The Centralia City Council approved a resolution to purchase engineering services for the construction of a new 12” water line to replace the existing line that services Kaskaskia College and the Centralia Correctional Facility. The existing line has experienced multiple failures in the past two months that required emergency repairs to restore service. The line running from the intersection at Jolliff Bridge Road and Illinois 161 to the Kaskaskia College water tower will be replaced in its entirety. The approved agreement with Curry & Associates Engineers Inc. has a cost of $280,000 for the project design and permitting phase of the project and an additional $75,000 for the construction engineering phase.
The board also approved a resolution to pay for the pipe used in the emergency repairs on the water line for a total of $23,121.
The board tabled a resolution approving supplemental funding for a past project milling and resurfacing portions of Frazier Avenue, Sara Drive and Nancy drive. City Manager Kory Smith recommended tabling the motion until further communication with the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding issues flagged in IDOT’s five-year audit of the city’s funds.
In public participation, resident Jennifer Stilt spoke to the council about the issue of stray animals, recommending the city consider adopting a trap-neuter-release program to control the cat population. When council member Rob Jackson expressed an interest in learning about possible state funding for such programs, Stilt said she would look for information and share it with the council. She also called the council’s attention to frequent speeding in Centralia and requested action to address the problem.
Public property maintenance operator Richard Such and street maintenance operator Jason Arning were both recognized with awards for 10 Years of Service.
City Clerk Kim Enke noted that preparations for 2025 elections are underway. Two city council seats are up for election. Candidates may begin collecting signatures on July 30. Signatures may be filed between October 21 and 28. The primary, if needed will take place February 25, 2025 while the election is scheduled for April 1, 2025.
