When the North Judson Town Council met last Monday, members were informed that Division A of the Water Project, the well installation, is almost ready to be closed out.
CommonWealth Project Engineer Rob Bellucci stated that after doing a check around town, it seems that all the punch list items have been addressed. He said he plans to bring documentation to close out the project to the council’s next meeting.
While the project may be complete, Belluci noted that after speaking with Town Superintendent Joe Leszek, it appears that some additions could be beneficial.
He explained, “There’s some minor modifications that he would like to see out at the altitude valve vault, particularly getting an electrical service run from the existing control panel out at that west tank over to the valve vault so that he can put a sump pump in the bottom of it and heat trace it.”
Belluci noted that after comparing two quotes that were obtained, it seemed like a better idea to make those modifications outside of the project.
He said, “We talked to HRP, who was your contractor, about working it through the project, they quoted an excess of $7,000 to do that. Joe’s got a quote from a local electrician for less than $2,000.”
Leszek added that the other quote was received from H&T Electric and it totaled $1,952.
Council President John Rowe asked Leszek to obtain a third quote and said they could consider them and potentially make a decision at their next meeting.
Superintendent Leszek explained why getting the electrical service established and those additions put in would be advantageous.
He told the council, “It would definitely save the utility crew, as far as, if we have a sump pump and heat trace we never have to worry about it.”
Leszek continued, “We might just have to verify that it’s powered up once a month instead of trying to drag a generator and a pump out there and then potentially having a line freeze up for that altitude valve and rendering it useless.”
Rowe asked if this problem could have been addressed earlier in the process rather than at the end of the project.
Bellucci mentioned that an unexpected change in the design required them to make adjustments during the project. He said initially the site was going to have a French drain but they had to install a different type once it was discovered that the line was about two feet deeper than expected.
He added that this solution that was presented to the council is being considered for future maintenance and explained that talks about it have been occurring over the last few months.
President Rowe commented that officials want to make sure the Wastewater Project is handled differently than the Water Project.
He shared, “We’re starting another project, we just had an issue with a tree, we just had an issue with a well that was a nightmare for the Town with the people and the park board and all that so I want to eliminate all that stuff; we want clean, clear, concise.”
President Rowe also expressed some concerns with Superintendent Leszek overextending himself by obtaining quotes and addressing issues with the projects, noting that it could be taking him away from his daily duties.
Belluci explained that they just need some direction but they’re willing to take care of those things of that nature. He added that he also wants to make sure that Leszek isn’t being pulled away from his responsibilities.
Bellucci assured the council that they’re doing everything they can to make sure things go smoothly.
He noted, “On our end, out of the office and with our inspector that’s now on site we’re trying to be proactive with not only Joe but with the contractor to look two steps, three steps, four steps ahead to try to avoid some of this.”
Rowe added that he understands sometimes issues arise that have to be dealt with but he said he was bringing this up now because he wants to make sure they can eliminate as many potential problems as possible before the Wastewater project is in full swing.
He seemed reassured once Bellucci emphasized that they are being proactive.
