City of Springfield, Illinois

Power Engineering Magazine Names CWLP’s Dallman 4 Project of the Year

2009-12-23T09:10:00.001-06:00

City Water, Light and Power’s new Dallman 4 Power Station has been named Power Engineering magazine’s 2009 Project of the Year. The award was announced at the POWER-GEN International conference attended by power industry leaders in Las Vegas. Each year the magazine’s editors recognize some of the world’s best projects in four major categories: gas-fired, coal-fired, nuclear and renewable.

Power Engineering named Dallman 4 the 2009 Project of the Year based on the utility's successes among a number of factors including the Sierra Club agreement, air quality and efficiency improvements and overcoming air permit challenges.

Mayor Tim Davlin said he is proud of Dallman 4’s success. “Getting through all of the obstacles and challenges that faced this project and to still come out ahead with these top industry honors is a testament to the hard work of the teams that made this happen.”

CWLP General Manager Todd Renfrow said a lot was learned from Dallman 4’s success. “Having the various project teams among the partners work closely together to meet both the utility’s and contractor’s goals, allowed concerns and issues to be addressed immediately,” he said. “This open communication was key to limiting issues that would have impacted the project cost or schedule.”

The magazine also noted challenges that were overcome without causing costly construction delays. “Tighter emission standards meant design changes had to be made, even though project engineering and procurement were more than 50 percent complete…The final result was a project completed seven months ahead of schedule and within budget.”

Power Engineering also praised the payoff from the efficiency of the Dallman 4 Unit, saying a 34% unit efficiency improvement is expected to yield $12 million in annual operational savings.

Dallman 4, which had a contact completion date of April 2010, was completed on November 19, 2009. Projected to utilize up to 700,000 tons of Illinois coal annually, Unit 4 will be equipped with the most advanced pollution controls. More than 700 workers, representing nearly a dozen local labor unions, have been employed throughout construction of this project. A total of 1.7 million construction hours were logged in on Unit 4 to reach substantial completion.

17 DRUG ARRESTS MADE BY SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT

2009-12-21T16:06:00.002-06:00

Seventeen people have been arrested as the result of a several months-long invetigation into the sale of drugs in the City of Springfield. Springfield Police Department’s Pro-Active Crime Unit and the Streets Crime Unit along with the Sangamon County State’s Attorneys Office today culminated that investigation.

Arrested as a result of this investigation were:

Levente Ingram, 22, 2100 block of E. Jackson, charged with unlawful delivery of a look-alike substance.
Trayvon Little, 23, 2700 block of S. MacArthur, charged with manufacture/delivery of controlled substance.
Aaron King, 37, 1400 block of E. Reynolds, charged with possession of control substance, possession of cannabis, and driving while license revoked.
Otis Edwards, 55, 1200 block of N. 8th, charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance.
Anthony W. Burrows, 48, 1200 block S. 15th St. charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance.
Todd Buchanan, 32, 1100 S. Pasfield, charged with manufacture/delivery of cannabis.
Korey Craig, 26, of Springfield, charged with manufacture/delivery of cannabis.
Titus Williams, 23, 3100 block of Butler, charged with possession of controlled substance.
Niccos Scott, 26, 100 block N. Park, charged with delivery of look alike substance.
Paul Hullum, 33, 800 block S. 13th, charged with manufacture/delivery of control substance.
Cory Norman, 27, 3200 block Red Oak Lane, charged with manufacture/delivery of cannabis and possession of cannabis.
Alana Jackson, 26, 2100 block S. Renfro, charged with prostitution.
James Lacy, 34, 900 block of S.15th , charged with manufacture/delivery of controlled substance.
Ladrecaus Eddings, 38, 900 block of S. 15th, charged with manufacture/delivery of controlled substance.
Shane Reiterman, 35, 2100 block of S. 13th, charged with manufacture/deliver of cannabis and possession of cannabis.
Anthony Bridgeford, 48, 500 block of N. 13th , charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Dominic Wilson, 34, 2800 block of Stanton, charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.

Also assisting in execution the arrest warrants were members of the U. S. Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force.

SPD REMINDS MOTORISTS OF TWO NEW DRIVING LAWS

2009-12-15T12:06:00.000-06:00

Springfield Police Department Acting Chief Robert Williams today reminded Springfield motorists that two new laws aimed at cutting down on distracted drivers go into effect on January 1st.

