Council hears multiple grant and infrastructure updates including Safe Routes, OSLAD and 1200 North work

City project manager Lee Beckman briefed the council on Dec. 8 about several ongoing and potential infrastructure projects. He said the storm sewer project required a change order after a water main break and that the contractor is expected to return next week with the project likely finishing in about two weeks. "The project remains under budget," Beckman said, and pay estimates were split to remain within bonding limits.

Beckman reported Safe Routes to School Phase Two has completed survey and design work and is scheduled to be advertised for bidding in the first quarter of next year; Phase Three application was submitted Oct. 15 with announcements anticipated in Q1 2026. On the OSLAD grant he said IDNR procurement questions have been resolved and contractor/supplier pricing is expected in the coming weeks before contracts and a schedule are finalized. Development on 1200 North is substantially complete, with seeding guarantees and ongoing IDOT paperwork that may take six months to a year to finalize. Beckman also outlined the Regional Site Readiness NOFO (rolling awards, 80/20 match) and advised the council to decide on application topics by Dec. 30 if the city intends to apply.