Kankakee staff to seek bids to finish Basin 9 sewer televising; bonding and multi-year timeline discussed

Superintendent Newton briefed the board on Basin 9, the North and Northeast side collection area, saying it contains about 73,000 linear feet of sewer and that crews have televised a little over 10,000 feet in roughly a year.

Newton said the pace of in-house televising and unplanned responses (including a recent spill) have slowed progress, so staff plan to return to consultant Robinson to assist with bid documents and contractor oversight. Newton said he expects a proposal from Robinson at the next meeting for the board to consider and vote on to keep the project moving.

Background and budget: the city previously bonded $1.5 million of a $4.5 million ESU borrowing package to address infiltration and inflow in Basin 9 and to fund sewer lining and repairs. Newton cited a prior lining job cost of roughly $227,000 in the Hillcrest/Lower Riverview area and estimated the city is about 15.2% complete on identified lining work in Basin 9. At current in-house speeds, Newton warned, the remaining work could stretch into late 2027 or 2028 without contractor assistance.

Why it matters: Basin 9 feeds significant residential and commercial areas; infiltration contributes to higher flow charges and treatment costs. Staff framed contracting out the remaining televising and lining as a way to accelerate repairs, preserve bonded funds and reduce future operating expenses driven by groundwater infiltration.

Next steps: Newton said he has reached out to Robinson and expects a formal proposal at the next ESU meeting for board review and possible action on contractor selection and schedule.