Lockport approves emergency funds for repairing damaged well

Lockport — The Lockport City Council approved funding for emergency repairs to a well that is experiencing lower output because of iron buildups.

Public Works Director Brian Lovering said Well 14, which is located off Gougar Road next to Oak Prairie Junior High School, was inspected in December and was found to have “substantial iron deposits” inside, which has caused damage to the motor. Multiple cracks also were discovered within the well shaft.

“Heavy iron deposits can clog the veins from which water is being drawn, thereby lowering production and increasing wear and tear on the motor and pump assembly,” Lovering said.

Because of this issue the Public Works Department recommended replacing the motor of the well and chemically rehabilitating the well to eliminate the iron buildup.

The cracks in the shaft also would be grouted and repaired at this time, “to eliminate the potential for shifting or collapse of the well,” Lovering said.

The City Council voted to approve a contract with Water Well Solutions for $196,530 to perform repairs.

Lovering said the funds for the repairs are being redirected from a previously scheduled well maintenance project.

“The city originally budgeted for Well 13 in fiscal year 2025 and Well 14 in fiscal year 2026,” Lovering said. “We are simply rescheduling these projects, with Well 14 being moved up to fiscal year 2025 and Well 13 being deferred to fiscal year 2026.”

The project is expected to take six to eight weeks to complete, and residents should not experience any service outages during that time.

Lovering said the well maintenance is always scheduled for fall and winter to minimize service interruptions, since the demand for water is lower in those seasons.

Board appointment

Mayor Steven Streit appointed Luis Calderon to fill the seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission left vacant after the appointment of commission Chair Dave Oxley to the Will County Board.

Oxley’s appointed term was set to end April 30. Streit moved to appoint Calderon to finish Oxley’s term and to simultaneously grant him a subsequent full, four-year term, which will expire April 30, 2029.

Calderon was selected from several candidates for the position. He currently serves as the president of his Lockport homeowner’s association and works as a police officer in a neighboring community.

“Luis Calderon brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community service to the Lockport Planning and Zoning Commission,” Streit said in a statement. “Luis has over a decade of public service experience, working closely with residents to address concerns and enhance the quality of life in the community.”

Calderon is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at Northern Illinois University and holds a certificate of graduate study in public management.

“His education complements his professional experience, equipping him with a deep understanding of municipal operations, public policy and strategic planning,” Streit said. “Luis' dedication to fostering thoughtful, responsible development and his ability to mediate diverse perspectives make him a valuable addition to the Planning and Zoning Commission. He is passionate about contributing to Lockport’s growth while preserving the city’s unique character and charm.”