The two new laws will:

1. Prohibit drivers from composing text messages or reading text messages while driving.
2. Make it illegal to talk on a cell phone will driving through a school zone or highway construction project.

“These two laws are aimed at curbing drivers who become distracted while using electric communication tools,” Williams said. “SPD Officers want to make our streets safe and these two new laws will be helpful.”

“Motorists are also encouraged to slow down and pay attention to posted traffic signs,” Williams said, “since these signs are aimed at giving motorists information.”

Part of Illinois Street to close.

2009-12-14T14:50:00.001-06:00

Southbound Illinois Street will be closed between Lawrence and Fayette Avenues starting Wednesday, December 16 to repair a water service. The repair should take two days, weather permitting.

Motorists should avoid this area during heavy traffic times and be alert for workers on the pavement when driving through.

POLICE INVESTIGATING AN APPARENT HOMICIDE

2009-12-10T09:21:00.000-06:00

The Springfield Police Department is investigating the death of a 24 year-old Springfield man as an apparent homicide.

Police responded to a report at 12:45 a.m. today that a man appeared to have been shot and was sitting in an automobile in the 1200 block of West Mossman. When police arrived they found the man sitting in the car and the wound appeared to be from a gunshot.

One block of Monroe to close

2009-12-10T09:07:00.001-06:00

Monroe Street, between Seventh ( 7th ) and Eighth ( 8th )Streets will be closed to traffic starting Saturday, December 12th, for crane operations. The lanes should be closed for one day, but may be delayed by weather.

Motorists should seek alternate routes to avoid the area.

CWLP COMMUNITY ENERGY FORUM THURSDAY

2009-12-08T12:08:00.000-06:00

City Water, Light & Power is hosting its last Community Energy Forum of 2009 on Thursday, December 10 at noon at the INB Conference Center at Fourth & Jackson Streets. Items on the agenda at this brown bag luncheon meeting include an update on Dallman 4, details on new customer rebate programs as well as a report on progress for CWLP’s Energy Services Office’s strategic planning.

CWLP recently announced three new customer rebate programs for energy savings and efficiency improvements, which include a commercial retro-commissioning program, a high efficiency air conditioner rebate program and a commercial lighting retrofit program, CityLights. In September the City of Springfield was awarded $1.2 million in federal Energy Efficiency Conservation Block grant funds to make these programs possible.

The CWLP Community Energy Meetings are designed to provide updates to the public on progress made regarding environmental and energy saving activities and to solicit suggestions and ideas from the community regarding energy programs and related issues. CWLP is using the input received from these meetings to enhance existing programs and develop new energy efficiency and conservation programs.
CWLP customers wanting more information on this forum, energy efficiency advice or rebate information may call the Energy Services Office at 789-2070 or visit the CWLP website at www.cwlp.com.

ARREST MADE IN DAVIS CLEANERS ROBBERY

2009-12-08T12:04:00.001-06:00

Anthony Allison, 27, of Springfield has been arrested in connection with last Wednesday’s robbery of the Davis Cleaners, 1131 W. Jefferson St. Allison turned himself in to SPD Detectives on Monday.

Allison walked into the business late last Wednesday, demanded money and fled on foot after taking an undisclosed amount of cash. At the time of the robbery, Allison told employees he had a gun under his sleeve. Allison was on parole on drug and weapons offenses.

TWO SPRINGFIELD JUVENILES HELD IN CONNECTION WITH CAB HOLDUP

2009-12-07T11:46:00.001-06:00

Two Springfield juveniles have been arrested in connection with the robbery of a cab driver Saturday night in the 1900 block of East Lawrence.

The victim told police officers the two juveniles called for a ride and when they got into the cab they displayed what he called a handgun and demanded money. While investigating the robbery police officers located the two suspects at Wheeler and Kansas Streets and made the arrest and took them into custody.

CWLP RESIDENTIAL A/C REBATES ARE BACK

2009-12-03T13:32:00.002-06:00

Mayor Tim Davlin and City Water, Light & Power General Manager Todd Renfrow announced today that the utility is bringing back its High-Efficiency Air Conditioner Rebate program as another way to help residential customers reduce energy costs while reducing summer peak demand.

