City outlines water and utility projects: Crystal Lake roof, James Street pump station grant, salt shed bids

Public works staff updated the committee on multiple water and utility infrastructure projects and related funding. The DPW representative said the Crystal Lake water treatment facility will receive a new roof as an approximately $130,000 project; the committee was told the city council approved the funding before the end of the last fiscal year. The transcript records: “We will be starting, Crystal Lake water treatment facility. That roof will be starting that shortly. It's about a $130,000 project. ... But the council approved that funding right before before the end of the fiscal year.” Salt shed: the department opened bids for a new salt shed; the lowest bid came in just under $100,000 and the city gave contractors three months from notice to proceed to complete installation. Sewage/pump station: DPW staff said the city received a grant for just under $1 million to rehabilitate the James Street pump station on Reservoir Hill and that the department plans to advertise the work within about a month. Other operational notes: DPW staff said they are coordinating with the board of health on drainage issues at the transfer station sludge landfill; crews also paved walking areas in parks and performed dog-park drainage work. The department reported discussions with the mayor and city auditor about financing new DPW equipment via loan or other city funding. No formal committee votes on these projects were recorded at the meeting; the transcript indicates the council previously approved funding for Crystal Lake roof.