HILLCREST — Village officials in Hillcrest plan to hold an informational meeting to discuss options regarding future infrastructure improvements.
Village engineer Carl Fischer with Baxter & Woodman will discuss the water system upgrades along with street reconstruction and extending the sanitary sewer.
“We are looking at grants and loans … we will find out what information the engineers have at the meeting,” said village president Rich Elliott. “We plan to have a few board members present as well.”
A grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and a water pollution loan program that could include up to 75 percent principal loan forgiveness were some of the funding options Fischer discussed during December’s meeting. The earliest any project could begin would be in 2021.
Trustees approved a motion to match last year’s employee holiday and short day policies outlined in the employee handbook.

In other news, residents with garbage carts can expect some changes regarding their use.
“Northern Illinois disposal informed us the brown garbage carts do not work with their vehicles anymore,” said Jason Fore, trustee. “As of [Thursday], residents that have those carts will be receiving a letter from the company. The letter will indicate options what to do moving forward.”
Water meters
As maintenance employees continue to replace aging water meters throughout the village, officials are still investigating the cause of excess water entering the sewer system.
Village consultant Bernie Mrugala explained there are still discrepancies involving the water’s accounts receivables.
“We are still trying to schedule more water meter replacements, but the difference could be from residents draining their sump pumps into the sewer or it could be that the meters are so old that they are reading wrong,” Mrugala said. “We lost a little bit of revenue this month but not as much as before.”
Close to 50 water meters will need to be replaced.
A representative from a payment processing company gave a presentation to trustees. The village is looking to offer credit/debit card as well as online payment options to residents in the near future. Trustees were informed a contract will be sent for review; the matter could be brought for a vote as early as next month.