By Patrick Stout Correspondent
The city council voted Monday to award a construction services contract for its $2.2 million 2026 road resurfacing projects. Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly Engineering will receive $189,000 for the design work on the first phase of street paving. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann said this would include work on portions of University Drive, Calhoun Street, Rolling Meadows subdivision, and Bayberry Lane.
Aldermen voted unanimously to deny a request to vote next week on the purchase of hydroseeding equipment for the street operations division. Ohrtmann said, “We discovered that, for less than $10,000, we could do this work ourselves instead of hiring it out.” Alderman Dave Dorsett questioned how often the street crew would use the equipment.
The council authorized the $41,000 purchase of a 1997 E-1 rescue truck by the Macomb Fire Department through state fire tax dollars. Chief Dan Meyer said this will allow the department to consolidate most of its rescue equipment from several other units. He said, “We would have a sitting rescue station for faster response.” Meyer added this would allow the department to sell three rescue trailers and a 1978 tanker for about $25,000.
City Administrator Scott Coker announced that Macomb High School students had awarded the fire department $7,100 to purchase grain bin rescue equipment. The check presentation was made during Macomb FFA Week at the high school.
Aldermen voted to spend $48,604 on the purchase of three electrical vehicle charging stations and the installations of three chargers. Macomb received a $50,000 grant from Ameren for the project. The city will pay AMP Companies of Galesburg $23,845 for installation of the charging stations and will pay EV Energy $25,119 for the chargers themselves. The charging stations will be located at city parking lots at West Jackson and North McArthur, Calhoun and Campbell, and at the City Center bus dropoff across the street from the Carper Amtrak Station.
The council voted to renew the Macomb Transportation Department contract with Houck Transit Advertising. Vinyl signs will continue to hang in buses and minivans. Houck will pay Macomb $1,000 per month. “We get a portion of the advertising money,” said Transit Director CallaBria Putrino.
Aldermen voted to approve an ordinance authorizing a special use permit allowing front yard parking at 920 North State Street. Mayor Mike Inman also used the city council session to acknowledge the retirement of Morris Vos as chairman of the Macomb Tree Board.
