Blue Island Council authorizes public hearings on $11.5 million water infrastructure financing plan

Blue Island — The City Council on Tuesday authorized public hearings and engagement letters for a proposed two-part financing package that would raise up to $11.5 million for water-system work, including recoating water towers, cathodic protection and a facility-hardening plan.

The financing move follows an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency notice that required the city to "recoat, paint and reevaluate" its tanks and related structures, the council heard during a lengthy presentation from Public Works Director Mike Schroeder and the city's accountants and bond advisers.

The council approved three related measures by roll call votes to begin required public hearings and to engage bond counsel and financial advisors. Each measure passed on unanimous recorded votes (6 ayes). Those votes set in motion a timetable the city said it must meet to access favorable bond-market rules this year.

Why it matters: City staff said the work is mandatory under Illinois EPA guidance and time-sensitive because only a limited number of contractors do large tank sand-and-recoat jobs and scheduling can push repairs out. Officials said delaying bids or funding could expose the city to regulatory penalties and higher costs.

Public Works Director Mike Schroeder outlined the immediate scope: the Thornton Tank, the Highland Tank, the Highland ground reservoir and the Vincennes pumping house, plus cathodic protection and structural work identified…