Zion OKs intergovernmental agreement with Lake County for two-phase stormwater project

The Zion City Council on April 1 approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission to advance a two‑phase stormwater improvement project for the city.

City Public Works Director Ray Roberts told the council “the grant funding maximum for each phase is $2,705,000.” Roberts said the project will be administered in two phases, with the city responsible for construction costs that will be reimbursed by Lake County Stormwater Management Commission except for items not eligible for reimbursement (water and sanitary infrastructure), which the city will fund from the water fund. Roberts told the council the city will be required to pay an initial project expense of $116,201 within 120 days of executing the agreement.

Why it matters: the work is intended to address recurring stormwater and drainage needs in Zion and depends on state and county grant approvals and a local construction match. Roberts said staff and Burke Engineering prepared the plan and that the project funding and roles are laid out in the IGA.

Council members asked about timing. Roberts said staff expect phase two approval by the end of the year, hope to advertise bids in May and begin construction in July; he said work could start “within July” with bids out by May. Councilmember questions were limited and the council moved to approve the agreement.

The motion to approve the IGA passed on a roll call vote. Commissioner Fisher moved the motion; Commissioner Frierson seconded. The roll call shows five ayes and the motion carried.

Next steps: staff will finalize the agreement and proceed with bidding and project coordination with Lake County and Burke Engineering once the county grant approvals are in place. The council directed staff to return to the city with implementation details as the schedule is refined.