The City Council will discuss the possibility of more energy savings at its regular meeting today.

The council approved an energy contract on Oct. 20 for 2010-2011 that will save the city an estimated $120,000. City Manager Scott Smith said the city is looking to enter into another contract with Ameren Energy Marketing Co. from November 2009 to October 2010 that would generate $24,000 in savings on four locations.

The locations include City Hall and the wastewater treatment plant. Smith said the city currently has a contract with AmerenCIPS that lasts from October 2008 to October 2010.

“There are two contracts that will run simultaneously,” Smith said.

He said the contract with Ameren Marketing allows for a fixed rate, unlike the contract with AmerenCIPS.

The council will also announce the acquisition of a Community Development Assistance Grant that will go toward water main replacement.

The project will replace 59,000 linear feet of water mains that are 100 to 125 years old, Smith said. The $350,000 grant will help cover project costs, which is expected to be around $700,000, he said.

The water mains are located on 20th Street, one block east of Casey’s. Smith said plan design is underway, with construction not starting this year.

The council will also decide an amendment to the official depositories ordinance that would allow the city to invest its reserves with the Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund.

Smith said the amendment allows him and the Charleston comptroller another option to invest reserves.

The council will grant a variety of tourism funds today as well. The council will award a total of $30,000 in tourism funds to the Embarras River Valley Film Festival – an annual event held at Eastern – and the Christmas in the Heart of Charleston celebration, which happens at the Square on Dec. 5.

The city is expected to award $500 in tourism funds for the 40th anniversary celebration of Sesame Street, hosted by WEIU, Sunday in Kiwanis Park.

The funds go toward marketing of events, Smith said.

Stephen Di Benedetto can be reached at 581-7942 or sdibenedetto@eiu.edu.