TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of Payment for Emergency Repairs to the Jefferson Street Sewer to Airy’s Inc. in the Amount of $260,545.62
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BACKGROUND:
On March 23, 2026 the Public Utilities Department discovered the main sanitary sewer on Jefferson Street near Bluff Street was collapsed causing an emergency situation which required immediate action to protect public health. Bypass pumping was set up immediately and due to the depth and complexity of the repairs required, Airy’s Inc. was called to manage the bypass operation, investigate the cause of the collapse and complete the necessary repairs. Airy’s, who was under contract as part of the City’s on-call contractor program, was contacted to complete this work due to their ability to immediately respond with bypass pumping equipment and perform specialized work such as slip lining.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
Over the course of two weeks, Airy’s Inc. completed the following work:
• Provided and managed bypass pumping operations
• Conducted investigatory activities to determine cause of the collapse and other unknown issues
• Provided traffic control on a state route
• Slip lined approximately 300 feet of 18” sewer main
• Abandoned approximately 200 feet of old 24” sewer main utilizing flowable fill per state requirements
• Installed a new manhole structure
• Removed concrete from 25 feet of 18” sewer main that had been unknowingly disposed of into the sewer system
• Provided vehicle and pedestrian access across the sewer bypass to allow access to Bicenntennial Park.
• Restored concrete apron and curb
• Restored asphalt roadway per state requirements
The total cost of the emergency repair work was $260,545.62.
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases whose estimated cost is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. Two (2) of these circumstances apply:
(e) Purchases where an emergency immediately affects the public health, safety or welfare, if authorized by the City Manager or his [her] designee;
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor and City Council;
Funds will be charged to the Water and Sewer Operating Fund / Field Operations / Sewer / Repairs (Org 50080020, Object 524300, $260,545.62).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve payment for the emergency repairs to the Jefferson Street sewer, in the amount of $260,545.62, to Airy’s Inc.
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