City Council 52

September 17, 2007

EMC met with the IEPA for the annual inspection of the Oregon Wastewater facility and we can expect a favorable report with exception.  The IEPA continues to pursue zero discharges into the Rock River and it is the City responsibility to comply.  The EPA requires a plan to eliminate discharges into the river and Karl Merbach is putting one together.  This year we have had heavy rains and six discharge events, but they were small and might be eliminated by correcting illegal rainwater discharges into our sanitary system.  All of the solutions will be painful, but that is the cost of clean water and meeting federal mandated requirements.  We will be smoke testing our sanitary lines to indicate possible violations and we intend to work individually with violations to correct problems.   We expect the smoke testing to begin October 9th.  Illinois Rural Water Association will be providing equipment and assistance for the testing.  All citizens will be notified when their area is to be tested. 

Water and Wastewater are very serious concerns for the City of Oregon and the City has made serious efforts to remedy the problems, and our effort must continue.  Our ability to meet IEPA mandates, the upgrade of our aged wastewater plant and keeping pace with inflation of everyday operational expense is going to require additional sacrifice by the citizens of Oregon with higher fees for services.   I am aware that the City Water and Sewer Department budget is out of balance and we will be completing a water and wastewater rate study to adjust whatever necessary to provide the services necessary for the City.  Early indications are a 25-cent increase for water and a 75-cent increase for wastewater for every one thousand gallons of water.  This would cost the average homeowner one additional dollar per thousand gallons or three dollars for a minimum use of up to three thousand gallons.   This will increase the minimum charge for monthly service from $25.69 to $28.69.   This increase will be painful but necessary and alternative solutions would be detrimental to the City.

The City well #2 at City Hall has a noisy bearing in the well pump motor.  Layne and Western has had a top official out to look at it and now the company that rebuilt the motor will examine it and decide on the necessary repair.   Hopefully this will be a no charge repair. 

We will be replacing an inoperative fire hydrant and installing shut off valves on Fifth Street near Fairgrounds Street.   There are two waterlines, one on North Fifth Street and one on North Fourth Street that are dead end and they need to be looped into our water system.  This will be planned and completed with the IDOT Route 2 North project when the highway is rebuilt to Route 52. 

Disposition of the Shoning building was discussed and it is decided to attempt advertising for two months in an effort to save the building.   The building is in very poor condition and it will require a commitment to rejuvenate it or demolish it within a specified time.   The City has $38,000 in the building and it is assessed at $55,000 but has been estimated value of $25,000.  All proposals and offers will be seriously considered. 

Exercising the new generator.