Board approves $396,382.59 payment for 2025 street and utilities work and purchase of front‑end loader amid debate

The Village of Salem Lakes Village Board on July 21 approved progress payment number 2 for the 2025 Street and Utilities Improvements project and authorized equipment and repair purchases for public works. The board approved payment request number 2 in the amount of $396,382.59 covering drainage and sanitary work completed June 1–30, 2025, including installation of mainline drainage pipe and structures, pulverizing and resurfacing of roadway, manhole adjustments and paving. Public Works staff recommended approval and noted change order number 2 for pulverizing the pavement rather than milling; that change order (added quantity for pulverizing) amounted to $3,315 but produced an overall net savings because milling was eliminated. The board approved the payment with the staff recommendation and the board is retaining $5,000 until lawn and restoration on 122nd Street are complete. Separately, trustees approved purchase of a replacement front‑end loader from Miller Bradford for $235,166 after staff presented multiple quotes and discussed options. Discussion focused on specifications, options such as counterweights, brush guards, belly pans, warranties and whether to include a snowplow attachment now or purchase it later. The motion to purchase the loader passed 4–2; one trustee opposed and one trustee recorded a second opposing vote during roll call. The public works director said the chosen machine is in stock and would be outfitted with a grapple/grain bucket; the snowplow will be negotiated and purchased separately. The board also approved a $10,550 purchase from Doerner Company to replace a 6‑inch full port plug valve and gearbox in a primary sludge pit at the wastewater treatment plant; the higher price reflected a gearbox configuration that moves the gearbox out of the sludge to improve longevity and reduce future maintenance, and Doerner was the only firm that provided that option. Why it matters: the payment moves the street and utilities project forward; the loader purchase replaces aging equipment and drew questions about long‑term value, warranties and trade‑in options. The valve replacement restores critical wastewater treatment capacity — staff said the unit was taken out of service and replacement avoids a longer outage. Votes and next steps: payment request 2 and the valve replacement were approved by voice vote; the loader purchase passed 4–2. Staff will retain $5,000 on the contractor payment until restoration is complete and will follow up on trade‑in or auction options for replaced equipment.