McHenry Times

McHenry County Public Transportation Advisory Committee met Oct. 1

Here is the agenda provided by the committee:

Members Present: Jim Kearns, Carl Kamienski, Michael Skala, Paul Thomas, Tracie Von Bergen

Members Absent: Brian Sager, Matt Kunkle

1. CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at: 8:15 a.m. by Chairman Kearns.

2. MINUTES APPROVAL

On a motion from Von Bergen, seconded by Skala, the meeting minutes from the August 27, 2025 Transportation Committee meeting were approved as presented.

Mover: Von Bergen

Seconder: Skala

To approve the minutes from the August 27, 2025 Transportation Committee meeting.

Recommended

2.1 Transportation Committee - Public Meeting - August 27, 2025 8:15 AM

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment.

4. MEMBERS' COMMENTS

Member Von Bergen expressed her appreciation to the Division of Transportation's staff that were present at the Woodstock Farmer's Market held at McHenry County College. She advised Scott and Belemino did a great job.

5. ROUTINE CONSENT AGENDA

Chairman Kearns pulled item 5.2 for discussion. On a motion from Skala, seconded by Kearns, item 5.2 was opened for discussion. Chairman Kearns questioned the budget. Assistant County Engineer Darrell Kuntz advised this is an annual reoccurring item. Following a roll call vote, the item was approved.

Member Kamienski pulled items 5.14 and 5.21 for discussion. On a motion from Von Bergen, seconded by Skala, item 5.14 was opened for discussion. Member Kamienski requested clarification if this purchase is for an additional zero turn mower or a replacement for an existing piece of equipment as the price is high. Maintenance Supervisor Ed Markison confirmed that this is a replacement purchase for a 2011 model currently in operation.

On a motion from Skala, seconded by Thomas, items 5.1, 5.3-5.13, 5.15-5.20, 5.22-5.24 were all approved as presented.

5.1 Resolution Appropriating Funds for Roadway Lighting and Traffic Signal Electrical Power (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve the resolution appropriating funds for electrical power for the Division of Transportation's roadway lighting and traffic signal systems.

Recommended

5.2 Resolution Awarding a Contract for FY2026 Traffic Signal and Highway Lighting Maintenance Contract and Appropriating Funds (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

For consideration is a resolution awarding a contract and appropriating funds for the FY2026 traffic signal maintenance program for the County’s traffic signals and roadway lighting systems.

Recommended

5.3 Resolution Appropriating Funds for Right-of-Way Acquisition Associated with the Paulsen Road Township Bridge Project (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To appropriate funds for right-of-way acquisition for the Township owned Paulsen Road over the North Branch Kishwaukee River (056-3071) bridge replacement project in Hartland Township.

Recommended

5.4 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Artificial and Living Snow Fence (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve the resolution approving the Artificial and Living Snow Fence Program and appropriating funds for the 2025-2026 winter season.

Recommended

5.5 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Natural Deicer (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a resolution appropriating funds for FY2026 natural de-icing product.

Recommended

5.6 Resolution Appropriating FY2026 Funding for Calcium Chloride (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

Board / Committee Action Requested: For consideration is a resolution appropriating funds for FY2026 liquid calcium chloride.

Recommended

5.7 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Sign Materials (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve the resolution accepting bids for sign materials for the FY2026 program and appropriating funds.

Recommended

5.8 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Emergency and On Call Tree Trimming (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve the resolution appropriating FY2026 funds for emergency and on-call tree trimming and removal contract.

Recommended

5.9 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Finish Mowing (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve the resolution approving bids and appropriating funds for FY2026 right-ofway finish mowing.

Recommended

5.10 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Culvert Materials (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

For consideration is a resolution approving bids based on need and appropriating funds for culvert materials for FY2026.

Recommended

5.11 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Authorizing the Purchase of One 6x6 Benching Plow Truck (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a resolution approving the purchase of one (1) 6x6 benching snow plow for the Division of Transportation.

Recommended

5.12 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Authorizing the Purchase of Two Snow Plow Trucks (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a resolution approving the purchase of two (2) snowplows for the Division of Transportation.

Recommended

5.13 Resolution Appropriating Funds in FY2026 Authorizing Purchase of a Compact Track Loader (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a resolution approving the purchase of a Compact Track Loader for the Division of Transportation (DOT).

