A special meeting of the Highway Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Wednesday July 19, 2006 at 7:00pm in the Freedom Room of the DeKalb County Legislative Center, Sycamore, Illinois.  

Chair LaVigne called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.  Committee members present were, Vice-Chair Faivre, Mr. Anderson, Ms. Fauci, Mr. Gudmunson, Mr. Osborne and Mr. Whelan.   Also present were County Engineer William Lorence, Wayne Davey, Highway Department Support Services Manager, County Administrator Ray Bockman, County Board Member Eileen Dubin and several residents located on the east and west side of Peace Road that will be affected by the pending road widening project. 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

Motion made by Vice-Chair Faivre to approve the agenda and Mr. Anderson seconded this motion.  The motion carried unanimously to approve the agenda as presented.    
 

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Chair LaVigne inquired if there was anyone present who desired to address the Committee.  Mr. Joseph Caldwell presented himself and stated he would be the spokesperson for all residents present from the Yorkshire Drive North area.  Mr. Caldwell stated residents were concerned with the planned expansion of Peace Road and how it would affect property owners along the proposed construction route, especially behind the residents living along Yorkshire Drive.  They were concerned about the property values and quality of life issues should the project go forward as designed.  Mr. Caldwell stated there appears to be a good possibility that a very economically feasible solution could be reached to construct a berm to allow for the planting of trees and shrubs to restrict the increase in noise levels that this project is sure to produce.  Mr. Caldwell further stated the residents understand that when infrastructure is improved everyone along the route is impacted to some degree and they would like the impact to be kept at a minimum. 

Mr. Lorence indicated that there may be some extra dirt that the contractor might be willing to move to an appropriate area for the berm.  Mr. Lorence further indicated the residents would need to check with ComEd and the City of Sycamore to see if what they are proposing would be allowed and a proposal would need to be submitted.

Mr. Caldwell stated they have made some progress in this area but was concerned about the timing of this project, as the residents would have little time to reach an agreement once the project is under way. 

Mr. Lorence stated he would work with the contractor to see what, if anything, they could do for the residents. 

Residents from the first ten homes on the west side of Peace Road, south of Woodgate Drive voiced their concern whether or not DeKalb County would be taking anymore of their land for this project.  Mr. Lorence indicated that all the land had been purchased or easements obtained and no additional land was necessary for this project.

Vice-Chair Faivre asked the County Engineer what, if any, impact this requested berm would have on snow accumulations.  Mr. Lorence indicated that it would have little effect on snow being deposited on the roadway. 

Chair LaVigne thanked everyone for coming, invited them to stay and moved on to new business.

AWARD RESOLUTION FOR PEACE ROAD WIDENING PROJECT SECTION NUMBER 03-00203-00-WR:

Mr. Lorence presented the bid tab for review by Committee members for the Peace Road project.  Although there was a lot of interest in this project only two bids were received.  The low bidder meeting specifications was Curran Contracting located in DeKalb, Illinois.  Although all bids were over the Engineer’s estimate Curran’s estimate was less than one percent over. Mr. Lorence recommended that the Committee recommend award to the full County Board to the low bidder. 

Mr. Whelan inquired if we needed to do something to ensure a berm was included in the contract.  Mr. Lorence indicated that the first step to take was to approve the award so he could speak to the Contractor about this situation.  Vice-Chair Faivre indicated that due to the volatile movement in the oil prices he recommended awarding this contract as early as possible to lock in current prices before they increase again.

A motion was made by Vice-Chair Faivre and seconded by Mr. Whelan to forward the proposed resolution to the full County Board recommending approval.  The motion carried unanimously.

MFT RESOLUTION FOR PEACE ROAD WIDENING PROJECT SECTION NUMBER 03-00203-00-WR:

Mr. Lorence explained that each time the County wants to spend MFT funds on road or bridge projects the full County Board must pass a resolution authorizing funds to be spent.  The County will use MFT and Matching Tax funds at 60/40 for this project.  The County will also utilize approximately $200,000.00 in bridge funds for the drainage portion of this project.  The County has entered into an agreement with Dyn Sycamore Commercial LLC, (First Rockford Group) to be reimbursed approximately $600,000.00 for construction of road improvements associated with their proposed development from IL Route 23 north to IL Route 64.  The amount of MFT funds estimated to be used for this project is $1,980,048.00.  The State of Illinois will provide approximately $250,000.00 in funds toward this project as well.  A motion was made by Mr. Osborne and seconded by Ms. Fauci to forward the proposed resolution to the full County Board recommending approval.  The motion carried unanimously.

CHAIR’S COMMENTS:  None

COUNTY ENGINEER’S COMMENTS:  None

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

Ms. Fauci indicated she would like to review the plans for construction projects prior to the Committee having to vote on awarding projects.  Mr. Lorence indicated that plans are always available at the County Engineer’s Office and anyone is welcome to look at them once the project is advertised.  When the Committee approves projects to be included in the budget for the coming year, plans are not available to look at.  Mr. Lorence indicated he would have a set of plans available for review at future meetings.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chair LaVigne inquired if there was anything else that needed to be brought before the Committee and hearing none asked for a motion to adjourn.  A motion was made by Mr. Whelan to adjourn and this motion was seconded by Mr. Osborne.  The motion passed unanimously and the July 19, 2006 special meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m. 

Respectfully Submitted

Pat LaVigne

Chair