August 11, 2012, By Pam Meagher, The Road and Bridge Meeting was held in the Blue Room, Logan County Safety Complex on
August 6, 2012

Present: Terry Carlton; Bob Farmer; Rick Aylesworth; Kevin Bateman; Gene Rohlfs; Chuck Ruben
 
Guests: Bret Aukamp – County Engineer; Curt Fox; Derek Hurley

Mr. Carlton called the meeting to order at 7:51 pm.

A motion was made by Mr. Farmer, seconded by Mr. Rohlfs, to approve the minutes from the July 2, 2012 meeting as printed. Motion passed.

Mr. Aukamp reviewed the list of claims for payments. A motion was made by Mr. Ruben, seconded by Mr. Rohlfs to approve the list of claims for payment. Motion passed.

Monthly report on current maintenance and construction: Mr. Aukamp reported roads have been seal-coated in the southwest corner of the County. Roads were blotted, as needed. They have also been spraying herbicides in guardrail areas. There have been several equipment issues. The rubber tire roller is having issues with the hydraulic drive motor. The semi-truck did not pass its license test and may not be cost-effective to be repaired. This truck may need to go to surplus. This will make it difficult to haul equipment, when required. The bridge project in Eminence Township is complete. The rock on the roadway is still very loose because of the drought and limitations on water usage because of water restrictions. It will stay loose and the township will continue to work that road until rain is able to assist with compacting. Signs are displayed to warn motorists. County Highway 1 south of Mt. Pulaski has been stabilized with cement. Profiling the surface should begin on the 10th. Paving will begin next week. Survey work began on Primm Road last week. Some appraisals have been received on Fifth Street Road. They will be reviewed after construction projects are completed.

Old Business:
1) ALDI development in City of Lincoln: The letter of credit has been received, as well as the dedication for additional right-of-way to eventually make a cul-de-sac out of the road. Mr. Aukamp has not been contacted regarding any construction in that right of way. As soon as this is constructed, the County will transfer jurisdiction of the roadway to the City of Lincoln.

New Business:
1) Recent bridge closures: Mr. Aukamp reported there were two bridge closures in Orvil Township in the last month. They are iron truss bridges with significant weight restrictions and there was concern over maintenance and liability issues. The township has no plans to remove or replace them. If the township wanted to have them removed, a letting would be held and the contractor would need to sign a release from liability. At this point, the township has no plans to pursue this.
2) Bridge repair project for Mt. Pulaski township: This project is southeast of Lake Fork. Hydraulics have been done. Going through the approval process, the IDOT bridge office recommended repair instead of replacement. The bridge office provided repair plans for the County at no cost. This will lower the cost of the project. There is a second bridge that similar plans will be provided to repair in a similar manner. If Mr. Aukamp can get those plans quickly, he is hopeful it can be done soon to take advantage of the dry weather.
3) Upcoming negotiations for maintenance contract: Mr. Aukamp reminded the committee that the union contract will expire November 30, 2012. Negotiations will need to begin sometime this fall. The committee discussed the possibility of trying to adjust the contract length in order to get all union contracts expiring at the same time. Mr. Carlton and Mr. Farmer will review possible dates with Mr. Aukamp for these meetings.
4) Review of budget worksheets: Mr. Aukamp previously distributed the worksheets that he submitted at the Finance budget hearing. He asked the committee to bring forward any concerns he had. The only significant difference was an accounting modification in order to have a separate equipment fund in an effort to build a fund balance for future purchases of large equipment. The other item of discussion was the payment of the Engineer’s salary out of the Motor Fuel Tax fund. Last year, the Board approved payment of his salary from the MFT fund, but that is depleting the fund balance of that fund. At this time, he would prefer his salary be paid out of the property tax levy in the Highway Fund. Mr. Ruben indicated his recollection was that the Board intended for the salary to continue to come from MFT. At the budget hearings, the Finance Committee agreed to develop the first draft of the budget by funding his salary using half from the property tax levy in the Highway Fund and the other half coming from Motor Fuel Tax funds.

A motion was made by Mr. Ruben, seconded by Mr. Aylesworth, to go into executive discussion for discussion of personnel matters (pursuant to 5ILCS120/2©1). Roll call vote taken 6 yes 0 no Motion passed. Adjourned to executive session at 8:19 pm.

Returned to open session at 8:35 pm.

A motion was made by Mr. Bateman, seconded by Mr. Farmer, to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. Meeting ended at 8:36 pm.