“We’re pleased to be bringing this rebate opportunity back to assist in reducing the cost of high efficiency air conditioning units,” said Mayor Davlin. “These are high value rebates because not only do they provide assistance with the up-front costs, but the customers also reap the benefits of lower summer bills on the electric side for the life of the unit, year after year.”

Renfrow said the utility benefits from reducing summer demand through such efficiency programs. “When summer demand is high, across the nation, surplus power is a profitable asset,” he said. “Through this rebate program, we project an annual energy savings of 1.4 megawatts that can be available for better market returns, which can equate to lower fuel adjustment charges on customer bills.”

Effective December 1, 2009, central air conditioning units installed by CWLP residential electric customers may be eligible for this new rebate on a first-come, first-served basis. The program, which can be paired with a current Federal Tax incentive program, will run over two years, has a total funding allocation of $200,000 and projects an average rebate of $270 per unit.

For more information visit www.cwlp.com.

Sixth Street to close from Allen to Lawrence

2009-12-01T09:52:00.000-06:00

Sixth Street from Allen to Lawrence will be closed to traffic from 11:30 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, December 2, 2009, to allow for the rededication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Traffic will be detoured at Allen Street. However, local traffic headed to Springfield Clinic will be allowed through.

CWLP GIFT CARDS, GREEN ENERGY GIFTS AVAILABLE

2009-11-24T16:23:00.001-06:00

City Water, Light and Power is offering two gift options this holiday season that don’t require fighting the crowds at retailers. Gift cards for bill credits or green energy credits are available for purchase in any amount for city residents with CWLP service.

Those interested in purchasing a gift card for bill credits may do so at CWLP’s Customer Service Office at Municipal Center West at Seventh and Monroe Streets or by credit card over the phone, 789-2030. The cards may be purchased year-round in any amount with cash, cashier’s check, personal check or credit card and will be applied as a credit on a customer’s CWLP bill.

The name and address of the intended recipient will be requested and the gift card will be provided to the purchaser to present to the recipient. For more information on gift cards call 789-2030.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) provide a way to purchase ‘green energy’ attributes and neutralize the environmental impact of their monthly energy usage. CWLP will provide certificates showing the quantity and a proof of purchase for RECs and enrolled customers will also be given a window decal for their home or plaque for their business to display their participation in the program.

RECs can be purchased in 200 kilowatt-hour (kWh) blocks of renewable resources for $ each through their monthly CWLP bill or one-time purchases in any amount can be made. The typical residential CWLP customer uses 800 to 1,000 kWh per month and can, on average, have an account representing 100% renewable investment for an additional $8 per billing cycle.

Signing up to enroll in the program can be done in person or over the phone by contacting the CWLP Energy Services Office (ESO) at 789-2070. One-time purchase opportunities and Renewable Choice Gift Certificates for those that want to buy RECs for someone else can be made at the customer service counter in Municipal Center West at Seventh and Monroe Streets.

CWLP’S PROJECT RELIEF PROGRAM HELPS FAMILIES IN NEED

2009-11-23T12:58:00.001-06:00

As another heating season is here, City Water, Light and Power customers who need help paying water and electric bills could qualify for assistance from the utility’s Project RELIEF program.

Project RELIEF is entirely supported through donations, primarily from CWLP customers who add $1 or more to their monthly bill to help those less fortunate. Since the program’s inception over 3,000 families have been helped. Last year over $28,000 was raised and 141 families were assisted.

All funds that are received for Project RELIEF go directly to those in need, without any amount being used to cover administrative costs. Individuals can sign up to support the CWLP program through their utility bill year-round.

Customers can begin applying for assistance from Project RELIEF on December 1.

CWLP RESTORES POWER TO 2,700

2009-11-19T09:36:00.001-06:00

At 9:16 a.m. City Water, Light and Power crews restored power to the remaining 1,350 customers affected in two southwest neighborhoods in Springfield this morning. At the height of the outage 2,700 customers were affected in the Westchester subdivision and the apartment complexes east of that subdivision and Chatham Road. Traffic lights in the area were also affected.

