Sangamon Sun

Hancock County Highway, Road and Bridge Committee met Aug. 28

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The meeting was called to order by committee chair Dennis Castlebury at 8:29 a.m. Members in attendance include Alex Blythe, Mark Harrison, Mark Menn, and Wayne Bollin. Absent were Ryan Weeks, Mark Hanson, and Tom Rodgers. Elgin Berry, Bobi James, and William Poncin were also in attendance.

Motion to move into executive session was made by Mr. Bollin, seconded by Mr. Blythe at 8:29 a.m. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried. Motion to leave executive session was made by Mr. Blythe at 8:37 a.m., seconded by Mr. Bollin. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Ms. James discussed what makes the difference between needing a road use agreement versus a permit. What triggers a road use agreement? She will discuss with Mr. Berry the fees and why they are needed for the road use agreement.

Charles Gavillet called Ms. James’ office and set up an appointment to meet with her. She reiterated his request and his positions. She will run this through with Mr. Poncin and see if he has any thoughts.

Ms. James needs the amount of dirt that was an overage on the Connable Road to be able to write a letter to Klingner about. Mr. Berry will send this to her. There was a problem with the engineering and they should stand behind that. Ms. James and Mr. Poncin left at 8:46 a.m.

Mr. Berry sent out a survey regarding the pug mill to municipalities and the townships. The total tonnage would be 2170, total tonnage with a commitment was 743. It was discussed to see where we are in a year. Mr. Harrison motioned to table pursuing a new pug mill at this time. Mr. Bollin seconded the motion. All members present voted aye.

IDOT is resuming responsibility for local agency bridge inspections. There is a consortium of 6 engineering firms that will perform these inspections. Hancock County is in a pilot program that will begin later this year. Derek Van Fleet will be working parttime for Klingner and Associates in his off-duty time to do bridge inspections.

Motion to move into executive was made by Mr. Blythe at 9:05 a.m., seconded by Mr. Bollin. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried. Motion to move out of executive was made by Mr. Blythe at 9:09 a.m. Mr. Harrison seconded the motion. All members present voted aye.

Mr. Harrison made a motion to accept the engineer’s report. Mr. Blythe seconded. All members present voted aye.

Mr. Bollin stated that if we are planning to do the rest of the Connable Road in the future, could we get the engineering done on it. Mr. Berry stated that he has $100,000 in the upcoming budget to get that done. He states it will take approximately a year to be shovel-ready. Mr. Bollin talked about a bump in one of the roads that he believes needs to be grounded off.

The Colusa blacktop is oil and chipped, the wheel ruts are gone, and are waiting on paint striping. The Warsaw bottom road is also done with microsurfacing and needs paint striping done.

Bills were gone over. Motion to approve the claims was made by Mr. Bollin, seconded by Mr. Harrison. A roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion carried.

Motion to recess until September 29 at 8:30 was made by Mr. Bollin. Mr. Blythe seconded the motion. All members present voted aye. Meeting adjourned at 9:38 a.m.

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