Cahoe opened the meeting at 7:08 pm. There was no public comment. Public Works Director Loren Grosvenor reported on the following projects:

Wells: the land agreement has been signed and are now waiting on title work to be done Meter Reading Improvements: 121 radios installed as of 3/18/25

Watermain Valve Exercising & Locating: This will take place again in fall of 2025 Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Approved: Home inspections are being completed by Robinson and the City, 40 BBoxes have been purchased to replace during excavation of service lines. These have not been budgeted but now they can be replaced when they are broken.

Water Main Extension on Elm St. : Brianna Dr to Sycamore St-public works will complete this project for an estimated cost of $150,000-this is a 12 inch water main. Watermain Breaks: 999 2100 E Legion Park 2” watermain on 2/19/25, 246 W Fleming St 4” watermain on 2/22/25

Watermain Projects: Belmont & 6th is scheduled for June 2025, Brianna to Sycamore 12” watermain-working on easements, expected work to take place June 2025 by public works. Loren is requesting $200,000 to do this project out of the water budget -with $150,000 for materials and the other $50,000 for aggregate. After a short discussion Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to recommend to the Council to budget $200,000 out of the water fund and Alderwoman Rohlfs seconded. Roll call carried 9-0. Loren stated by the city doing the work they are saving about $500,000.00. Loren also stated if anyone ever has a question about his budget to please get ahold of him.

Wastewater Treatment Plant: the 3 slide gate valves for the plant still waiting on a quote will pay for out of the 86-wastewater treatment fund.

Locust/Brown St Manhole Project: only left is the asphalt patching.

Kay St-Storm and Sanitary Sewer: Public Works will do this project

Parks: OSLAD Grant: public meeting on 3/20/25 at 5:30 pm-there was some discussion about the geese issue at Lakeview and it was mentioned about getting swans to deter the geese. The city does have a laser that they use.

Park Bathrooms opened for the year-Alderman Cahoe asked for the police department to lock up at night and public works to open in the morning- Peters Park bathroom vandalized, baseball banners have been hung up and Forest Park outfield lights have been repaired. Streets: Loren has the ordinance for no parking on the east side of Fairman to Coney, this will be passed by the full council next week. MFT Heat & Recycle: Gallagher will be back in May to apply the second fog coat-this project has not be paid for yet. Martin Ave Extension: Sewer main and laterals installed, watermain completed and loop opened, storm sewer partially completed, and dirt work is currently taking place. Road Projects: TIF III funds approved, IPC will do the work and work will take place this June once school is out

Salt: 250 tons of salt purchased ytd-have about 150 tons of salt in salt bin Tree Trimming: some trees being removed due to excessive trimming from Ameren Equipment: FM/Digital radios for public works still waiting up updated quote and license, Bobcat PF80 light tower/generator-received 3/7/2025-training is being done with the fire department.

Alderman Cahoe makes a motion to adjourn at 7:40 and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/media/3991