The Homewood board of trustees approved a request for approximately $69,000 of motor fuel tax funds to be allocated for supplemental street salt to meet the village’s ongoing needs.
The most recent snowfall — 10.7 inches according to the National Weather Service — proved a challenge to the village in its aftermath, with some side streets still covered in snow one week later. John Schaefer, director of public works, explained that supply chain difficulties play a crucial role in the village’s winter road maintenance ability.
“I want to apologize to our residents for the inconvenience,” Schaefer said at the Tuesday, Feb. 8, board of trustees meeting in reference to the lack of salt on some residential streets. He explained that his department was working with a limited amount of salt during the recent storm, because the supplier simply doesn’t have enough drivers to deliver it.
According to Schaefer, Homewood has 280 tons of road salt on order and, as of Tuesday evening, he expected to see some of that delivered this week.
Other approved board actions were:
• A request to amend the budget to include just under $22,000 for the replacement of an actuator control valve at Water Plant No. 1.
• A resolution approving the assignment of a redevelopment agreement and TIF note proceeds to CNB Bank & Trust in order to secure construction loans given to HCF Homewood LLC for construction of the Hartford Building at Ridge Road and Martin Avenue.
• Authorization for Village President Rich Hofeld to enter into an agreement with HR Green Inc. and TPI Building Code Consultants Inc. for construction plan review services beginning March 1, 2022, and expiring Feb. 28, 2023.
Additionally, the board voted to approve several reappointments: Christopher Cummings to the Fire Pension Board for a three-year term ending Feb. 8, 2025; Gregory Knoll to the Police Pension Board for a two-year term ending Feb. 8, 2024; Charlene Dyer to the Veteran’s Committee for a three-year term ending Feb. 8, 2025; and Larry Garth to the Veteran’s Committee for a three-year term ending Feb. 8, 2025.
