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Council hears multiple public‑works contracts: water model, Bonnie Brae plan and Millen Creek Reach 1 grant-backed design‑build
Summary
Staff presented three separate public‑works recommendations: a $174,400 hydraulic water model and master plan, a $199,966 facility plan to convert Bonnie Brae to a lift station, and a $499,500 design‑build contract for Millen Creek Reach 1 backed by an IEPA Section 319 grant of $292,800 (city match $206,700).
City staff presented three interrelated public‑works items during the meeting: a citywide hydraulic water model and master plan, a facility plan to convert the Bonnie Brae wastewater plant to a lift station, and a design‑build contract for Millen Creek Reach 1 that will be partially funded by an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Section 319 grant.
On the water system, staff recommended a task order with Baxter & Woodman to develop a hydraulic model and master plan for $174,400. The model will map the current distribution system, test operational scenarios and identify undersized mains and improvements needed to support growth. "The model will be used to assess performance, develop recommendations to address system deficiencies," staff said. Councilmembers noted the city had not conducted a thorough water model in about 10 years and welcomed the updated analysis.
For wastewater, staff recommended a task order with Baxter & Woodman to prepare a facility plan for Bonnie Brae for $199,966. The plan would evaluate converting the Bonnie Brae treatment plant into a lift station and routing flows via new force main(s) to the city's Division Street treatment plant. Staff said earlier phases examined alternatives and this task order would define routing options, costs and permitting steps needed to qualify for loan funding under the state's wastewater pollution control loan program.
The third public‑works recommendation covered Millen Creek Reach 1: Baxter & Woodman submitted a design‑build proposal not to exceed $499,500 to stabilize the creek from Largo Vista Park north to Division Street, using riprap, regrading, gabions, native vegetation and a three‑year stewardship period required by IEPA. Staff said the city received an IEPA Section 319 grant award of $292,800 for the reach and the city match would be $206,700. Staff and council discussed reach selection, anticipated construction this year, and the long‑term plan to apply for additional grants to address other reaches; staff estimated the full Millen Creek program could total millions citywide.
Staff recommended resolutions to accept the task orders and to execute the Section 319 grant agreement. Council members asked about erosion control, whether increased flow downstream might move sediment, and whether the project would increase flood risk; staff said the project is designed to reduce erosion and sediment transport, not to increase channel capacity for flood storage. Staff also recommended placing the Millen Creek design‑build item on the active agenda (rather than consent) to secure a supermajority and the mayor’s vote.
No final contract signatures were reported at the meeting; staff sought council authorization to proceed with the recommended task orders and the grant agreement.
