Modifications to DPW Building, Fencing Will Cost About $421,000

The Village Board approved the Building Upgrade Project on Tuesday with a total cost not to exceed $421,784 with a four to three vote.

The project is funded in the 2011 Annual Budget through the Capital Improvement Fund. The work will be as follow:

• J.H. Hassinger Inc. will do the upgrade to the building for $282,719.
• Century Fence Company will replace a fence for $85,565.
• Paving work for the composting area will cost about $45,000.

The project looks to replace all lighting in the building with new more energy efficient equipment. Other replacements and repairs would include the windows in the front section of the building, drop ceilings in the office areas and toilet rooms, floor finishes, plumbing fixtures, painting, and part of the fencing surrounding the DPW Yard.

The fence is being replaced due to the unappealing look that some business owners in the Industrial Loop have expressed concern over.  Owners requested better camouflage for the area.

Trustees Sally Chadwick, Allen Sikorski and Carl Gentz who voted against the project believed that it would have been best to wait till next year to replace the fence due to the economy.

Village Manager Todd Michaels said that the money is in the budget for this year.

Gentz said, “Just because we have the money in the budget doesn’t mean we have to spend it.”

Village President John Hermes said he would rather see the building fixed now than later when it might become more costly to fix up.

"Nobody ever wants to fix the building up. I feel sorry for the people who have to work in the building… It needs the modification," said Hermes.

However, all board members agreed that the building needs the modifications but don’t agree that the fencing should be replaced this year.

Trustee Ronald Barbian said the community studies a few years ago indicated that many people wanted to make the Industrial Loop, where DPW is located, look viable and attractive, which includes the fence.