St. Charles Approves Sewer, Transformer, and Marathon Projects

On June 27th, 2022, the Government Services Committee held a 13-minute meeting to approve key infrastructure projects and community event arrangements.

Meeting Overview

The committee discussed critical public works, utility, and community projects, including:

• Asphalt Grinding and Patching Program

• Sanitary Sewer Lining Program

• Eastern Interceptor Sewer Phase One Improvements

• Master Engineering Service Agreement for Water and Sewer Systems

• SCADA Program Management Phase 3

• Substation #3 Transformer Replacement

• Permanent and Temporary Easements for King County Fairgrounds

• Street and Parking Lot Closures for the Fox Valley Marathon

Omnibus Agenda Items

The meeting began with a discussion on omnibus items. Two items were removed from the omnibus for separate discussion:

• Permanent and temporary easements for King County Fairgrounds

• Street closures and amplification for the Fox Valley Marathon

The remaining omnibus agenda items were approved unanimously.

Asphalt Grinding and Patching Program

The committee approved a bid award to J.A. Johnson Paving for $19.80 per square yard.

Key Points:

• Focused on two-inch grind and overlay patchwork.

• Projects return to the west side of the city this year.

• Clarification provided regarding mobilization fees (cost of transporting heavy equipment).

Decision: Approved unanimously.

Sanitary Sewer Lining Program

A bid from National Power Routing was approved.

Key Points:

• Provides cost-effective repairs for sewer mains without extensive excavation.

• Geneva and Batavia were not included this year due to budget constraints.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

Eastern Interceptor Sewer Phase One Improvements

The first phase of the Eastern Interceptor Sewer project was awarded to Swallow Construction.

Key Points:

• Replaces aging and undersized trunk mains from the airport to the main plant.

• Addresses long-standing infrastructure needs.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

Engineering and SCADA Contracts

• Master Engineering Service Agreement: Approved for Fairgrounds (returning contractor) and Thomas Engineering Group (new addition) to handle water/sewer linear projects and small lift stations.

• SCADA Program Management Phase 3: Awarded to ConCentric Integration, continuing security upgrades to industrial control systems over a two-year period.

Decision: Both approved unanimously.

Substation #3 Transformer Replacement

The committee authorized the purchase of a new transformer despite a $121,000 budget overrun.

Key Points:

• Overages covered by reallocating funds within the electric utility budget.

• Sale of the old transformer expected to yield $7,000–$8,000.

• High demand for refurbished transformers in the current market justified the purchase.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

King County Fairgrounds Easements

Permanent and temporary easements were approved for the King County Fairgrounds.

Key Points:

• Permanent easements limit a landowner’s ability to build on property.

• Ensures proper use of land for city utility and infrastructure purposes.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

Fox Valley Marathon Street Closures

The committee approved street and parking lot closures and the use of amplification equipment for the 2032 Fox Valley Marathon.

Key Points:

• Early morning amplification (6:15 AM start) raised residential noise concerns.

• Police staff will communicate concerns to event sponsors to mitigate impact.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

Important Notes

• Two items were pulled from the omnibus for specific discussion.

• Projects balance critical infrastructure improvements with community event considerations.

• Committee addressed budget reallocations and mitigation strategies to minimize resident disruption.

Attendees

• Chairperson and Committee Members: Rita, Brian, Todd, Steve

• Public Works Staff

• Electric Utility Staff

• Police Department Staff

Conclusion

The June 27 meeting highlights the city’s proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance and community engagement. Approving sewer projects, transformer replacement, engineering contracts, and marathon logistics ensures reliable public utilities while supporting local events. Sensitive concerns, such as early morning amplification, demonstrate careful consideration of residential impact alongside city operations.

Final Verdict: Strategic planning and responsive governance ensure both operational resilience and community enjoyment for residents and event participants.

FAQs

What were the main projects approved on June 27, 2022?

The committee approved sewer upgrades, a transformer replacement, engineering contracts, and Fox Valley Marathon logistics.

Who was awarded the Asphalt Grinding and Patching Program?

J.A. Johnson Paving was awarded the project at $19.80 per square yard.

What was the purpose of the Substation #3 transformer replacement?

To replace an outdated transformer despite a $121,000 budget overrun, ensuring reliable power infrastructure.

How did the city address noise concerns for the Fox Valley Marathon?

Police staff will coordinate with event sponsors to mitigate early morning amplification impacts.

Why were King County Fairgrounds easements approved?

To ensure proper use of land for city infrastructure and utility purposes.