The regular monthly meeting of the Highway Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Thursday, March 2, 2006 at 6:00pm in the Conference Room of the DeKalb County Highway Department, DeKalb, Illinois.  

Chair LaVigne called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.  Committee members present were Vice-Chair Faivre, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Gudmunson, Mr. Osborne and Mr. Whelan.   Also present were County Engineer William Lorence, Wayne Davey, Highway Department Support Services Manager, Mr. Greg Millburg, Farm Bureau, Mr. James Quinn, Highway Department Operations Manager, Mr. Steve Slack, DeKalb County Board Member, Mr. Richard J. Skrodzki, Attorney for Jewel-Osco, Mr. James E. Koehler, Engineer for Jewel-Osco, William Grieve, Traffic Engineer and Sherwin Portnoy, Commercial Developer. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion made by Vice-Chair Faivre and seconded by Mr. Anderson to approve the minutes of February 2, 2006.  The motion to approve the minutes carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

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

PUBLIC COMMENT:   None.

JEWEL PRESENTATION:

Mr. Richard Skrodzki a Partner in the law firm of Golstine, Skrodzki, Russian, Nemec and Hoff, Ltd of Burr Ridge, IL opened the presentation.  The purpose of this presentation was to secure a right in and right out on the South side of Peace Road approximately half way between the intersection of Illinois Route 23, Peace and Plank Roads and Ward Boulevard.  This Peace Road access request involves a 20.5-acre development where Jewel-Osco plans to erect a 60,000 square foot building and will be home to several other commercial establishments.  Mr. Skrodzki stated that these plans would include a fair amount of green space, would certainly be neighborhood friendly and would set the trend for high-end commercial construction in this area.  Information was shared with the Committee concerning the overall appearance of the finished building.  Mr. Skrodzki further stated that the commercial developer would insure that only appropriate establishments would be allowed in this commercial area and only architecturally appropriate building would be built to insure the integrity of this area.  Jewel-Osco would be funding improvements in this area to include traffic signals at Ward Boulevard, right-in, right-out (if approved) on Peace Road as well as Illinois Route 23, and two additional through lanes from approximately 1000 feet west of Ward Boulevard to approximately 1000 feet through the intersection of Il RT 23/Peace/Plank along Plank Road. 

Mr. William Grieve, Traffic Engineer with Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc of Vernon Hills, Illinois addressed the Committee for traffic concerns.  Mr. Grieve indicated that it was hoped to have full access to this proposed site from Ward Boulevard, Illinois Route 23 and Peace Road.  This project was being built for the convenience of the neighborhood and if the shopping center was not convenient to get to or out of prospective shoppers would be discouraged from accessing this area.   Mr. Grieve indicated that through his calculations approximately 50% of the traffic using this shopping center would not have to pass through the intersection of Peace/Plank and Route 23 if all requested accesses were granted.  A weave study was done out to the year 2027 and the final level of service was determined to be an “A”.  This represents the best possible level for traffic flow in this area.  This study was done using figures that included the Jewel Express fueling station in this complex and Jewel-Osco has decided, at least at this point, not to move forward with that project.  Mr. Grieve indicated that Jewel-Osco was working with the County to ensure that Peace Road would continue to function as it was intended and to provide safe travel to the traveling public.  This would be accomplished by adding two additional through lanes to move traffic through this intersection although traffic counts do not warrant such an improvement.  Six inch-raised medians would be installed at appropriate locations to impede illegal movements of traffic exiting this complex.  Mr. Grieve indicated that the requested right-in/right-out fits with the overall operation of the Jewel-Osco plan to serve that store’s traffic flow. 

Mr. Skrodzki stated he understood that any request for access for Peace Road had to come from the Highway Committee.  He was therefore respectfully requesting that this request be given favorable consideration and moved to the full County Board for a decision.

