South West Illinois News

City of Red Bud Public Works Committee met May 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Committee Members Present: Glenn Linnertz, Kyle Donjon, Bill Hanebutt, Clem Esker, Curt Guebert

Committee Members Absent:

Council Members Present: Mike Reed, David Friess, Susan Harbaugh

Others Present: City Attorney Paul Ray, City Superintendent Josh Eckart, Code Administrator Jeff Mueller, Police Chief John Brittingham, Admin. Assist. Pam Poetker, City Clerk Joanne Cowell

Others Absent:Mayor Tim Lowry

Committee Chairman Linnertz called the meeting to order at 7:21 P.M.

Old Business

I.Power Plant

A.Plant Report

Eckart reported that the catalysts for Unit #7 are in. There was an air manifold explosion on the test run. Unit #7 is up and running and has been requalified. Unit #1 is nearing completion. Urge testing is scheduled for late June/early July.

II.Utilities/Streets

A.Electric – “I” Circuit Replacement

The “I” circuit was discussed. A temporary fix is estimated at $100,000. BHM&G verified that this fix will not interfere with the IDOC funding request for an “urgent need” project. This would be a 2-3 week project.

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Linnertz, seconded by Committee Member Donjon, to approve the contract with BHM&G to repair “I” circuit, for time and material, NTE $110,000. Carried

B.Gas – Rate Review/Adjustment/Meter Charge for Customers

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Linnertz, seconded by Committee Member Esker, to approve a $10 meter fee to the gas bill, across the board. Carried

Eckart said that there are some valve replacements that need to be done.

The fusion machine needs repairs and in case it cannot be repaired, Eckart is adding $4,000 to the capital plan budget.

C.Water

Well #2 is getting ready to go back in.

D.Sewer

South Knotty Pines lift station repairs are nearing completion.

A push camera is running around $10,000 and the capital plan only has $5,000 in it for that project so it is being pushed back until next year.

E.Streets

Eckart said he will be looking at the sealing streets project.

New Business

I.Approval of Prior Month’s Meeting Minutes – Meeting April 16, 2018

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Linnertz, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to approve the minutes from the April 16, 2018 meeting. Carried

II.Electric Rates

Eckart explained a B6 rate incentive program from IMEA that is passed on to applicable commercial customers on a five year cycle. Both the city and customer are saving money on electric costs.

III.Fieldstone Subdivision Sidewalk Variance Request – Rodney Nevois

Rodney Nevois requested that all three phases of Hidden Oak and Phase I of Fieldstone streets be accepted by the city since the two year time line is long past. He is also requesting exemption from putting in the side sidewalks in Fieldstone. West Field Street sidewalks will be put in. He is considering finishing W. Field Street infrastructure for Phase II (26 lots). He was asking if the city’s offer for helping with the street is still on the table. Nevois is also considering developing another 40 acre subdivision.

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Esker, seconded by Committee Member Linnertz, to approve allowing Rodney Nevois to put in the sidewalk along West Field Street and to not put in side sidewalks in Phase I & II of Fieldstone. Carried

IV.Training Request – GUA Annual Meeting – Kenny Langrehr & Steve Muertz

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Linnertz, seconded by Committee Member Donjon, to approve sending Kenny Langrehr and Steve Muertz to training titled “Gas Utilities Alliance Annual Meeting” in Effingham, IL on June 12, 2018. Transportation is required. Carried

V.Co-op Employee – Wyatt DuClos – Last Day 05/18/2018

Wyatt DuClos’ last day as a co-op student was May 18, 2018.

VI.Authorization to Purchase Replacement Squeeze Tool for Electric Department

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Linnertz, seconded by Committee Member Guebert, to approve authorization to purchase a new squeeze tool for the electric department, NTE $5,000. Carried

VII.Clearwave Right-of-Way Agreement

Mike Phalin from Clearwave and Carol Root from Perandoe presented their request to allow the right-of-way agreement to enable Perandoe to receive internet services from Clearwave at their SWIC location. Root also explained their program and asked for assistance with the buses. All bus loading and unloading must be done on SWIC property, not the street.

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Linnertz, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to approve authorization to allow Clearwave Communications to install a line from W.S. Second Street, down Locust Street to W.S. Fourth Street to SWIC, with a permit fee of $200 and to work with Josh Eckart on the line placement. Carried

VIII.SIU-E ERTC Internship – Water Department

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Linnertz, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to approve entering into the Field Practice Agreement with SIU-E for a water department internship. Carried

IX.Lighting Project at Sports Complex

Eckart asked if the city wanted to move ahead with the IMEA Energy Assistance Funds of around $28,000 for a light project at the sports complex. The total project would cost about $51,300. These are “use it or lose it” funds which expire this year. Linnertz asked Eckart to put something on paper for the next meeting.

VII.Public Comments/Anything for the Good of the City

Eckart asked if he could start Tyson Rieke, the co-op student, now. Linnertz said, “It is that time of the year.”

Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 P.M.

https://www.cityofredbud.org/meeting-information.html