St. Charles Approves Major Water System Project and Citywide Upgrades

The St. Charles Government Services Committee convened on April 29, 2025, for a 34-minute session that focused on critical infrastructure investments, public safety programs, and operational service contracts. Among the highlights were approvals for a $17.5 million water system expansion project, the 2025 Street Rehabilitation Program, and a five-year mosquito control contract to safeguard public health.

Key Approvals: Infrastructure and Utility Investments

Water System Expansion and Well Development

A major milestone for St. Charles utilities, the committee approved notices of intent for both the Well Drilling and Development Project and the Raw Water Line and Well Site Development Project. Together, these initiatives represent a $17.5 million Illinois EPA loan-funded project to enhance the city’s water capacity.

• The well will be drilled 1,500 feet deep and connected via a directionally drilled water line under Couch Road to minimize disruption.

• The project is advancing in phases, with the next phase focused on filter plant rehabilitation.

Street Rehabilitation Program

The 2025 Street Rehabilitation Program will be funded with Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) dollars and executed by Builder Paving, a contractor with a strong track record.

• Roadwork is scheduled to begin in May 2025 and finish by October 2025.

• Residents will be notified in advance of construction impacts.

Utility and Service Contracts

The committee approved several contracts essential to city operations:

• IHC was awarded the Water, Sanitary, Sewer, and Storm Sewer Underground Point Repairs contract to support city crews.

• Sherman Mechanical will provide HVAC maintenance services across city facilities.

• Clark Environmental secured a five-year mosquito control program contract, featuring proactive larvicide treatments and West Nile virus monitoring.

• McVac Hydro Excavating was awarded a storm sewer cleaning and televising contract as part of the city’s 10-year maintenance cycle.

• Muscat Painting will manage the fire hydrant painting program, refreshing approximately 25% of hydrants annually.

Operational Efficiencies and Strategic Waivers

Spot Buying and Fuel Procurement

To address market volatility, the committee approved waivers of formal bidding for:

• Spot buying of cable and transformers, ensuring cost-effective purchases.

• Gasoline and diesel fuel procurement on an as-needed basis, typically 8,000 gallons every 2–3 weeks.

Fleet and Equipment Purchases

A $2 million vehicle replacement initiative was approved for FY2025-2026, including 25 new units. Staff highlighted procurement challenges from previous years and promised timely updates on acquisition progress.

Public Safety and Accessibility Projects

Illinois Avenue Midblock Crossing

A pedestrian refuge project along Illinois Avenue was approved despite budget overruns. Additional funds will be sourced from other under-budget projects and by bringing engineering work in-house.

Electrical Repairs Contract

To improve reliability and response time for electrical repairs, two contractors were awarded a three-year contract, ensuring greater flexibility for complex electrical projects beyond the capabilities of city staff.

Action Items and Resident Engagement

• Resident Notifications: Communications will be sent ahead of the 2025 Street Rehabilitation Program.

• Mosquito Spray Notifications: Staff will coordinate with communications teams to make spray alerts more accessible through the city website and social media.

• Vehicle Purchase Updates: Procurement progress will be shared with residents to maintain transparency.

Meeting Recap Timeline

• 0:05 Roll call and meeting start.

• 0:35 Consent agenda approvals, with specific items pulled for discussion.

• 1:05–31:00 Discussion and voting on utility projects, service contracts, and procurement initiatives.

• 33:42 No public comments.

• 34:07 Meeting adjourned.

Final Thoughts

This April 29, 2025, Government Services Committee meeting highlighted St. Charles’s focus on long-term infrastructure resilience, environmental health, and operational efficiency. With substantial investments in water capacity, roadway improvements, and citywide services, the city is proactively preparing for future demands while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Resident engagement will remain a priority, especially as projects like the street rehabilitation program and mosquito control efforts roll out in the coming months.

FAQs

What major infrastructure project was approved in St. Charles on April 29, 2025?

The committee approved a $17.5 million EPA loan-funded water system expansion, including well drilling and a raw water line project.

What is included in the 2025 Street Rehabilitation Program?

Funded by MFT dollars, the program will begin in May 2025 and finish by October 2025, with Builder Paving managing road improvements.

What contracts were approved for city services?

Contracts were awarded for sewer repairs, HVAC maintenance, mosquito control, storm sewer cleaning, and fire hydrant painting.

How is St. Charles improving public safety and accessibility?

Projects include an Illinois Avenue midblock pedestrian crossing and expanded contracts for electrical repair services.

How is the city addressing equipment and fuel procurement needs?

The committee approved $2 million for 25 new vehicles and waivers for spot purchases of transformers, cables, and fuel.