Freeport council greenlights salt shed, HVAC and demolition bids, and other infrastructure work

The Freeport City Council advanced multiple infrastructure projects and vendor contracts that staff said are intended to strengthen maintenance, winter operations and redevelopment readiness.

Salt shed: The council adopted a resolution to contract Greystone Construction for an 80‑by‑126 BrightSpan Atlas salt storage building at $833,795. Manager Ware said the building will hold about 4,400 tons — roughly 1.3 years' worth of salt — and that the demolition of existing deteriorated sheds will be performed by city crews to reduce cost. "Very expensive building, and we know that, but it's very needed," Ware said. The measure passed 8‑0.

HVAC and facilities: Staff recommended and council approved a three‑year HVAC preventative maintenance contract with Helm, with year‑one costs of roughly $60,314 and higher amounts budgeted for years two and three. Staff said the contract covers preventive maintenance across seven city locations and provides an opt‑out provision if performance is unsatisfactory.

Demolition and sewer/tree maintenance: Following a court order finding the former Holiday Inn structurally unsound, staff selected Elburn Sons Earthworks' low bid of $169,700 for demolition; bids were publicly solicited and staff said the project is funded through the demolition fund. Council also approved bids for tree removal (approx. $68,187) and sanitary sewer cleaning (approx. $76,784).

Why it matters: the salt storage increases the city's ability to manage winter storms and maintain public safety; HVAC and sewer contracts address facility reliability; demolition clears a long‑standing public hazard and prepares a site for future redevelopment.

Next steps: Public Works will coordinate demolition, salt shed demolition and construction schedules, and staff will publish procurement results and contract documents as required.