Tuesday evening’s (Jan 10th) Danville City Council Public Works Committee meeting included approval of $1 million dollars in design work for some of the stormwater management projects being paid for by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COVID relief money. As City Engineer Sam Cole explains, this is a matter of getting started on some of the key areas being worked on.
(L to R) Dave Ruwe from Danville Public Works, Danville City Engineer Sam Cole, and Danville Mass Transit Director Lisa Beith.
AUDIO: This isn’t all 30-some stormwater masterplan projects. But this is six or seven of the top ten that still need to be done, that we’ve identified as good candidates to use ARPA funds on. This will includes study of the ones that need study still. And then go into the detail/design phase; and then assist with the bidding process. So we’re still looking for construction on these in 2025 to 2026.
Also mentioned by Cole was that on February 3rd bidding will be open on the new Garfield Park and Pool project, which is also being paid for by ARPA COVID relief funds. Cole says the opening day goal for the new pool remains Memorial Day of 2024.
AUDIO: I’m sure it’ll be a fast paced schedule to get everything done. I know the contractors are interested. I hope the suppliers are interested in giving some good pricing on things.
Danville Police Chief Christopher Yates addresses City Council committee about the need for updated body worn cameras and equipment.
Danville Police Chief Christopher Yates made a guest appearance at the Public Works meeting to talk about the purchase of a five-year deal for body worn cameras and supporting equipment. Chief Yates says, they’ve been doing this for a while, but they just want to keep equipment up to date.
AUDIO: We’re updating with a little bit more rugged system; better technology. The model that we used before was a 2019 model, and their life has served its purpose; and we’re having a lot of difficulties with durability with that model after so many years; so they need to be replaced.
The old Goodwill building northwest of Gilbert and Fairchild; part of the property Kirchner Building Centers will use for their future home.
And getting back to City Engineer Sam Cole, the committee approved the purchase of property at 934 North Gilbert Street, which is one more step in preparing the northwest corner of Gilbert and Fairchild for the move of Kirchner Building Centers from their 508 West Williams location to the old Goodwill Building and surrounding area.
AUDIO: Our hope is to have all of the properties under city ownership by around May 1; and we would see demolition started in that area this summer.
Cole says about 80 percent of properties needed for Kirchner’s move are now under city contract.
