The Washington City Council changed its collective mind Monday, voting to approve a contract for the low bidder to paint one of the city's two water towers.
Council voted Sept. 3 to reject the $251,000 low bid for the project by LC United of Sterling Heights, Mich., after hearing concerns about safety and prevailing wage violations expressed about the company by Washington resident Tyler Shirley, president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 157 of Peoria.
Union representatives Ben Underhill and David Arrayo reiterated Shirley's concerns Monday.
But council approved LC United's bid, an action that was recommended by Washington Public Works Director Brian Rittenhouse based on his discussions with consultant Dixon Engineering of Lake Odessa, Mich., which provided painting specifications and bidding assistance for the project.
Dixon also was hired by the city in 2021 to inspect the 500,000-gallon water tower, located on Constitution Street, across from the Washington Fire Department's burn house.
The inspection resulted in a recommendation to give the water tower a new topcoat and make minor repairs.
"A new topcoat will protect the undercoating and give the tower another 10-15 years of protection," Rittenhouse said.
The Sept. 3 vote against awarding the contract to LC United was 4-2. The vote Monday to award the contract was 5-2.
Council members Brian Butler and Mike McIntyre, who didn't attend the Sept. 3 meeting, voted yes Monday. John Blundy and Jamie Smith cast the no votes Monday. They also voted no Sept. 3.
Bobby Martin III and Lili Stevens changed their votes from no to yes. Mike Brownfield, who voted yes Sept. 3, didn't attend Monday's meeting.
After hearing from Shirley on Sept. 3, council members asked Rittenhouse to investigate the concerns expressed about LC United by Shirley.
In a report at last week's council committee of the whole meeting, Rittenhouse acknowledged a 2015 fall accident at a water tower in Baraboo, Wis., that resulted in an employee injury and OSHA violations with $56,210 in penalties, but said he couldn't get information about claims of prevailing wage violations from the Illinois Department of Labor.
Here's what a Dixon engineer had to say about LC United, as reported by Rittenhouse:
"LC United has been (a) prequalified (bidder) with Dixon since 1995. They are a very experienced elevated tank painting contractor. ... They have shown to have the capacity and experience to handle any project.
"I understand some safety concerns have been brought up about LC United. I have overseen projects with them and many other contractors both union and non-union. Elevated tank work is inherently dangerous and there have been occasional safety issues with all contractors, union and non-union alike.
"As part of (bid) submittals, contractors must submit their recent certifications for their spider cages, safety equipment, etc., and any recent safety training. I have not seen nor experienced any issues with LC United in my five years working with them at Dixon Engineering."
While the council rejected LC United's low bid Sept. 3, it did unanimously approve hiring Dixon for $38,350 to provide oversight and inspections for the project, whenever it was done.
LC United was the lowest of six bidders for the Washington project. Seven Brothers Painting of Shelby Township, Mich., was second at $269,000. The highest bid was $393,900.
The project isn't expected to be done until next spring.
Farm Creek trunkline sewer compromise sought
The city's years-long quest to replace the Farm Creek trunkline sewer has hit a wall, with engineering and land acquisition contracts now expired.
City Engineer Dennis Carr asked for direction Monday from the council on what should be his next moves.
He was asked to meet with the landowners along engineering consultant Strand Associates' recommended route for the trunkline, which the landowners oppose, to see if a compromise can be reached, and re-engage with Strand, which is based in Joliet.
"I hope the meeting with the landowners will be fruitful, but we'll see," Carr said.
As for re-engaging with Strand, "the only project scope I can present to Strand right now is we need to replace the trunkline," Carr said. "I probably look as clueless as I feel."
Mayor Gary Manier apologized to Carr.
"I thought you'd be getting better direction from the council," he said.
'That's a lot of money for a going-away party'
The city spent $433.45 for a going-away party for City Administrator Jim Snider attended by city staff, according to the monthly expense approval register provided to the council.
The expenditure was noted by council member Lili Stevens, who asked where expenses for events like going-away and retirement parties for city employees can be found in the city's budget.
After that discussion, council member John Blundy had a comment about the party for Snider.
"That's a lot of money for a going-away party," he said.
Snider voluntarily resigned as city administrator last month prior to the April 30, 2025 expiration of his contract.
Under the terms of his separation agreement, he was placed on administrative leave from Aug. 30 through Feb. 3, 2025. He'll receive his regular pay and benefits plus an additional $100 during that time.
He'll also receive a $38,579 lump sum payment Feb. 3.
In exchange for those considerations, Snider agreed not to file legal claims against the city, mayor, current and former council members and city staff and others connected to the city.
Snider's salary for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which ends April 30, 2025, is $161,362. It was $151,156 for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
The council approved replacements for Snider on the city's Liquor Control Commission and as the city's budget officer Monday.
City Engineer Dennis Carr will replace Snider on the liquor commission and Finance Director Joanie Baxter will replace him as the budget officer. Neither additional job for Carr and Baxter includes compensation.
Winter completion expected for Nofsinger Road realignment project
The Freedom Parkway extension is nearing completion and the Nofsinger Road realignment project should be done by winter, City Engineer Dennis Carr told the council Monday in his regular report. Freedom Parkway will have a 40 miles per hour speed limit, Carr said.
Carr also said he expects IDOT will solicit bids on an Illinois Route 8 and Business Route 24 mill and overlay and ADA upgrades project Friday at this month's IDOT bid letting.
"IDOT representatives have told me they're hoping to get an expedited approval of the contract so paving can take place in 2024," Carr said.
Planning and Development Director Jon Oliphant reported to the council that a certificate of occupancy has been issued for the new Central Illinois Snow Removal building at the corner of North Cummings Lane and West Cruger Road. The building will house equipment and an office.
Countryside Banquet & Catering gets $69,500 city grant for parking lot project
A business improvement grant payment of $69,500 to Kristi Cape, owner of Countryside Banquet & Catering at 659 School St., was approved Monday by the council.
The grant covers half the cost of a $139,000 project to improve Countryside's parking lot.
City's reimbursement to the Washington Historical Society for building improvements set for an Oct. 7 vote
First readings were held Monday for:
- The city's reimbursement of $27,721 to the Washington Historical Society for improvements to the society's headquarters building at 128 Washington Square that were needed because of the ongoing construction of the two-story restaurant on the downtown square.
- A contract with Tazewell County to provide animal and rabies control services in 2025 for $18,520. The county is phasing in a 14.11% increase in the cost for those services to Washington over four years. Next year will be the second of the four years. The increase was based on call volume and animals housed.
Council will vote on these items Oct. 7.