South Range approves bids for Fifth and Sixth Street drainage; Whealkate paving tabled

The Village of South Range Common Council voted April 4 to advertise bids for drainage construction on Fifth and Sixth streets after an engineering recommendation.

Trustee Justin Marier moved to put the proposed drainage work out for bids, and Trustee Greg Harkonen supported the motion. The council approved the measure unanimously.

Mike Markham of OHM told the council what must be completed in Whealkate before paving can occur, including a drainage project that will require temporary easements for three lots for about a year. Markham also said a Lead Service Replacement Grant totaling $187,650 had been approved to help complete CDMI work related to the project; he described the grant as an outside funding source that will assist the village’s replacement effort.

Council members took no action on Whealkate paving itself; the item was tabled to the May 2, 2024 regular meeting so staff and the engineering firm can finalize the scope, easements and related details. President George Eakin and village public works staff discussed a planned widening of Pastore Drive to meet the community’s 24-foot standard.

The Street Commissioner reported the village had ordered a pump for the lift station at a cost of $11,500 plus shipping and described other public-works activities including meter replacements, pond isolation for discharge and pothole patching.

Next steps: staff and OHM will refine the Whealkate paving and drainage scope, finalize temporary-easement language for the affected lots and return the paving item to the council on May 2.