Questions from Board Members:

Vice-Chair Faivre inquired into the number of vehicles traveling this roadway.  Mr. Grieve indicated that vehicles traveling on a daily basis were estimated to be 1400 a day for Peace Road, 1100 for Plank Road, and 1200 for Illinois Route 23.  Vehicles utilizing the requested right-in/right-out was being estimated as coming into the shopping center during AM peak hours at 25, and 55 per hour during PM peak hours.  Saturday Midday Peak Hours would be approximately 65 vehicles per hour.  Exiting through the right out would be 40 vehicles per hour during AM peak hours, 75 during

PM peak hours and 85 during Saturday Midday peak hours.   The traffic signal at Ward Boulevard would offer an opportunity of 20-30 seconds for cars to exit the complex without traffic. 

Mr. Anderson indicated that if road improvements contain raised medians that these make snow removal operations difficult for the Highway Department.  Mr. Anderson also inquired into the feasibility of an access road from Ward Boulevard instead of the right-in/right out.  Mr. Grieve indicated that there would be a stacking problem with a frontage road if one were to be proposed.  Mr. Anderson inquired about Tewksbery Drive and if that roadway would be connected to Illinois 23.  Mr. Grieve stated that would be up to the City of Sycamore to decide. 

Mr. Gudmunson inquired into the cost to the County for these proposed road improvement. It was indicated that the cost to the County was zero. 

Mr. Whelan inquired as to how far the right-in/right-out was from the intersection of Illinois Route 23/Peace and Plank.  Mr. Grieve indicated that it was approximately 600 feet from the intersection.  Mr. Whelan expressed concern that this would pose a safety hazard for vehicles trying to exit to the turn lanes going north.

Vice-Chair Faivre stated that in prior meetings the right-in/right-out was a deal breaker and wanted to know if Jewel-Osco still felt that way.  Mr. Skrodzki indicated that operations have not changed their position on that matter as far as he knew. 

Mr. Slack wanted to know if it was possible to provide the County with some sort of safety projections concerning the number of anticipated accidents that could reasonably be caused by this right-in/right-out.  Mr. Grieve and the County Engineer indicated that this would be a hard thing to project.  Mr. Grieve indicated that the weave study completed gave this project an “A” for traffic flow and shows no safety concerns. It all comes down to how traffic is managed and he feels the best way to manage the traffic would be for the granting of a right-in/right-out along Peace Road.   If Super Value were successful in acquiring Jewel-Osco, it would still more than likely be a union operation.

The County Engineer indicated that he still has safety concerns for the traveling public if the right out is granted on Peace Road.   The existing speed limit is 55 MPH, however, a speed study would be conducted after (if) this project is completed to see if a lower speed limit would now be warranted in this area due to the placement of traffic signals on Peace Road at Ward Boulevard. 

The Committee received the report and thanked Jewel-Osco for the information. 

BID AWARD FOR SNOW PLOW, FRAME, HYDRAULIC SYSTEM, DUMP BOX, SPREADER, AND PREWET SYSTEM FOR TWO STERLING TANDEMS:

Vice-Chair Faivre made a motion to remove this item from the table and bring it before the Committee.  Mr. Whelan seconded this motion and the motion carried unanimously. 

Mr. Lorence explained that bids were received on January 31, 2006 to outfit two new tandems approved by the Committee in January.  Two bids were received, one from Bonnell Industries for $129,901.00 and one from Monroe Truck Sales for $124,914.00.  Mr. Lorence recommended that the Committee recommend Monroe Truck Sales be awarded the bid as low bidder meeting specifications.  The Committee requested more information concerning the feasibility and cost effectiveness of rebuilding the equipment instead of purchasing new equipment at their February meeting.   Mr. Lorence explained to the Committee that all of the establishments contacted for information concerning the rebuilding of this equipment recommended that the equipment not be rebuilt.  Vice-Chair Faivre stated that is the type of information the Committee needs to make an informed decision and with that made a motion, seconded by Mr. Anderson, to forward the proposed bid award to the full County Board recommending approval.  The motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION FOR BID AWARD FOR 11 HOT MIX PROJECTS FOR ROAD DISTRICTS AND FOR DEKALB COUNTY 2006 PAVEMENT STRIPING:

