Where the sidewalk ends in Peotone

After being put on hiatus for a few years to tackle other projects, the sidewalk replacement program is returning.

A motion to waive competitive bidding in the amount of $41,940 was unanimously approved, with Trustees Patrick Bowden and Jackie Richards absent. Administrator Nick Palmer explained four bids were sought, just not through the sealed RFP (request for proposal process), and Davis Concrete, who had done work for the village before, was the lowest bidder. 

The bid was for 3,000 square feet of concrete for a list of specific addresses around town. The amount for the sidewalks was included in the budget.

After the vote and Palmer’s explanation, Trustee Todd Sandberg added he didn’t want the sidewalk replaced in front of his house.

“My property was on that list, and I don’t think my sidewalk is in that bad of shape. I walked the neighborhood, and I’ve sent in some address I thought that maybe could use it instead of me. I’d rather have my linear footage go to them.”

Gary Hudson asked Sandberg if his neighbors sidewalks were being replaced, and Sandberg confirmed they’re not. Sandberg reiterated he would like the exact amount of linear footage to go to a residence more in need.

Palmer added the list was presented at the Public Works committee meeting and mentioned the original list was more concentrated to a specific area, with the current list revised to be more inclusive of more areas all over town. Palmer did add that Sandberg’s section would be reallocated, but he cautioned against more changes and warned the scope of the work should not be revised.

Palmer also added a more comprehensive list to work off of in the future would be more helpful.

“There’s lots of sidewalks in town that need work, and we know that. That’s why we’re hoping to continue this program. The mayor has made it a big priority to keep going,” said Palmer.

Public Works Manager Robert Hennke said this is just a small section, and more definitely needs to be done. Sandberg again added he’d like to see other sections replaced before his. Hennke added if that section is bad, they’re inclined to fix what’s in front of them.

Hudson chimed in to add he noticed there’s some areas and quite a few on Bonnie Lane, but asked how do you jump over them? He didn’t think it looked good.

“I mean I don’t have a problem with you getting a new sidewalk,” he quipped while board members giggled.

Sandberg retorted he could easily point out other sidewalks more in need. Palmer added, again, that more were added on the east side of town that weren’t originally on the list. Hennke said it will take years to complete all the sidewalks across town. Hudson also noted, for viewers at home, that the sidewalk replacements will begin next month, be completed in a month and a half, and be finished by the middle of December.

The sidewalk replacement program includes random replacements of 11 properties in the 400 block of South Fourth Street, six properties in the 400 block of South Ahlborn Street, three in the 1000 block of Heron Drive, five in the 1000 block of Teal Drive, 11 properties in the 900-1000 block of Bonnie Lane, one property at 501 S. Division Street, five properties in the 500 block of Jean Street, two on the 600 block of Crown Lane, and one at 533 Hickory Lane.

In other board news, a final payout to Iroquois Paving for the streetscape was approved for $424,428.10.

Another partial payout to Iroquois Paving for the Conrad Storm Sewer project in the amount of $327,669.08 was approved.

And another partial payout to Iroquois for the East Crawford Street resurfacing project in the amount of $169,502.39 also was approved.

A permanent utility easement agreement with Nicor, along Peotone-Wilmington Road, also was approved.

Village engineer Troy Golem shared that Peotone’s two bridges, on Corning and Ridgeland, will be inspected. 

Hennke shared leaf collection begins October 20 and runs through December 1, and Public Works is in the final weeks of branch pickup.

Chief DeMik shared he applied for a grant for more flock cameras and was awarded the grant. He will be working out locations to bring to the board.

Palmer shared that 528 Schroeder finally was demolished, and the owner hopes to build another apartment complex on the existing foundation.

Mayor Vieaux shared information from a letter Aqua sent that sample testing from the river water conversion is now complete. Aqua will only be sampling water annually moving forward.