Council authorizes RFP for wastewater biological nutrient removal; appoints Ald. Dorsett to selection panel

Alice (Ortman) told council the proposed engineering solicitation will prepare a facility plan to achieve biological nutrient removal (BNR) — a process to reduce ammonia, nitrates and phosphorus before discharge to Kil-Jordon Creek — and to evaluate solids-handling upgrades. She said the city is about 18 months overdue on the IEPA permit schedule and needs to move the design process forward: "We are about a year and a half behind in getting our permit from the IEPA," she said, urging publication of the RFP so the project can proceed.

Council voted to publish the request for proposals and then approved appointing Alderman Dave Dorsett to the engineering selection committee, which will include staff (Alice), City Administrator Coker, Mayor Inman and wastewater plant manager Josh Peters. The record shows Dorsett recused himself in at least one roll-call vote related to appointments; the selection committee appointment carried with the recorded roll call.