Witt council discusses grants, water system

WITT — The Witt City Council met in its most recent regular session on Tuesday, June 28 with all members present except Alderman Jay Martin. MRG Engineers representative Mitch Hardiek addressed the council regarding a pair of grants with the Illinois Department of Commerce (IDOC). The city will be receiving a predevelopment planning grant in the amount of $22,500. The City of Witt will only have to contribute $7,500 in this phase. The predevelopment project will be placed for bids on July 12, with the award notice taking place on July 26. Another IDOC grant will be applied for, with the application due by October 19. The grant is in the amount of $1.5 million for construction costs only. The grants are for upcoming projects relating to water main and wastewater systems. The grants will pay for required lift stations and appropriate permits. The grant will be based on 50% of residents being low to moderate income. The council will be including pictures of prior sewer backups as well as other problem areas and residential complaints. This information will show an imminent need for improvements to the city’s wastewater system in order to ensure the health and safety of its residents.

EJ Water presents an update

Eric Emmerick from EJ Water Cooperative presented a report to the council. EJ Water is making progress in cleaning out the sewer lines. However, there are some collapsed lines that will require repair and/or replacement. The cleanout should conclude at the end of August. Emmerick told the council of the importance to apply for the IDOC grants every year, whether for water or for sewer. Also noted was the importance that the city has to apply for them as EJ Water is ineligible to apply for the IDOC grants. The city will apply for the grants on behalf of EJ Water Cooperative. Emmerick would also inform the council that the water mains must be three inches wide, with sewer lines being ten inches wide. Currently, Witt has two-inch lines across the city. These lines originally serviced only one house, but as time passed, they would serve more residents. Replacement is necessary to meet current requirements. Mayor Tim Taylor thanked EJ Water Cooperative for the new computers.

Witt Fire Department: 10 fire calls and 21 EMS calls

The Witt Fire Department presented its monthly report, which would comprise of ten fire calls and 21 EMS calls. Also of note were 13 electrical hazards as a result of a recent story. Those hazards included seven structures. The department will have another fundraiser on Saturday, July 9. Additionally, the department received a grant for $2,400 to purchase new iPads.

AC unit needs replacing at city hall

It was mentioned during the treasurer’s report that the AC unit for the city hall will need replacing in the near future. Freon was recently added to the unit, but the type needed is no longer available.

Other Witt council business

The Witt City Council took action on the following items of business:

Alley vacated

The vacating of the alley at 204 N. Sixth St. was approved. The new ordinance will need a signature. The resident making the request will cover all costs.

Traffic matters

The council approved the placement of a four-way stop at the intersection of E. Raymond and Young streets. They would also approve the oiling of streets, set to begin after July 6. The council directed the city clerk to contact CTI Fiber about ruts and messes left by their crews.

Nuisances

Dogs owned by Jan Richardson are continuing to run on the loose. Richardson has received a citation on the matter. The city clerk will continue to check to ensure the dogs have current rabies vaccines. If not, Richardson will receive another citation. Taylor will contact EJ Water to resolve an issue with the company’s after-hours number not working.

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