O’Fallon City Council approves drainage study of frequently flooded neighborhood

To alleviate flooding during heavy rainfalls around the Pine Tree Estates subdivision, the O’Fallon City Council has authorized a drainage study.

The analysis, to cost $49,900, will be done by Millennia Professional Services. It will include studying the storm sewer system and culverts in the area along with the two lakes south of Pierce Boulevard. The study is expected to recommend improvements.

The area is between Pierce and I-64 near the subdivision. Specific locations are Pierce at Ponderosa Avenue and Bristlecone Drive, and west of Shamrock Drive. Flooding has been experienced at Jeffrey Pine Court and Evergreen Drive too.

Project Manager Michael Rosborg said this includes topographic survey, hydrologic analyses, and existing hydraulic analyses. They will develop flood mitigation options and their potential to reduce road and home flooding, and present schematic designs and cost estimates. Their findings will be presented to the city engineering staff.

The action was taken at the Aug. 7 meeting, and other resolutions regarding water and infrastructure were approved.

The council agreed to pay Gonzalez Companies $159,500 for engineering services related to the design of the 2023 water main replacement program.

The Bountiful Heights subdivision, located in Fairview Heights, has old water mains that need to be replaced. The existing ones are susceptible to leaks and have a limited number of valves.

O’Fallon’s water system encompasses most of Fairview Heights, which is why it is on the agenda.

This is needed to develop final plans so the project can be bid on. This project will replace older water mains, made with cast iron or older material that is prone to frequent breaks, with new PVC water mains.

These steps will improve the water system with new infrastructure that requires less maintenance.

To repair the water mains, water must be shut off to many customers. The intent is to replace them within the public right-of-way.

The project area includes Meckfessel Drive from Merriweather to Dogwood, to South Point, Bountiful Drive from Meckfessel to South Point and Dogwood to McKnight, Primrose Lane from Dogwood to McKnight, South Point Road from Dogwood to Laurel, Laurel Drive from South Point to Primrose. Merriweather Lane from South Point to Primrose, Kingston Drive from Dogwood to South Point, North Point Road from Meckfessel to Primrose, North Point Road from Primrose to Liberty, McKnight Road from Meckfessel to Liberty, Vale from Primrose to Liberty, Gale Drive from Laurel to North Point, Helen Court from Laurel to end, and Liberty Road from McKnight to School.

This is ongoing work that is listed in the Capital Improvements Projects for 2022 to 2026, with $750,000 budgeted annually, a total of $2.25 million for the replacement program.

The council approved seven water storage tank inspections from Dixon Engineering for $29,400. Dixon has previously performed inspections on towers and tanks in town. The inspections will determine the extent of maintenance needed. The last inspections were completed in 2018 and it’s recommended to be done every five years.

In other action, the council OK’d releasing “Schedule A” of the executive session minutes for release and keeping “Schedule B” closed, because the need for confidentiality still exists.

According to the Illinois Open Meetings Act, closed session minutes must be reviewed twice a year to determine retention or release. City Administrator Walter Denton and City Attorney Todd Fleming reviewed them and made the recommendations.

Aldermen may come into the city clerk’s office to review the minutes prior to release.

Mayor’s Report

Lily Bitner, who turned 10 Aug. 8, was the Mayor for the Day and said it was “the best birthday present ever.”

The council went into executive session to discuss the purchase, lease or sale of real estate.

City Fest homecoming

The annual City Fest is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 25-26, in the O’Fallon Community Park, 401 E. Fifth St.

Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. and run to 10 p.m. on Friday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, although the Sonny Sterthman Memorial Auto Fest starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, as does a triathlon hosted by Bike Surgeon, and brunch is available.

The parade takes place at 5 p.m. Saturday, and the route starts at North Lincoln by old city hall, turns at 7th and S. Lincoln, and goes into the park.

The headline entertainment on the main stage from 7 to 10 p.m. is Blue Marlin on Friday and Champagne Fixx on Saturday.

New this year is a Kids Zone for cheaper kids’ games and activities, and the Prince and Princess Contest has been revived.

Carnival rides, food and drink stands from local vendors, tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), cake walk, and dunk tank are offered.

For more information, visit www.ofallonilcityfest.com.