McLean County Times

McLean County Land Use and Transportation Committee met Sept. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Land Use and Transportation Committee of the McLean County Board met at 8:00 a.m. in Room 400 of the Government Center, 115 E. Washington St., Bloomington, Illinois.

Members Present: Chairman Soeldner Members William Friedrich, Gerald Thompson, Lea Cline, Jim Rogal and Beverly Bell

Members Absent Member Shayna Watchinski

Other Members Present: None

Staff Members Present: Cassy Taylor, County Administrator; Cathy Dreyer, Assistant County Administrator; Anthony Grant, Assistant County Administrator; Christopher Spanos, First Assistant State’s Attorney – Civil Division, Julie Morlock, Recording Secretary

Department Heads Present: Jerry Stokes, County Engineer

Others Present: Luke Hohulin, Highway Department

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Soeldner at 8:00 a.m. and a quorum declared.

Chairman Soeldner presented the August 2, 2022, Land Use and Transportation Committee regular meeting minutes for approval.

Motion by Cline/Bell to approve the August 2, 2022, Land Use and Transportation Committee regular meeting minutes.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Soeldner presented prepaid bills in the amount of $1,740,712.62 for the Highway Department.

Motion by Thompson/Cline to recommend payment of Highway bills as presented.

Motion carried.

Mr. Soeldner presented the prepaid bills in the amount of $692.06 for the Building and Zoning Department.

Motion by Friedrich/Bell to recommend payment of the Building and Zoning bills as presented.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Soeldner confirmed with Cassy Taylor there were no appearances by members of the public or County employees.

Chairman Soeldner presented for action on behalf of Jerry Stokes and the Highway Department a request to approve a Resolution for Purchase of Equipment. Mr. Hohulin handed out budget figures for equipment. Mr. Stokes noted purchasing equipment has been a challenge and provided history including putting regular bid in, then submitting for state bid, but GM is not making fleet vehicles they need. He indicated the figures presented show purchase of a ¾ ton on the lot that is currently on the lot and two back hoes this year and moving 3rd truck to 2023. Mr. Friedrich asked how they move trucks from their inventory if they are not a trade in. Mr. Stokes indicated trucks are put on an auction site. Mr. Friedrich asked about townships purchasing. Mr. Stokes indicated they let townships know when equipment is for sale.

Motion by Cline/Friedrich to recommend approval of a Resolution for Purchase of Equipment.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Soeldner presented for action a request to approve a Supplemental Motor Fuel Tax Resolution for Ropp Road (CH 39), Section 20-00056-11-RS. Mr. Stokes indicated this is a clean-up item for a project completed in 2021. He noted that because the project involved federal funds they had to report figures in a different program which had been changed. He noted the new program requires more information, so it took longer than anticipated to get reports completed. He indicated this covered the extra man hours needed for those reports.

Motion by Thompson/Bell to recommend approval of a Supplemental Motor Fuel Tax Resolution for Ropp Road (CH 39), Section 20-00056-11-RS

Motion Carried.

Mr. Stokes noted it had been a busy month and will be a busy week as they try to finalize projects. He provided an update and pictures of projects including Brand II Bridge on Stringtown, Meadows Road project, White Oak Road, and Chenoa Road. Mr. Thompson asked for clarification on amount of asphalt laid down on Meadows Road. Mr. Stokes went over amount used in the project. Ms. Bell asked how long it usually takes to put hot mix down. Mr. Stokes indicated about 1.5 miles a day.

Mr. Stokes provided final numbers on PJ Keller Highway and south section of Meadows Road. He also went over project on Lexington East. Mr. Thompson asked about grade controls on graders. Mr. Stokes indicated controls not on the equipment but handled with separate GPS equipment. Chairman Soeldner asked if there were any additional questions on his reports; hearing none, he thanked him.

Mr. Soeldner asked about the public meeting for Seminary Street and downtown Downs. Mr. Stokes confirmed public meeting was well attended and no major issues were brought up. He noted the project would include resurfacing the County road through Downs, replacing the shoulder with curb and gutter so road would seem wider and help with drainage and adding ADA compliant ramps to the downtown area. Mr. Soeldner asked about possible detours and timing of the project. Mr. Stokes indicated project would be about 2-3 months and they would probably have to detour traffic down Washington St. He indicated they hoped to start in May with work that did not involve closing road and then close the road in June.

Mr. Friedrich indicated they had built a great road around lake but motorcycles driving too fast out there. He asked about ways to slow the traffic down. Mr. Stokes indicated they would look at possible options.

Chairman Soeldner indicated Mr. Phil Dick, Building and Zoning Department was not present, but asked if there were any questions. Ms. Cline indicated she submitted a series of questions to be asked at the ZBA meeting tonight. Ms. Taylor confirmed receipt of questions.

Chairman Soeldner asked Ms. Taylor if she had anything for the Committee. Ms. Taylor confirmed she had nothing for the Committee today.

Mr. Soeldner asked Mr. Stokes if they had any issues with employment at the Highway. Mr. Stokes confirmed they are currently fully staffed.

Mr. Soeldner asked about dust control on roads used by Sapphire Farms. Mr. Hohulin indicated the company had been addressing potholes but at the last regular meeting noted they would be putting down more dust control chemicals this week and continue to run water trucks. Mr. Hohulin also indicated dust should be reduced now that the concrete work had been completed.

Chairman Soeldner asked if there was any other business to come before the Committee; hearing none, he adjourned the meeting at 8:38 a.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9205