Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Public Works/Water Wastewater Committee met July 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Miller, Muench, Brault, Garfield, Dewitt, Pence, Alderwoman Rohlfs and Mayor Marcier

ABSENT: Alderman Petersen

GUEST: Public Works Director Loren Grosvenor

Alderman Miller opened the meeting at 6:41 pm. There was no public comment. Public Works Director Loren Grosvenor reported on the following projects:

Test Wells: Well 12 on North St is scheduled to start the beginning of August Grant for Watermain on Elm St: this project is scheduled for 2026 and the city will receive a $450,000 grant for Sycamore to North 8th St and a section on N 3rd by Baier Funeral home, the bid on this project will be out by the end of the year

Brianna to Sycamore Water Main: the easements have all been signed and this project will begin in August by public works.

Watermain Breaks: Jackson & Virginia 4” watermain break 7/7/2025

South 2nd St and Cherry St Watermain Project: Robinson design engineering cost is $115,000-this will be a shovel ready project and there is approximately $1.3 million to use from TIF 3 and TIF 4

Belmont Road Project: This will start approximately on August 15

Martin Ave Extension: there is still some restoration work to be done and grading work, hopefully the asphalt work will be done in August.

Cherry St: plans for this will go to IDOT this month, it needs to be posted for 2 weeks and looking to have it paved before the year end.

Wastewater Treatment Plant: Loren stated it was going to cost $62,000 to rebuild a pump, after checking with many vendors he found he could order 2 new pumps for $101,420.00 so he ordered them, there is a 12 week lead time before they come in, once they do public works can do the install, that leaves 1 pump that is 30 years old, Loren wants to wait till next year to replace that one

Parks: Soil borings are being done for the OSLAD Grant splash pad and Pavillion at Lakeview Park. The concrete pad work should start this week and hopefully be poured next week. Loren stated he has been looking for paint for the pickle ball court and for a fence. He is also working at getting a permanent bathroom for Lakeview Park.

Staffing: 1 new hire this month, still down 1 employee

Equipment: the F150 has been ordered, and new tires were purchased for the backhoe

Alderman Miller makes a motion to enter executive session for union negotiations at 6:55 pm and Alderman Garfield seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

Alderman Garfield makes a motion to go back to regular session at 7:22 pm and Alderwoman Rohlfs seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

Mayor Marcier stated everyone has a copy of ordinance #2755 for 1215 Sugar Creek Ct for next weeks full council meeting. The city can purchase this property from the county off the tax sale for $802.00. There was a lengthy discussion about obtaining this property and why does the city want it, more discussion will be had next week.

Alderman Muench stated that tasers are in at the police department and now they are waiting on batteries which should be here by the end the month.

Alderwoman Rohlfs stated the Watseka Farmers Market is gaining more attention every week. Many from the community are starting to come, she stated its becoming a “community hub”.

Alderman Miller makes a motion to adjourn at 7:32 pm and Alderman Dewitt seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

https://www.watsekacity.org/media/4286