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Public‑works, fire and parks report hydrant work, boil‑order response, community academy and movies in the park
Summary
Department directors updated council on hydrant inspections and flushing, a recent boil order affecting a commercial area, the community police academy, upcoming movies in the park and a new senior accounting hire.
Department directors reported operational updates and community events during departmental commentary, including hydrant inspections, response to a boil order at a commercial cluster, the police department’s community academy and the parks’ movies‑in‑the‑park series.
Public‑works and hydrant inspections Director Ransom told the council the city started a scheduled hydrant inspection and flushing program on Sept. 15 that runs through Sept. 26. Staff described a three‑truck process for the work: one truck opens hydrants, a second closes them and a third inspects them. Ransom said the program will inspect and flush roughly 1,119 hydrants by completion.
Boil order response Council members thanked public‑works staff for communications during a recent boil‑water advisory affecting infrastructure near Illinois Route 173 and Green Bay Road, noting that affected businesses including Starbucks and a Dollar Tree were appreciative of city updates while crews worked to restore service.
Police and community outreach Fire Chief/Bureau/Police representatives (Chief Barton in the transcript) reminded residents of the ongoing community police academy (the council said it was the program’s second round) and encouraged enrollment through Sergeant Manny Rivera. The council also highlighted movies in the park — a family series that provides free popcorn and community connection on Friday nights — and noted investments in a new projector.
Parks and events Director Brunson thanked staff and the community for turnout at the Zion‑Benton Labor Day Parade and said planning has begun for the 2026 parade theme. Staff also referenced improvements at Shiloh Park and coordination with the park district, library and other taxing bodies to maintain city appearance.
Staffing and other notes Director Conway announced a new senior accountant, Christy Tipton, who started on the day of the meeting and invited council members and residents to welcome her.
Ending Council members praised staff for handling the boil‑order communications, thanked crews for hydrant work and urged residents to participate in community events such as the police academy and movies in the park.
