$12,995 payment closes out sidewalk project

By: 
STAFF REPORT

The village of Coal City received a grant six years ago to install sidewalks in the neighborhoods adjacent to Coal City Intermediate and Elementary Schools, however the final payment has just been made.

The Illinois Department of Transportation [IDOT] awarded the village a federal Safe Routes to School grant in 2014. The funds were used to construct sidewalks in six areas, the majority of the cost covered by the grant. About $20,000 of the total cost was paid by the village.

Included in the work was the installation of flashing/lighted school speed zone signs on North Broadway at the elementary school.

Village Administrator Matt Fritz told town officials last week that due to capital funding of the state of Illinois, the final award of the contract was held until 2016 and has come due.

“Exacerbating the state’s problems regarding the payments for this project was the awarded contractor no long remained in service following the completion of the work,” Fritz said.

Given the closure of the company due to the retirement of its owner, the state found it difficult to close out the file.

The first payment was made in 2017 and the second and final totaling $12,995.05 was authorized for payment by the board on Nov. 10.
In other matters:

• The Board authorized a payment to Waste Management for $23,100.68. The cost represents landfill fees associated with the disposal of sludge from the town’s sanitary treatment plant.

• A request to hold the annual Holiday Hustle 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Nov. 27 was approved.

• Trustees approved purchase orders totaling $74,254. Included in the bills were a $6,090 payment to the University of Illinois and $6,670.12 to the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center for the cost of new police training, $6,500 for a storm drain to be installed on Irving Street and $16,750 to Brian Zabel & Associates for audit services.

The next meeting of the Village Board is set for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14.