The city of Charleston approved changing electrical suppliers and approved funds to repair the wastewater treatment plant at the Charleston city council meeting on Tuesday.  

When city officials toured the Charleston wastewater treatment plant, it was observed that the chlorine building was in need of repairs. There were pieces of insulation and drywall as well as fibers from the roof deck scattered on the floor, according to Mayor Brandon Combs. 

“We thought that there had maybe been some wind damage,” Combs said. “There were areas along the north edge that was allowing some rainwater to enter and cause damage.” 

The insurance claim to pay for the damages was denied. 

Funds of $19,270 were approved to be given to Industrial Services of Illinois Inc. located in Mattoon to conduct repairs to the building. The cost was provided in a quote by Industrial Services of Illinois. 

Additional funds of $10,205 were approved for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Nutrient Removal Project. The project is overseen by Williams Brothers Construction Inc. out of Peoria Heights.   

The council voted to approve the termination of the services agreement for professional energy consulting services with Good Energy L.P.  

The agreement was an aggregation program that allows for a municipalities or county to negotiate for the purchase of electric supply.  

Charleston entered the agreement on August 13, 2012. 

“We have been with Good Energy for quite some time. This is a huge boost to our community,” Combs said. “We’ve always had a good relationship with Good Energy but at this time we have parted ways with Good Energy.” 

City officials had discussed with other area communities that partnered with Charleston’s energy group, and many have moved to Stone River Group. 

“We would join many other communities around us such as Arcola and Tuscola,” Combs said.  

The council approved the city joining aggregation program with Stone River Group. 

The EIU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee was approved for a raffle license for the EIU basketball games on Feb. 13, Feb. 15, Feb. 27 and March 1. The raffles are to raise money for Shriners. 

Shriners is an organization that raises money for charitable causes most notably the Shriners Children’s Hospitals located across the United States. 

Tourism funds up to $1,000 were allocated for WEIU Kids’ Day, taking place at Buzzard Hall on March 1 and featuring vendors from the local area. 

The mayor reappointed Brooke Ferguson to a three-year term on the Board of Trustees for Charleston Carnegie Public Library.  

The board oversees the operations of the Carnegie Public Library including maintenance, finance and policy.

The council passed an ordinance that amended Title 1: Personnel code; Title 9: Building Regulations and Title 10: Unified Development Code.  

“These administrative protocols help assure orderly operations,” Combs said. “Staff has reviewed these personal protocoled and we identified certain sections that are in need of revision.” 

Jason Coulombe can be reached at 581-2812 or at jmcoulombe@eiu.edu.