McHenry Times

McLean County Transportation Committee met Feb. 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The Transportation Committee of the McLean County Board met on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. in Room 400 of the Government Center, 115 E. Washington St., Bloomington, Illinois.

Members Present: Chairman William Caisley Members Randall Martin, Elizabeth Johnston, Logan Smith and Gerald Thompson and William Friedrich

Members Absent: Member Shayna Watchinski

Other Members Present: None

Staff Members Present: Ms. Camille Rodriguez, County Administrator, Cassy Taylor, Assistant County Administrator; Mr. Trevor Sierra

Assistant State’s Attorney Civil Division, Ms. Julie Morlock,

Recording Secretary

Department Heads Present: Mr. Jerry Stokes, County Engineer,

Others Present: Mr. Luke Hohulin, Assistant County Engineer

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Caisley at 8:00 a.m. and a quorum declared.

Chairman Caisley presented the minutes from the January 7, 2020 regular meeting for review and approval.

Motion by Martin/Johnston to approve the minutes from the January 7, 2020 regular meeting.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Caisley presented the prepaid bills in the amount of $271,407.40 and transfers for review and approval. Mr. Caisley asked about Lakeland College. Mr. Stokes indicated Project Manager going there for certification needed to process documentation and work for Illinois Department of Transportation. Mr. Caisley asked about University of Illinois charge. Mr. Stokes indicated it was to attend a conference. Mr. Caisley asked about Johnson Control Fire Protection. Mr. Stokes indicated invoices was annual fee for fire and burglar alarms. Mr. Friedrich asked about DTN, how they use that site and if they post on it. Mr. Stokes indicated they utilize it for weather information, but do not post on it. Mr. Smith asked about Illinois Association charge. Mr. Stokes indicated that is the Illinois Association of County Engineers. Ms. Johnston asked if other charge was for the National Association and asked about the benefits we receive being in the Illinois Association. Mr. Stokes confirmed other charge was national association and indicated there are several committees in the Illinois Association that review Legislation and Policies from the State and then meet with the State and Illinois Department of Transportation about policies and changes. He stated Association was instrumental in the Motor Fuel Tax Fund changes. Ms. Johnston asked if they also share information among counties. Mr. Stokes indicated they do share information and discuss pricing and suppliers. Mr. Caisley asked about recording fees. Mr. Stokes went over right of way needs for a project. Mr. Stokes also went over appropriation transfers.

Motion by Thompson/Smith to recommend payment of bills as submitted by the County Auditor in the amount of $271,407.40.

Motion carried.

Chairman Caisley confirmed no other appearances by members of the public or employees.

Chairman Caisley presented for action a request to approve Resolution for January 28, 2020 Project Letting. Mr. Stokes indicated this was for a project scheduled for last year but wanted to add some storm sewer work and curbing changes which required additional environmental work, so moved project to this year.

Motion by Martin/Johnston recommend approval of Resolution for January 28, 2020 Project Letting.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Caisley presented for action a request to approve a Motor Fuel Tax Resolution, Ropp Road (CH 39) – Section 20-00056-10-SC. Mr. Stokes indicated this is a pavement preservation project. He indicated last pavement preservation project held up well and felt this road was a good candidate for the same type of project.

Motion by Johnston/Thompson to recommend approval a Motor Fuel Tax Resolution, Ropp Road (CH 39) – Section 20-00056-10-SC

Motion Carried.

Chairman Caisley presented for action a request to approve a Highway Fund Resolution, Colfax-Weston Road (CH 13) – Section 19-00130-17-RS. Mr. Stokes indicated this is part of the Bright Stalk windfarm and Bright Stalk already provided funding for this project. Mr. Thompson asked him to confirm the road condition was not bad. Mr. Stokes confirmed, but he stated that he felt it would be more expensive if they waited to do work especially since the other windfarm will be starting soon. He stated that once the Blooming Grove Wind Farm is done, they would do the other section of the road.

Motion by Martin/Johnston to recommend approval of a Highway Fund Resolution, Colfax-Weston Road (CH 13) – Section 19-00130-17-RS

Motion Carried.

Chairman Caisley presented for action a request to approve a Bridge Construction Petition for Joint Culvert Replacement #1, Dawson Road District.

Motion by Martin/Friedrich to recommend approval of a Bridge Construction Petition for Joint Culvert Replacement #1, Dawson Road District

Motion Carried.

Chairman Caisley presented for action a request to approve a Supplement #1 Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with Hutchison Engineering Inc. for Park Culvert, Pipeline Road (CH 31) - Section 19-00073-11-BR. Mr. Stokes indicated that once design work started they realized there were three large Bloomington water mains involved so they would not be able to utilize sheet pile wing walls but would need to utilize concrete wing walls. He stated that that also led to other changes including guard rails and right of way changes. Mr. Caisley asked if the City of Bloomington had been consulted. Mr. Stokes indicated they have been working with the City of Bloomington.

Motion by Johnston/Thompson to recommend approval of a Supplement #1 Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with Hutchison Engineering Inc. for Park Culvert, Pipeline Road (CH 31) - Section 19-00073-11-BR.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Caisley indicated there were no recent positions filled at the Highway Department.

Mr. Stokes provided an update on the Route 66 Bike Trail project indicating they will be working on the next 4-mile section a mile south of Shirley to Funks Grove. He said they bid last June, and price came in too high, so rebid in January and Rowe Construction received bid to do the work. He stated they hope to bring to stand up an agreement for the engineering work. Mr. Friedrich asked who maintains bike trail. Mr. Stokes indicated it depends on where it is on the trail. Mr. Friedrich stated rock is thrown on the trail from the snowplows on the section near the old Beich plant. Mr. Stokes stated IDOT is going to resurface route 66 and they hope to discuss options to eliminate rock getting on the trail. He stated that section is to be maintained by the City of Bloomington. Mr. Stokes indicated Parks and Rec Department takes care of maintenance and mowing for our sections. Ms. Johnston asked if Rowe had a timeline for work they will be doing. Mr. Stokes indicated they may start in April and have 90 working days so it would be about 4-5 months. Mr. Caisley asked if we have a power broom. Mr. Stokes indicated they do and go out and sweep when they can. Mr. Caisley asked how much more trail needed to be completed to reach the Logan County Line. Mr. Stokes indicated it was about 6 more miles and discussed plans for that and other areas on the trail that needed to be completed. He also went over the process for approval of phases for trail work.

Chairman Caisley asked if there was anything else to come before the Committee; hearing nothing, he adjourned the meeting at 8:28 a.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7156