Why Libertyville is waiting to build a new salt dome

A plan to build a salt dome in Libertyville will be reconsidered by the village board because of a potential $75,000 unbudgeted added cost.

Village staff will make the case for amending the approved budget for the project at its public works yard, 600 North Ave. The area once contained wastewater treatment facilities and will require more costly foundation work to stabilize the dome.

Village Administrator Chris Clark said estimated costs are being refined and will be presented with a full written report at a special work session scheduled for Nov. 3.

The village board on Tuesday deferred a vote on zoning variations needed for the plan until costs are clarified.

"I don't think it's appropriate to move forward without knowing what the cost is," Trustee Donna Johnson said.

The village is seeking a special use permit and concept plan to build a 72-foot diameter dome adjacent to existing storage bins at its public works facility.

Libertyville uses about 2,400 to 2,500 tons of road salt during the winter season but can store only about 900 tons in the bins, according to Public Works Director Paul Kendzior.

The proposed dome would hold all the salt needed in a typical season and represents a long-term investment as the village could avoid price spikes by buying at a low rate and stockpiling the supply, according to Clark.

A variation from the code is needed because the required setback to build the dome would be reduced from 25 feet to 5 feet due to the configuration of the property. The zoning request was on the village board agenda Tuesday but the item was deferred after the board learned the dome could cost $75,000 more than anticipated.

That's because the site is over an abandoned aeration tank and the foundation would need to be modified to support the structure, Kendzior said.

"The plan really isn't changing," he said. "The cost is because we have to make modifications to the subbase and use a more expensive foundation for the dome."

The village had budgeted $350,000 for the project.

Clark said he wanted the board to be aware of the situation and discuss it at an informal work session before determining whether to proceed with a contract. However, trustees also were uncomfortable acting on the zoning before having that discussion.

Trustee Pete Garrity agreed with Johnson in preferring to consider the cost and options first.

"Is there another site? Is there another location?" he asked.

The board voted 6-0 to defer action on the zoning request.

Clark said the dome needs to be built at that spot in the public works yard to allow coordination of services during storms.