Hancock County Highway, Road and Bridge Committee met Feb. 26
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
The meeting was called to order by Dennis Castlebury at 8:30 a.m. Members in attendance Mark Menn, Tom Rodgers, and Alex Blythe. Visitors included Elgin Berry, Bobi James, Peter Skosey via zoom, and Jason Jacquot.
Mr. Skosey of BNSF Railroad was present for the meeting via Zoom. There was lengthy discussion regarding the concerns of the Fort Madison toll bridge. Cards are being charged multiple times, individuals have to get out of their vehicles for the cards to be read, concerns of the elderly having to get out of their vehicles. BNSF has implemented new software for the card readers. They have refunded those that were overcharged. Mr. Skosey stated there may be the ability to put an extension arm on the card reader. There was concern for individuals who may not have a bank account card. They may need to go to Walmart and get a prepaid Visa card. Discussion regarding the BNSF trucks being on the bridge and it being a tight squeeze for trucks passing. Mr. Skosey will be at the meeting on March 30 via zoom to give a status update.
Mr. Jacquot discussed the Basco blacktop from Elderville to Highway 96. There have been accidents from hydroplaning when it rains. Discussion regarding when the road will be reworked ensued. Mr. Berry believes it was ground up and redone in 2012-2014. The Highway Department will post caution signs on the road. He stated that IDOT as an act of legislature stated all local roads are 80,000 pounds.
Mr. Berry received proposals for phase 2 work on the LaHarpe Creek Bridge from Klingner & Associates and Hutchison Engineering. Motion to approve the bid by Klingner and Associates was made by Mr. Blythe, seconded by Mr. Rodgers. Roll call vote was taken with Rodgers, Blythe, and Castlebury voting yes, Menn abstaining.
Rig T35 was taken to Midwest Freightliner and looked over after it was hit. There was nothing found to be wrong with the vehicle. Knapheide will get the salt spreader on when it can be scheduled.
Bid letting for bituminous materials and culverts will be March 24 at 11 a.m.
Walker Township would like to improve the 4-way stop in Sutter. This will be done jointly. The township will pay $120,000 and Hancock County will pay $45,000 which is covered by the FY2026 budget for Construction and Maintenance. Mr. Rodgers approved this to be moved on to full board for approval, Mr. Blythe seconded the motion. All members present voted aye.
Mr. Menn stated there is an opportunity for a Community Development Grant which Mr. Berry is filling out. He will send this to the grant writer for Bellwether for any suggestions. This needs to be turned in by March 6.
Claims were gone over. Motion to approve the claims was made by Mr. Rodgers. Mr. Blythe seconded. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.
Mr. Blythe motioned to recess until March 30 at 8:30 a.m. with Mr. Rodgers seconding the motion. All members present voted aye. Meeting adjourned at 9:39 a.m.
https://hancockcounty-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/highway-minutes-feb-2026.pdf
