Sangamon Sun

Hancock County Highway, Road and Bridge Committee met July 30

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The meeting was called to order by committee chair Dennis Castlebury at 8:30 a.m. Members in attendance included Alex Blythe, Mark Harrison, Wayne Bollin, Tom Rodgers, and Mark Menn. Elgin Berry, county engineer, was also in attendance. Mark Hanson and Ryan Weeks were absent. Visitors included Lee Ann Lambert, Beau Whitaker, and Bob James.

Mr. Whitaker informed the committee of a problem that he had with W.L. Miller Company. He had been asked by the company to do oil and chipping for the county that would take 1 to 2 weeks. His company worked Thursday and Friday. He was told by Tom Mecklenburg that he would let him know when to start on Monday due to the weatherOn Monday he got in touch with Mr. Mecklenburg who stated that they would no longer need their company and that they had pulled trucks from Missouri to finish the job. Mr. Whitaker asked if Hancock County residents could have first right of refusal when the county is taking bids with a company who may subcontract out the work. Mr. Berry stated he is not sure if this can be stated in contract. Mr. Whitaker left at 8:41 a.m.

Motion to go into executive session was made at 8:42 by Mr. Rodgers, seconded by Mr. Harrison regarding 5 ILCS 120/1. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried. Motion to leave executive session was made at 8:49 by Mr. Bollin and seconded by Mr. Harrison. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Mr. Menn will appoint 4 board members to a special committee at full board regarding employee concerns.

Mr. Blythe motioned to move the next highway meeting to 8 a.m. on August 28, Mr. Harrison seconded. All members present voted aye.

Road use agreements were discussed. Mr. Greeley with Bellwether was contacted via phone at 8:58. Mr. Menn asked if we could include a $10,000 fee and a $1,000,000 bond with each road use agreement. Mr. Greeley stated you cannot hold anybody to a standard until it is passed. What can be done if there is damage to the road. Mr. Blythe made a motion to add to the solar road use agreements a $10,000 nonrefundable fee and no less than a $1,000,000/mile bond.  Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

There was lengthy discussion regarding the purchasing of a pug mill. It was stated to get it on paper and see what the return would be on it. Mr. Harrison does not believe townships would complain about a surcharge since they are having to go to Quincy to get pug mix currently. Mr. Bollin stated to get a contract with townships who are interested for the next 5 years to make sure that the county will recoup this money. Mr. Menn would like to have proof that townships are interested by signing a contract.

Motion to approve the van lease payment was made by Mr. Rodgers, seconded by Mr. Harrison.  A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried. 

Mr. Menn asked if Ameren had a road use agreement with the county? Mr. Berry stated no. It was stated that their subcontractor is breaking the law and what do we do about it. Mr. Berry will speak with the states attorney about sending a letter about a road use agreement to Ameren and see what else can be done regarding this.

Claims were gone over. Motion to pay the claims was made by Mr. Blythe, seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Mr. Rodgers made a motion to recess until August 28 at 8 a.m., Mr. Harrison seconded. All members present voted aye. Meeting adjourned at 10:21 a.m.

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