Michele Cleaver

Key discussions focused on approving several State Revolving Fund (SRF) disbursement requests related to the Peru Municipal Water Utility Project (Lead Service Line Replacement) and the Peru Municipal Sewage Utility Project. Specific approvals included payments to Wessler Engineering, Watson Excavating, Hazen and Sawyer, and Lochmueller Group. The Board also approved the replacement of two utility trucks and the bid for the 2025 South Intercept West Sewer Lining Project. Furthermore, Wessler Engineering was selected for the LSL Replacement Project Phase 2 design and oversight. An update on the Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) indicated ongoing discussions with IDEM regarding economic issues and compliance deadlines. Other reports included an agreement with the union on employee severance pay procedures, a summary of December 2025 financials, preparations for an incoming winter storm, and updates from City Administration and the City Attorney regarding a land easement negotiation.

The meeting included an amendment to the agenda to include attachment 6H under new business. Key discussions and approvals involved the payment of claims, approving SRF dispersement requests for the sewage works (requests 42, 43, and 44 to Hazen and Sawyer, Inman Construction, and Cornerstone Grants Management, respectively), and approving the first quarter 2025 uncollectible accounts. There was a discussion regarding obtaining personal guarantees from LLC members for future service contracts. Approvals also covered a change order for logo and painting pipes in a vault, and the bid approval for lead service line replacement phase one, with due diligence performed on the low bidder. Updates were provided on the long-term control plan, including awaiting owner response on an appraisal and pending IDEM response on serpentine storage plans, alongside a rough order of magnitude estimate for the project that remains over budget. Additionally, the board approved the purchase of a one-ton diesel truck to replace an aging utility truck, which also provides capacity for disaster response fuel needs. The City Attorney reported the resolution of the Dupont litigation, resulting in an expected payment of $189,000 for the utilities aspect of the claim. The manager reported on correspondence with the EPA Region 5 regarding a past inspection, confirming appropriate responses were provided to all concerns, including those related to lead and copper sampling procedures.

The meeting included approval of the board minutes from September 3rd and the payment of claims. New business involved several key items: approving the agenda to include a resolution to purchase real estate from Mr. Han; approving SRF dispersement requests (51, 52, and 53) to Lock Mueller Group, Cornerstone Grants Management, and Cammen Construction, respectively; and approving a policy for a journeyman retention premium, which offers a $5 per hour premium to retain journeyman knowledge when employees transition to non-journeyman roles, provided they maintain relevant training. The Board also approved the disposal of surplus equipment, including a 1992 dump truck, line stop equipment, and a trench box deemed too large for current operations. Finally, approval was sought for the main office generator replacement project, involving the purchase and installation of the generator, pad, and necessary panel work, with future coordination required with NIPSCO for gas line tie-ins. A Long-Term Control Plan update was also mentioned.

The agenda for the regular meeting includes the approval of the payment of claims in accordance with State Board of Accounts code. New business items primarily involve approving various disbursement requests for the Peru Sewage Works-SRF project to Hazen and Sawyer and Lochmueller Group, approving a bid recommendation for the Harrison Sewer Line Extension, approving Peru Utility Service Board Resolution #1-2026, and approving the Line Department Truck Replacement. The agenda also lists updates on the Long Term Control Plan (LTCP), City Administration, City Attorney, and Manager's Report.

The meeting involved the approval of claims presented for payment. Key new business items included the approval of State Revolving Fund (SRF) Disbursement Request #67 to Hazen and Sawyer for $66,610.00 and Disbursement Request #68 to Lochmueller Group for $19,773.00 concerning the Peru Municipal Sewage Utility Project. The Board approved the bid recommendation for the Harrison Avenue Sewer Line Extension to Smith Excavating for $79,515.00. A resolution, Peru Utility Service Board Resolution #1-2026, was approved, authorizing the issuance of waterworks revenue bonds up to $12,000,000.00. The Board also approved the replacement of a utility truck with a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado for $42,505.18 plus trade-in. Significant discussion occurred regarding the Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) update for the Sewage Works Project, leading to an amendment to approve moving forward with IFA funding for the project, approving estimated project costs and funding totaling $86,721,000.00. The City Attorney reported on a filed legal complaint and counterclaim involving a resident's fall near a utility pole. The Manager's Report addressed a previous query about claim amounts and provided an update on MISO load mix.