Collinsville City Council Discusses 2022 Capital Improvement Plan
By Stephanie Malench
smalench@timestribunenews.com
The Collinsville City Council met on November 9 at the Gateway Convention Center. Mayor John Miller proclaimed November 15-21 National Apprenticeship Week. This is the seventh anniversary to raise “awareness of the vital role Registered Apprenticeships provide in creating opportunities by allowing apprentices to ear while they learn and preparing a pathway to well-paying careers in Collinsville and across the nation”.
The next ceremonial agenda item was congratulating George Julian on his retirement after 27 years of service as Water Plant Operator.
Finally, Miller swore in Kevin Reis as Deputy Fire Chief. Reis came from 25 years at the Mehlville Fire Department and has an Associates in Fire Science and Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership.
Two ordinances were approved rezoning real estate. The first, located at 514 W. Main St. and owned by Adam and Ashley Embrey will go from “B-2” Limited Commercial District to Uptown Commercial District. The first floor will contain their contracting office and they will live on the second floor.
The other property located at 901 Vandalia and owned by Patricia Malter is switching from “B-4” Commercial District to a “P-B-4” Planned Commercial District to permit the use as a single family residence through a Special Use Permit.
City Manager Mitch Bair then went into the second detailed discussion with the council members about the 2022 Capital Improvement Plan. The current draft outlines 57 projects for 2022 costing approximately $5.4 million. Examples of some of the projects planned include: 11 new mobile radios, network infrastructure improvements, a new cardiac monitor for the fire department, HVAC and kitchen hood replacements at the Convention Center, new vehicles, improvements to Fletcher Field and replacement of Rotary Playground in Woodland Park, and replacement of the St. Louis Road water main.
Funding comes from the Capital Improvement Fund, TIF Districts 1 and 4, Capital Project Fund, and the Unassigned Fund. The final draft will be presented at the November 23 City Council meeting and voted on at the December 14 City Council meeting.
An ordinance was approved authorizing three change orders to the contract with Christ Brothers Asphalt for the 2021 resurfacing program in the amount of $48,612.98, bringing the total cost for the project to $434,572.34, which was still $15,000 below budget.
Another ordinance was approved authorizing Miller to enter into a addendum with CBB Transportation Engineers and Planners to conduct a traffic study of the northeast quadrant of Illinois Route 157. The study will take into account cars, mass transit, and shared use paths.
The next meeting will be November 23 at the Gateway Convention Center at 6;30 p.m.
