06/19/2006MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 19, 2006
The village board met at 8:50 p.m. in the conference room of the village hall following its
regular meeting on Monday, June 19, 2006.
Village Board Staff
Bob Benton, Trustee Robert D. Franz, Village Manager
Michelle Feldman, Trustee Robert Fialkowski, Finance Director
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee Philip Kiraly, Asst. Village Manager
William Seiden, Trustee Barbara Little, Director of Public Works and
Barbara Struthers, Trustee Engineering
Matthew Wylie, Trustee James Bernahl, Asst. Village Engineer
Frank Cisek, Treatment Plant Foreman
East Side Lift Station
Background information was provided on the East Side Sanitary Sewer Lift Station located along the
Middle Fork on River Road. One of the two existing buildings was constructed in 1954, the other in
1961. In 1974-75, the facility was expanded and combined due to population growth and new federal
regulations imposed by the new Clean Water Act and enforced by the newly created EPA.
The station pumps approximately one-third of all wastewater generated in the village to the main
treatment plant. The property is in both the floodway and the floodplain.
Stanley Consultants performed a general assessment of the existing facilities and evaluated the station
and equipment with respect to rehabilitation. A few additions were recommended at the suggestion
of staff, such as bypass facilities and telemetry. The cost estimates prepared by Stanley were based
on this evaluation for station rehabilitation. Subsequently, requests for proposals were sent to several
engineering firms which later toured the site and facilities. Their input, coupled with insights
garnered from American Water’s analysis of the sewer system, has led staff to recommend
consideration of a new lift station instead of rehabilitating the existing facility. The primary reasons
for doing so include:
➢ A new building could be elevated to prevent the possibility of flooding.
➢ A submersible pump is the current technology. It would eliminate or greatly reduce confined
space entry and would help reduce odor problems by not having open wet wells.
➢ Integration of the bypass facilities, telemetry and odor controls will make it more efficient and
cost effective to operate.
One consultant provided an estimate to replace the two buildings with one facility at approximately
$1.5 million. The Stanley study estimated $620,000 for the improvements to this site. If we decide
to maintain the existing buildings and rehabilitate the facilities, a new construction cost estimate must
be developed based on the specific needs of the facilities as examined by a project engineer. The
Illinois EPA Revolving Loan Program is one possible source of funding for this improvement.
The board raised several questions regarding the need for a new facility. They want to quantify as
much as possible the actual benefits to be derived. Recognizing that this lift station is one of several
satellite facilities in need of upgrading, they do not want to lose sight of the total picture in planning
for and funding these improvements, a plan which could take as much as five to seven years to
complete.
Staff was directed to seek engineering proposals for designing a new facility for further review by the
board.
The board was also briefed on a problem at the main treatment plant involving a plug in the suction
piping in the basement circulation pump (Anaerobic Digester #1). As a result, primary sludge cannot
be pumped to the digester or heated and circulated for proper digestion. This constitutes an
emergency with respect to normal operation of the plant. Three companies have been asked to quote
on emptying the digester to get it back in service. The estimated cost is $25,000. The work will get
underway as soon as possible, and the board will be asked to approve it retroactively at the July 5th
meeting.
Senior Subsidy Program
Staff provided background information on the Senior Citizen Housing Subsidy Program. It was
initiated in 1980 for seniors who wished to remain in Deerfield but were unable to keep up with
increased housing costs. Residents who are 62 years or older and have lived in the community for at
least one year may apply. Households may have unlimited assets but can have a yearly income of no
more than $16,000 (single person) or $18,000 (two people).
The program is administered by the Community Relations Commission, which interviews the
applicants to verify financial information. Every effort is made to maintain confidentiality.
Currently there are four recipients, with a total subsidy of $11,000. One senior has been receiving
money for over a decade, two for four years, and one for one year.
Staff alerted the board that there are other programs and financial aids that are now available to
seniors; also, that past boards and commissions have taken a fairly liberal approach in granting the
subsidies. After discussing the matter, the board was inclined to continue the program as is, with a
cap to be established as part of the annual budget. Staff will meet with the Chairman of the
Community Relations Commission to review their procedures and practices in administering the
program.
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
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ROBERT D. FRANZ, Village Manager