Pekin residents have an opportunity to learn about Illinois American Water’s (IAW) proposed purchase of the city’s wastewater system at an informational open house this Thursday. The event, hosted by IAW, will provide a platform for residents to discuss the potential sale and its implications directly with utility representatives.
Key Takeaways
- Event Details: The open house is scheduled for Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Pekin City Hall.
- IAW Hosted: Illinois American Water is organizing and hosting the event; it is not a city-sponsored function.
- Information Available: Residents can inquire about billing, sewer backup response, low-income assistance, capital improvements, and lead service line replacements.
- Personalized Estimates: Attendees can bring their IAW water bills to receive an estimate of future wastewater charges under the proposed sale.
- City’s Stance: City Manager John Dossey clarified that the city is gathering information to help make an informed decision about the sale.
Understanding the Proposed Sale
Illinois American Water is proposing to acquire Pekin’s wastewater infrastructure, which includes the city’s two treatment plants, sanitary lines, and combined sewer lines. The utility company has distributed postcards to residents, highlighting the open house as a chance to understand the "short- and long-term benefits of the proposed sale."
City Clarifies Role in Open House
Pekin City Manager John Dossey stressed that the upcoming open house is not a city event, nor is it a special council meeting. "It is not a city-sponsored event," Dossey stated. "It’s an open house for people to come in and have conversations. We’re gathering information about the sale, too, getting our questions answered, so we can decide if the sale is the right thing to do or not."
Other City Updates
In other news from Pekin, Mayor Pro-Tem Peg Phillips definitively stated that the proposed data center project is "dead" and not supported by the city council. Additionally, updates were provided on several ongoing city matters:
- Time Capsule: Items for a time capsule to be opened in 50 years should be submitted to City Hall soon, with sealing planned around July 4.
- Infrastructure Projects: Contractors are working to minimize traffic disruptions during the July 4 fireworks and the September Marigold Festival. Demolition of south towers at Carle Health Pekin Hospital is slated to begin August 1 as part of an $8 million renovation.
- Traffic Signals: The Illinois Department of Transportation has been notified about the loss of green turn arrows at Margaret and 5th streets.
- Recycling Bins: Delivery of 96-gallon recycling bins to residents who ordered them is ongoing.
- Budget Audit: An audit of the 2023-24 city budget will be presented to the council on June 22, with the 2024-25 audit approximately 25% complete.
- E-Waste Collection: A recent e-waste recycling event, a collaboration between the city and Tazewell County Health Department, collected nearly 5,500 pounds of electronic waste from 118 participants.
- Downtown Development: A scheduled presentation on a "downtown apartment development opportunity" was postponed, with no new date announced yet.
Award Nominations
Pekin officials also attended the Illinois Real Estate Journal Awards banquet, where the city received nominations for Redevelopment – Suburban (East Court Village) and City/County of the Year. Although Pekin did not win in either category, City Manager Dossey noted the value of the nominations for networking and raising the city’s profile among developers.
