City Council Approves Key Lease for Historic Water Plant

The Freeport City Council convened to discuss significant infrastructure developments, including the approval of a revised lease with Illinois Central Railroad for the Brick Street Water Treatment Plant and the adoption of a construction engineering agreement for the Shawnee and Hancock Viaduct Improvements.

City Manager Boyer presented the updated five-year lease agreement, which reflects an increase from $1,000 to $2,000 annually. The Brick Street Water Treatment Plant, established before 1900, is situated on CN's property, necessitating the lease for continued operation. The lease includes standard provisions for insurance and emergency protection for the railroad. The city anticipates decommissioning the plant in the coming years as new well facilities are brought online, although funding for demolition remains uncertain.

During the discussion, Alderman Sam raised concerns about the clarity of visual presentations during meetings, suggesting that better images could enhance understanding of the discussed projects. However, other council members defended the current visuals as adequate for the discussion at hand.

The council also addressed the Shawnee and Hancock Viaduct Improvement Project, which aims to lower the roadway by 2.5 feet to accommodate larger vehicles and improve access to the arcade area. This project has been on the city's agenda for over a decade and is crucial for maintaining access during the upcoming rehabilitation of the Hancock bridge. The project is expected to cost approximately $1.3 million, with funding sourced from water, sewer, storm, and street funds.

The council confirmed that they have received the necessary permits from CN to proceed with the viaduct project, which is anticipated to be completed by May 2025. The discussions highlighted the importance of these infrastructure projects for the community, particularly in ensuring safe and reliable access for emergency services and local traffic. The council unanimously adopted the resolutions, moving forward with both the lease and the engineering agreement.