MINUTES TO THE

 

CITY OF WILMINGTON

 

WATER, SEWER, STREETS AND ALLEYS COMMITTEE MEETING

 

OCTOBER 11, 2006

 

CITY OF WILMINGTON ADMINISTRATION CENTER

 

1165 SOUTH WATER STREET

 

WILMINGTON, IL  60481

 

5:30 P.M.

 

The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m.  Upon roll call, Councilman Russ Gilmour, Councilman Joe Hermes and Councilman Marty Orr, were present.   Councilwoman Helen Hoppe, Superintendent Gary Van Duyne and Superintendent Ken Jeffries and City Administrator John McIntyre were also present; Administrator McIntyre also served as Recording Secretary.  Eli Draiman arrived about 5:45 p.m.

 

Councilman Hermes made a motion to approve the minutes to the previous meeting, seconded by Councilman Gilmour.  The motion passed 3-0.

 

STATUS OF SEWER PLANT

 

Administrator McIntyre and Superintendent updated the committee on the trip to Springfield to visit with IEPA officials.  Mayor Roy Strong, Administrator McIntyre, Superintendent Jeffries, Executive Secretary Puracchio, Art Benner, Bob Rogina and Dennis Huffield discussed issues with IEPA officials such as load restriction changes (IEPA agreed not to change them, as long as Wilmington agreed to use a larger clarifier) and conservation education.  The Disrupter system that the city will use was considered a major “atta boy” by the State of Illinois, and according to IEPA officials, the NPEDS permit should be signed by the end of the week of October 23rd of this year.  No news regarding the consent decree on the ammonia levels. 

 

 

WATER TOWER STATUS

 

The Council agreed that the bids for removal of the tower should go out as soon as possible; Art Benner already has paperwork prepared.  The plan is to have the tower removed by the end of this year. 

 

OTHER PERTINENT ISSUES

 

A. Superintendent Van Duyne noted that during today’s hydrant flushing activities, a hole was created in a section of pipe.  Councilman Gilmour stated that the problem of week pipes was being addressed. 

 

B. Mr. Draiman of Embassy Care centers addressed the committee.  He proposed that the City of Wilmington and Embassy Care Centers select a consultant to check for the accuracy of the water meter.  Mr. Draiman believes the meter is inaccurate and he is being overcharged – he has no leak in his system.  The committee members, Administrator McIntyre and Superintendent Jeffries strongly disagreed with Mr. Draiman and advised him to pay the city his outstanding water bill.  Mr. Draiman agreed to make a “good faith” payment toward the amount he owes, pending the outcome of the proposed independent test, which he insisted would show that he is not using as much water as the meter is reading, and if the city is wrong, Mr. Draiman should get a rebate.  If Mr. Draiman is wrong, he will pay the entire amount that the city says he owes, no questions asked.    Administrator McIntyre reminded Mr. Draiman that the city is not responsible for the maintenance of Embassy Care Center’s internal plumbing.   The committee requested that Superintendent Jeffries contact a reputable company to insure that the current meter is working.

 

KAHLER ROAD SIDEWALK PROJECT

 

Councilman Gilmour and Administrator McIntyre announced that the bid opening for this project would occur at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning at city hall.

 

HIRING – PUBLIC WORKS

 

Superintendent Van Duyne recommended hiring Josh Hubbard for the city crew position.  Councilman Hermes reminded the committee that this position was already approved in the budget.  Councilman Orr made a motion to recommend to the City Council hiring Josh Hubbard, seconded by Councilman Gilmour.  The motion passed 3-0.

 

OTHER PERTINENT ISSUES

 

A. Councilwoman Hoppe asked Administrator McIntyre about the joint-planning session to discuss road improvements.  Administrator McIntyre said that a joint meeting with the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission was planned, and that land use, transportation and other infrastructure issues would be planned.  At the meeting, representatives from the Will County Land Use Department will make an update presentation on he Will County 2020 Transportation Plan.

 

B. Councilman Orr asked Administrator McIntyre to remind Art Benner tomorrow morning to “fast-track” the bid packages and permit needed for the southern portion of the street light project.  Councilman Hermes noted that the cost the downtown lights project exceeded what was originally proposed, and acknowledged that whenever a public project is started, its more cost-effective to do the entire project at once rather than in sections.

 

C. Administrator McIntyre updated the committee on the street parking situation that was brought up at the last meeting as the “Zlome” issue.  He pointed out the relevant sections in the Parking Ordinance and gave the specifics of Section 76.02 – No-parking spaces.  The ordinance could be amended to include no parking behind any driveway, increasing the usable width of the roadway when parked on, or review narrower streets on a case by case basis.  Councilman Gilmour explained that the Police Department needs to focus more attention on towing illegally parked vehicles.     

 

There being no further business, Councilman Orr made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Gilmour.  The motion passed 3-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

 

Submitted by

 

 

 

John A. McIntyre

City Administrator