The Galesburg City Council on Tuesday authorized another IEPA forgivable loan to replace the last of the city’s lead service line.
City Manager Todd Thompson says the city is working its way through Phase 5 and once Phase 6 is completed then the over 5-year process will be complete.
Mayor Peter Schwartzman was concerned about some residents not being aware they were eligible to have lines replaced.
Director of Public Works Wayne Carl says the most difficult ones to get in touch with are the people that own a home but haven’t had an active service line for whatever reason.
Carl says the city should be able to reduce the amount of phosphate added to the local water supply after Phase 6 is completed.
He says increased phosphate was a measure that was started to protect against harmful effects of lead that were possible through service lines.
Aldermen also approved using the state bid process for purchasing four trucks for different city departments.
The administration requested that the council waive the normal bidding process, and purchase the vehicles from Morrow Brothers in Greenfield, Illinois
Thompson says they’re unsure when vehicles will become available, but the city does believe it’s necessary to replace the three vehicles.
Wayne Dennis said he was a little disturbed to see the city looking to buy from an out-of-town dealer.
Carl says Fleet Superintendent Myron Miller went to local dealers first.
He says the earliest local dealers might be able to get pricing by summer/fall of 2022 for an order for some time in 2023.
Carl says the street division truck is from 2005 and he doesn’t believe it can plow much longer.
Another truck was for the water division and two for Parks and Rec.