Mr. Lorence explained to the Committee that the Highway Department requested bids for the 2006 Hot Mix Projects.  The County prepared 12 hot mix projects (only 11 involve Road District MFT Funds and are required to be awarded by the County Board) for the Road District as well as Countywide Striping for 2006.  Bids were received and opened on February 28, 2006.  Two bids were received for the Clinton Road District project to resurface Lee Road.  Curran Contracting submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $81,620.56; Two bids were received for the Cortland Road District project to resurface Old State and Lovell Roads.  Curran Contracting submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $124,264.10; Two bids were received for the DeKalb Road District project to surface Bethany Road.  Curran Contracting submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $366,494.10;  Two bids were received for the Franklin Road District project to resurface Pearl Street.  Peter Baker and Sons Inc submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $113,531.00; Two bids were received for the Genoa Road District project to resurface Base Line Road.  Curran Contracting submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $87,472.02; Two bids were received for the Kingston Road District project to resurface Ellwood Greens.  Peter Baker and Sons Inc submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $73,980.00; One bid was received for the Pierce Road District project to resurface Hinckley Road.  Curran Contracting submitted the only bid (under the Engineer’s estimate) meeting specifications in the amount of $86,710.07; Three bids were received for the Somonauk Road District project to resurface Governor Beveridge Highway.  Curran Contracting submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $182,420.45; Three bids were received for the Squaw Grove Road District project to resurface Rimsnider Road.  Curran Contracting submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $135,977.10; Two bids were received for the Sycamore Road District project to resurface Moose Range and Old State Roads.  Peter Baker & Sons Inc submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $126,574.00; Three bids were received for the Victor Road District project to resurface Leland Road.  Aurora Blacktop submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $61,761.85, all bids received for this project were over the Engineer’s estimate, however, the County Engineer recommended approval; Two bids were received for the DeKalb County Pavement marking project for 2006.  Preform Traffic Control submitted the lowest bid meeting specifications in the amount of $187,354.50.  A motion was made by Mr. Whelan and seconded by Mr. Osborne to forward the proposed bid award to the full County Board recommending approval.  The motion carried unanimously.

MFT RESOLUTION FOR COUNTY STRIPING PROJECT:

Mr. Lorence presented the MFT Resolution to the Committee in the amount of $82,590.00 to allow for the expenditure of MFT funds to be used for 60% of the County’s cost for the 2006 Striping project.  Before the County can expend MFT Funds an approved MFT Resolution must be passed by the full County Board.  A motion was made by Mr. Anderson and seconded by Mr. Osborne to forward the proposed MFT Resolution to the full County Board recommending approval.  The motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION FOR LOCAL AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR FEDERAL PARTICIPATION FOR MALTA ROAD PROJECT:

Mr. Lorence explained to the Committee that the Malta Road project was selected as a Federal project for 2006.  As such the County will be responsible for 20% of the cost of resurfacing Malta Road from Illinois Route 38 north to Illinois Route 64 a distance of 4.45 miles.  This project will be scheduled after school is out for the summer to cause the least amount of congestion for Kishwaukee College traffic.  This project will be let and awarded by Springfield.  The State requires the County to enter into an agreement in all Federally funded projects and Mr. Lorence recommended the Committee authorize the County to enter into this agreement with the State.  The estimated cost of this project is $500,000.00 with the County’s share being estimated at $100,000.00.  A motion was made by Vice-Chair Faivre and seconded by Mr. Anderson to forward the proposed Resolution to the full County Board recommending approval.  The motion carried unanimously.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF DEKALB AND THE CITY OF SYCAMORE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALK/BIKEPATH FROM BETHANY ROAD NORTH TO ILLINOIS 64:

Mr. Lorence presented an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Sycamore for the placement of a sidewalk/bike path along the east side of Peace Road within the County’s right-of-way.  These agreement are standard agreements the County has with any Village, Town, or City who wants to place a sidewalk or bike path within the County’s right-of-way.  These agreements allow for the placement only if the requesting party pays for the installation of said sidewalk/bike path, agrees to maintain it, and holds the County harmless of any incident that may arise concerning the sidewalk/bike path.  If any additional right-of-way were required for the placement of this sidewalk/bike path it would be the responsibility of the City of Sycamore to obtain it.  If any objections were received concerning the placement of the sidewalk/bike path it would be up to the City of Sycamore to resolve those issues prior to the County constructing it.  Any additional cost associated with any relocation of any portion of the proposed sidewalk/bike path would be borne by the City of Sycamore as well.  A motion was made by Mr. Anderson and seconded by Mr. Whelan to forward the proposed Resolution to the full County Board recommending approval.  The motion carried unanimously.

