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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-2020 Public Hearing Minutes City of Canton Public Hearing Minutes October 6 2020, 6:00 p.m. City Hall VIA zoom The public hearing was called to order at 6:00 p.m.by Mayor Kent McDowell, who briefly explained that the purpose of this meeting is the City's plan to remove and replace approximately 240 residential lead service lines and the proposed construction. Those in attendance: Aldermen Craig West, City Engineer Keith Plavec, Mayor Kent McDowell, Alderwoman Angela Lingenfelter, Alderwoman Chamberlin, Alderman Jeff Fritz, Alderman Quin Mayhew, Treasurer Crystal Wilkinson, Comptroller Beka Schultz, Attorney Chris Jump, Fulton Democrat John Froehling, Johnny Engineer Plavec explained that the City plans to remove and replace approximately 240 residential lead service lines. These lead service lines were discovered during the meter head replacements and the City continues to identify all of the lead service lines. The replacement of the lead service lines was submitted-with the intent on this being the Illinois EPA water revolving loan fund. The necessary paperwork was submitted. The estimated project cost is 1.5 million dollars. Construction is anticipated to begin in August 2021 and complete in July 2022,but this will depend on what funding is available. Other communities have applied for the same type of funding-including the City of Galesburg. In the past the Illinois EPA has provided principal forgiveness for the entire loan if it's related to lead service. If a 20-year loan was taken out and the payment would be approximately$81,264.00 per year to recover the loan. Water rates would need to increase by $1.30 to cover this. These projects were reviewed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in terms of compliance. IDNR indicated that negative impacts are not expected due to this project. These projects were also reviewed by the State's Historic Preservation Office for compliance and no negative impacts were identified because the work is within the right of way. The EPA document does state that public comments are invited on the proposed project. They will take public comments for 10 days after this public meeting. Public comments can be sent to Lanina Clark-who is the project manager with the IEPA. If anyone wants to reach out to them,individuals can contact the City Clerk's office. Engineer Plavec asked for any comments or questions. Mayor McDowell asked for clarification on where Galesburg is in their process. Engineer Plavec said that Galesburg is currently in their 4th or 5th phase of the project and sometime this can take more than a year. Their program runs approximately 2.0 million dollars each time. Alderwoman Lingenfelter asked if this was for residential purpose, commercial purpose or both. Engineer Plavec said that the City has focused all on residential. Mayor McDowell asked if there is a program for businesses. Engineer Plavec explained that the City could include residential or businesses,but the one's identified so far are just residential. If some are identified that are commercial, these would be included as well. Property owners own the water service from the tap on the main all the way into the house. What is being proposed are those that has lead services- the City is going to remove and replace those lead service lines at no cost to the homeowners. If there is an EPA loan that is required-technically the citizens in Canton would pay, but the hope is that the debt would be forgiven by the EPA- so there would be no loan. This will help the residents but will also help the City because the City would have to start meeting new lead and copper rules which could require changes at the plant. Attorney Jump asked how this would start from a priority standpoint in determining who gets it and who doesn't-and what limitations would apply. The 240 were identified within the meters checked so far. There are approximately 5800 water meters within the system. The 240 identified were out of approximately 2500, so as we continue to have more people submit what their water services are- these will be identified. A priority might be if large amounts are determined to be in a specific area—these could all be done together. Alderwoman Lingenfelter asked if publication was put in the newspaper and the details. A notice of the hearing was published in the newspaper and information was posted at City Hall for the public to pick up- and information is on the City's website. Alderman Craig West asked what year of homes are being looked at. Engineer Plavec explained that anything prior to the 1980's is being looked at. Prior to 1980 would be a good chance there is lead, and anything after 1980 has more of the copper and different materials other than lead. If loan money is available that has a debt forgiveness-- this is of huge benefit to the City. Citizens can contact City Clerk Diana Pavley Rock at 309-647-0020, or by email at [7:6�avley�(i),cantoncityhall.orr with any comments. Hearing no further comments or questions, the meeting adjourned. I hereby certify that the above summary is an accurate account of the public hearing for the purpose of The City's plan to remove and replace approximately 240 residential lead service lines and the proposed construction. October 6, 2020 Diana Pavley Rock, City Clerk Date Kent A McDowell, Mayor