Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee met Oct. 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLIGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Mr. Wesel led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
III. ROLL CALL
Chair Joe VanDuyne called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Joe VanDuyne | Chair | Present | |
| Sherry Newquist | Vice Chair | Present | |
| Herbert Brooks Jr. | Member | Present | |
| Mica Freeman | Member | Present | |
| Donald Gould | Member | Present | |
| Jim Moustis | Member | Present | |
| Frankie Pretzel | Member | Present | |
| Tom Weigel | Member | Present | |
| Denise E. Winfrey | Member | Absent |
Also Present: N. Palmer.
Also Present from the State's Office: C. Wise.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. WC Public Works & Transportation Committee - Regular Meeting - Sep 6, 2022 9:00 AM
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jim Moustis, Member SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
V. OLD BUSINESS
1. Update on SS4A IGA with CMAP
(Jeff Ronaldson)
Mr. Ronaldson stated this is the third time that we brought this up; SS4A (Save Streets 4 All) application. We met with CMAP (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning); they gave us their draft agreement, which the State’s Attorney has reviewed. We sent comments back to them, CMAP in general is okay with them, the other counties are reviewing them as well. I am going to bring it back next month to make sure that we get the best version. In short CMAP is applying for a $4.87 million grant; the grant information on your agenda gives more detail on what they will accomplish. There is a budget narrative in there showing the breakdown. Also, in there the local match is just under $1 million, but IDOT kicked in half of those funds. They will cover half of the local match, that brings the local match down to $500,000. I would anticipate our share being about $100,000, I am going to put the IGA resolution in next month to seed it, $150 million to make sure we get everything we need when we develop the scope. When you see it next month, the number will be $150 million.
Mr. Weigel asked if that is just for the county?
Mr. Ronaldson replied the CMAP grant covers all the six counties; then each one will have their own individual county specific plan.
2. N. Briggs St. (C.H. 62) Traffic Signal at Copperfield Avenue – Signal Warrant Status
(Jeff Ronaldson)
Mr. Ronaldson stated on North Briggs St., the traffic signal at N. Copperfield, we did the traffic count for that on a school day to make sure we captured the children using the street crossing. The warrant analysis was completed recently, the traffic volumes are not there to warrant a signal however, the pedestrian crossings is met for a school crossing to be there, therefore, the traffic signal should stay. With that in mind we will work with our Electrical Contractor to repair the detection system which has failed that is causing the issue of side street traffic. It is on a recall system which means it is on timing system, just to make sure it clears the signal if someone is there or not. Please bear with us while we figure out what the best option is, it is a very old detection system compared to what is out there now. The one out there now is obsolete so we must come up with a new system. It will take us a little time to figure that out, in the meantime the contractor has maximized the green time on Brigg’s St.
Mr. Van Duyne asked if you would consider video detection.
Mr. Ronaldson responded yes, we are looking at the video and another disc which is in the pavement. We will look at the options and see what the best value is.
Mr. Weigel asked what about just a yellow light for the students.
Mr. Ronaldson stated there is the cost of taking down the signal and decommissioning it; granted there is a cost of retaining it, in general if you are getting rid of a signal there is a three-month process that you must go through. It is at the top of the hill and is hard to see on the other side if you are coming up the hill. Also, people are coming too fast, there is a chance of someone being hit with the pedestrian traffic that you have there.
Mr. Moustis stated I would not jeopardize any safety with the children.
Mr. Van Duyne stated I believe the main problem is that there is no detection working now. If we could get video detection which is the new up and coming thing, there shouldn’t be an issue. Briggs St would remain green until someone comes on the side street with that system.
VI. OTHER OLD BUSINESS
VII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Amending Will County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 73, No Parking Areas and Parking Schedules in Will County, Illinois, All County Board Districts
(Jeff Ronaldson)
Mr. Ronaldson said last month we updated the Will County Parking Ordinance; we have two more locations that came up. On Wilmington/Peotone Rd. we noticed the no parking signs in front of the Will County Fair Grounds, and there was never an ordinance authorizing that. We talked to the Village of Peotone, they would like those signs to remain, I attached a letter regarding that on the agenda. We are recommending leaving those signs there, but we are going to make it legitimate so the resolution will include that zone from the Will County Fair Grounds. The second one is a new zone, Cherry Hill Rd. the New Lenox, Joliet area. There is a Cold Storage facility just north of the curve; there is a picture showing how the trucks are parking on the widened shoulder. When Cold Storage came in, we put in a turn lane in, so they got wider shoulders. Now these trucks stage there which is the exact same problem that we had last month on Wilmington/Peotone, it is not the same facility, but it is still the same company. It does damage to our roadway, and it is not safe so we would want to put up a no parking zone in that area, those are the two zones for consideration.
