Carpentersville considers removing fountain

A pitted and corroded fountain that closely resembles a wading pool and sits outside Carpentersville village hall will be likely be torn out and replaced with a perennial garden this year.

That project is estimated to cost $5,000 and was a much cheaper alternative than fixing the fountain, officials said.

The 36-year-old fountain already comes with annual maintenance that includes power washing, minor grouting and painting.

But additional repairs would have involved, among other items, fixing the pitting that has accumulated on the floors and walls, replacing the deteriorating concrete and removing the fencing.

Three options to renovate the fountain were expected to cost $29,400, $34,386 and $65,800, according to a PowerPoint presentation from Public Works Director Bob Cole.

On the other hand, the garden would be less maintenance and "dress up the void that was the fountain," Cole said.

The $5,000 garden will be included in the upcoming budget, after the audit and finance commission agreed to put it there Saturday.

The village board will take a final vote on the budget April 1.

"It's time for the fountain to go," Village President Ed Ritter said. "Just put the garden in and be done with it."