Riverwoods OKs hydrant and valve contracts totaling about $28,930; staff says costs are manpower-driven

The Village Board approved two water-system maintenance contracts: a fire-hydrant inspection and exercise contract not to exceed $21,615 and a water-main valve exercising contract not to exceed $7,315.

Staff explained the American Water Works Association recommends periodic exercising and inspection of hydrants to ensure they operate and flush properly after events; failing to exercise them can lead to frozen or damaged piping. Last year the village completed roughly half the hydrants; the current contract finishes the program. Staff said the higher price (about a 10% increase from last year) reflects labor-hour increases rather than materials. Trustee Smith asked whether the work is paid from the Water Fund; staff indicated they believed it is paid from the Water Fund but said they would confirm.

Both contracts drew limited discussion about procurement and pricing. Trustees approved the hydrant maintenance contract on roll call (Trustee Raff, Trustee Chuvino, Trustee Clayton, Trustee Jamieson and Trustee Smith voted aye) and subsequently approved the valve-exercising contract on roll call (Trustees Trevino, Clayton, Jamieson, Smith and Raff voted aye).

The packet used two spellings for the contractor name (appeared as "Gawalt" and "Gaywalt" in spoken remarks and packet references). Staff did not provide a written clarification in the meeting; the board approved work to proceed and staff will finalize the contract with the named bidder. Funding confirmation and any contract exhibits were not read into the record during the meeting.