HOOPESTON — Hoopeston’s ground and elevated water storage tanks are in need of repairs. The probable projected cost is $2.3 million for rehabilitation and repair to the ground tanks, the water tower and adding another ground tank and aeration system.

The city has tried for several years to obtain a grant from the state to help with this cost without any luck.

“There are very few grants out there. Basically it’s harder to get a grant,” said Larry Johnson of Foth Infrastructure and Environmental Services of Champaign. The quickest route is a loan from the EPA, he said.

According to Johnson, the city could apply for a 20-year loan at 2½ percent. The city would pay back the loan at $148,000 annually. Because there is a timeline to start this project, Johnson hoped the council would approve a resolution Tuesday to begin the project so construction could start by June 2013.

“There’s a lot of paperwork in the process of getting a loan from the EPA,” Johnson said.

Johnson added that a new water tower costs a little more than $1 million when an alderman asked about the cost of replacing the old tower.

“We are not at risk right now,” said Alderman Bill McElhaney, water and sewer chairman. “Our services are being met right now. No one’s getting dust when they turn on the facet. Don’t think we should put it (rehabilitation and repairs) off any longer. To prolong it any further is asking for trouble.”

Several members of the council had questions after the presentation. Mayor Bill Crusinberry suggested the council get all their questions to him and scheduled a meeting with the water/sewer committee for 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

In other business, the council:

• Waived bidding on the Hoopeston Fire Department’s surplus equipment on both Engine 1 and 2 and approved unanimously the sale of Engine 2 for $3,850 to Apex One Equity near Crawfordsville, Ind., and Engine 1 to Brad Herman for $2,500. The money from each will be returned to the fire department accrual fund.
• Learned that East Main Street from Bank Street to Third Street would be closed for the Fall Festival, formerly the Spooktacular, from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 23.
• Learned that the city will seek health insurance from among the local insurance agents for a $400,000 equal benefits packet. According to Alderman Bill Goodwine, finance chairman, packets will be delivered to all local agents. “This way everyone has a shot,” he added.
• Learned that the Hoopeston Police Department purchased a new squad car. Specifics would be listed at the next meeting.
• Learned that 27 vehicles have been impounded since July with the funds going into the general fund.
• Learned that Floral Hill Cemetery is taking bids at 10 a.m. Oct. 15 on a 1994 Chevrolet 1500 four-wheel drive pickup truck.
• Learned about another sighting of dogs running loose in the 600 block of East Honeywell.
• Learned that alley cleanup had begun and routes were being established for city-wide leaf pickup.
• Approved unanimously an amendment to the ordinance regarding yield intersections. The northeast and southwest corner of North Seventh Street at East McNeil Avenue is now a yield intersection.
• Approved unanimously a resolution regarding the ERH Enterprises, Inc. contract approved in July. Crusinberry stated it was “basically housekeeping,” which wasn’t completed in July.
• Learned election packets for April 2013 are now available at City Hall. One alderperson from each ward is up for election as is the mayor, city clerk and city treasurer. Deadline is from Dec. 17-21.
• Heard Crusinberry say he is still looking for a person willing to work with “Let’s Walk Vermilion County” program to set up walking routes around the City of Hoopeston.

What’s next

The Hoopeston City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at City Hall, 301 W. Main St.