Chambana Sun

City of Gibson City Council met March 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Dan Dickey.

ROLL CALL

Ward #1 Susie Tongate: P    Vacancy: ___

Ward #2 Randy Wyant: P     Ray Hankes: P

Ward #3 Scott Davis: P         Vacancy: ___

Ward #4 Denis Fisher: A       Laura Miller: P

Jr. Alderman Allison Spiller A

Visitors: (Sign-in sheet attached – 26 taxpayers, 2 representatives from Water Meter Co. Supts. Martin & Duncan, Asst. Supt. Nolte, Employees Larry McNutt, Joe Buff, Admin Scott Shull).

Alderman Tongate led the pledge.

Mayor Dickey opened the meeting by stating the purpose as discussion of water, sewer, street and alley projects and equipment needs. All visitors will be acknowledged after each Agenda item.

Sales rep Luke Hansen from Core & Main took the floor explain option on replacing the water meters.

Supt. Martin had a table of various meters that are and have been used throughout the city, and stated that it is difficult to tell how many have been replaced in recent years. Current meters are old and malfunctioning which has proven to be part of the reason the city is experiencing undetermined water loss. Supt. Martin and Admin Shull have come up with a number of 66,636,949 gallons of lost water that calculates to approximately half million dollars lost water revenue. Luke Hansen explained that with new water meters the accuracy and function is guaranteed for a period of 20 years. Further, the operation works with our current Locis software, and can be done remotely. Currently it takes several employees a period of days to physically read water meters. New meters will save money and manhours. Alderman Davis, Finance Chairman asked questions about the total funding for all new meters, installed, and software and training being $936,534.71. After discussion, Alderman Davis made a motion to table this item for further research and discussion, Alderman Tongate made the 2nd to his motion, and Motion to Table passed unanimously.

Next, Supt. Duncan spoke about the drainage problems. Donohue Engineers are prepare a study, and currently the employees are all working to canvass and locate recurring flooding places and when possible are jetting out lines. According to Supt. Duncan, the only way to truly correct is to ‘put eyes in the lines’ with a trailer mounted Voyager HD Video Inspection system. His recommendation is to purchase a camera from Coe Equipment Company in Rochester IL at a cost of $220,073.00, which includes the lighted camera, trailer, software, delivery and all training needed. (See attached proposal for details) Alderman Davis asked if other prices were comparable, and how this purchase will be funded. Mayor Dickey stated that we have the $7.5 million in bonds that can be used for capital expenditures, as well as considering partial funding from TIF 2. Many residents spoke in favor of this purchase and plan, stating that they cannot afford the continuation repairs due to flooding damage. Also noted and agreed that there is a definite increase in stormwater drainage problems throughout every part of town. Alderman Hankes made a motion to purchase this camera system as proposed at a cost of $220,073.00, 2nd to his motion was made by Alderman Davis, motion carried unanimously.

Discussion on a vac truck was the next. Supt. Martin stated the current vac truck is worn out, about 20 years old, gone for costly repairs often. This is a crucial piece of equipment to keep the water and sewer lines jetted clear. The quote is from a company in Streator, IL, as a lease over a 5-year period. (see attached) at $118,166.61 per year. It will take 12 months to get this Vactor Combination Sewer Cleaner. Again, funding can be spread across both water and sewer funds, and the options of using bond and TIF funds are available. Alderman Miller made the motion to purchase the Vactor Combination Sewer Cleaner total cost of $505,575.98, but as proposed making annual payments of at $118,166.61 per year, over the 5 year period, 2nd made by Alderman Tongate, motion carried 5/0.

Last item for discussion is the purchase of a new street sweeper. Asst. Supt. Rich Nolte spoke about the current sweeper as he is the employee with the most years of experience on this equipment. The age and condition of the current street sweeper causes him triple time to clean streets. He stressed the importance of keeping the streets clean going hand-hand with keeping the storm sewers flowing efficiently. The leaves, grass clippings and trash that get into the lines is a big part of the flooding problem. Residents are reminded to not let grass clippings blow into the gutters. The new machine totals $249,601.00 and will be set up on annual payment plan of $42,299.18. Alderman Davis again voiced concerns about how to budget, which funds to be used will be determined in further meetings.

Alderman Hankes made a motion to approve purchase of the 2023 Pelican NP Three Wheel Mechanical Street Sweeper as proposed, 2nd to his motion was made by Alderman Tongate, motion approved 5/0.

Many taxpayers attending cited their addresses, offered ideas about what they believe causes flooding in their specific neighborhoods, (which was noted by the Superintendents) and all speaking are supportive of these purchases. Both Superintendents urge people to send pictures with addresses via email to help create and prioritize a task list. Jeremy Darnell, School Supt., acknowledged the high dollar equipment, repairs and implementing continual maintenance plans will trigger a need to find ways to increase city revenues, but is indeed needed.

Mayor Dickey and Council thanked everyone for taking time to attend, and stated the public input is important and appreciated.

Motion to Adjourn made by Alderman Davis to adjourn, 2nd by Alderman Tongate, all in favor; meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

https://gibsoncityillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/March-21-2023-Minutes.pdf