Funding Set For Improvements To West Clay Street
By Steve Rensberry, Editor
Troy aldermen voted at their meeting on Feb. 19 to approve a resolution authorizing Troy Mayor Al Adomite to move forward with a Local Public Agency Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation, in order to begin making improvements to West Clay Street.
The project description in the agreement cites reconstruction of Clay Street (0.23 miles), “including sidewalk improvements within Paul Simon Park and all necessary work to complete the project.”
City officials noted a total project cost of approximately $537,000, half of which will be funded through the federal Surface Transportation Program (STP).
Troy’s portion will total $253,500.
Alderman Troy Turner asked about the funding source, with Adomite and others in general agreement that it would be eligible for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds.
Passage of the Local Public Agency Agreement was a requirement to receive federal funds under the STP program, as was the required match of local funds.
Aldermen also approved unanimously a motion to purchase a sewer camera system, with Key Equipment and Supply Company out of Bridgeton, Missouri, given the nod as the lowest bidder at $79,985, narrowly beating two other bids of $80,158 and $84,699 from E.J. Equipment.
Two other bids were received but were disqualified because they did not meet the specifications.
Alderman Jeff Zarzecki presented the motion during a report of the Public Works Committee, which he chairs, referring to infiltration problems with the system all over the city. Software upgrades are included with the purchase from Key Equipment and Supply Company, he said.
The issue has been on the table for several years, with city officials and council members struggling to balance priorities and an affordable solution to the problem.
The city’s monthly water plant and waste water treatment plant report lists total gallons of water pumped at 44,462,500.
Flow measurements at the waste water treatment plant show a total plant flow of 77,270,000 gallons for the month of January, consisting of 2,820,000 gallons of storm water, for an average flow per day of 2,490,000.
Assistant Police Chief Brent Shownes reported that about 20-25 teachers in the Triad participated in an ALICE school safety training program, held recently at Marine Grade School, many who had never been through the program before.
Alderman Sam Italiano asked Shownes if everything was going okay with the addition of a new school resource officer this year. Funding has been as a cooperative effort between the Troy Police Department and the Triad School District, with Officer Mike Raymond filling the role. Shownes said it has been going very well.
Alderman Dan Jackson reminded council members of the budget and tourism calendar for FY2019-2020, with Feb. 28 being the deadline for all tourism grant applications to be received, and for aldermen and department heads to submit substitute capital requests, with the source of funds identified.
The Finance and Economic Development Committee is set to review tourism and budget requests and make its recommendations to the council on March 4.
Following a review by City Administration Jeff Soland, the council will then vote on March 18 whether to approve or deny the requests, with final budget approval set for April 1.
A Planning Commission meeting that had been schedule for Feb. 7 was rescheduled, with agenda items split between two upcoming meeting. The next meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 to hear the petition of Retail Place, LLC, owner of 7513 Clarence Court in the Seasons Village planned development (PD-R). A request has been made to divide an outlot into two residential lots of similar size. Another hearing will take place at 8 p.m. on Feb. 28 pertaining to the Serenade residential development planned along Dorothy Drive, proposed by owners Merrill and Grace Ottwein and Audrey Deeren, who are requesting approval of a preliminary development plan an rezoning from A-R Agricultural Reserve to PD-R Planned Development for 31 duplexes consisting of 62 “villas.”
Another public hearing before the Planning Commission that was originally set to take place on Feb 7 was rescheduled to 7 p.m. on March 14. The hearing will involve amending the Future Land Map of the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
Adomite announced that the Special Olympics Polar Plunge is set for March 8 this year, and will take place 4-6:14 p.m. at 4202 Distribution Center in Belleville. The event received a great deal of support from local volunteers last year, and from the Troy Police Department and city administration. Anyone who is interested in helping to support the effort, which benefits Special Olympics, is urged to sign up and begin gathering donations. Jennifer Hautley (618-667-6731), and Officer Mike Raymond (618-977-2578), were given as contacts for further information.
