Village Hall to Get $412,000 Fire Sprinkler Replacement After System Failure

Village of Monee Board Meeting | August 13, 2025

Article Summary: Following the failure of the original 1997 fire sprinkler system due to corrosion, the Monee Village Board approved a contract with Matco Fire Services to fully replace the system. The project, costing over $412,000, is expected to begin in late September.

Village Hall Safety Upgrades Key Points:

• Contract Awarded: Matco Fire Services was awarded the contract with a bid of $412,610, significantly lower than the competing bid of $525,839.

• System Failure: The existing system, installed in 1997, failed due to improper pitch leading to corrosion and multiple leaks.

• Timeline: Work is scheduled to begin in late September 2025 and take approximately six to eight weeks.

• First Payment: The board approved an immediate first payment of $206,305 to commence the project.

The Monee Village Board on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, voted to replace the failing fire sprinkler system at Village Hall, awarding a $412,610 service agreement to Matco Fire Services.

Administrator Ruben Bautista informed the board that the building’s current system, originally installed in 1997, had failed due to years of corrosion in the lines. He explained that the original installation lacked the correct pitch, preventing water from draining properly and causing the pipes to corrode.

“We began playing whack-a-mole just trying to fix and maintain,” Bautista said regarding recent leaks. “This is just the best thing to do, remove it and get a new system in there.”

The village received two quotes for the project. Matco Fire Services came in as the low bidder at $412,610, while Valley Fire submitted a bid of $525,839. Bautista noted that Matco could begin the project in late September, whereas the competitor would not have been available until December or January.

Trustee Charles Rakis questioned whether the new system could handle potential future expansions of Village Hall. Staff confirmed that the new dry system and compressor are designed with future growth in mind.

The board voted unanimously to approve the service agreement and authorized the first payment of $206,305 to Matco Fire Services.