Safe Routes, Phase 2 water main and millage proceeds discussed as village readies multiple infrastructure projects

Council heard an update from Austin Alexander of Spicer Engineering on several ongoing infrastructure projects affecting streets, sidewalks and water.

Alexander said field reviews for the Safe Routes to School project are complete, preliminary sidewalk alignments have been marked, wetlands were delineated and corridor modeling completed for crossings. He said crews are trying to avoid removing large trees where possible but that some tree work and private property impacts (posts, small fences) will be required. He estimated some work and coordination could take “a month or two” for preliminary tasks, with grant applications and design steps continuing.

On the water side, Spicer reported the Rural Development (RD) application for phase‑2 of the water main project is finished and ready to submit; Alexander said the RD review by USDA rule‑development staff is administrative and applications are typically earmarked but still subject to review. Separately the council was told the contractor TMF has verified 544 services to date (60 galvanized to be replaced, 4 lead, 30 remaining) and that crews will return soon to complete locating and final hydro work, topsoil and grass restoration.

Councilor discussion also covered the county road millage approved by voters. Staff explained the millage revenues flow to the county and the county must allocate village‑level shares; the village’s expected allocation is about $97,000 for local streets. The council discussed timing and who will execute work, and council members emphasized they want to ensure the village receives its allocated share.

Councilors did not take separate formal action on the engineering updates at the meeting; staff said further updates may appear at upcoming meetings.