Harvey seeks $500,000 for aging water infrastructure

The Harvey City Council approved a resolution allowing the city to request $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for water infrastructure repairs on March 9.

Acting mayor Shirley Drewenski said the measure is a routine annual application and does not guarantee the city will receive the funds; the resolution simply authorizes Harvey to submit the request.

Much of Harvey’s water infrastructure is well beyond its expected lifespan, according to Public Works Superintendent Richard Seput. Some pipes are estimated to be roughly 25 to 45 years old, while other portions of the system are significantly older.

“Most of the infrastructure is over 100 years old, and when they put it in 100 years ago, it could not handle the amount of water like the big torrential rain we had Friday night,” said Ald. Tyrone Rogers (6th). 

Seput said that water main breaks occur unexpectedly and require immediate repairs. A recent break on Morgan Street required replacing about 160 feet of pipe.

“We had a couple [water main breaks] within the first two weeks of February that just exploded,” Drewenski said.

The grant funding would be restricted specifically to water infrastructure and could not be used for other municipal projects. Drewenski also clarified that the funds will be allocated towards future main break repairs.

City Council approves state rock salt purchasing contract

The council approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter a year-long Central Management Services (CMS) joint purchasing agreement with the State of Illinois for rock salt.

The agreement allows Harvey to purchase salt at a lower cost through the state’s bulk purchasing program and secure supplies ahead of potential winter shortages, according to Drewinski.

“Do we need the salt now? Absolutely not,” Drewinski said, “but we’re going to need the salt in November and December of 2026 and leading into January. We’re not waiting until the last minute.”

The city typically uses about 1,400 tons of salt each year, depending on winter weather conditions. Drewinski said the salt purchase would be funded through the city’s fuel tax allocation, which is designated for roadway materials such as asphalt, rather than the general fund.

Residents voice concerns, Drewenski responds

During public comment, residents criticized city spending, staffing shortages, and government transparency.

Resident Ryan Sinwelski urged the council to disclose the city’s finances to the public and rehire furloughed police officers and firefighters. “You need to cut your salaries and rehire these essential workers.” 

Resident Glynis James-Watson said she was disappointed in Drewenski’s comments to media outlets defending the newly-appointed city clerk, Janet Rogers. Rogers has faced criticism from the public since her appointment because of her marital relationship to alderman Rogers (6th) and her 2004 felony conviction, which was pardoned in 2013. Drewenski described the clerk’s past as “expunged.”

“Expunged does not mean exonerated,” James-Watson said. “Here lies the problem with electing people with questionable ethics. If they will devise schemes and cut corners in one area, why wouldn’t they do the same in other areas?”

Regarding her support for Janet Rogers, Drewinski doubled-down on her comments. “You can have a record in the state of Illinois and not be disqualified to run for office…I will stand by my decision with this clerk.”

In response to residents’ comments, Drewinski acknowledged Harvey’s ongoing financial challenges and staffing shortages. She said the city recently rehired one firefighter, one police officer, and one public works employee and is continuing to look for additional hires.

“We’re bringing people back slowly. We have a targeted date,” Drewenski said.

The interim mayor also addressed calls from residents demanding greater access to the city’s financial information, saying that financial information can be found on the city’s website. But that only includes audits, tax levies, and budgets. Bills lists, invoices, and contracts — components of the council’s meeting packets — are not made available on the website.

Dumping and spring cleanup schedule

Illegal dumping remains a persistent issue in Harvey with more than 38 dumping locations recently identified, according to Seput. Nearby Markham has volunteered their trucks to assist with debris removal.

Drewenski announced the bi-annual cleanup schedule for the spring season, which will take place next month. City officials are asking residents to place bulk items outside their homes on designated ward dates.

Cleanup dates are as follows:

• 1st and 3rd wards: April 6–9

• 5th and 6th wards: April 13–16

• 2nd and 4th wards: April 20–23