Mr. Weigel asked if that facility is open 24-hours, why would they park on the road.
Mr. Ronaldson said I don’t believe that it is, the one in Wilmington is not.
Mr. Weigel asked if we could contact and ask them to open.
Mr. Ronaldson stated that is a going concern with the trucks not having available parking spaces, we can’t have them on our highway. To your question that would be a business decision for Cold Storage. We will let them know that there will be a no parking zone, and then they could decide what they would like to do. We will also notify the City and Village that there is a no parking zone so that they can enforce it.
Mr. Van Duyne added the Municipalities are reaching out to us asking for these signs also, so they are aware of it.
Mr. Ronaldson said not on this one, but the one in Wilmington yes. The one in Peotone we reached out to them because we realized in our system that was not on the list.
Ms. Freeman asked if we could provide them with an area to park.
Mr. Ronaldson stated that was one of the findings of the truck study that was done recently; that there needs to be more parking but that is not a County Highway issue, nor a County Board issue; it is Land Use issue which was noted in the truck study.
Mr. Moustis said when you talk about the truck study, I think these are the issues that perhaps Union Pacific, Center Point, and some of the other yards should be part of the solution, because they are part of the challenge. Perhaps there are areas in their yards where these trucks can park and not be too far away. I am not sure about Peotone, but I know there are yards in Wilmington because Center Point is there. Perhaps we need to approach them and say we need a place for trucks to park on a temporary basis, or to stage to make their deliveries, you would think they would want to be a part of the solution. That is just my suggestion.
Mr. Palmer stated that is a good point; I will talk to CED because they have an Infrastructure Committee where they can bring all those people together. When you look at the rest stops, they are full because they must take breaks, this is a problem in all our communities. It seems to me it is not financially lucrative to have unless they are going to charge them to park.
Mr. Moustis replied it is no financial incentive except they are helping to create a solution that they are partly responsible for.
Ms. Berkowicz asked if it was possible to have someone from our Sheriff’s Department go over there and either issue warnings or more, that might make them address the problem. It does come down to a safety issue.
Mr. Ronaldson stated when the no-parking zone ordinance gets passed we will erect no-parking signs in that area; then the Sheriff and the local police will have the local authority to issue tickets.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS]
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Jim Moustis, Member SECONDER: Donald Gould, Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
2. Authorizing Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Design Engineering Services (Phase I) with BLA, Inc., for Parker Road / Hadley Road (CH 1) from U.S. Route 6 to Will-Cook Road, Section 22-00176-04-PV, County Board District #7 (Jeff Ronaldson)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/20/2022 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Jim Moustis, Member SECONDER: Donald Gould, Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
3. Authorizing Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Right-of-Way Acquisition Services (Negotiations) with Swanson and Brown, Ltd. for Several Parcels of Property on Exchange Street (CH 49) from Country Lane East to IL Route 394, Section 20-00086-25-CH, County Board District #1
(Jeff Ronaldson)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/20/2022 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Sherry Newquist, Vice Chair SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
4. Authorizing Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Right-of-Way Acquisition Services (Negotiations) with Mathewson Right of Way Company for Several Parcels of Property on West River Road (CH 26) from Coal City Road north to IL Route 53, Section 20-00174-06-PV, County Board District #6
(Jeff Ronaldson)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/20/2022 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Donald Gould, Member SECONDER: Tom Weigel, Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
5. Authorizing Approval of Supplemental Professional Services Agreement for Design Engineering Services (Phase II) with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. on Laraway Road (CH 74) from Cedar Road (CH 4) West to Stonebridge Drive, Section 13-00138-37-PV, County Board District #12
(Jeff Ronaldson)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/20/2022 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Mica Freeman, Member SECONDER: Tom Weigel, Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
6. Improvement by County Under the IL Highway Code for Laraway Road (CH 74) from Cedar Road (CH 4) West to Stonebridge Drive, County Board District #12, Using MFT Funds ($1,427,038.31)
(Jeff Ronaldson)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/20/2022 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Mica Freeman, Member SECONDER: Tom Weigel, Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
7. Authorizing Approval of Supplemental Professional Services Agreement for Design Engineering Services (Phase II) with H. W. Lochner, Inc. on Laraway Road (CH 74) and U.S. Route 52 Intersection, Section 20-00138-43-CH, County Board Districts #8 and #12 - Attachments Added
(Jeff Ronaldson)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/20/2022 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Herbert Brooks Jr., Member SECONDER: Jim Moustis, Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
8. Authorizing Approval of an IDOT - County Joint Agreement for Improvements of Laraway Road (CH 74) from Nelson Road to Cedar Road (CH 4), County Board Districts #12
