The DeKalb City Council may allow Am-Coat Painting to repaint the West Lincoln Highway water tower, pending the outcome of Monday night’s meeting

Am-Coat is asking for $578,210 for the project, in addition to the $22,000 previously approved by the council to pay for “watchdogs” who will oversee the process to ensure the project is done safely and properly.

Some council members weren’t pleased with the idea of paying such a large sum for the watchdogs that essentially aren’t involved in the improvement process.

“That seems expensive to me just to make certain that a contract is adhered to,” 5th ward Ald. Pat Conboy said.

But city staff fell silent when the estimated price tag was announced.

The nearly $600,000 burden is due to a lead-based paint used when the tower was last painted, about 16 years ago.

Though the paint does not pose any threat to the community’s drinking water supply – it is covered by several coats of paint that is safe to be in contact with drinking water – removal is expected to be a problem.

“The removal process is complicated by the lead paint because it can become airborne during its removal, and safeguarding against hazards is a costly process,” said Ralph Tompkins, DeKalb director of public works.

Part of the safeguarding process included hiring watchdogs to make sure nothing in the area is contaminated.

The tower is located near the corner of West Lincoln Highway and Stadium Drive.

Replacing the old logo, the new Huskie logo will be painted on the outside of the tower,.

The new paint will have a zinc base that is predicted to last longer than the lead-based paint, and will reduce repainting costs in the future, according to the public works department.

The consideration will be heard under omnibus vote, where several items are placed under a single vote. Any council members or members of the community can move to have any items removed from an omnibus vote at the beginning of the council meeting.

Monday’s City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the council chambers, located at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. 4th St.