ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Rock Island City Council approved multiple measures during its Nov. 27 session, including the demolition of two downtown buildings and the purchase of a fire truck. Here are some of the biggest headlines from the session.
Demolition of the Klass Buildings
The council approved the acquisition of two downtown properties known as the Klass Buildings located at 1st Ave. and 19th St. The city plans to demolish the buildings which have sat vacant for nearly 20 years. The city says it's become concerned about public safety as the buildings have deteriorated. The city plans to buy the properties for the cost of demolition, estimated to be between $150,000-175,000.
Rock Island gets a new fire engine
After two Rock Island Fire Department trucks were deemed unsafe to use earlier this month, the city council approved the purchase of a fire truck during Monday's meeting. The cost of the new fire truck is just over $600,000.
Lead pipe replacement project update
The Rock Island Public Works Department has teamed up with students from Augustana College to figure out how many homes in the city have lead water service lines.
During a study session presentation on Monday night, the team reported that as of Oct. 21, a total of more than 12,625 homes have been canvassed. Of those, more than 75% is of an unknown service material. 1.5%, or 188 homes, have been identified as having lead pipes.
The department recommends starting the replacement projects sooner rather than later, aiming for 2025, and frontloading the replacement schedule to reduce the cost.
The council's next meeting will take place on Monday, Dec. 11.
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