DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Highway Committee met Sept. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Deutsch called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. and Ms. Richardson called the roll. Committee members present were Ms. Emmer, Mr. Haier, Ms. Hoffman, Vice Chair Luebke and Chairman Deutsch. Ms. Ilenikhena and Mr. Marcinkowski were absent. The County Engineer Mr. Schwartz, Support Services Manager Ms. Richardson were also in attendance.

Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve the September 5, 2024 Agenda made by Haier; seconded by Emmer; Motion carried by voice vote.

Approval of Minutes

Motion to approve the August 1, 2024 Meeting Minutes made by Luebke; seconded by Haier; Motion carried by voice vote.

Public Comments – None

Considerations/Discussion Items - None

Chair’s Comments – No comments at this time.

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.

Item #1 – Anderland Road Bridge – The contract has been executed, waiting for a pre construction meeting for the contractor to begin this work, to be completed before the end of winter.

Item #2 – Chicago/Rollo/W Suydam Roads HMA project is now completed by Curran Contracting, this will be an 80,000 pound truck route from LaSalle County and also to Lee County truck routes.

Item #7 – Glidden Road HMA project will begin within the next couple of weeks for this 6.5- mile paving project of Glidden Road, from Rt 64 to Rt 72, will be leaving a 500-foot gap at this intersection area, which will be paved next year when the Baseline intersection project is completed.

Item #9 – Howison Road Bridge’s Preliminary Engineering Agreement was passed in April for engineering services for the replacement of the existing bridge.

Item #10 – Misc. Traffic Signal Upgrades - Several intersections will get upgrades including Peace and Barber Greene, downtown City of Sycamore, and the City of DeKalb’s Dresser & Glidden intersection.

Item #11 – Peace Road Bridge & Road Widening project plans are ready to send to IDOT for approval expecting a fall letting, to start construction in early 2025 but carry over into multiyear schedule.

Item #13 – Perry Road Bridge project got underway this Monday, project to be completed by year end.

Item #16 – Plank Road Roundabout – Received word that the HISP funding for this project was selected by IDOT but before the dollars are committed a few items have yet to be verified. Mr. Schwartz is applying for ITEP Funding to connect pedestrian related work including intersection crosswalks, like the use of rapid flashing beacons to stop traffic for pedestrians to alleviate crossing guards making it a very pedestrian friendly intersection.

Item #17 – Pritchard Road Bridge – Work has begun with two test piles completed; this project is to be completed by year end.

Item #21 – Countywide Seal Coat Project’s Fog Coat applications have been completed.

Item #22 – Road District Paving projects will be wrapped up after one more township to complete.

• Legislative Update

Mr. Schwartz is still working with Shabbona Road District and County Administration in getting fee simple easement transfers of any State Park land that runs along Shabbona, Preserve & Shabbona Grove Roads before any land transfers from the State of Illinois to the Sovereign Nation. Once land transfers to the Sovereign Nation, we would not be able to enter into an IGA with reservation land.

• DSATS Update

DSATS coordinated an MPO Safety Committee meeting this afternoon with the DSATS area Municipalities and other Public Works Agencies. This is to collect data creating a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for IDOT to approve, allowing project submittals requesting safety dollar grants.

• Other Miscellaneous Updates

Notices went out today to inform employees that the parking areas around the Public Safety Building, Legislative Center & Admin Building will be closed for restriping on Monday, Sept 9th. Committee asked County Engineer about any update on the Plank Road Realignment. Mr. Schwartz stated the current Realignment Study is down to one grand realignment option and will be ready for public outreach. The Study is completed. Expect in another month or two to present Committee with a Preliminary Engineering Phase One Agreement.

Old Business - None

New Business – Mr. Schwartz asked to set up the Annual Highway tour, consensus was to hold the Special Meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 9 am. Invitation with details will be sent in the coming weeks when arrangements have been completed.

Adjournment at 7:27 pm

Committee Action to Adjourn: Moved by Emmer, seconded by Hoffman; motion carried by voice vote.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/packet-hwy-10032024.pdf