Charleston’s City Council approved a $7.4 million bid for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Nutrient Removal Project.

The project was awarded to the lowest bidder, Williams Brothers Construction of East Peoria, Illinois.

According to discussions in a previous council meeting, the total cost will be $8.5 million once design and construction engineering fees and a 3% contingency required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency have been accounted for.

The council also approved an agreement with Eastern to allow for a sidewalk to be constructed in connection to the Eastern Illinois University Panther Trail in conjunction with the City of Charleston Bicycle Plan as decided on in the May 1, 2018, council meeting. The connection would be from University Drive to the trail.

According to the resolution, Charleston and “Eastern Illinois University were integral partners in the development of the Bicycle Plan and the Comprehensive Plan, and they are integral partners in the implementation of certain segments of the plans.”

The council approved a special scavenging license for Sanitation Services, Inc.

Combs said that Curt Buescher, Charleston director of public works, has been working on a cost-effective means for the City of Charleston to provide roll off dumpsters for citywide cleanups.

Combs also announced this year’s Halloween Trick-or-Treat hours, which will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

The council approved the continuation of the local state of emergency.

According to the resolution, “The nature of the emergency is the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic of sufficient severity and magnitude that it may result in or threaten the death or illness of persons to such an extent that extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Charleston, and thereby it has warranted an emergency declaration for all states and local government entities and more specifically within the corporate limits of the City of Charleston.”

The council made two proclamations, naming October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and recognizing Oct. 3-9 as National 4-H Week.

They also approved a series of street closures, some of which are related to Eastern’s upcoming Homecoming parade and the Christmas in the Heart of Charleston celebration.

The council approved the acquisition of two acres of land from First Christian Church. The plot of land is currently vacant

The land is adjacent to Sister City Park and the ordinance states that the land would be beneficial to Charleston’s park system.

After the agenda was completed, city manager Scott Smith said that he wanted to recognize Charleston’s police and fire departments for their response to the multiple car crashes which occurred on Oct. 4.

“That was pretty rough day yesterday in about an eight-hour period for our personnel in both police and fire,” Smith said. “Everybody involved in those two departments, we appreciate all your counsel.”

Luke Taylor can be reached at 581-2812 or at egtaylor@eiu.edu.