Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Public Works Committee met Sept. 2

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Evans called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks

Absent: Coleman

I. DISCUSSION FOR RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD A PROGESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO BAXTER & WOODMAN, INC. IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $48,886 FOR THE WATER & SEWER RATE STUDY PROJECT:

Trotter Engineer Steve Cieslica explained that 2010 was the last sewer & water rate study. CIP planning had been completed. There were big projects to come including the new water tower, lead service line replacement and the Broadway Ave water and service lines. There were other projects to follow; the capital needs were pushing the need for the rate study. There were RFPs submitted, and Baxter & Woodman was the most qualified.

II. DISCUSSION OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $272,000 TO REPAIR RAW WATER PUMP; CLEAN AND REPAIR WET WELL:

Street Superintendent Bob Miller explained that Abbvie utilizes 4 raw water pumps. 2024 2 of 4 pumps were rebuilt, 1 failed already. Six years prior when the intake wells were cleaned the underwater door to the pump was inadvertently left open causing sediment to come in and corrode.

There were going to be 3 jobs: rebuild 3rd pump, waiting on second pump, repair the broken door and clean out the sediment. There was a new company to fix the door, clean out the sediment and clean out the screens. The amount was the maximum amount.

Alderman Allen asked what the plan was to assure the pump doesn’t remain open. Mr. Miller said that there would be monthly exercises to make certain they are closed. The doors should be opened and closed periodically but should not remain open. It was 6 years of sediment.

Alderman Allen suggested there be a sign in sheet that documents who opens and closes the door; Mr. Miller agreed. Mr. Miller noted that the statute of limitations more than likely had been reached to hold the company that left it open liable. Attorney Silverman agreed.

Alderman Wray asked if there was training provided so the employees know of the protocol. Mr. Miller said there was, since the flood 2 years prior, there have been protocols and check sheets put in place. Some of the training was in hope of performing some of the repairs in house.

III. DISCUSSION/AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE 2025 MFT ROAD PROGRAM:

Mr. Cieslica explained the 2025 MFT Program was approved in the July 2025 budget. The budget was $1.1 million.

Alderman Brooks left the Council Chambers at 7:40 p.m.

Mr. Cieslica said that the attempt was to avoid digging up new streets to do the lead service line replacement. The lead service line replacement grant was approximately $2 million from the Illinois EPA. The streets were: Hillcrest Ave (from 20th to MLK), 23rd St. (Lewis to Kemble), 21st St., 18th St. and 15th St. resurfacing. There were many lead service lines in the 1st Ward and were working in that direction.

Alderman Brooks returned to the Council Chambers at 7:44 p.m.

Alderman Jackson stated concern of the 1000 block of Wadsworth and asked if it could be looked at.

The manhole cover was also elevated. Alderman Evans gave kudos to Bob Miller for all the work that he had been doing, including clerical work while the assistant was out.

Alderman Wray also thanked Economic Development and Public Works for the graffiti removal on Martin Luther King.

IV. DISCUSSION TO APPROVE FY26 MFT ROAD PROJECTS:

Same as Item III.

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

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

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