SE Illinois News

Village of Smithton Committee of a Whole met Sept. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Mike Smallwood called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm at Village Hall. Trustees Jason Becherer, Charlie Rogers, Jim Elbe, Jim Mourey, Tim Hopkins, and Todd Reyling were in attendance. Also in attendance were Chief Jason Neff, Clerk Annette Parker, Supervisor Dean Klein, Administrator George Liyeos and Tony Schenk (Gonzalez).

159 TURN LANE - Tony Schenk with Gonzalez was in attendance to address the Board on project design decisions for the 159-turn lane project. Discussions were had regarding whether shoulder pavement or curb and gutter should be installed as well as storm sewer on the north side from near Casey’s at Sunset Dr. up to Bertille and on the east side up to the former grocery store. Trustee Rogers stated concerns with drainage. Trustee Reyling stated that he feels that curb and gutter look better on Main Street. He also asked about the cost difference. Schenk stated that curb and gutter would be around $15,000. Trustee Elbe agrees with the curb and gutter installation.

Trustee Elbe asked about the proposed bike trail along this project. Schenk stated that when federal grant funds are involved it has to be all roads for all users. The bike trail will begin at Barker Street where the existing sidewalk is located, and it will be replaced up to the former grocery store.

Schenk gave a breakdown of costs. He stated that the 1st phase of estimated construction costs is $934,000. The Federal share is $461,400 and the Village portion is $ 472,600 in construction funds. The 2nd phase is $827,000. The Federal share is $637,480 and the Village portion is $189,000. Total funds for the Village are over $660,000 for construction costs on this project.

We are over the original grant’s budget because of the additional amenities like more sidewalk, curb and gutter, and storm sewers.

The original grant documents did not have any storm sewer replacements for existing storm sewers. Proposed new storm sewer connection to existing corrugated metal pipe storm sewer along 159 with an unknown condition and unknown age and it is undersized. With the connection to new storm sewer to existing storm sewer and then building new infrastructure above the old storm sewer is a really bad idea. Schenk recommends replacing that storm sewer with an appropriately sized storm sewer of new material, not old, corrugated pipe. Putting new pavement above the old, corrugated pipe is not a good idea. Schenk’s recommendation would be to add new storm sewer.

There was concern regarding water drainage. Schenk stated that some solutions are detention areas, maybe underground detention or adding more storm sewer pipes and inlets.

Schenk stated that replacing the sidewalk all the way along Meckfessels and having the curb as their parking block. Inlets would need to be added to their property to drain their property, and this would be at additional costs.

Schenk stated that a March letting is what they’re looking at. It will take approximately 45 days to get contracts approved. Starting construction in May of next year might be possible. This is an IDOT paid project, and they will bill the Village as it goes along. If we started in May the first bill would be received in August or September. Schenk stated that MFT funds can be used.

Liyeos stated that $400,000-$600,000 has been coming in over the years to help pay for these projects. Liyeos said if there are no hard objections to the reviewed items, there’s no need for a vote, just proceed accordingly. Schenk said there will be documents for the Mayor to sign to get the submittals.

BALLFIELD LIGHTS –

PROCEDURES – It was stated that we need to look at adding a timer for the light’s controller. Having the teams pay at Village Hall for the usage of the lights was also mentioned. More discussion is needed to determine the set procedure.

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY – Next Tuesday, September 30 at 7:30 will be the ribbon cutting at the Park.

POLICE PERSONNEL – This will be discussed in Executive Session.

SAFETY CONCERNS – Chief Neff stated that this can go on next year’s budget.

BALLFIELD FENCE PAINTING – It was determined that the fencing at the ballfields and the backstop will be painted black. Rogers suggested adding a warning track around the fence as well.

Mourey suggested painting the parking blocks at the parking lot by the ballfields.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL – Liyeos reported that there is a meeting with Smithton School and St. John the Baptist Catholic school tomorrow. They have a concept plan that has been shared with IDOT. They are moving ahead.

SOUTHWOODS SUBDIVISION OUTLOTS – It was determined that the Village is not interested in taking this property over.

BRIA BUILDING – There was another showing of the property. There is no update at this time.

Trustee Rogers made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Elbe to suspend the regular order of business. All Trustees were in favor. The motion was granted.

Trustee Mourey made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Rogers to enter back into regular order of business. All Trustees were in favor. The motion was granted.

Trustee Rogers made a motion which was seconded by Trustee Mourey to adjourn. All Trustees were in favor. The motion was granted. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 pm.

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