DU QUOIN -- Infrastructure issues reared their ugly head at Monday night's regular meeting of the Du Quoin City Council.
Commissioner Chuck Genesio said there are two problem areas within the community that have arisen. Both require immediate attention.
The biggest project in terms of cost is an area on the northeast end of town at Ballatine and Park streets. Two sinkholes have developed.
"What we're doing is replacing drainage culverts," Genesio said. "As soon as we get the (replacement) culverts, we will be ready to go with our excavation team, dig everything up and get it all into place."
Total cost of the project is estimated at close to $40,000. The drains affect a four-block area. The city will seek a state or federal grant to help pay for the repairs.
A second project involves four homes between Washington and Cole Streets. A sewer line running under the homes is in bad need of repairs.
"Some of the sewer lines in the city were put in 100 years ago," Genesio said. "This is a labor-intensive project, but I think we can pretty much get it done in a couple of days," he said.
Estimated cost of repairs is about $6,600. Kremer's Plumbing in Du Quoin is the contractor for the job.
In other council news, Mayor Guy Alongi introduced Rick Vavro, who recently purchased the Grand Theater in an online auction. Vavro said he has a work crew in town that will assess damages and begin making repairs to the building over the next two weeks.
The roof would appear to be one of the biggest concerns.
"I don't want to take on a big roofing project this time of the year. For now, I just want to patch it up," Vavro said.
The Texas native said his intent is to keep the building intact if at all possible. He said he has not decided what his plans are for the structure.
"I've asked for the community's involvement. I want to hear what everyone has to say."
Alongi asked if Vavro would leave the marquee out front.
"I will. I think it makes the building stand out," Vavro said. "I may change the roof line a little -- change it back to the way it used to be years ago."
The mayor said the city will lend assistance if asked.
"We're here to help you any way that we can," Alongi said.
The mayor also announced that the Halloween parade is set for 6 p.m. Thursday with Banterra Bank as the starting point. Prizes will be awarded. He added that the second annual Trunk of Treat is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday in downtown Du Quoin -- from Toler's to the Grand Theater on East Main Street.
