McHenry Times

Village of Cary Committee of the Whole met Oct. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ATTENDANCE 

Village Board of Trustees 

Mayor Mark Kownick, Trustee Dale Collier, Trustee Ellen McAlpine, Trustee Rick Dudek, Trustee Anthony Stefani, Trustee Rick Walrath (virtual), Trustee Jennifer Weinhammer

Others Present 

Village Administrator Morimoto, Assistant Village Administrator Sage, Community Development Director Simmons, Public Works Director Noonan, Police Chief Finlon, Deputy Public Works Director Stein, Village Attorney Uhler

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kownick at 6:58 p.m.

II. Roll Call

The roll was called and all were present.

III. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Kownick led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

IV. Public Comments

There being no comments, Mayor Kownick closed Public Comments at 6:59 p.m.

V. Discussion Items

A. Lead Service Line Replacement Discussion

Director Noonan provided an update on the Village's lead service line inventory, as well as what the next steps are per the IEPA's requirements.

Village Administrator Morimoto asked the Committee for direction on whether the Village should subsidize the replacement of private lead service lines, and if so, the type of funding sources to be utilized for the work.

Trustee Dudek asked what the approximate cost is to replace a service line.

Director Noonan stated the cost is approximately $10,000-15,000 per replacement.

Trustee Dudek supports the Village subsidizing the cost of replacing private service lines, replacing the lines as quickly as possible, and would like information on a potential water bill surcharge as a funding source.

Trustee Weinhammer stated if a surcharge on water/sewer bills is utilized as a funding source, she would support the removal of the surcharge once the project is completed.

Trustee McAlpine stated the cost to the affected homeowners is prohibitive and supports the Village funding the replacements. Trustee McAlpine would like information on the IEPA loan program and if the Village would be eligible. Trustee McAlpine prefers this project be completed as quickly as possible to avoid higher repair costs later on.

Village Administrator Morimoto stated the IEPA loan program has limited funding, and given the relatively low number of service lines to be replaced compared to other communities, it is not likely the Village would be eligible for funding. Administrator Morimoto stated the timeframe provided by the IEPA to replace service lines allows the cost to be spread out over a number of years, which enables the Village to evaluate future capital improvement projects and the solvency of the water/sewer fund.

Mayor Kownick stated the overall cost of the project will change once the TIF begins generating funds, resulting in a lower impact on the Village's budget.

Dave Miller, 65 Northwest Highway, stated he feels the relatively low number of lines needing to be replaced in the Village does not pose an immediate need for replacement.

Trustee Stefani asked when the Village will know the final number of service lines that need to be replaced.

Deputy Public Works Director Stein stated the Village is required to have the final number by April 15, 2024.

Trustee Stefani would like to focus on properties outside the TIF district first, so as the TIF generates funds they can be utilized as a source for private service line replacements.

It was the consensus of the majority of the Committee of the Whole that the Village subsidize the replacement of private lead service lines and directed staff to research funding options with a focus on repairing the lines as soon as possible. 

VI. Adjourn

Motion:

There being no further items to discuss, Mayor Kownick entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m. 

Motion moved by Trustee McAlpine and motion seconded by Trustee Weinhammer.

Motion Passed.

AYES: Collier, McAlpine, Dudek, Stefani, Walrath, Weinhammer

NAYS: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

https://www.caryillinois.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10032023-75