DeKalb awards nearly $2.94 million contract to replace lead and galvanized water service lines; engineering amendment follows

The DeKalb City Council on April 28 awarded a $2,938,677 contract to 5 Star Energy Services LLC and approved an amendment to a professional services agreement to add up to $290,952 in construction-phase engineering for a lead and galvanized water service line replacement project.

The project: City staff said daylighting work to inspect service lines revealed more lead and galvanized services than previously known. The program, funded by an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) principal-forgiveness loan, covers the replacement of up to 260 private-side service lines and seeks to reduce residents' exposure to legacy plumbing materials.

Contract and cost: City Manager Nicholas said the bid from 5 Star Energy Services was the lowest responsible bid and that the contract amount is within the IEPA allocation of a little over $3 million. Staff estimated an average cost of about $11,303 per service. The council also approved an amendment to the existing engineering agreement with Engineering Enterprises to handle construction-phase services, arguing the firm's familiarity with the program and residents would aid implementation.

Consent and private property: Staff said participating homeowners will sign consent forms to allow work on private property from the curb/utility shutoff to the house. City staff noted the IEPA has not specified remedies if a homeowner refuses consent; the council discussed the possibility of future legal and policy questions if ownership changes or service lines are discovered later.

Timing and scope: The city hopes to complete most work in the current fiscal year but acknowledged the scope may carry into the following year; federal and state timing rules tied to the loan permit carryover if needed. The replacement work targets services installed primarily between the 1920s and 1950s and will require multiple crews and coordination with residents.

Action: Alderman Perkins moved the motion to award the contract, seconded by Alderman Verbic; the council approved the award by roll call vote. The council later approved the construction-phase engineering amendment on a separate resolution (moved by Alderman Larson, seconded by Alderman Powell).

What the council did not do: Council members did not adopt new enforcement steps for homeowners who decline to participate; staff said any follow-up legal approach would be developed with other jurisdictions and by consulting IEPA guidance.

Next steps: City staff will begin coordinating resident outreach, scheduling replacements, and managing construction oversight under the amended engineering contract. The city will track remaining IEPA funds and report progress to council.