Kendall County Highway Department Committee met November 13.
Here is the minutes as provided by the committee:
The committee meeting convened at 4:13 P.M. with roll call of committee members. Gryder and Cullick absent. Quorum established.
Motion Davidson; second Gilmour to approve the agenda as presented. Motion approved unanimously.
Motion Davidson; second Gilmour to approve the Highway Committee meeting minutes from October 9, 2018. Motion approved unanimously.
Allens Persons, Director of Public Works for Village of Plainfield, introduced the Diageo project, which has been approved by the Village of Plainfield in the past month. It is the largest warehouse distribution development in the Village’s history, and it promotes the extension of 143rd Street, which is part of the Village’s long term plan to get truck traffic out of downtown Plainfield. Dave Riefe of Seefried Industrial Properties discussed the proposed project. Seefried, as developer, plans to construct a 1.5 million square foot building on a 133-acre farm on the north side of 143rd Street approximately 1 mile east of Ridge Road, and lease the building to Diageo North America. Diageo’s existing manufacturing facility is about 2 miles east of the proposed site near the intersection of 143rd Street and Van Dyke Road, where they currently manufacture Smirnoff Vodka, Guinness Beer, Captain Morgan Rum, as well as other products. The new warehouse and distribution will allow Diageo to market their products nationally, not just locally. Diageo enjoys a 52-year history in Plainfield, and they are currently the largest private employer in the Village. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2019, with completion in the summer of 2020.
Kellogg asked about the traffic plan, and what directions traffic would be moving upon completion of the project. The developer hired Kimley-Horn Associates to perform a detailed traffic study, based on actual numbers from their existing operations located in Bollingbrook and Romeoville. Upon connection of 143rd Street to Ridge Road, it is expected that about 85% of all outbound long-distance trucks will be exiting to Ridge Road, although this is only expected to be about 200 trucks per day; and the vast majority of trucks would be going south to I-80. The study projected that Ridge Road can easily accommodate the increase in traffic.
Gilmour asked about the extension of 143rd Street easterly to Route 126. Randy Jessen, Superintendent of Public Improvements for the Village of Plainfield, indicated that the Village has received a $20 million federal grant to extend 143rd easterly from Route 59. That work should begin in about 3 years. The 143rd Street Corridor, from Ridge Road to Route 126 is expected to be completed within the next 5 years or so.
Davidson confirmed that the intent of the Village is to get truck traffic off Route 126 in downtown Plainfield, and redirect truck traffic to 143rd Street. He was concerned that Ridge Road north of Route 126 would not be able to handle all the redirected truck traffic that is currently on Route 126. He didn’t think the road would hold up, and wondered whether the Village would be partnering with the County to make future improvements. The Village didn’t have an answer for that question at this time. Jessen indicated that the long-term plan is to continue 143rd Street (Johnson Road) westerly, and eventually connect with Route 126 east of Schlapp Road. This would take all truck traffic onto 143rd Street and get it off Ridge Road, although this is a long term plan that might not happen for decades.
Klaas asked how far the proposed site was from Ridge Road, and whether Diageo would be making the westerly extension of 143rd Street and intersection improvements at Ridge Road. The Village indicated that Ridge Road intersection and 143rd Street improvements between Ridge Road and the proposed Diageo site would be a separate, municipally-driven project. Timeline is for construction documents to be ready in 2020, with construction of the roadway and intersection in 2021.
Davidson reiterated his concern about the condition of Ridge Road north of Route 126, and suggested the need for an agreement with the Village of Plainfield for future improvements. Kellogg asked if the Village was in discussion with Illinois Department of Transportation in regard to the Village taking over jurisdiction of Route 126 within the corporate limits. The Village indicated that preliminary discussions are underway regarding this issue. Kellogg also asked if the easterly extension of 143rd Street included an overpass at the Railroad. The Village indicated that the easterly extension starts at Route 59 and heads easterly from there. It includes a 900’ bridge over the River, but does not include an overpass of the Railroad.
Brent Pendry from Baxter & Woodman discussed some of the design guidelines for 143rd Street, including wetlands, storm water, intersection design and capacity, as well as project schedule. The committee also discussed the idea of a roundabout at the Ridge Road intersection. Pendry confirmed that all alternatives for an intersection improvement will be considered.
Kellogg asked about the long-term plan to encourage more light industrial and commercial development in the Ridge Road area. Allen Persons said that the Village hasn’t provided that direction yet, but they understand the need for development other than residential. Persons also indicated that there would likely be many vehicles coming from Oswego that would use the 143rd Street improvement. 500 jobs will also be created from this project. He thanked the Committee and promised that the Village would continue working with the County to solve issues in this area.
Motion Davidson; second Gilmour to recommend approval of the low bid of Grainco FS to supply 15,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline at $1.9948/gallon and 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel at $2.5375/gallon. Motion carried unanimously.
The Committee discussed the idea of implementing a method for establishing no parking zones on county highways. Committee agreed that no parking restrictions should be established at the committee level. The State’s attorney will be drafting up an ordinance to address this, and formal action will come back to committee at a later date.
Committee reviewed a request from the Forest Preserve to pay a part, or all of the cost of a tile survey in the area of Fox River Bluffs. KCFPD had received a proposal from Huddleston McBride to perform said survey at a cost of $11,135. Klaas indicated that a tile survey would provide good information for the Eldamain Road extension, and would ultimately save the County money through elimination of Exploration Trench quantities in a future road contract. Motion Davidson; second Gilmour to pay 2/3 of the cost of the tile survey, not to exceed $7,500, with funds coming out of the Transportation Sales Tax Fund. Motion carried unanimously.
Highway Committee reviewed the Long Range Transportation Plan. The draft plan has been posted on the County’s website for a couple weeks. Plan has been updated with the latest information. The County is required to have a long range plan because of the implementation of a transportation sales tax. Motion Davidson; second Gilmour to recommend approval of the Long Range Plan to the County Board. Motion carried unanimously.
Kellogg suggested the idea of hiring a lobbyist to work on funding for the Eldamain Road project. Chairman Gryder has discussed the idea with Kellogg and the County Engineer. He indicated that this matter will be brought up at C.O.W. Klaas volunteered to research the matter, since he has not previously been involved in hiring lobbyist previously. Kellogg also asked Klaas about SB 2610, which would withhold Motor Fuel Tax from local governments unless they implement a disadvantaged business enterprise program for the inclusion of minority, veteran and femaleowned businesses in the procurement of all contracts regardless of whether MFT revenue is involved. Klaas indicated that it would be extremely difficult and cumbersome for his very small department to implement.
PJ Fitzpatrick provided brief update on Collins Road Extension. Project Development Report approval is expected very soon. Millington Bridge work has been stalled. Ament Road box culvert is completed and road is open. Reservation Road Bridge has been repaired and roadway is open.
Motion Davidson; second Gilmour to forward Highway Department bills for the month of November in the amount of $431,982.62 to the Finance Committee for approval. Motion approved unanimously.
Motion Gilmour; second Kellogg to adjourn the meeting at 4:57 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.
https://www.co.kendall.il.us/wp-content/uploads/11-13-18-1.pdf
Alerts Sign-up