Council approves lead-service pay request as commissioner urges pause on broader replacements

The Village Council on May 12 approved pay request number 3 for stage 1 of the 2024 lead service replacement project, authorizing payment to Joel Kennedy Construction Corp while commissioners debated the village’s broader approach to lead-line replacements.

Commissioner Niro told the council he was putting on the record a request to “take a pause on that particular initiative in the village of Forest Park” for future lead replacements unless the village secures full grant funding. Niro said the village could use scarce funds elsewhere if replacements are not fully funded.

Commissioner Melon Rogovin and other council members replied that the current work is tied to funding arrangements. The mayor and commissioners noted the village has pursued forgivable loans and other financing. Village counsel clarified that the project at issue is subject to an IPA/state loan the village secured and that the loan requires completing the project: “We can’t stop it and redirect that money somewhere else,” counsel said, explaining the funding is contingent on having a project to fund.

Despite the discussion, the council approved the pay request (resolution R-47-25) by unanimous vote. The transcript records the motion was moved and seconded and that Commissioners Maxim, Niro, Melon Rogovin, Vogt and Mayor Rory E. Hoskins voted Aye.

The exchange focused on funding constraints rather than the technical merits of replacement work. Council members said they will continue to seek grant or forgivable-loan funding for future phases while proceeding with the current, loan-backed work.