The Town of Munster has enlisted help in getting residents dug out of the seemingly endless piles of debris from the August 11 derecho.
The Town Council at an emergency meeting Thursday afternoon voted unanimously — with Councilmen Dave Nellans, R-4, and Jonathan Peterson, R-5, appearing virtually — to approve emergency contracts with a debris-hauling company and debris management company to handle removal. The town, through the debris hauler, will remove trees and debris from the parkway and all public spaces, Munster Fire Chief Mark Hajduk said; resident-owned trees that fall on private property, however, are residents’ responsibility, he said.
If a privately owned tree falls on public property, the town will remove it, Hajduk added.
The debris management company will then monitor how much debris the hauler takes and will compile the data for the town to give to FEMA for an accurate total.
The contracts, which are still getting negotiated as the town continues to survey its needs, are for up to 45 days Town Council President Joe Hofferth, R-2, said. The contract cost for the hauler will be up to $1 million and $250,000 for the debris management firm, he said, but those costs may change. The council said it drew on recommendations from neighboring towns and a review of company history and standing to choose the companies, Looks Great and DebrisTech. The contracts are expected to be signed Saturday.
“Because both contracts are temporary, a formal procurement process will begin for long-term debris hauling and monitoring,” the council said in a Friday statement. “A third contract will also be added for a grant management and public assistance company, which will be responsible for ensuring the Town is reimbursed. Once the debris monitoring and debris hauling contracts are assigned, Public Works will return to other storm damage related repairs throughout Munster.”
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In other business, the town is also waiving water bill late fees through October, Hofferth said.
During public comment, there was some criticism of the town’s response and communication with the community, but council members reminded those in attendance that the Munster Lions Social Center was open as a cooling and charging center as well as offering free meals.
In the Friday news release, the town noted that in addition to the damage to electrical infrastructure, gas lines were also ripped from the ground and left exposed
“The Town began recovery efforts immediately, clearing streets, addressing water main breaks, assessing infrastructure damage, and working with state and regional partners to gather resources,” the release stated.
“Crews worked to ensure major roads were passable, confirmed the safety of residents across Town, and responded to anyone in need of rescue. Flood concerns were addressed quickly as well, including the closure of the Northcote bridge to prevent unsafe conditions. Community dumpsters and trailers were placed around Town to give residents an easy way to dispose of storm debris, helping speed up the cleanup process in neighborhoods across Munster.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.