Committee Approves Street Rehab, LED, Utility Upgrades

The Government Services Committee convened on April 4, 2022, to address key public works initiatives, street improvements, utility projects, and specialized infrastructure upgrades, ensuring safer, more efficient city operations.

Meeting Overview

The 13-minute meeting focused on essential public works projects, including the 2022 Street Rehabilitation Program, specialized Aintree Road base reclamation, street light maintenance and LED upgrades, directional boring services for the electric utility, and the Filter and Softener Media Replacement Project.

Date: April 4, 2022Duration: 13 minutes, 49 secondsLocation: Government Services Committee Meeting

Omnibus Vote and Administrative Items

The meeting began with routine administrative matters. The omnibus vote was introduced and approved, covering procedural items and standard agenda measures.

Decision: Omnibus vote approved.

2022 Street Rehabilitation Program

The committee approved a resolution with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the annual Street Rehabilitation Program, which will resurface 3.9 miles of city streets.

Key Points:

• Funded by motor fuel tax and Rebuild Illinois bond fund.

• Addresses a 10% increase in asphalt and concrete costs.

• Current street replacement interval is in the upper 30s years; ideal is 25-30 years.

• A street study using lasers and deflection testing is ongoing, with a comprehensive report due in the fall.

Decision: Resolution and construction contract approved.Action Item: Public Works to present "new state of the streets" report in fall.

Aintree Road Base Reclamation Project

The committee approved a construction contract for Aintree Road, using base reclamation methods.

Key Points:

• Base reclamation is cheaper, greener, and efficient for streets with old pozolonic bases.

• Past successes cited on Production Drive and Patricia Lane.

• Method not suitable for all roads; used selectively based on base conditions.

Decision: Contract approved.

Street Light Maintenance and LED Upgrades

A purchase order with Mead Electric was approved for street light maintenance and LED conversions.

Key Points:

• Mead Electric was the lowest bidder with a strong track record.

• Past "purple" LED issues were manufacturer defects, not contractor errors.

• Contract includes review after first and second years for possible extensions.

Decision: Contract approved.

Directional Boring Services for Electric Utility

Contracts were awarded to York Utility Services and Archon Construction for directional boring services, crucial for the city’s electric utility operations.

Key Points:

• Both companies had closely matched bids, allowing flexibility in task assignments.

• Work will be allocated based on speed, cost, and project requirements.

Decision: Resolution approved.Action Item: Assign work to both contractors on a task order basis.

Filter and Softener Media Replacement Project

The committee approved a highly specialized filter and softener media replacement project.

Key Points:

• Only one qualified bidder due to hazardous waste removal requirements.

• The contractor, All Service Contracting, has extensive experience in similar complex projects.

Decision: Resolution approved.

Executive Session

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session for pending litigation.

Decision: Executive session approved.

Attendees

• Committee Chair: Unnamed

• Public Works Representative: Unnamed

• Council Members: Bala, Payliner, Vanguard, Bancroft, Lencioni, Lindsay Lee, Petrolo, Sokaida, Warball, Weber

Conclusions

The April 4 meeting highlighted critical infrastructure upgrades and public safety enhancements. Approvals for street rehabilitation, specialized road projects, LED conversions, and utility services ensure safer streets, improved energy efficiency, and continued reliability of city systems. The committee also emphasized oversight and performance monitoring, reflecting a forward-looking approach to city maintenance.

Final Verdict: The committee effectively balanced infrastructure improvements, cost efficiency, and future planning to maintain and enhance city services.

FAQs

What was the main focus of the April 4, 2022 meeting?

The meeting focused on infrastructure, including street rehab, LED conversions, utility boring, and water treatment upgrades.

How many miles of streets will be resurfaced?

The 2022 Street Rehabilitation Program will resurface 3.9 miles of city streets, funded by motor fuel tax and Rebuild Illinois bond funds.

What is unique about the Aintree Road project?

It uses base reclamation, a cost-effective and eco-friendly method, effective for streets with specific old base conditions.

Why were LED upgrades necessary?

The upgrades improve energy efficiency, address past manufacturer defects, and ensure long-term reliability of street lighting.

Who won the filter and softener project contract?

All Service Contracting, the only qualified bidder due to hazardous waste handling expertise, was awarded the contract.