Monee Water Main Project Could Improve Insurance Rates

By Karen Haave

A water main extension project underway in Monee could have an unexpected bonus for homeowners there.

The professional services agreement authorized by the board of trustees last week focuses on a 4,700-foot extension along Ridgeland Avenue and Bruns Road.

“Once completed,” Village Administrator Ruben Bautista noted, “the project will provide redundancy to the village’s water distribution system by adding a second crossing under I-57 and providing a loop on the west side of I-57.

“As the village continues to develop, maintain, and expand its water services throughout the village, it will require professional engineering services to coordinate its efforts to accomplish this mission. The request tonight is to enter into a professional services agreement with Robinson Engineering for a total amount of $135,800,” he said.

The contract includes engineering design, topographical survey/right of way determination, soil borings, easement/dedication documents, and a provision for reimbursable expenses.

Village Trustee Scott Youdris noted that, with the improved water line, the Monee Fire Protection District could see an upgrade in its insurance rating.

“One of the benefits coming from this water system is going to be increased fire protection for the west side of I-57,” he said, “also even for the rest of the town. The better the water system, the better the chance the fire district has to fight a fire.

“Another benefit is the fire district should see an improvement in their ISO rating, which then comes back to us as homeowners, helping us with our homeowners’ insurance. The better the ISO rating (a score that indicates how well a community is protected by its fire department), the better the deal we get on our homeowners’ insurance.

“So I think this is well worth it.”

There was no other discussion, and the motion was unanimously approved by the board.