Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Public Works Committee met June 17

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Evans called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Coleman (RP), Evans, Smith, Murphy, January

Absent: Allen

IV. DISCUSSION TO APPROVE HACH SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR EXISTING EQUIPMENT NOT TO EXCEED $24,000:

Bob Miller, Consulting Interim Public Works Director, explained was asking to waive bidding for Hach Service Equipment Not to Exceed $24,000. There was no other company that made the same equipment. It was an annual agreement checking the chlorine level and water quality etc.

Alderman Jackson questioned clarification and Mr. Miller explained there was a previous company.

Alderman Coleman disagreed with waiving the bid. For fairness, should always have a bidding process.

This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, July 1, 2024.

V. DISCUSSION TO APPROVE DAHME MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES INC. TO INSTALL (2) AIR COMPRESSORS NOT TO EXCEED $50,000:

Mr. Miller was also asking to waive the bidding for air compressors Dahme Mechanical Industries and elaborated further. The City of North Chicago had a long-standing relationship with the company. It was also the lowest price. The replacement of the 2 new air compressors and safeguarding the Water Treatment Plant; if the water pressure dropped the other 2 compressors would serve as a backup system.

This was an emergency and would utilize more time for bidding.

Alderman Smith questioned what was considered a reasonable price. Mr. Miller explained the other company quoted double the amount of Dahme’s bid.

Alderman January questioned clarification. Mr. Miller explained with a different brand though the same compressors. She asked if there was a possible conflict of interest with anyone. Mr. Miller was unaware.

Alderman Coleman disagreed with waiving the bids. The City needed to be more transparent protecting the taxpayers. He asked Attorney Simon if he recommended waiving or bidding; he stated should be a case-by-case basis based on its merits.

I. DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT:

There was no discussion.

II. DISCUSSION OF WATER DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT:

Mr. Miller explained the routine testing resulted per EPA, a compound in the water which he read. It was somewhat higher with the concentration on April 15, 2024.preferred another test was performed on May 16, 2024, that resulted in a lower amount of accepted EPA limit. A notification letter would be sent to the residents. A follow-up test would be performed with raw and treated water to ensure its quality. Any further questions, the resident could ask for Mr. Miller or Cliff Young at the water plant.

Alderman January asked if he had reached out to other water municipalities; he mentioned no other one tested recently positive. Currently tested below the EPA limits.

Alderman Jackson requested that the aldermen had a copy of the notification letter before it was sent to the residents. Mr. Miller would honor his request. Mr. Miller reiterated that the compound was checked annually and the EPA would check on quarterly intervals until consistency tested below the required levels. The Mayor preferred that the residents were pro-actively notified regardless of the severity vs. alarmed.

Alderman Smith strongly indicated the need of ensuring comfort. He was surprised it would be had delivered to the homeowners. Chief of Staff, Greg Jackson explained would arrange a bulk mailing effective the following day. Alderman Evans asked if he could distribute copies in the evening.

Alderman Coleman would direct questions received to the Chief of Staff and he encourage the alderman remaining united in one accord. The Mayor appreciated his comment moving forward.

III. DISCUSSION OF ENGINEER REPORT:

There was no discussion.

Alderman Murphy left at 6:52 p.m.

VI. DISCUSSION/REVIEW AWARD OF CONTRCT TO HOERR CONSTRUCTION FOR FY 2025 SANITARY SEWER CLEANING AND TELEVISING PROJECT IN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $150,000:

Engineer, Steve Cieslica grouped Items VI AND VII were bid out previously in FY 2023; Hoerr Construction won both contracts and was the last yr. of a 3-year contract.

VII. DISCUSSION/REVIEW AWARD OF CONTRCT TO HOERR CONSTRUCTION FOR FY 2025 STORM SEWER CLEANING AND TELEVISING PROJECT IN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $150,000:

Both Items will be placed on the Next Council Agenda, July 1, 2024.

VIII. DISCUSSION/REVIEW TO APPROVE PRE-AWARD IGA WITH LAKE COUNTY SMC FOR THE LEWIS AVENUE DETENTION BASIN PHASE I AND II (PENDING LEGAL REVIEW):

Mr. Cieslica explained the City received the amount of 5.5 mil in DCEO funding for the construction of the Lewis Ave. detention basin. Phase II would provide upgrading to some of the piping to assist with helping the flow.

Attorney Simon chimed-in that this was a pre-agreement with SMC and another one once the funding was released. Alderman Smith questioned clarification with the smaller pipes. Mr. Cieslica stated was included with the issue; the main problem was utilized from a former landfill, became Pettibone Creek watershed flowing from Green Bay Rd. to Glenn Dr. and Broadway Ave. leading to EMCO Chemical. The storm detention basin would create the capacity in the pipe building an outlet on Lewis Ave.

Alderman Smith questioned the detention basin aesthetics. Mr. Cieslica explained.

Alderman Coleman highly commented Mr. Cieslica on the bid process.

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman January that Public Works Committee Meeting stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman (RP), Evans, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Allen

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

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