South West Illinois News

City of Red Bud Public Works Committee met March 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Members Present: Curt Guebert, Kyle Donjon, Bill Hanebutt, Clem Esker, Mike Rheinecker

Committee Members Absent:

Council Members Present: Jeremy DeMond, David Friess, Susan Harbaugh

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

Others Absent: City Clerk Joanne Cowell

Committee Chairman Guebert called the meeting to order at 6:33 P.M.

Old Business

I. Power Plant

A. Plant Report

Business as usual. Scheduled IMEA runs are coming up.

II. Utilities/Streets

A. Electric - Underground & Structure Replacement Project

1. IMEA Update

IMEA sent a graph of costs & Josh Eckart explained the rate information. Harbaugh requested a copy of the graph from Eckart.

2. Intergovernmental Agreement for Management of Grant

Pam Poetker explained the intricate regulations/work involved in this grant. Hopefully, it will be bid on April 1. Linda Tragesser wanted $80,000 to manage this grant, but since the State is capping it at $30,000, she would be willing to do it for that. Poetker will try to manage the grant, but have Tragesser as a backup on a possible time and material basis. No action is needed at this time.

B. Gas – CenterPoint Energy Services Update

CenterPoint Energy Services has announced its’ sale to Energy Capital Partners. ECP have indicated that they plan to retain almost all of their employees, so the same people should be managing the city’s account.

C. Water

Vices water service install still needs a concrete patch on W. Market. It will be done in conjunction with the concrete patch work.

D. Sewer

The check valve for the Taylor Street sewer lift station repair is here and the repair should be completed by April 2.

E. Streets

The MFT bid opening is scheduled for next Monday.

New Business

I. Approval of Prior Month’s Meeting Minutes – Meeting February 17, 2020

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to approve the minutes from the February 17, 2020 meeting. Carried

II. Training Request – IWPC 2020 Conference – Joe Ledlow

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Donjon, to authorize approval to send Joe Ledlow to training entitled “IWPC 2020 Conference” April 20-22, 2020 (or a rescheduled date), in Springfield, IL, with a fee of $350. Transportation and lodging are required. Carried

III. Easement Request-Lance Krack: Property Off Blackjack Road

Superintendent Eckart said that Lance Krack is required to hook up to the city water because he is in city limits. Eckart is suggesting the city approve a 15’ wide water service line easement starting at Locust Street, along the north end of the city’s drainage property to Krack’s property, in exchange for Krack’s granting an all utilities easement along the north side of his property. It will be Krack’s private water service line from the Locust Street meter and therefore his future responsibility.

Recommendation made by Committee Member Esker, seconded by Committee Member Rheinecker, to approve authorization to have Attorney Ray draw up the easement agreement. Carried

IV. Roeslein Solar Request

Superintendent Eckart explained a proposal from Roeslein to add solar energy. Per current ordinance, 20kw per account or meter is allowed. Anything above 20kw, must be approved by the council. According to IMEA, there is a 2% allowable limit (260kw), city wide. No action taken.

V. Valleroy Sewer Update – 308 E. S. Third Street

The gas line installation seems to have caused damage to the sewer line. The cost of repair/new line was $4,815. The Mayor feels that it is best if the city assumes the responsibility for this repair. Committee Member Donjon reported that Mr. Valleroy wants to commend Superintendent Eckart and the utility workers for their cooperation in working with them on this problem.

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

Eckart said the IDOT letting scheduled for April 24th has been pushed back to June 12th.

Some trainings that have been previously approved, have been rescheduled because of the coronavirus. Attorney Ray stated that there was no need to approve trainings again because of date changes.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:13 P.M.

https://www.cityofredbud.org/uploads/3/8/4/1/38410823/public_works_031620.pdf