Public works updates: Heritage Park shed and pavilion moves ahead; path selection and truck replacement slated for next meeting

Public works staff updated trustees on several capital and operations items during the village’s public‑works meeting.

Heritage Park: Staff (Jim) showed pictures and a layout for a framed soccer shed; masonry removals are complete, fencing is ordered, and the crew expects to start work this week with the intent to have the building ready before the baseball season. Trustees discussed roofing options and favored metal where costs were comparable for durability in local wind conditions.

Pavilion and water fountain: Jim said piers were being prepared and plumbing scheduled; the electrician will follow once plumbing is in place. He proposed removing a failing concrete fountain near the playground and installing a combined water‑bottle filler/drinking fountain (estimated at about $1,500). Trustees asked about winterizing and dog‑bowl features and generally favored a functional, low‑maintenance fixture.

MFT (motor‑fuel tax) resurfacing and path selection: Staff proposed a pared list of resurfacing and patching projects to fit an estimated $440,000 MFT budget and outlined an advertisement and bid schedule (bid opening targeted for April 24 and award in early May). Trustees debated two path projects — Maple Street (~3,500 ft) and Eagles Landing (~5,000 ft). Concerns included storm damage at Eagles Landing and whether MFT rules permit path projects or only mill‑and‑overlay work adjacent to roads. Staff will provide cost breakdowns and check MFT eligibility so trustees can weigh the options and also explore adding benches if cost savings allow.

Fleet and equipment: Staff reported a cracked transmission housing on a 2008 International dump truck. One vendor quoted roughly $130,133 to refurbish and outfit the truck; a new truck plus build‑out was estimated north of $140,000. Staff said trade‑in might be roughly $20,000 (approximate) and noted the village can use restricted road/bridge funds for equipment purchases; trustees asked staff to investigate leasing options and return with an actionable recommendation at the next meeting for budget inclusion.

Storm sewer: Staff said hydroseeding is complete and Allied will handle supplemental watering; asphalt patching will proceed when plants reopen, and Heritage Park restoration is expected in the next two weeks.

Next steps: staff will get price comparisons for roofing, benches and paths, verify MFT eligibility for specific path work, explore leasing vs. purchase options for replacement equipment, and return with figures at the next board meeting.