Trustee Peter Garrity | Libertyville
Trustee Peter Garrity | Libertyville
At its March 28 meeting, the Libertyville village board approved an amendment to split the cost of residents' water line replacement work up to $6,000.
The EPA has made a requirement for all cities and municipalities to create an inventory, plan, and schedule for replacement of all lead service lines, with construction starting by 2027.
Many cities have started cost-sharing agreements with their residents and do them in conjunction with any utilities work in the area to try and make it as cheap as possible. There is little to no federal or state funding opportunities for these projects.
The board has had a cost-sharing policy in which it would pay half the cost with the homeowner to replace lead water lines connecting the city's water mains to their homes. The policy started with a 50/50 share between the two entities, with a $2,500 maximum. It was amended to be increased over the years, previously maxing out at $3,500.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Tim Anderson said he was alarmed at the possible costs of replacing the lead pipes leading to his home.
The board assured him that it did not have any ongoing agreements with contractors and it was his decision what to do with the service lines.
This lead to a discussion on increasing the cost-sharing amount.
“I would just perhaps open up the discussion that maybe we need to look at the amount that we allow for the 50% match,” Trustee Peter Garrity said. “And I know there's limited funds in the dollars that we have allocated to this. But ... I might advocate for ... up to three grand. I don't know but a different number other than the $2,500 that we have, I don't know what the impact would be. But I think I do appreciate that this should be, if at all possible, this would be a 50/50 match.”
After getting estimates from local contractors, the board learned an average cost would be $5,500 to $6,000, although many contractors go up to $9,000-$12,000. The board decided to amend its agreement by bumping up the amount its would cover. The new policy is a 50% shared cost with a maximum of $6,000 from the city.
In other business, the board also discussed an ordinance vacating a portion of an unimproved alley at 641 East Sunnyside Ave.
The board also discussed an ordinance amending the liquor code to create a Class M Liquor License and increase the number of those licenses.
The board will meet again at 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Village Hall at 118 West Cook Ave.
Alerts Sign-up