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Public-works director outlines major projects; long‑time superintendent to retire
Summary
Public Works Director Bob Phillips reviewed 2025 capital work (Hazel Avenue reconstruction, sewer lining, pump/hatch replacements, near-complete solar array) and said Superintendent Dan Busher plans to retire in the coming months; board discussion focused on project completion timelines and communications with residents.
Bob Phillips, director of Public Works and Engineering, presented the department’s year-in-review and 2026 priorities, telling trustees the department is wrapping major capital work and preparing for leadership succession.
Phillips announced that long-term superintendent Dan Busher is planning to retire “sometime in the next couple months,” and said staff have a succession plan in place. He thanked staff for supporting major infrastructure projects in 2025 and running preparations for 2026.
On capital work, Phillips said the Hazel Avenue reconstruction between Wilmont Road and Walkagen Road included nearly 7,000 feet of water-main replacement and 3,000–4,000 feet of storm sewer; the project stood at roughly 95% complete at the end of the construction season, with surface paving, striping and signage outstanding. He also reviewed the east-side interceptor sewer lining (about 10,000 linear feet, with additional lining planned), pump-and-hatch replacements at the wastewater facility and a nearly complete solar installation at the wastewater site that was delayed by a startup issue with Commonwealth Edison.
Phillips described operational metrics and work goals: 52 main breaks in 2025 (down from historical highs), increased lead-sampling requirements from EPA (120 samples per year split into two 60-sample periods), and continued investment in asset management through a Cardigraph work-order and asset-management rollout. He said the Deerfield Road pump station MCC replacement is a roughly $1 million spending item underway to protect homes served by that station.
Trustees asked about interagency coordination (Metro and Lake County DOT were cited for right-of-entry, permitting and bridge responsibilities), contractor interest for 2026 street rehabilitation bids, and public communication of performance improvements (trustees suggested publishing comparative sewer-backup statistics to show maintenance outcomes).
Phillips closed by thanking the board and staff and noting that some projects will require close follow-up as they move from construction to final completion.
