Public works updates: heritage center cleared, road program nearing completion; village reports several grant reimbursements

Public works staff and the village administrator updated the board May 8 on roadwork, water-system repairs, the heritage center site and grants tied to infrastructure projects.

Public works said the reclamite portion of the road program finished about two weeks earlier without significant complaints and that Cherokee Loop binder was down with paving expected to finish soon, weather permitting. Crews completed patching and were finishing a small ditching project; staff hoped to conclude the road program by the following week.

Nut graf: The department reported repairs from a recent leak survey and valve-turning work, completion of pump-house floor repairs and that quotes are being obtained for a new pump-house roof budgeted this fiscal year. Staff also said the village took down the heritage center structure and landscaped the site; the public-works department is maintaining the area and the community garden plots were refreshed with new soil.

Village Administrator Gavin reported several grant reimbursements and applications: about $250,000 in reimbursement for Wolf Road phase 1 engineering, $84,000 for Acacia Drive (closing out IDOT funding for that project), and that the village’s prior $500,000 ARPA allocation has been reported so the village will not have to return those funds. He said the village will submit remaining pump-house costs not covered by debt certificates to DCEO for a previously allocated $500,000 and that other grant applications are pending, including a Lyons Township–related health commission grant to support older-adult services.

Public works staff reported a leak survey found a leaking valve in a vault that has been repaired and several small leaks scheduled for repair. Staff also said they completed a valve-turning program and the department took delivery of a new pickup truck outfitted with a plow and Tommy gate.

Ending: Administrator Gavin said the results of grant awards will be reflected in upcoming audits and that staff are building a calendar of grant opportunities and pursuing student and internship partnerships to help with public-facing performance dashboards and surveys.