Montgomery OKs more action on West Nile mosquitoes - Aurora Beacon News

By Judy Pochel For The Beacon-News August 28, 2012 12:42PM

Updated: August 28, 2012 5:32PM

MONTGOMERY â€" The village is pumping more money into eradication efforts after the discovery of mosquitoes that have tested positive for the West Nile virus in village ponds.

The Village Board approved up to three additional village-wide sprayings for mosquitoes, at a total cost of $13,596.

Public Works Director Mike Pubentz advised residents to remain vigilant in keeping their property dry and taking common precautions in an effort not to come into contact with the mosquitoes.

“This is the worst year we’ve had in some time,” he said.

A 64-year-old Elgin man died earlier this month from the disease, the county Health Department said last week. The Health Department said 41 mosquito trap sites in Kane have had mosquitoes which tested positive for the virus, including sites in Montgomery, Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Campton Hills and Elburn.

Pubentz said many people may have contracted the virus but don’t know it. He said symptoms present themselves as flu.

Mayor Marilyn Michelini said she has been contacted by many residents concerned about the virus. The Centers for Disease Control said that so far this year, more than 1,100 people have been infected with the virus, and 41 people have died.

Trustees delayed their expected vote on allowing video gambling in the village, but did vote against a proposal to enter into an agreement with the Kaneland School District on school impact fees. The proposal was for a 10-year agreement that would have required the village to provide school impact fee payments.

“We already do this anyway. If they sign the agreement, then we tie the village to collecting the impact fees,” Acting Village Administrator Jeff Zoephel said before the meeting.

Trustees also approved a street maintenance contract with Geneva Construction of Aurora. The company’s bid came in at about 17 percent under the project estimate, prompting some trustees to question the bid.

“The bids are a reflection on the market. It is competition and the price of asphalt remains low. The company has done quality work before,” said Pubentz.