Freeburg public-works update: outages, sewer lining, chlorination plans and a short boil notice

Public Works Director John Tolan and committee chairs updated the Freeburg Village Board on operations at the Oct. 20 meeting.

Electric committee chair Trustee James (Mike) Blaies reported three outages since the last meeting: a transformer replacement on Creek Ridge after a meter-can related short, a primary wire break on South Belleville Street (likely wildlife-related), and a blown fuse at the SAVE site feeding the cencom building. The board discussed Ameren’s request for wholesale connection agreements with individual communities and staff will set up a call with IMEA to review contract language.

On water and sewer work, Trustee Robert (Bob) Kaiser said Village Engineer Tim Pruett provided plans for a chlorination building at the SAVE tower; staff will review the plans and submit the required permit payment to Canadian National/Illinois Central Railroad. VisuSewer is performing sewer lining and manhole lining work in the village. Public Works crews continue hydrant flushing; staff reported graffiti on the pool lift station and a transformer and are working on a response to a recent EPA inspection.

Tolan also recounted a water break on Jacks Run that prompted a one-day boil notice for some parts of town; crews repaired the break and the notice was lifted after one day. Residents Adam and Tricia Schwind raised a safety concern about the intersection of North Belleville and Phillips streets; Mayor Seth Speiser said the matter will go to the streets committee and police will patrol the area and report back.

Article provenance: operational reports and committee updates in SEG 003–SEG 006.