AGENDA MEMO

City Council

February 16, 2010

ISSUE STATEMENT

A resolution authorizing the City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Darien Cleaners to pay Atwell Hicks a $15,000 deductible to continue the remediation of 7515 Cass Avenue.

RESOLUTION

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

The Heritage Center property site was contaminated with a dry cleaning solvent under a previous business owner. The Dry Cleaner Remediation Fund was created by the State of Illinois as a type of insurance fund to clean up properties such as these that are contaminated. This fund has paid for identification and monitoring for this site up to this point. The final step is a cleanup, which results in a “no further remediation” letter. Required under fund rules for the cleanup is a $15,000 deductible. Atwell-Hicks, the remediation contractor, will begin work estimating the project and providing a plan to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. They then begin the actual remediation, which could consist of a number of different action items which could include treating the soil or removing the contaminated soil completely, followed again by monitoring. The anticipated cost of the entire project is estimated at $80,000 - $100,000. Taeik Park, the dry cleaner, is unwilling to pay the $15,000, saying he does not have the money to contribute at this point. If the City of Darien does not pay the deductible the project will be delayed and depending on the redevelopment plans on the site could be required to complete the project without the assistance of the fund at a later date.

STAFF/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Administrative/Finance Committee recommends approving the agreement.

ALTERNATE CONSIDERATION

Not approving the agreement would be an alternate consideration.

DECISION MODE

This item will be on the February 16, 2010 City Council agenda for formal approval.