The regular Centralia City Council meeting on Monday was preceded by three public hearings for planned city projects supported by grant funding.
The first covered improvements to Laura Leake Park, funded by an OSLAD grant. If received, the grant will cover half of a $250,000 project. The main item is replacement of the old pavilion in the northwest corner of the park. Other items included in the grant application are ADA playground equipment, resurfacing and repainting the basketball court, Bathroom improvements, a water fountain, and a pollinator garden. The council passed a resolution authorizing the grant application.
The council also held a hearing on replacing the water main between Wal-Mart and Kaskaskia College. The existing water line is old and prone to failure, creating recurring problems for the college and Centralia Correctional Center. The city applied for a congressional spending grant through the office of Senator Tammy Duckworth, which could cover most or all of the project cost if it passes through Congress.
The city also held a hearing for an ITEP grant, which would support the construction of walkable infrastructure on the east side of town, connecting a new sidewalk with a sidewalk built on Country Club Road through a Safe Routes to School grant. The project also includes a pedestrian bridge at IL-161 and Edgewood Lane. The city is currently conducting an online survey to build local support for the grant and help with the application. The estimated total project cost is $4,688,626. The city is requesting $3,750,900 and would provide the required 20% local match of $937,725.
In another resolution, the board accepted a proposal from Brown’s Heating and Air Conditioning for HVAC maintenance at City Hall for a cost of $12,626.
In public participation, the city council presented a service award to wastewater treatment plant operator Dustin Garren for fifteen years of service.
Wastewater treatment plant operator Dustin Garren is congratulated on 15 years of service by the city council at Monday night’s meeting. Photo by Austin Williams.
