DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Highway Committee met Jan. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chair Deutsch called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and Ms. Richardson called the roll. Committee members present were Chair Deutsch, Mr. Haier, Ms. Ilenikhena, Vice Chair Luebke, Mr. Marcinkowski and Ms. Willis. Ms. Emmer was absent. The County Engineer Mr. Schwartz and Support Services Manager Ms. Richardson and three guests were also in attendance.

Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve the January 4, 2024 Agenda made by Ilenikhena; seconded by Marcinkowski; Motion carried by voice vote.

Approval of Minutes

Motion to approve the November 2, 2023 regular Meeting Minutes made by Luebke; seconded by Haier; Motion carried by voice vote.

Public Comments

Molly & Todd Stoffa, residents near Perry & IL Route 23, asked if more safety measures could be added to the intersection to prevent accidents and fatalities as people are just not stopping. They would like the committee to encourage IDOT to do more as they understand the jurisdiction falls under the State. Mr. Schwartz asked the Committee if he could address that intersection from his TIP highlights. Mr. Schwartz has passed along crash reports from the Sheriff’s office to IDOT for 2023. In discussions with IDOT, County Engineer stated IDOT is looking at signage improvements. The state starts with traditional less expensive fixes and if federal safety improvement funds are used it may take longer before the public actually sees those improvements, hopefully during summer of 2024.

Resolution R2024-001 – Award Resolution for Two (2) T480 Kenworth Tandem Axle Cab & Chassis Trucks

For the bid opening held on January 3, 2024, Resolution #R2024-001 involves the purchase of two (2) new T480 Kenworth tandem axle Cab & Chassis Trucks with three available warranty options for each and awards the low bid meeting specifications from the two bids received in the amount of $315,912.00 to CIT Trucks of Loves Park, Illinois. The estimate of cost was $350,000.00.

It was moved by Luebke, seconded by Ilenikhena, and was approved by voice vote to forward the Resolution to the full County Board recommending their approval.

Considerations/Discussion Items – None

Chair’s Comments – None

County Engineer’s Comments

∙ Monthly Update on Projects

-Mr. Schwartz went through several of the projects on the monthly Transportation Improvement Program, the items highlighted in red are those having updates.

Mr. Schwartz commented further on Perry Road & IL Route 23, showing from Google Maps that the intersection is a flat area, zooming in to show the double stop signs, stop ahead signs, rumble strips, Cross Traffic Does Not Stop signs, and stop bar currently in place. More than likely the state will install flashing lights on the stop signs and intersection ahead signs.

-Item #1 Chicago-Rollo-West Suydam Roads have been added for 2024 construction. Paving will upgrade to an 80,000 lb truck route. After TARP grant and federal money, the local cost will be around $100,000. With coordination with neighboring counties, this will connect from IL Route 23 to I-39 as an 80,000 lb route south to US Route 34 through Earlville.

-Item #3 Glidden Road Intersection at Baseline Road and Paving project from Route 64 to Route 72 remains on track for preliminary engineering done this winter. Goal will be for a spring letting and to combine as one large project with the 2024 Glidden Road paving and safety shoulders project. This will bring our section of Glidden Rd to be an 80,000 pound road year-round. The County has received approval of $656,000 in federal safety money for the intersection improvements along with applying for TARP funds leaving the anticipated local cost of $100,000.

-Item #7 Peace Road bridge widening to Freed Road preliminary phase 1 & 2 has an anticipated April letting and 2024 construction. This project will be built in phases as it includes a bridge replacement and road widening north of Rt 64. The traffic will be moved to one side at a time during the bridge widening construction, it has not been determined if the bridge portion can be completed in one year or two, more to update next month.

-Item #8 Pearl Street Bridge is the Village of Kirkland’s project; this has a spring time letting with construction within the year. This is a municipality project that is using County federal bridge money, the County Engineer oversees this which is for the preliminary engineering only. The Village handles the construction and construction engineering costs on their own.

-Item #11 Plank Road Corridor Study options will be narrowed to two options and will hold another public outreach this winter for the realignment of the remaining portion of Plank Road. The spot improvements between Lukens and Lindgren for a roundabout would be feasible and not interfere with the rest of the alignment project plans.

-Item #12 Pritchard Road Bridge Phase 1 permitting is approved and completed with Phase 2 design work moving forward for a 2024 project.

-Item #13 Rollo Road culverts is listed @ 85% complete, the contractor opened the road last Friday before the end of the year after completing the structure and paving. The landscaping/dirt work will have to be completed when weather permits.

-Item #15 Somonauk Road culverts is highlighted as the project was moved to 2024. This is for 5-6 locations between Perry & Keslinger Road in which we will extend the culverts due to the steep ditches to get reasonable slopes. ROW is not completed yet.

∙ Legislative Update

Mr. Schwartz stated House & Senate Bills are being watched as to what will impact the local highways. One current hot topic is allowing non-highway vehicles like ATV’s to be allowed on a 55 mph roadway (raise from a 35 mph roadway posting). The County Engineers’ Association is opposing this due to safety issues.

Highway Committee Page 2 of 3

∙ DSATS Update

DSATS has the return of their summer intern working over the school winter break which will be helpful in updating plans.

∙ Misc Update

Mr. Schwartz updated the committee that the office flooring carpet tiles will be installed the end of January, with our own staff moving the furniture in preparation.

Old Business - None

New Business –None .

Adjournment at 7:33 pm

Committee Action to Adjourn: Moved by Luebke, seconded by Willis; motion carried by voice vote.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/packet-hwy-02012024.pdf