REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 10,2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Mayor Debra Richardson. Clerk Linda Ary called the roll and the following were present: Aldermen Robert Bluett, Larry Buhr, Ron Canterbury, Tony Doellman, Harry Nichols and Jan Shirley. Also present was Klingner & Associate engineer Jeffrey Conte.
All stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jeffrey Conte addressed the Council on the progress of the Water Plant Expansion Project. He said the project is about 26% complete and we have only paid about 17% in engineering. He said the engineers are not there as much now as they were in the beginning and he anticipates there will be some engineering fees that were originally scheduled that will be returned to the City in the end. He said Korte & Lutijohan are very responsible and the engineers have not had to be there as much as anticipated in the beginning.
Alderman Doellman questioned if they would have the new building under a roof so they could work this winter and Mr. Conte doesn’t think so. He said the old building will not be wrecked until spring and the claircone and filter will probably go in, in Jan. or Feb. 2009 and he anticipates, baring any major problems the project might be nearing completion in August 2009.
Mr. Conte said today Loy asked about a sump in the clear well and he forgot to include that, but he would work it out with the contractors and it would be put in at no extra charge to the City.
Alderman Doellman questioned Mr. Conte if he knew what was going on with well #6 and he said he didn’t understand and was totally perplexed with this situation. He said normally a well like this should be completed in 3 to 4 weeks. He said the next wells we do will be much quicker.
Mr. Conte said the pump on well #5 failed last weekafter a bearing on the motor went out. He said they put in the pump we had purchased in March or April that was not installed due to not wanting the well down during such a high demand time. He said when well #6 is finally finished, wells 3 & 4 will be emergency wells. He said the City needs to be looking to the future and purchase 2 pieces of property so we can drill some more wells. The property would need to be 1800 X 100 ft. in size and Mr. Conte said he has some ideas and would be happy to come over and sit down with the Council or whomever and share his ideas. He said it would be better to purchase the property now, than to wait until we are ready to drill and be under the gun, so to speak. He also said it would probably be cheaper. He said he could come over and do all the leg work, but didn’t feel that is the best way to approach this, since the Council members know the area and the people that live here.
Both meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend
Alderman Buhr asked how many wells we need and Mr. Conte said 3 more or a total of 5 wells. Alderman Nichols asked if either well #3 or #4 could be reconditioned and Mr. Conte said that there is possibility that a new well could be drilled at the site, but not recondition either of the current wells.
Alderman Nichols also asked who we could get to drill the wells other than Brotcke and was told either Lane Westren or Grosch. He said the problem with well #6 is there is no general contractor on the job. The City is the contractor and these guys are used to working with general contractors and when the contractor says to do something they do it. Alderman Nichols asked if we could have the specs drawn up and then take bids. Mr. Conte said he already has the specs for the well. Everyone was in agreement that we need to drill a new well at the site near wells #3 and #4. Mr. Conte said there should not be many engineering fees and it is an ideal site due to the electricity already being there. He said a new road will need to be built, but a gravel road to there shouldn’t be that costly.
A motion was made by Alderman Shirley, seconded by Alderman Doellman to approve THE CHANGE OF ORDER ON THE CONTRACT WITH KORTE & LUITJOHAN. The original contract was for $3,455,500. There is an additional $8,040.00 for the removal of the solids from the old lagoon to the new basin and for extra rock that was needed because it was too wet. All were in favor. Motion passed.
A motion was made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Canterbury to approve payment #4 to Korte and Luitjohan in the amount of $279,522.00 as requested. All were in favor. Motion passed.
The mayor asked if Mr. Conte had done anything about he drainage on Lynwood Drive and he said he has not, but will get right on it.
Mr. Conte also said Korte & Luitjohan will put in a culvert at the water plant at no cost if the City will provide it for them.
A motion was made by Alderman Bluett, seconded by Alderman Doellman to approve the minutes of the October 13, 2008 Regular Meeting with the correction in the amount of payment #3 to Korte & Luitjohan from $131,183.00 to $301,456.00. All were in favor. Motion passed.
A motion was made by AldermanCanterbury, seconded by Alderman Shirley to approve the Police Report. All were in favor. Motion passed.
A motion was made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Nichols to approve payment of the bills. All were in favor. Motion passed.
Alderman Shirley said she thinks we need to check with other Police Departments and see what they pay for their officers. Alderman Doellman will check with
There was discussion regarding the project on
A motion was made by Alderman Shirley, seconded by Alderman Buhr to proceed with the project as the water department originally proposed to avoid increased costs and time delays. All were in favor. Motion passed.
A motion was made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Shirley to purchase a V-10 Ford truck from Crossroads Ford for $29,647.00. All were in favor except Alderman Doellman who voted “No”. Motion passed.
Mayor Richardson presented the following things:
Alderman Shirley asked about the Flood Plain Insurance, the mayor said she has checked already and has to file an application. It goes to the Department of Natural Resources.
A motion was made by Alderman Bluett, seconded by Alderman Shirley to pass ORDINANCE 13-2008, AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR CHANGE OF STREET NAME IN THE CITY OF ATHENS, ILLIINOS.
There was more discussion regarding the Police Department and what the City should pay for. Alderman Bluett asked if we have looked over the budget recently. He said it seems like we are spending a lot of money that hasn’t been budgeted for. Alderman Nichols said he will have a synopsis of this before the next meeting.
Mayor Richardson asked about the interconnect with Williamsville and if Fancy Creek is willing to let Williamsville bring water into Andrew. They have to agree to let Williamsville do this or it will have to go to court. It is not looking good for us to get water to Andrew. There are no grants available and it doesn’t look like there will be any for a long time.
Alderman Bluett asked about our bonding power and we really don’t have any at this time. He also asked if there has been anything done or if we have heard from the U.S. Department of Justice concerning
Alderman Buhr commended the mayor on the benefit for Alderman Shirley.
He also said the cook shed has been winterized.
It was brought to the attention of the Council that the Illinois Flag at the park is very tattered and needs replaced.
A motion was made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Shirley to adjourn the meeting. All were in favor. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:27 P.M.