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Bloomington's Fort Jesse Road water pump, generator project could cost more than $1.5M

Ralph Weisheit

The Bloomington City Council will hear Monday about the city's annual comprehensive financial report, and its related audit.

Also at the meeting, the council is expected to vote on a water pump station generator project topping $1.5 million, and a $200,000 plan to improve the Bloomington Police Department’s ventilation system.

The meeting is at 6 p.m. on the fourth floor of the downtown Government Center.

Pump stations’ generator, electrical work planned

The proposed Fort Jesse project centers on replacing an aging generator, and a complex rerouting of electrical systems to minimize the risk of both pumps failing simultaneously.

City staff recommends a $1.5 million contract be awarded to William Masters, the lowest of two bidders. The proposal also calls for Donoghue & Associates, which designed the plan, to be paid $77,000 to act as the city’s representative and observe construction.

The city originally budgeted $1 million for the project. But because of the higher cost now expected, the council will need to move about $541,000 to its water fund budget.

The Fort Jesse pump stations, at 1513 Fort Jesse Road in Normal, are critical in maintaining water pressure and demand throughout Bloomington, according to materials staff prepared for Monday’s meeting.

Police station HVAC system improvements proposed

Another proposal seeks about $200,000 for the Bloomington Police Department station at 305 S. East St.

As proposed, Technical Solutions & Services, would upgrade the station’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The building’s running on its original system, and many of the replacement parts no longer are available.

Although this was the higher of two bids, it actually provides a better deal, when considering exclusions, according to council materials.

The council also is expected to consider:

  • Replacing the elevator at city hall, 109 E. Olive St. The city's proposing an $85,000 contract to design the new elevator that would be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act; the new elevator could cost up to $250,000. 
  • Spending about $78,000 with Sentinel Technologies to improve computer networking functions at the downtown Government Center. 
  • The proposed final plat for The Villas at Prairie Vista, a development east of U.S. 51 and South Main Street and just west of Southgate Estates.

Michele Steinbacher is a WGLT correspondent. She joined the staff in 2020.
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