Wheeling president responds to criticism

In response to the letter by Allan Sprehe Jr. published in your Nov. 10 edition, titled "Where's the money coming from?" the Village of Wheeling offers the following:

• After last winter's severe weather, it was noted that numerous locations on the pedestrian bridge stairways on both sides of Dundee Road had corners of the concrete steps cracked, or the concrete had completely spalled off onto the ground. Immediately after learning of this condition, village staff contacted the consultant who designed the rehab of the bridge five years earlier to investigate the cause of these conditions. At no charge to the village, the consultant prepared a report identifying their understanding of the cause. Furthermore, also at no charge to the village, the consultant made recommendations for the proper repairs, and reviewed and approved the specifications for the repairs to the stairs and handrails, and the re-coating of both of these items.

• The general contractor for the original rehab work completed four years ago, Belvidere Construction Co. Inc. of Belvidere, IL, went out of business shortly after the completion of the work. Upon substantial completion of the project, the village retained funds per the contract provisions and never paid the general contractor because of their failure to complete the outstanding punch list items and to obtain a final acceptance of the project. The village is now trying to determine whether the original surety bond the general contractor posted for the project remains in force, and whether it can be drawn upon to offset these current repair costs.

Since the bridge has been closed, the Village of Wheeling Police and Public Works Departments, in cooperation with Consolidated School District 21, have taken every safety precaution available to protect the children and other pedestrians who need to cross Dundee Road in this location.

Dean S. Argiris

Acting Village President

Wheeling