Council approves bids for Millennia Park
The City Council approved the recommended bids submitted by the Millennia Committee for construction of the
Millennia Park at the north edge of the city. Farnsworth representative Neil Finlen told the council that approval of
the bids will allow construction to get started in time so that seeding can be done by this fall.
The council approved a bid of $114,012 from RJS Contracting of Peoria to construct a picnic and restroom
facility, a bid of $223,612 from Sullivan Construction of Pontiac to do the site improvements, and a bid
of $25,187 from Tonica Nursery for landscaping.
Finlen said construction will start within 30 days. He indicated over 10,000 yards of dirt need to be moved. A
borrow pit will be dug during the excavation that will result in a retention pond that can be landscaped
with a fountain. He said that the Millennia Committee will be presenting recommendations for bids on the
playground equipment, skate park, and inline hockey rink at the next council meeting. Finlen said that it
appears that the total cost of the park will be about $30,000 under the $605,000 budget.
Alderman Bill Koos asked Finlen if the city will be responsible for any cost overruns. Finlen assured him that
all costs will be borne by the Millennia Committee. He said that the committee is allowed to bill the Department
of Natural Resources at three different times for paying their share on work completed. This allows money to
be coming in periodically rather than having to wait until the end of the project.
Other news
The council approved a Motor Fuel Tax resolution to apply $54,000 towards the following projects: spray emulsion,
spray patch (oil and chip), sidewalk repair, and retaining wall replacement.
Alderman Russell Ruestman asked if the council had considered action on limiting the parking of big trucks in
the alley next to Casey's. He said there are huge potholes in the alley. Mayor Spencer said that the council
has considered action in the past but never acted on it. He said he will put it on the agenda for the next
council meeting.
City Administrator's comments
The sale of the property north of the medical clinic along North Chestnut Street has been finalized. Ruestman-Harris
will be constructing a funeral home on the property.
The sanitary sewer line and connecting storm lines at the corner of Fourth and Locust Streets have been dug
up and repaired. One line was collasped and a few other lines were blocked. The public works is waiting for a big
rain to ensure that surface water drainage problems have been corrected.
The four lights at the Westside basketball court are now operational.
Weed spraying will begin in the city parks and around city buildings this week.
The Police Department is preparing to send out about 19 notices for various weed, long grass and
inoperable vehicle violations.
