Kankakee ESU approves $1.67 million in January bills; members press industry over $300,000 pump bypass costs

The Kankakee City Environmental Services Utility Board on Jan. 20 approved the month’s bills totaling $1,669,652.13 after a roll-call vote.

The approval followed questions from board members about a large line item for Outback Pumping Services related to work at the Mantino (also referenced in the packet as Mantina) Lift Station. "Are we getting reimbursed for that or would you just..." asked Audubon Osinga, raising concern about the cost and whether the city could recover it. Staff responded that the city has incurred costs "well north of $300,000" on bypass pumping and related repairs and said they are setting up meetings with Mantino/Mantino Industries to discuss responsibility and next steps.

The bills included two runs for January (one listed Jan. 5 and one for Jan. 20) that the clerk said together required the $1,669,652.13 approval. After discussion, the board voted by roll call to adopt the bills as presented.

Why it matters: the Outback/Mantino question concerns whether a private industry’s forced main or process upset led to emergency response costs that the utility will need to absorb or recover. Staff said they are compiling all response costs, including police and fire standby time, and will raise the totals with the industry for potential reimbursement.

What officials said: staff described the Mantino-related work as significant and noted they are scheduling meetings with the manufacturer/vendor to review the issue and potential compensation. The mayor and superintendent asked staff to tally police, fire and DPW labor and equipment costs associated with the response before meeting with the company.

Next steps: staff will report back with the meeting outcome and any recommended billing or enforcement action; the item remains under staff follow-up and may appear on a future agenda for formal action.