Village officials summarized grant and reimbursement work at the Jan. 9 meeting, saying several state and federal awards are designated for the village but require further application or environmental review before funds are drawn.

The summary listed funds from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) that include $500,000 for general infrastructure improvements and $175,000 for Joliet Road sidewalk land acquisition; staff said the land acquisition award may be repurposed if a sidewalk does not require land purchase. Village staff also reported American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds totaling $505,736 are in the village bank account but are not yet recorded as revenue in the current audit until projects are accounted for. Officials said projects already paid for may be submitted for ARPA reimbursement through the federal portal and that the village will restart application processes where needed.

Representatives said the FY2024 community project funding obtained through Congressman Kasten will reimburse the village for waterlining projects on Joliet Road and Rufers Road once environmental review is complete; Strand Engineering will lead the review and the village has until 2032 to spend the funds.

Public Works staff reported the pump house reconstruction work included most planned elements and is complete aside from one mounting bracket and SCADA work. Staff said the village is awaiting Metropolitan (vendor) to connect new chlorine analyzers and to install a previously purchased panel at the Public Works facility. Additional facility work noted included interior painting, new flooring contracts, and installation of a second heater. At Village Hall, a fire-suppression leak prompted immediate repairs and an expected compressor replacement to restore code compliance.

Staff also reported Heritage Center items have been boxed and moved to Public Works storage ahead of demolition; computer and alarm equipment removal is in process and coordination with LaGrange Highlands is ongoing to disconnect reclaimed water service lines once contractual steps are complete.