Pingree Grove trustees agree to seek proposals for pond maintenance study

Pingree Grove trustees on March 16 agreed there was consensus to solicit proposals for a pond maintenance study to evaluate the condition of the village's 16 maintained stormwater ponds, estimate sediment volumes, and recommend cost-effective maintenance or dredging options.

Staff members Andy and Pat told trustees that while some ponds north of Route 72 are federally designated wetlands and cannot be altered, 16 ponds are under village maintenance and currently receive periodic treatments such as herbicide applications, selective fish introductions and, in some cases, aeration. "One of the ideas that we've been talking about is do we look to do or issue some kind of an RFP or RFQ to obtain proposals or options to essentially study the long-term maintenance needs of the ponds," Andy said. Pat added that the village has blueprint depths for each pond and has conducted periodic depth checks.

Trustees discussed the range of possible outcomes, from minor treatment changes to full dredging, and the uncertainty of timing (estimates ranged from 10 to 50 years for significant fill-in depending on the pond). Staff noted new technical tools the village is acquiring, including an unmanned survey boat that can sonar-test sediment depth and produce estimates of material to be removed — an input that strongly affects dredging cost estimates.

Board members said the purpose of the RFP is to obtain a clear, vendor-backed scope and cost estimate so the village can plan and budget rather than face an unexpected major expense. Trustees indicated the village would likely use SSA funds for the study and would prioritize ponds by age and condition if needed.

Next step: staff was directed to draft and issue an RFP/RFQ to gather proposals and cost estimates for the pond maintenance study.

Sources: Staff presentation, trustee discussion and consensus during the March 16, 2026 meeting.