Megann Horstead | For the Bugle
The Joliet City Council approved a $22,221 emergency purchase of an HVAC unit for Silver Cross Field at its July 19 meeting.
The unit, which controls heating and air conditioning in the operating offices for the Slammers baseball team, stopped working recently. As part of Joliet Community Baseball and Entertainment’s lease, the city is responsible for capital expenditures.
The existing HVAC unit was installed almost 15 years ago, and the city said it is at the end of its life cycle. This, combined with summer heat, prompted officials to purchase a replacement.
The new unit will need to comply with the International Energy Conservation Code, so as to remain consistent with other units at the ballpark.
The purchase of a new Trane HVAC unit will be paid to YMI, using monies in the city’s ballpark capital account.
City officials said a budget adjustment will be necessary, as the purchase was not expected when the annual budget was approved.
May Street water main work
Also during the meeting, city officials awarded a $349,623 contract to Austin Tyler Construction for water main improvements on May Street.
The city said a section of the street’s water main was selected for improvements due to high failure rates.
After receiving nine sealed bids for the project, a contract was awarded to the low bidder, Austin Tyler Construction. Gerardi Sewer and Water did not supply the city with their current prequalification prior to the bid opening, prompting officials not to read the bids.
The project will be paid for using the water and sewer improvement fund.
Cleaning Hickory, Spring creeks
The city approved a $59,000 contract to Gregg W. Dobczyk Excavating for regular cleaning and maintenance of Hickory Creek and Spring Creek.
According to the city, the cleaning and maintenance work allows the two water channels to maintain proper flow.
Officials received three sealed bids for the project, with Gregg W. Dobczyk Excavating providing the lowest bid.
The project will use money from the general fund.