Colgan Excavating Awarded Demolition Work By City of Savanna

Michael Miller For The Prairie Advocate News

SAVANNA ­ The Savanna City Council awarded the City's latest demolition bid to Colgan Excavating at the October 13th, 2009 meeting.

The meeting was attended by Council members Jack Fosdick, Lois Hunsaker, Jeff Griswold, Bill Grummitt, Rosalie Hansen, Merle Long and Bill Robinson, with Gail Bowman being absent. Also present were Mayor Larry Stebbins, City Attorney Phil Jensen, City Clerk Paul Hartman, Comptroller/Treasurer Sheryl Sipe, Police Chief Michael Moon, Fire Chief Shawn Picolotti, and Superintendent of Public Works John Lindeman.

Prior to the meeting, a public hearing was conducted concerning a grant application to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for funding through the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) Flexible Opportunity. Sharon Pepin, of Community Funding and Planning Services, gave an address detailing many aspect of such a grant, including amount of grant funds available, the scope of the work that said grant can undertake, the proposed benefit to low and moderate income persons, plans for minimizing displacement (if applicable) and a list of community development needs. The City plans to use the grant in preparation of a wastewater treatment facility plan and a Capital Improvements Plan for the City.

The Water/Sewer/Streets/Alleys Committee report was given by Robinson and included an update on the Longmoor Stimulus Project. He reported that the $225,000.00 grant money had been received for the project. During the latest Committee meeting Lindeman had recommended consideration of replacing the deficient and undersized water main within the project limitations on Longmoor Avenue and also recommended he be authorized to contact Willett and Hoffman and Associates to obtain an engineering and construction cost estimate for this work.

Lindeman also reported at the Committee meeting that the 145 foot long wall project on Fourth Street has been completed, though the 38 foot section of wall contract has yet to be completed.

The City awarded a bid for a 2009 Ford F550 cab and chassis to Kunes' Country Ford of Mount Carroll, in the amount of $26,390.00, and shortly thereafter unanimously approved Warrant Number 6, bills for the month of September, in the amount of $346,081.76.

The board considered a number of ordinances, some in their first reading, several in their second. Notable among these were a proposed ordinance that would eliminate language from City Code ensuring City employees full payment and benefits for one year if they are injured or disabled while performing their job. Griswold made a motion to accept and read by title only but the motion was defeated by a 5 to 2 vote. The Council decided to send this matter back to Committee for further discussion.

The Council also awarded the work for demolition and disposal of two area properties (1013 Bowen Street and 626 Viaduct Road) to Colgan Excavating, with the City being responsible for the restoration work at both sites.

Fosdick motioned to read and accept by Title and number only a resolution supporting the commitment of funds for the proposed CDAP grant, and this was approved.

The Council also reviewed a number of ordinances in their first reading, including one that would establish a "special events committee" that would promote events like parades, festivals, races, marathons and other community events. This proposed committee would set rules governing the organization and implementation of such events in a safe, prudent and legal manner.

The Savanna City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in the Council Chambers in the City building on Main Street, at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.

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