At 7:21 a.m. this morning 167 customers lost power, followed by another 2,500 who lost power at 7:45 a.m. A substation power transformer failure is the cause of both outages. CWLP troubleshooters will further investigate the specific cause of that failure when rain conditions improve.

Customers who remain with electric service problems should call the Electric Trouble Line at 789-2121.

Springfield man held in connection with fatal stabbing.

2009-11-17T10:07:00.001-06:00

A 38-year-old man is being held in the Sangamon County Jail in connection with the fatal stabbing of his 53-year-old mother.

Michael W. Seal of the 3500 block of North Dirksen Parkway was arrested shortly after 9 p.m. Springfield Police received the call at about 8:30 p.m. and the caller said Seal had called family members stating he had stabbed his mother. While securing the residence Seal was asked to step outside and he complied and was arrested without incident.

Charges against Seal are pending as SPD Officers continue their investigation. This is the tenth homicide this year.

BEVERLY PETERS: A STUDS TERKEL HUMANITIES HERO!

2009-11-17T09:50:00.001-06:00

The Illinois Humanities Council along with Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin are proud to announce that Beverly Peters is the recipient of the 2009 Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award. This local “humanities hero” has been recognized by Mayor Davlin and the city of Springfield for her outstanding efforts on behalf of the humanities in our community. She is one of more than 40 individuals being honored across the State of Illinois.

“As the chair of my 1908 Race Riot Commemoration Commission, Beverly did an extraordinary job,” Mayor Davlin said. “She recruited community leaders who, together, would devise a way to reintroduce the City to its past while promoting reconciliation throughout a year of various activities. This is truly an honor that she so richly deserves.”

The Commission worked to refashion the historical markers into prominent wayside displays that readily depict the entire story of the Springfield Race Riot. And it commissioned a special bronze sculpture by Preston Jackson to be permanently located in Union Station Park. Today, this cast-bronze sculpture stands directly across from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library as an image of the aftermath of the actual.

Part of Capitol between 4th & 5th to be closed

2009-11-13T10:24:00.000-06:00

The westbound lane of Capitol Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets will be closed to traffic beginning Monday, November 16th and lasting through Friday, November 20th for crane operations on a building expansion. Westbound traffic will be routed around the closure with a detour going southbound on 5th Street, westbound on Jackson Street, northbound on 4th Street, and then westbound on Capitol.

Motorists are reminded to follow the marked detour or avoid the area and that drivers that disregard the Road Closed and Do Not Enter signs are subject to a $250 fine.

Lanes reduced at Lawrence & Spring on Saturday

2009-11-13T09:56:00.000-06:00

The eastbound lanes of Lawrence Avenue starting west of Pasfield Street will be reduce to one lane of traffic starting Saturday, November 14th, to allow for the demolition of a building at Lawrence Avenue and Spring Street. The demolition will start at 7:00 a.m. and should be completed by 12:00 p.m.

Motorists should drive with caution through this area during this demolition.

LINDSAY BRIDGE CLOSURE NEXT WEEK

2009-11-12T11:28:00.001-06:00

Vachel Lindsay Bridge at Lake Springfield on Long Bay Drive will be closed to all traffic beginning Tuesday, November 17th at 7 a.m. through Wednesday, November 18 at 4 p.m. to accommodate repairs to the pedestrian tunnel. Traffic will reopen to one lane on Wednesday, November 18 at 4 p.m.

Motorists will need to plan an alternate route during the bridge closure.

Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Tickets Still Available

2009-11-12T10:21:00.002-06:00

Tickets to Mayor Tim Davlin's Fourteenth Annual Prayer Breakfast are still available. Call 789-2270 to reserve a seat for $20 or a table for $200.

SPRINGFIELD TO HOST AMERICA RECYCLES DAY RECYCLING EVENT

2009-11-09T10:31:00.002-06:00

Mayor Tim Davlin announced today the City will host an America Recycles Day recycling extravaganza event on Saturday, November 14, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

“By participating in America Recycles Day Springfield will provide a collection for three different materials,” Mayor Davlin said. “We will again collect all colors of glass bottles and jars that food or drink came in. We will also be accepting private documents to be shredded and recycled. And, for the first time, the city will accept old holiday light strands for recycling. This recycling service is not just for city residents, but for all area residents.”

