Kendall County Times

City of Yorkville Public Works Committee met Nov. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

IN ATTENDANCE:

Committee Members

Chairman Ken Koch; Alderman Matt Marek (via Zoom); Alderman Rusty Corneils

Absent: Alderman Craig Soling

Other City Officials

City Administrator Bart Olson Public Works Director Eric Dhuse Assistant City Administrator Erin Willrett (via Zoom) Engineer Brad Sanderson, EEI Alderman Chris Funkhouser

Other Guests:

Mr. Joey Weslo, Kendall County Record (via Zoom) Jen Rakas (via Zoom)

The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Chairman Ken Koch.

Citizen Comments: None

Previous Meeting Minutes: October 15, 2024

The minutes were approved as presented.

New Business:

1. PW2024-94 Kennedy Road Roadway Improvements – Phase I Engineering Agreement Mr. Olson said this agreement is for surface improvements. The city anticipates receiving about $2 million from the Kane Kendall Council of Mayors and the phase 1 design engineering needs to be completed by the time the Council of Mayors notifies the city within 1-2 years. EEI has prepared the contract in the amount just over $324,000. He said the expenses will be split over the next 2 fiscal years and he recommended approval. Mr. Sanderson added this is an STP funded project and phase 1 and 2 engineering need to be done. The project is for reconstruction from Autumn Creek to Freedom Place by the golf course.

Alderman Corneils asked if the engineering would still be current if the actual project occurs further in the future. Engineer Sanderson said the construction is funded for 2028 and he said phase 1 takes 12-18 months to go through IDOT approval. The STP projects take about 5 years. Mr. Sanderson also noted that the curves in the road do not meet current safety standards and additional right-of-way will be needed. Speed limits will also be looked at for safety in this location. It is hoped to obtain right-of-way next summer near the golf course. This item moves to the regular agenda of the City Council.

2. PW 2024-95 2024 Water Main Replacement (Contract B) – Change Order No. 1 This is a balancing Change Order which is a substantial decrease of $145,000 and Mr. Sanderson recommended approval. This will move to the Council consent agenda with committee approval.

3. PW 2024-96 Roadway Improvement Plans – Alignment and Location Update (Beecher Road, Faxon Road and Corneils Road)

Mr. Sanderson referred to the memo and exhibit in the agenda packet and said Alderman Funkhouser had requested information regarding the status of this area. Staff has been looking at the area as potential development comes to the city. Mr. Sanderson reported on the future improvements for these roads. Eventually S. Beecher will align with N. Beecher south of the railroad tracks and Cyrus One has committed to reconstruct Beecher which will remain a 2-lane road. Faxon Rd. will be redone by Cyrus One and end at Beecher Rd. Corneils to the north will be redone, partly funded by Bright Farms. The curve on Corneils at Rob Roy Creek will be softened.

Mr. Olson added further information. First, Faxon Rd. will not cross the RR tracks as it would be costly to the city to re-open the tracks. Second, regarding the Daniels property, is the alignment of Beecher Rd. It cannot be moved to the east and going south would go through a farmstead. The third option is to take it west and then connect with Beecher. Staff spoke with nearby residents who want the road kept as far away from their homes as possible to keep potential data centers farther away. Committee members also preferred the third option. The committee agreed that Faxon should not have a railroad crossing. Mr. Olson noted that there is no east-west corridor in that part of the city.

Alderman Funkhouser asked about taking Faxon along the south side of the creek, however, Mr. Sanderson said there is a wetland and another home in that area. The committee discussed if these particular roads would be considered rural. They will be rural and there are specific rules for drainage and how deep the ditches are.

4. PW 2024-97 2024 Road to Better Roads – Change in Plans and Final Estimate

Mr. Sanderson said 2 items are required for an MFT project, those being a pay estimate and Change Order and both must be approved. The Change Order was almost $13,000 under budget and Mr. Sanderson recommended approval of both. This will move to the consent agenda.

5. PW 2024-98 Meter Change Out

As part of the Lake Michigan water project, the water loss for the city is required to be under 10% , said Mr. Dhuse. A key component of that is replacing old meters that might be reading or registering incorrectly. Some of the meters were installed over 20 years ago and are past their lifespan. He said it would be too cumbersome for staff to replace all meters. He explained the “walking routes” and the Itron meters that are currently in use and he said the goal is to have all meters be “radio-read” for efficiency.

During the meter replacement process, Mr. Dhuse said the water meter company would contact the residents to set up an appointment for meter replacement. If residents were hesitant about this process, the city would assist the company in gaining access for the change out. The company will also complete all other aspects such as software, installing radio on the water tower, etc. Alderman Funkhouser asked about the timeline and if meters were readily available. The entire process would take 3-5 months and there is no shortage of meters. Mr. Dhuse said the process will begin as soon as the Council approves the proposal. A super majority vote will be required so this will move to the regular Council agenda with committee recommendation.

6. PW 2024-99 Rob Roy Drainage District Scope of Work

Mr. Dhuse reported on this item and said the District has asked the city to facilitate this contract for installation of HDPE pipe and additional grading to ensure water flows correctly into the pipe and the ditch. He said many areas of the ditch are the same as in 1905 when it was constructed and not properly graded, resulting in standing water. There were 2 bids, but the cost is over $25,000 and requires a super majority vote. Alderman Koch asked about the $500,000 available from the county and about the future of the drainage district. Mr. Dhuse said the funds will return to the county after the first of the year if not spent. As for the future, Mr. Dhuse said it was dormant a long time and in 2014 the Farm Bureau re-instated the drainage districts. Now they are trying to maintain the district and to help the drainage work correctly. It was noted that a very minimal tax could be levied through development per a court judgment.

Alderman Corneils asked what would happen if the completion date is not met. Mr. Dhuse said a stopping point would be chosen so that the city would not be liable for any further cost. He also said the contractor has indicated the work will be completed without issue. The city cannot re-apply for the money if the deadline passes. Overall, Mr. Olson recommended moving forward with the project. This will require a super majority vote and will be on the agenda of the next City Council meeting

Old Business:

1. PW 2024-93 Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the United City of Yorkville, Kendall County, Illinois Regulating on-Street Parking (Garden Street)

Mr. Dhuse said signs have been erected to allow parking during drop-off and pick-up times of students and no complaints have been voiced. This now requires codification so police can enforce it and it will move to the Council consent agenda.

Additional Business: None

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 6:52pm.

https://www.yorkville.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6018