Sangamon Sun

Hancock County Highway, Road and Bridge Committee met Jan. 30

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Wayne Bollin at 8:30 a.m. Members in attendance included Mark Menn, Tom Rodgers, Alex Blythe, Mark Harrison, Ryan Weeks, and Mark Hanson. Dennis Castlebury was absent. Elgin Berry, county engineer, was also in attendance.

Mr. Berry began with the engineer’s report. There are 2 bridges that need replaced.  Structure 034-4816 over Grove Creek in Pilot Grove Township and structure 034-4242 over Baptiste Creek in Fountain Green Township. There are several roads that will be oil and chipped in 2025. Niota Road, Colusa Road, Ferris Road, Ferris Town Road, McCall Road, Colusa Town Road, and the remaining 2.25 miles of gravel on the Burnside-Durham Road will be oil and chipped. There is an estimated cost of $560,000. Motion to approve the resolutions to expend federal Local Bridge Formula Program funds and Township Bridge Program funds was made by Mr. Harrison and seconded by Mr. Blythe. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Bid lettings for bituminous materials and culverts will be held on March 12, 2025, at 11 a.m.  

There was lengthy discussion regarding the extra dirt that was needed on the Connable Road shoulders. This was an estimated $500,000 extra cost to the county. Mr. Weeks arrived at 8:40 a.m. This is about $184,000 over budget. There is enough Motor Fuel Tax money to cover the costs. Mr. Hanson arrived at 8:53 a.m. There was further discussion regarding who is responsible for the overage, the engineer on the project, Lidar, or the contractor? The committee would like to arrange to have Klingner and Associates come to the next highway meeting on February 27th to discuss this.

The committee discussed closing the Connable for 90 days. It was motioned to post the Connable Road on February 1, 2025, for 90 days by Mr. Rodgers. Mr. Blythe seconded the motion. All members present voted aye.

Mr. Weeks discussed his role as the new Noxious Weed Superintendent and that he will be speaking with Mr. Berry off and on regarding this. Claims were gone over. Motion to approve the claims was made by Mr. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Motion to recess until February 27 at 8:30 a.m. was made by Mr. Blythe, seconded by Mr. Weeks. All members present voted aye. Meeting adjourned at 9:48 a.m.

https://hancockcounty-il.gov/highway-minutes-jan-2025/