Byron Council Approves Sewer Study, Environmental Survey, Mining Expansion and Reviews City Projects

BYRON — The Byron City Council approved a $60,300 proposal from Fehr Graham to conduct a comprehensive sanitary sewer collection study to assess properties near the corporate limits currently served by septic systems and evaluate extending city sewer services. The project will also examine downstream sewer capacity and install flow meters at manholes to measure wastewater flows and detect cross-flow from groundwater or storm sewers, with the city divided into five wastewater watersheds to assess capacity and plan for future housing and business expansion. An Illinois Environmental Protection Agency grant will cover roughly half the cost. The council also continued negotiations with Constellation on a draft agreement to connect the nuclear generation station to the city sewer system, with the company covering construction, land acquisition, and easements while the city oversees engineering, design, bidding, and project management, with a targeted completion of June 2028 and discussions ongoing on usage fees and maintenance provisions. Council members approved a $12,500 Fehr Graham environmental survey at the future roundabout site at East Mill and North Tower Roads, part of a Health Safety Improvements Program grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation that will fund 80% of the estimated $3 million project designed to improve motorist and pedestrian safety. The council also gave final approval for Prairie Materials to expand sand and gravel mining operations at 8128 North Walnut Street, rezoning the property to I-2 Heavy Industrial, maintaining existing access points, and including berm replacement, signage, and road maintenance provisions. During the regular meeting, City Engineer Jason Stoll provided updates on street paving scheduled for 2nd Street, Mineral, and Washington, while Public Works reported a failing lift station pump and winter preparations including plow mounting and truck orders. Other actions included approval of a map amendment for 109 N. Maple Avenue, progress in hiring a new City Clerk, potential savings through revised risk management insurance, discussion of a proposed light duty policy projected to save $39,000, and public comments regarding the clock tower. The council also acknowledged a thank-you note from the family of late alderman Michael Gyorkos, who was first appointed in 2009.