The Macomb City Council voted Monday to approve a $62,000 contract for Laverdiere Construction to build a raised crosswalk concrete replacement along Western Avenue on the Western Illinois University campus. Mayor Mike Inman said the crosswalk was “beat up” due to construction on the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts. Laverdiere was the lowest of three bids.
A contract of $18,800 was approved for IMEG’s design work on the Macomb City Hall backup generator project. City Administrator Scott Coker told the Council that a grant application has been submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to pay for the project; however, $150,000 has been put aside in the city’s budget in case the grant doesn’t come through.
In other business, aldermen voted to authorize the Macomb Fire Department to solicit bids for tuckpointing a portion of the fire station. Fire Chief Dan Meyer said the east wall needs work and he estimated the cost at $45,000. The council also voted authorization for the Macomb Public Works Department to solicit proposals for engineering services for plant biological nutrient removal at the city sewer facility. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann said a request for qualifications would be sent in August to seek a firm to evaluate permit requirements for nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Aldermen voted to add public works committee chairman Dave Dorsett to the evaluation panel.
An ordinance to adopt a new city ward map was approved Monday. The map reflects population changes as a result of the 2024 special census. In addition, an ordinance was approved to adopt a portable fire hydrant and meter usage policy. Ohrtmann said the ordinance expresses clear guidelines for contractors who need temporary setups to provide a water source. Aldermen also approved grants for five businesses through the Downtown Facade Grant Program, and one grant through the Residential Rehabilitation Program.
During Monday’s meeting, the City Council held a public hearing on the application of the Pregame Arcade Bar, 130 N. Lafayette St,, for a private event liquor license.
The council voted on a series of mayoral appointments. Jill Myers was reappointed to the Macomb Fire and Police Commission; Dennis Danowski, Sue Scott, and Jan Armstrong were reappointed to the Macomb Historic Preservation Commission; Laura Leezer was reappointed to the Macomb Planning Commission; Troy Rhodes was reappointed to the Macomb Public Building Commission, and Carl Ervin and Suzan Nash were reappointed to the Macomb Zoning Board of Appeals.
Aldermen received a Macomb Police Department activity report for June. The department received 1,400 calls for service and officers made 61 arrests. There were 18 theft cases and two burglaries. On June 18, a firearm was pointed at an armed robbery suspect to ensure compliance with his arrest. Police overtime for June totaled $16,466.
