Lemont approves HR Green contract to design Phase 3 of lead service-line replacements

The Lemont Village Board on May 11 approved Resolution R-45-26, authorizing a professional-services agreement with engineering firm HR Green for Phase 3 design work on the village's multiyear lead service-line replacement program. The contract amount discussed in the meeting was $43,402.

Public Works leadership updated the board that Phase 1 of the program is complete with 31 service lines replaced and Phase 2 will go out to bid to replace 27 more. The public-works representative said approximately 200 service lines remain "unknown"; the group discussed that, when material is unknown, the lines are treated as lead until verified. Trustees noted that the replacement effort stems from a state mandate described in the discussion as effectively unfunded at the local level, and staff said the village is pursuing low-interest IEPA loan options that must be repaid.

Public Works recommended contracting with HR Green to begin Phase 3 design. Trustee discussion included questions about cost, the number of affected service lines and how the village intends to prioritize work. The transcript records the board approving the resolution by roll call.

"Staff recommended getting into the agreement with HR Green for $43,402," Public Works leader Ralph Bakula said. A trustee emphasized the program is an "unfunded mandate," and staff noted IEPA loans are available but must be repaid by the village.

The board recorded no amendment to the resolution and approved the professional-services agreement during the meeting. The village will proceed with design work and further outreach to residents to determine service-line materials and to schedule replacement work.