Belvidere committee approves $310,500 design contract for $5.9M Fifth Avenue storm sewer reconstruction

The Belvidere Committee of the Whole authorized staff April 13 to proceed with design engineering for the Fifth Avenue storm sewer overflow and reconstruction project, approving a not‑to‑exceed $310,500 proposal from CES Inc. as part of a FY27 capital budget estimated at $5.9 million.

Public Works Director Anderson told the committee the project includes a new storm sewer connection from the intersection of Seventh Street and Fifth Avenue to an off‑site detention pond, a new outlet from that pond to the Kishwaki River and reconstruction of Fifth Avenue and portions of Allen Street. Anderson said the work will require directional boring under the railroad for the outlet and a two‑phase construction sequence timed to minimize disruption to Washington School, with pipe work expected in late summer/early fall and street reconstruction when school is out.

Anderson said the design engineering contract will be paid from capital funds. Council members emphasized the long history of flooding in the southern watershed, noting repeated flood events in affected wards; one council member characterized the improvement as “long overdue” and framed it as a phased, pay‑as‑you‑go approach rather than a single large bond or referendum.

Council moved and approved the recommendation to authorize CES Inc. to perform design services not to exceed $310,500. The committee discussed staging, neighborhood impacts and the project’s expected relief to Ward One and other southern areas of the city. No vote tally by name was recorded in the committee transcript other than the voice vote approving the motion; the matter will return in ordinance or contract form when final pricing and schedule are available.