ORDINANCE FOR ALTERED SPEED ZONE FOR TWOMBLY ROAD AND GURLER ROAD:

Mr. Lorence pointed out that the altered speed limit Ordinance is for Gurler and Twombly Road not Twombly and Rich Roads as indicated on the agenda.  The Rich Road speed study is not yet completed. 

Mr. Lorence explained the City of DeKalb has conducted an engineering and speed study along Twombly Road and has determined that it is appropriate to lower the speed limit to 45 MPH on Twombly Road from Glidden Road west to DeKalb City limits.  The City of DeKalb also has conducted an engineering and speed study along Gurler Road and has determined that it is appropriate to lower the speed limit to 45 MPH on Gurler Road from Illinois Route 23 west to DeKalb City limits and to lower the speed limit to 50 MPH from South First Street east to the DeKalb City limits.  Mr. Lorence presented the Committee with an Ordinance for an Altered speed zone for the above section of roadway that belongs to DeKalb Road District but which the County has jurisdiction over for speed zones.   A motion was made by Vice-Chair Faivre and seconded by Mr. Osborne to forward the proposed Ordinance to the full County Board recommending approval.  The motion carried unanimously.

CHAIR’S COMMENTS:   Chair LaVigne had no comments for the Committee.

COUNTY ENGINEER’S COMMENTS:

Mr. Lorence provided his progress report to the Committee.  Those projects noted in red are the ones that have been updated since the Committee’s last report.  The majority of time was spent last month of the Peace Road widening project.  This project will be let depending on the feasibility and timing of receiving Federal Earmark funds for this project.  Hopefully by July the County should know something in regards to any Federal funds that would be available for this project.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

Chair LaVigne inquired if the Committee was ready to discuss the Jewel-Osco request for a right-in/right-out.  The Committee indicated that they were.  Considering all the information presented by Jewel-Osco, the safety concerns, and trying to keep the integrity of the intended road use in place, (a by-pass), the Committee remained opposed to the granting of right-out on Peace Road.  Vice-Chair Faivre made a motion to have a resolution drafted to deny the request for a right-in/right out on Peace Road.  A right-in will be granted only if Jewel-Osco agrees to proceed with the highway improvements presented to the Highway Committee as shown on the Jewel-Osco Commercial Center, Sycamore Illinois Preliminary Engineering Plan dated 02/14/05 as revised through 12/08/05.  Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was requested:  Mr. Anderson – Yes; Vice-Chair Faivre-Yes; Mr. Gudmunson-Yes; Chair LaVigne-Yes; Mr. Osborne-Yes; Mr. Whelan-Yes; The motion carried unanimously with six yes votes and zero no votes.

Mr. Gudmunson passed on concerns received from his constituents concerning the excess gravel plowed into roadside ditches on County Roads during the snowplow season.  The amount of gravel is excessive and as he travels other roads and other Counties, DeKalb County appears to be the worst.  Some of his constituents mow long stretches of ditches on their property and this gravel has almost made this impossible to continue.  Mr. Gudmunson inquired if the County would pick up or rakes up the gravel to allow residents to continue to improve their property’s appearance.  Mr. Lorence indicated the County’s policy was that if the residents want to rake the gravel in a pile the County will come and pick it up.  Mr. Gudmunson indicated this would be virtually impossible for those residents that mow over a half-mile of ditch line.  Mr.  Lorence indicated the County would look into the situation and see if something could not be done to improve this situation.

Vice-Chair Faivre informed the Committee that Mr. Rick Buehler, a 27-year employee with the Highway Department was recently diagnosed with cancer.  He asked that the Committee keep the Buehler Family in their prayers.

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. Anderson to adjourn and this motion was seconded by Vice-Chair Faivre.  The motion passed unanimously and the March 2, 2006 meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m. 

Respectfully Submitted

Pat LaVigne

Chair