Bloomington’s water treatment plant is about to get a million dollar makeover.
On Monday, the Bloomington City Council OK’d a $1.5 million contract with G.A. Rich & Sons, Inc. to handle chemical system improvements at the facility, located at Lake Bloomington.
Also during the brief, 20-minute meeting, the council approved a two-year contract with some of its arts district union employees, and OK'd several plans to add housing in south Bloomington neighborhoods.
Council member Julie Emig was absent, as was City Manager Tim Gleason.
Water treatment plant
The upgrades at the Hudson plant will address problems identified in the city’s water infrastructure master plan.
In March 2020, the city hired CDM Smith to design a plan for chemical systems improvements at the facility. Because of the complex nature of the work, the city also plans to recommend hiring an outside consultant to oversee Deer Creek-based G.A. Rich & Sons' project.
As proposed, construction will create an emergency ventilation system, upgrade the plant’s ammonia storage and feed system, and add a chlorine gas scrubber. The total contract includes 10% contingency costs.
Council member Nick Becker abstained from the vote, due to a business conflict of interest.
Contract OK'd
The council approved a two-year contract with Local 193 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE) that includes some city employees working at Grossinger Motors Arena and the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
As part of the agreement those employees will see a 2.5% raise both years.
This contract approval is critical, as the city plans to increase events at the arena in upcoming months, said Billy Tyus, deputy city manager.
"We're looking to ramp up activity at the BCPA and the arena" now that the city has hiredAnthony Nelson as its arts and entertainment director, added Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe.
The contract will affect about 60 current city employees, but the number varies due to seasonal and temporary workers, according to the administration.
Single-family lots OK'd for south Bloomington
The council also approved steps for several Bloomington subdivisions to move forward with additions. Final plats were OK’d for:
- The Grove on Kickapoo Creek’s sixth addition, north of Longfield Road, creating 60 residential lots and two outlots.
- Cedar Ridge Subdivision’s third addition, south of the grade school of the same name, and just north of Interstate 74. This would allow 42 more residential lots.
- Two commercial spaces at Route 51 Subdivision’s second addition; and a redivision of Lot 20 of Hawthorne Commercial Subdivision’s 12th addition.
In other business, the council approved:
- A three-year, $127,000 agreement with T2 Flex Parking Management Systems Inc.
- An agreement with District 87 for the school district to purchase up to 250 tons of rock salt this winter, at a cost of $5 per ton.
- Heard about Bloomington hosting the Illinois Main Street Conference Oct. 18-19.
