The LaSalle Finance Committee on July 7 approved a $17,500 contract with Nelson Carlson Mechanical Contractors to replace a hard-to-turn valve at the Garfield Water Tower.

The contract was approved by motion of Alderman Waverick and seconded by Alderman Herndon; a roll-call vote recorded ayes from Alderman Dimas, Alderman Thompson, Alderman Patak, Alderman Reynolds, Alderman Louviere, Alderman Jepsen, Alderman Herndon and Alderman Crane and the motion carried.

Committee members said the valve and associated hardware are original equipment located in the pump station beneath the tower and that the replacement is most practical while the tank is offline. The superintendent of public works had indicated the valves are “very, very hard to turn,” and committee discussion noted that the water fund has reserves saved for planned infrastructure work. One member asked whether the repair falls under an existing maintenance contract; the meeting record shows staff and members discussed ensuring any maintenance contractor would approve the work before proceeding.

A member reported that a local contractor contacted by staff did not respond to bid requests and that Nelson Carlson had been referred by the seller of the Altitude Belt. The meeting record includes an unattributed remark describing the valve condition: “These pictures look like something could blow up in a sec.”

The committee’s motion to accept the bid directs Public Works to coordinate the replacement; no amendment to the contract terms was recorded at the meeting.