In an effort to qualify Macomb for state bond eligibility, the Macomb City Council voted last week to authorize consultant Sports Facilities Company (SFC) to solicit quotes for a master developer to work on the city's proposed sports facility complex. As part of the application for the STAR Bond, which is due Jan. 1, 2028, a private developer must be in place before the city can begin the nearly year-long application process, which begins next Jan. 1.
'This binds us to nothing. It just gives us access to potential major developers,' Alderman Dave Dorsett said regarding the SFC authorization.
Alderman Justin Schuch said the public should be given information regarding this latest development. City Administrator Scott Coker added the appropriate time to invite the public to observe is when potential developers are interviewed.
'What you just authorized is a request for qualifications, not a request for proposals,” Coker explained.
The council approved the authorization on a six to one vote, with Schuch dissenting.
In other business last week, aldermen approved equipment purchases for the street department and for the sewer plant. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann told the Council this allows the department to catch up on unfunded equipment needs. She said $796,000 would be spent on street equipment and $785,000 would go to the sewer plant. Funding would come from a seven-year loan from Morton Community Bank, to be paid at 5.2 percent interest. Coker said Macomb would be paying about $130,000 per year.
The council also voted to authorize Benton & Associates to seek bids for improvements to the Carper Amtrak Station. Macomb received a $168,000 grant for the project through the office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.
Aldermen approved a $52,300 professional services contract for IMEG to survey, design and draw up permits for the South McArthur Street water main replacement and roadway improvements project. Funding is coming from a $1.6 million federal grant through the office of U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen. Ohrtmann said the existing cast iron water main has been the source of 'dirty water' complaints. Dorsett said the project would solve 'a long-needed drainage issue.'
The council voted to approve an agreement with the Gallagher and Company subsidiary AP Benefit Advisors. Through its Galesburg office, the company will provide employee benefits brokerage and counseling.
Aldermen also approved an ordinance creating the placement of electric vehicle charging stations downtown, and an ordinance amending the alcoholic beverages chapter of the city municipal code.