All colors of glass containers are acceptable: clear, brown, green and blue. Only glass bottles, jars or jugs that held food or drink will be accepted. Other acceptable materials are private documents to be shredded and recycled, up to four large bags/boxes per person, and old Christmas or holiday light strands. Old holiday lights are generally very energy inefficient and are sometimes a fire hazard. New holiday lights are usually LED lights, which are much more energy efficient.

Participants should enter the Illinois State Fairgrounds at Gate 11, at the corner of Sangamon Avenue and 8th Street. The event is cosponsored by the City of Springfield, University of Illinois Springfield, Illinois National Bank, F&W Resources, Affordable Shred, SPARC and Illinois Department of Agriculture. For further details, call the city’s Division of Waste & Recycling at 789-2327.

Street Lane Reductions Next Week

2009-11-06T11:26:00.001-06:00

The westbound curb lane of Iles Avenue will be closed to traffic west of Veterans Parkway beginning Monday, November 9th, for street repairs. On Tuesday, November 10th, the southern eastbound lane and the westbound left turn lane will be closed to traffic to complete the street repair. Each repair should take one day, weather permitting. Motorists should avoid the area during heavy traffic times or drive with caution and be alert for workers in the street.

And, the southbound curb lane of Peoria Road, between Garfield and Wood Avenues will be closed to traffic Tuesday, November 10th, for storm sewer and street repair. The repairs should be completed in a week, but may be delayed by weather. Motorists should drive with caution in the area of this work and avoid the area during heavy traffic time if possible.

Sewer repair to close traffic lanes

2009-11-03T14:47:00.000-06:00

The northbound curb lane of Chatham Road and the eastbound curb lane of Cherry Road will be closed to traffic starting Wednesday, November 4, 2009, for sanitary sewer repairs. One lane of traffic for northbound traffic will be provided at all times. One lane of traffic for both east and westbound traffic will be provided east of the intersection of Chatham Road and Cherry Road. The sanitary sewer repair should be completed in a week, but may be delayed by weather. Motorists should drive with caution through this area and avoid the area during heavy traffic time if possible.

Circle Drive between Sheffield and West Lake Drive will be closed to traffic beginning Wednesday, November 4, 2009, for sanitary sewer repairs. The work should be completed in three days, weather permitting. Motorists are asked to use alternate routes to avoid the area.

CITY TO RESURFACE TWO HEAVILY-TRAVELED STREETS

2009-11-02T14:21:00.000-06:00

The City of Springfield is poised to resurface two of its worst streets, Eleventh Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Thanks to a state grant of $635,000, the City will soon overlay and repair the two major streets.

“Hopefully we can still get these projects done this fall,” Mayor Tim Davlin said. “But, if the weather prevents completion, we will work on them as soon as we can this Spring. These two aging thoroughfares are clearly in need of resurfacing so that they can better handle current and future traffic loads.”

“I want to thank State Representative Raymond Poe for including these projects into the state appropriation,” Davlin added. “Without his help and assistance, we would still be looking for funding to resurface these busy streets.”

The projects cover Eleventh Street from Ash to Stanford, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive from South Grand to Ash. The emergency repair funds cover milling, overlaying, and curb and gutter replacement. The Springfield City Council is prepared to approve the two projects at its next meeting.

MAYOR DAVLIN ISSUES REMINDER FOR FIFTH ANNUAL RECEPTION FOR VETERANS

2009-10-28T10:12:00.001-05:00

Mayor Tim Davlin today reminded veterans that his fifth annual Reception for Veterans will be held on Wednesday, November 4th at 5:00 p.m. the Northenders VFW Post 10201, 2349 Stockyard Road.

“Just as in years past, we pause from our busy schedules and invite veterans to join us for an informal reception,” Mayor Davlin said. “The eve of Veterans Day Week is a perfect time for us to gather and show our veterans that we greatly appreciate everything that they have done for us.”

The annual Reception for Veterans was created and developed by members of the Mayor’s Veterans’ Advisory Council, whose members plan and organize the reception. It is traditionally held in early November, in connection with Veterans Day each year.

This year’s speaker will be Daniel W. Grant, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. Grant is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a serving member of the Illinois National Guard. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The reception is free and open to any Springfield Veteran, no matter what branch of the military or what time period they served.