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Bloomington board approves maintenance and utility projects, flags lead-pipe follow-up
Summary
The board approved purchase of a replacement chemical pump, awarded a ballpark roof contract, authorized sewer-line camera inspection and security cameras for the sewer plant, and directed enforcement of sump pump violations. Trustees also reported discovery of lead pipes and FEMA damage estimate near $6,000.
The Village Board on Sept. 2 approved several maintenance and utility projects intended to address immediate equipment needs and aging infrastructure.
Trustees approved purchasing a replacement Stenner chemical pump for the wastewater plant from Hawkins Inc. for $925 after reviewing three quotes, and they voted to hire Tom Kleiber of Shullsburg to camera the sewer main along the main highway down to the wastewater treatment plant (minimum service 1,000 feet, recommended cost $1,000). The board also approved buying solar-powered security cameras for the sewer plant (approx. $479 plus shipping) after staff reported unauthorized personal water use at the facility.
The board received two bids to replace the ballpark pavilion roof and voted to award the $7,780 contract to local contractor John Klein, noting $7,126.50 remained in the ballpark light fund that could be used toward the project. "The pump was critical, and failure would cause significant problems," a trustee said during discussion in support of the replacement pump purchase.
During discussion of recent Canal Street work, President McLimans informed trustees that lead pipes had been discovered at Trannys Plus and elsewhere; he said the village has 21 homes with galvanized pipes and possibly more with lead services. McLimans stated that the state will require replacement of galvanized and lead pipes within the next 10 years and that the Department of Natural Resources could accelerate that timeline; the board requested follow-up to clarify responsibilities and expected timeframes.
Separately, the board directed enforcement of existing sump pump requirements and approved proceeding with fines for properties that do not comply after receiving notification. Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury had indicated fines are added to property taxes per the ordinance.
Trustees also discussed drainage needs (including enlarging a tube at Fourth Street and Highway 35 and a water leak at 325 Canal Street) and asked for cost estimates and potential township cost-sharing. McLimans reported the village submitted a FEMA Preliminary Damage Assessment for the Aug. 8–9 storm; preliminary damage was reported as about $6,000, including generator problems and ditch bank erosion.
The board asked staff to return with estimates and a plan to prioritize repairs and any required funding or grant applications.
