DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Highway Committee met May 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Vice-Chair Cozad called the meeting to order at 6:51 pm after the DSATS Open House time ran over, Ms. Richardson called the roll. Other Committee members present were Ms. Coovert, Ms. Emmer, Mr. Luebke and Mr. Marcinkowski. Mr. Haier and Chair Ilenikhena were not present. The County Engineer Mr. Schwartz and Support Services Manager Ms. Richardson were also in attendance.

Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve the May 1, 2025 Agenda made by Luebke; seconded by Marcinkowski; motion carried by voice vote.

Approval of Minutes

Motion to approve Meeting Minutes from April 3, 2025 made by Coovert; seconded by Emmer; motion carried by voice vote.

Public Comments - None

Resolution 2025-057 – A Resolution Entering into a Joint Funding Agreement for State Construction work through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), State of Illinois for Section #21-00187-02-RS Barber Greene Road and various trails.

This Resolution is to necessitate an agreement with the State of Illinois for the use of federal STU Funds for construction and construction engineering for certain improvements to Barber Greene Road from Peace Road to Somonauk Road and various trails. This project is for the resurfacing of the existing roadway and 4 various trail locations, aggregate shoulders and final striping.

It was moved by Luebke, seconded by Emmer, and was carried by voice vote to forward Resolution R2025-057 to the full County Board recommending its approval.

Resolution 2025-058 – A Resolution Entering into a Joint Funding Agreement for State Construction work through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), State of Illinois for Section #23-00101-01-RS Somonauk Road.

This Resolution is to necessitate an agreement with the State of Illinois for the use of federal STR Funds for construction and construction engineering for certain improvements to Somonauk Road from IL Route 30 to Chicago Road. This project is for the resurfacing of the existing roadway, aggregate shoulders and final striping.

It was moved by Marcinkowski, seconded by Luebke, and was carried by voice vote to forward Resolution R2025-058 to the full County Board recommending its approval.

Considerations/Discussion Items – None

Vice-Chair’s Comments – Nothing to add

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 since Committee’s last meeting.

Item #1 – Barber Greene Road Paving project plans are sent for an IDOT June letting. This will include paving the aggregate bike path along Barber Greene Road, and Town of Cortland’s existing aggregate paths. This should be a fall paving project.

Item #7 – Traffic Signal upgrades is a DSATS project that benefits County Highway, City of Sycamore & City of DeKalb. One upgrade is at Barber Greene Road & Peace Road where the signal box will be moved to the other side of the road. Preliminary plans have been sent to IDOT. Preliminary Engineering is paid by the County but each entity will be responsible for their 20% share of construction upgrade costs.

Item #8 – Peace Road Bridge Widening over the Kishwaukee River work began April 7th, 2025. It will take approx. 6 weeks to do the core out work plus widen the one shoulder where traffic will be pushed over as the contractor works on one side of the bridge until winter weather.

Item #12 – Plank Road Realignment is moving along fine.

Item # 15 – Somonauk Road Paving project will be a June letting with fall construction timing for the section between IL Route 30 and Chicago Road. Our crews will do preliminary work on leveling spots such as wheel rutting before the contractor paves.

• Legislative Update

The County Engineer’s Association have been tracking and reviewing the language in the House and Senate bills. For the moment it seems the bills to remove local Townships have been stalled, however many pertain with bicycle/bicyclist items. A push is for bicyclists viewed as intended versus permitted users of roadways. Intended users would raise the full roadway standards. It was suggested more research and language are necessary.

• DSATS Update

The DSATS Open House Public Outreach that laid out the 25-year Long Range Plan was held from 3:30 to 6:30 pm, this went over in time delaying the start of Highway Committee meeting.

• Miscellaneous Update

Committee was updated on staff status (full time/seasonal) and equipment purchases.

Committee member commented how impressive the Annual Report presentation was and wondered if it was considered to present it over two periods, the current year and then future year projects to assure the important viable information is received, Mr. Schwartz stated Administration wishes to keep Annual Reports presentations to one period.

Committee members brought up if more should be done so that questions and comments being made on social media for various construction activity could be avoided. Additional discussion was held, Mr. Schwartz explained that Liam Sullivan of the County Administration Office posts any announcement given by our office as was the post on 3/31/25 for the Peace Road construction activity.

Old Business – None

New Business - None

Adjournment at 7:17 pm

It was moved by Luebke, seconded by Marcinkowski, and was carried by voice vote.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/packet-hwy-06052025.pdf