The Aurora City Council has officially approved a renovation project for the city’s water tower, allocating nearly $1.9 million for the work. The decision, made during a council meeting on October 10, 2023, follows a recommendation from one of the council’s committees and involves a contract with Era-Valdivia Contractors, Inc.. This marks the water tower’s second major rehabilitation since its construction in 1976.
The water tower, located at the corner of Church Road and Bilter Road, underwent a detailed inspection in 2020, which indicated that significant maintenance was necessary. According to Bob Leible, Superintendent of Water Production, the project is critical for maintaining infrastructure integrity. Leible noted that the tower is now entering another maintenance phase after its last renovation in 2001, approximately 25 years after it was first put into service.
Details of the Renovation Project
The recent inspection recommended a full recoating and various ancillary repairs. City staff reports indicate that the water tower, a welded steel, fluted column design, has a storage capacity of up to 1.5 million gallons. The design for the renovation was developed by Engineering Enterprises, Inc., based in Sugar Grove, which estimated the total cost of the project at around $2.8 million. The bid from Era-Valdivia Contractors came in significantly lower, making it a financially prudent choice for the city.
During the council meeting, the contract for $1.86 million was approved as part of the consent agenda, which is typically reserved for non-controversial items. Although Alderman Ted Mesiacos of the 3rd Ward expressed concerns about the total cost being nearly $1 million higher than the lowest bid, he ultimately supported the project. Mesiacos highlighted the importance of staying within budget as the city navigates its financial planning.
Leible defended the choice of Engineering Enterprises, citing their extensive experience in water tank rehabilitation projects. He mentioned that the highest construction bid was closer to the estimate, at around $2.5 million, which further justified the decision to select Era-Valdivia Contractors.
Future Projects and Impact on the Community
In addition to the water tower renovation, the city plans to undertake further water tank renovations next year. These will focus on two ground storage tanks located across from the city’s water treatment plant at 1111 Aurora Ave. Such projects are crucial for ensuring the reliability of the city’s water supply and maintaining public health standards.
The recent approval reflects the Aurora City Council’s commitment to infrastructure maintenance and community well-being. As the city moves forward with these essential upgrades, residents can expect enhanced service and reliability from their water supply systems.
