Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sewer Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board recommends engineering oversight contracts for Basin 9 and Basin 4 sewer work
Summary
The ESU board recommended city-council approval of oversight engineering for Basin 9 televising ($23,950) and Robinson Engineering's $247,150 proposal for investigative work in Basin 4, including smoke testing to locate illegal connections.
The Kankakee City Environmental Services Utility Board recommended that the city council approve two engineering oversight proposals tied to an ongoing infiltration and inflow (I&I) program.
The board considered a $23,950 proposal for engineering oversight of televising and sewer cleaning work in Basin 9 (north of Court Street, roughly Eastgate to Schuyler Avenue). Staff said the work is already budgeted in capital funds and is intended to support sewer lining bids planned for summer.
A related recommendation asked that Robinson Engineering provide investigative work and oversight for Basin 4 for $247,150. Superintendent described Basin 4 as among the city's worst-performing areas operationally and recommended adding smoke testing to identify illegal connections such as downspouts or building drains tied to the sanitary system. "Smoke testing is basically where they'll put smoke in the sanitary lines. You'll find who's illegally hooked up," a city speaker said.
Alderman Jones moved the Basin 9 recommendation and Alderman Johnson seconded; Alderman Swanson moved the Basin 4 recommendation and it was seconded. Both items were recommended to the city council for final approval and will appear on the council agenda.
Officials said the two basins will be run simultaneously to reduce costs and that completing these basins in 2026–27 would substantially advance the city’s 15-year I&I program. Staff characterized the work as investigative and oversight; the contract award and repair work would be addressed at later stages and require council action.