Recommended

5.14 Resolution Appropriating Funds in FY2026 Authorizing Purchase of One (1) Zero Turn Finish Mower (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a resolution approving the purchase of one (1) Zero Turn Finish Mower for the Division of Transportation (DOT).

Recommended

5.15 Resolution Appropriating Funds in FY2026 to Purchase One Enclosed Trailer (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a resolution approving the purchase of one (1) Enclosed Trailer for the Division of Transportation (DOT).

Recommended

5.16 Resolution Appropriating Funds in FY2026 and Authorizing Purchase of One Cold Planer (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a resolution approving the purchase of one (1) Cold Planer for the Division of Transportation (DOT).

Recommended

5.17 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Authorizing the Purchase of Tires and Services (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To enter into contract with Jack's Tire Sales and Services, Inc. for the bid # 25-7583 for tires and alignment services and appropriating funds.

Recommended

5.18 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Authorizing the Purchase of Parts and Services from Bonnell (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve the resolution appropriating funds for Bonnell Industries as a parts and service supplier.

Recommended

5.19 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Purchasing Parts and Services for Equipment (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

Approving a resolution appropriating funds for Rush Truck Centers of Illinois and Lakeside International Trucks for the purchase of parts and services for FY2026.

Recommended

5.20 Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2026 Purchasing Parts and Services from JX Truck Centers (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a resolution appropriating funds for JX Truck Centers for the purchase of parts and services for FY2026.

Recommended

5.21 Resolution Appropriating Funds in FY2026 for the Purchase of Road Weather Information Systems Data (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a resolution appropriating funds for Vaisala Inc. of Louisville, Colorado to provide Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) cloud-based software services for the first of a four-year option for FY2026.

Recommended

5.22 Resolution to Approve Adopt-A-Highway Group Agreement (A48-01, V45-03) (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve the inclusion of the identified group(s) into the McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) Adopt-A-Highway Program:

Light Program Huntley CSD#158 – Algonquin Road from Illinois Route 47 to Ruth Road Friends of Austin May – River Road from Dowell Road to Illinois Route 176

Recommended

5.23 Proclamation Honoring McHenry County Division of Transportation Permit and Development Manager, Raymond Beets (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a proclamation honoring McHenry County Division of Transportation Permit and Development Manager, Raymond Beets.

Recommended

5.24 Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funds for Partial Reimbursement of the County Engineer’s Annual Salary (82)

Mover: Skala

Seconder: Thomas

To approve a resolution authorizing the use of Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funds to pay for 50% of the County Engineer’s salary.

Recommended

6. NEW BUSINESS

6.1 Staff Recognition

Assistant Maintenance Superintendent Beth Skowronski reintroduces Austin Creasy as the new Sign Shop Supervisor, formerly the Vegetation Crew Supervisor.

Assistant Maintenance Superintendent Beth Skowronski reintroduces Zac Hage as the new Vegetation Crew Supervisor, formerly the Vegetation Crew Leader.

Vegetation Crew Supervisor Zac Hage introduces Jeff Lang as the new Vegetation Crew Leader.

Road Crew Supervisor Bob Hensel introduces Bryson Calvin as the new Road Crew Leader.

Fiscal Operations Manager I Jennifer Emiliano introduces Noemi Baker-Cisneros as the new Accounting Assistant I

Design Manager Joyce DeLong introduces Ray Beets who has been the Permit Manager at DOT for 23.6 years. The Proclamation honoring his service was read by Chairman Kearns.

7. OLD BUSINESS

7.1 Staff Report

Transportation Planning Manager Drew Duffin and Transportation Planner Ana Valenzuela Ruiz presented fare recommendation from the Public Transportation Advisory Committee (PTAC) for the McRide and McRide Connect programs. Transportation Committee approved the suggested PTAC fare structure.

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION (AS NECESSARY)

No Executive Session.

That Committee move into Executive Session

8.1 Meeting Minutes, Land Acquisition and Pending Litigation

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES APPROVAL

10. NEXT MEETING DATE AND LOCATION

10.1 8:15 AM on October 29, 2025 - McHenry County Division of Transportation

11. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion from Kamienski, seconded by Thomas, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 a.m.

Mover: Kamienski

Seconder: Thomas

To adjourn the meeting at 9:05 a.m.

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