Now that it appears the worst of the pandemic is over, our team is shifting more focus to internal improvements in our operations, planning and of course, infrastructure.
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2021 has been a great year for growth in Rochelle. Now that it appears the worst of the pandemic is over, our team is shifting more focus to internal improvements in our operations, planning and of course, infrastructure.
Since 2015, our water department has upgraded three wells, two with radium removal plants. All of these facilities were funded either through saved cash or ILEPA low-interest loans with 25-30 percent debt forgiveness.
In 2021, we are completing upgrades to well four on 2nd Avenue and design work is beginning on an iron removal facility at our well located at Caron Road.
Adam Lanning and his team are also completing a change out program for all our water meters. The new meters are more accurate in their readings and will allow customers to monitor their water usage through a web portal. This amazing team has changed out over 1,200 water meters in less than four months.
Speaking of amazing projects, our electric department is overseeing the design and construction of a new 100 MWh substation just south of Interstate 88. The new station will serve additional load on the south side of the community and will relieve load issues at the Caron Road facility. This will lead to less outages and a more reliable distribution system.
Not to be outdone, our engineering and public works teams are moving forward with a $900,000 upgrade to over 125 storm sewer inlets throughout the community. This project includes repair and replacement of inlets and storm sewer lines below the streets.
Aside from that project, we are proceeding with a planned storm sewer replacement project along 4th Avenue. This is in addition to the $3 million in street and sidewalk improvements we made in 2019 and 2020.
I would like to thank our city employees for all their efforts in 2021. I like to brag about the city because I believe in our organization and our vision statement; A vibrant community where all can thrive.
The strategic investments our mayor and city council approved in our local businesses and our infrastructure will ensure our community will continue to succeed long term.
In the words of the late and great Jedi Master Yoda “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
Jeffrey A. Fiegenschuh, MPA, ICMA-CM, is the City of Rochelle City Manager.