(Jeff Ronaldson)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/20/2022 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Tom Weigel, Member SECONDER: Mica Freeman, Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
9. Authorizing Approval of the Expenditure of Rebuild Illinois Funds ($8,235,023.21) and using MFT Funds ($7,144,166.44) for Improvements on Laraway Road (CH 74) from Nelson Road to Cedar Road (CH 4,) County Board District #12
(Jeff Ronaldson)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/20/2022 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Mica Freeman, Member SECONDER: Donald Gould, Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
10. Rescinding Resolution #21-441 and Authorizing Approval of an IDOT - County Joint Agreement for Improvements on Bell Road (CH 16) from 151st Street to 159th Street, County Board District #7
(Jeff Ronaldson)
Mr. Ronaldson said I don’t use the word rescinding too often, so I wanted to explain that. This is our Bell Rd. project reconstruct; IDOT has let the project, awarded the project and preconstruction is starting in a couple of hours. IDOT gave us an updated agreement to execute; this is the fourth one. They don’t execute them then time goes by, and they come up with a new version, and they want us to pass a new one. The dollars didn’t change, it is mostly verbiage related items, not really a major item but they want the new agreement executed just for a formality.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/20/2022 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Mica Freeman, Member SECONDER: Sherry Newquist, Vice Chair AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
11. Authorizing Approval of Supplemental Professional Services Agreement for Design Engineering Services (Phase II) with WSP-USA, Inc., for Roadway and Appurtenant Work on Bell Road (CH 16), 159th Street to 151st Street, County Board District #7
(Jeff Ronaldson)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/20/2022 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Tom Weigel, Member SECONDER: Donald Gould, Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Winfrey |
VIII. OTHER NEW BUSINESS
1. Agreement Proposals by IDOT Regarding Bridge Decks where County Highways Go Over Interstate's
(Jeff Ronaldson)
Mr. Ronaldson stated this is the IDOT/I-80 Bridges, starting with Briggs St. overpass they will reconstruct that, they sent the County Board an IGA to be executed and we are working through it. This also ties into the various structures to the east. Gougar Rd. is going to be reconstructed, Cherry Hill will not be reconstructed but will be repaired. Francis Rd. will be reconstructed; it is not part of the I-80 corridor it is a separate bridge on itself. The point is in the IGA that they want us to sign, they want us to be responsible for the deck, the existing agreement that we have Cherry Hill/Gougar Rd. and Francis Rd. states that as long as Cherry Rd. is used as a public highway the State will maintain, or cause to be maintained the structure on Cherry Hill Rd. over I-80 in so far as preservation, repair, and replacement is necessitated. This means that they are responsible for icing the bridge. That is the current agreement we have, we have not been able to find one for Briggs St., but we do for Cherry Hill, Gougar Rd. and Francis Rd. They want us to be responsible for the deck from now on. That means from the top of the steel on up, would be the responsibility of the County. We have pushed back on that, we had only been responsible for the wearing service previously which is a debatable topic. It is a concrete deck, what is the wearing service, it is the deck, if anything happens to the deck we are on the hook for. We have pushed back telling them per the agreement you are responsible for it from here on out. The point is we pushed back, and I want to get a feeling from the Board where you want to go on this, they could come back and say that Will County is holding up the project, or they could say then we are not going to widen the bridge for you. I am anticipating some arguments on how far to take it; it is clear here that they are responsible for the structure, replacing it. But I-80 and 80th Ave. the one under construction now, we did take from the steel up because they were widening the bridge; they give us millions of dollars to repair that bridge and widen it. It didn’t cost us, we went and asked them to tell them it was our project, will you participate in the bridge. They said sure if you take responsibility of the deck, it was a fair deal at the time. The question is how comfortable you are with me pushing back on IDOT, at some point they may say no. Eventually, I am going to bring forward an IGA, I just want to bring forward the right one. If you see that the deck is in the IGA, I don’t want you to come back and say that we didn’t talk about this; I would like to know what your thoughts are on this.
Ms. Newquist asked what constitutes the deck.
Mr. Ronaldson stated when you are driving under the road you see the steel beams, it is anything above that, it is the road that you drive on. We would be responsible for patching, or if the entire deck is shot, that is on the County.
At this juncture the committee members engaged in a discussion regarding the bridge construction and maintenance; with Mr. Ronaldson explaining what we have agreed on in the past on the bridges, as well as what our responsibilities have been on other projects.
IX. DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION DISCUSSION
1. Gougar Road Phase I: Laraway Rd to Francis Rd – 2nd Public Information Meeting Village of New Lenox Village Hall, 1 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox – Oct. 4 from 5-7 P.M. www.gougarroadstudy.com
(Jeff Ronaldson)
Mr. Ronaldson stated we have the attachment of the actual notice for the Gougar Rd. Phase I Public Meeting that is being held tonight at the New Lenox Village Hall. If you would like to see what the corridor will look like I invite you to come to that. Or, you can go to the website, the presentation will be on there, and there is a thirty-day comment period on that as well.
