Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Public Works Committee met Feb. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Evans called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Absent: None

I. DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REPORT:

There was no discussion.

II. DISCUSSION OF WATER DEPARTMENT REPORT:

There was no discussion.

III. DISCUSSION OF ENGINEER REPORT:

There was no discussion.

IV. DISCUSSION/REVIEW OF THE 2024 DEMOLITION PROJECT:

Engineer Steve Cieslica explained there were (4) properties to be advertised for bid; (Ricky Rockets Project) that were included in the 2024 Demolition Project.

The Mayor questioned if the green building located on Rt. 41 was scheduled for demolition; Mr. Cieslica explained it was not part of this demo project.

Alderman Evans questioned the E&CD Director Tyler Wegrzyn if it would impact the construction.

Mr. Wegrzyn explained the program was inclusive to only residential properties. He asked if there was a timeline and Mr. Wegrzyn explained.

This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, March 4, 2024.

V. DISCUSSION/REVIEW OF THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT (WTP) ROOFING

REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT PROJECT:

Mr. Cieslica stated in year 2019, there was a Larsen Darby, architect survey Alderman Allen left at 8:25 p.m. The timeline was estimating 3-5 months to complete the project. He was seeking permission for bid in 2024.

Alderman Allen returned at 8:28 p.m.

VI. DISCUSSION/REVIEW OF THE HUTCHINSON DESIGN GROUP, LTD; PROPOSAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $77,750.00 FOR CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION SERVICES FOR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT ROOFING REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT PROJECT:

Mr. Cieslica asked to retain Hutchinson design group due to city familiarity. Alderman January questioned clarification; Attorney Simon explained that Hutchinson Design Group Ltd. would monitor the contractors and he explained the bidding portion.

VII. DISCUSSION OF LEAVES REMOVAL:

Consulting Public Works Director, Bob Miller explained that currently the leaves are manually placed in specific bags by the homeowner. He suggested various options; a contract adding to LRS of $155,000 for (4) passes or (dates) adding additional cost for another return visit; contact for a new company to remove leaves and/or the Public Works do it. the equipment would cost $400,000 for selfcontained and vacuum ($150,000 per load placed on the back of the truck.)

Alderman Allen noted leaving them outside could possibly blow in the drains.

Alderman Coleman suggested burning the leaves. Mr. Miller clarified it was very unsafe in creating potential health problems to burn. He would prefer the Public Works Department with the proper equipment needed and not outside contractors. 

Alderman Smith received feedback it was limited to (6) bags of leaves at a time currently. Mr. Miller stated had followed up with his contact; if it occurred again to contact the Public Works Department and he would ensure the leaves were picked up.

Alderman January and Jackson left at 8:39 p.m.

Alderman Jackson returned at 8:41 p.m.

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson that the Public Works Committee Meeting stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: None

The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

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