The Macomb City Council voted Monday to hire Maurer- Stutz Engineering to supervise engineering and construction of the city's new water plant. The firm will receive nearly $1.6 million for its work. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann said Maurer-Stutz will coordinate specialized inspectors for each phase of construction.
Aldermen also voted to authorize the purchase of electrical pump repairs or replacements and assorted parts for three sewer lift stations. Sewer Plant Supervisor Josh Peters said $275,370 would be spent on a new pump and parts for the University Drive lift station, where the equipment has been in place for 20 years. He said the 17-year-old pump at the Derry Addition would be repaired at a cost of $13,520, and the pump installed in 2015 at Spring Lake lift station #2 would be repaired at a cost of $12,335.
The council also voted to authorize an application for a $480,000 grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IDHA). City Administrator Scott Coker said this would be Macomb's third involvement in the IDHA's Strong Communities Program. The city would use the money to rehabilitate two properties and demolish five others. The project will be administered through the regional land bank. Coker said Macomb will purchase the properties and then sell them when the work is completed.
The city hosted a public hearing on a liquor license application from the Busted Cup Brewhouse (formerly Forgottonia) at 324 N. Lafayette St.. The Busted Cup has another location in Burlington and specializes in craft beers and offers wine, pork, chicken and sausage. The shop also plans to have games available. Alderman Byron Shabazz said, 'I'm really excited that they're planning a family atmosphere.'
Aldermen voted to adopt an ordinance amendment regulating vape dispensers. City Attorney Lisa Scalf said Macomb does not want vape products available through vending machines.
The council also authorized agreements for the use of its city buses. The Macomb Municipal Airport will pay $200 for shuttle services from downtown to the airport on the Sunday of Heritage Days, June 28. Macomb Transportation will provide bus transportation for summer camp students at Wesley United Methodist Church for a fee of $50 per hour. There are 28 trips planned, five of them outside the county.