2. WCDOT Construction website redesign
(Jeff Ronaldson)
Mr. Ronaldson stated previously on our website we had a static map that shows what our projects are going to look like for the year. I wanted to upgrade that, with the help of GIS Department we now have a new interactive map. You can scroll around and zoom in on the projects; you can click on them for a minimal project description, it is a neat tool to see which projects are under construction. Again, I want to thank the GIS Department for helping with that.
3. Tentative Railroad Crossing Closures in County Board District 6 and 8 for Crossing Repairs
(Jeff Ronaldson)
Mr. Ronaldson said there are a couple of emails attached on some tentative Railroad Crossings closures; you can see the dates and locations in those emails. We have four of them coming up in the month of October, three in District #6 and one in District #8.
4. IDOT Website Launched to keep the Public Informed on I-80 – www.i80will.org (Jeff Ronaldson)
Mr. Ronaldson said attached is a notice sent out by the Governor regarding a new website for I-80 you can track the construction. It also has a link within to the design of it, it provides photos, updates, and maps. All the information that you want about I-80 should be on that website.
Mr. Moustis said I know we had the quarry strike, I was just wondering if it affected projects throughout the area. Are any of our projects going to have to be pushed into 2023?
Mr. Ronaldson responded yes, one project which we canceled last month which was the Plainfield/Naperville Rd. overlay. That was canceled and we will re-let that next year. The only other project was Laraway and Cedar Rd. it was shut down for a little while, but the contractor managed his resources well, where he was able to pave and get a lot of that work done. It really didn’t impact many of our other projects because our contractors we able to either go south to get stone; some of the northern counties were affected a lot more.
X. STATE'S ATTORNEY DISCUSSION
XI. MONTHLY WORK REPORTS
1. Construction Status Report
(Jeff Ronaldson)
2. Maintenance Status Report
(Jeff Ronaldson)
3. Phase II Summary Report
(Jeff Ronaldson)
XII. REPORTS BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Ms. Newquist said I have some residents that live in unincorporated Frankfort complain about the intersection of Center and Steger Rd. the issue is there is a stop on Steger Rd., but on Center Rd. the traffic is very high speed and people go blazing through there. I have many complaints from the neighborhood about the number of near accidents, and how impossible it is to cross there when traffic is so busy. I have had a few people ask me if there is any possibility of getting a four-way-stop there.
Mr. Ronaldson said I will look at that intersection and get back to you, is that on the S Curve?
Ms. Newquist replied yes.
Mr. Ronaldson explained that is where our County Highway ends; and where it transitions to the Village. Being that it is on the curve it is very challenging to add a stop sign there, it may add to more accidents.
Ms. Newquist stated you said it is not in our jurisdiction anyway.
Mr. Ronaldson replied the south leg is, the north is not.
Ms. Newquist said the complaint was that the oncoming traffic is fast through there and with that curve it is hard to see. Apparently, the neighbors complain there are a lot of near miss accidents there, they feel like they are taking their lives in their hands crossing that street. I don’t live out there I am just relaying what I’ve been told.
Mr. Moustis stated that Steger Rd. is a township road; Center is a municipality road, the County is south of Steger Rd. so there are multiple jurisdictions in there. I have not received any complaints, as I do also represent that area. If I received a complaint, I would advise them to get together with their township, talk to the Highway Department, we could also get the County and the municipality involved. In my opinion a stop sign could create more harm than good. Because of that curve they are coming in faster than they should, and we would wind up with people blowing that stop sign or rearending someone who has stopped.
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIV. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS BY CHAIR
Mr. Van Duyne stated I would like to thank Mr. Ronaldson and his staff. I would like to tell you a quick story. We were talking about bridge decks; down in Wilmington off I-55; there were several potholes. One was a trench wide enough for a tire and about 20 foot long. There were reports of people getting stuck in that trench and wrecking their cars. That whole overpass has not been maintained or if so, very minimally in a very long time and it looks terrible. What we found out is that IDOT was maintaining it over the last 20 years; now there is a dispute whether the County or IDOT owns it. In the meantime, we called for an emergency fix for the County, and the State’s Attorney wrote a letter to IDOT that we are not taking responsibility, but something must be done. Within an hour Mr. Ronaldson and his staff went down and repaired the issue. I just wanted to give you a little behind the scenes of what they can do, so I would like to thank you.
XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
1. Motion to Adjourn @ 10:00 AM
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Herbert Brooks Jr., Member SECONDER: Mica Freeman, Member AYES: VanDuyne, Newquist, Brooks Jr., Freeman, Gould, Moustis, Pretzel, WeigelABSENT: Winfrey |
XVII. NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2022
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