Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting – August 6, 2025

The Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee met at 8:30 AM on August 6, 2025, with Chair Clark presiding. The meeting included a contract approval, a detailed presentation on the 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a director’s report, an executive session to review closed session minutes, and members’ remarks. No public comments were received.

Consent Calendar

• Item 8.1 – Joint Resolution for Corporate Woods Reservoir Improvements: A motion (by Member Hewitt, seconded by Vice Chairman Hunter) authorized a contract with Bowler Construction Company Inc. of Waukegan, Illinois, in the amount of $1,065,868 for roof and internal wall repairs at the reservoir. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered.

Discussion Items

• Item 8.2 – Presentation of the Proposed 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Assistant Director Mark Borgo and Engineering Supervisor Brittany Sloan presented the five-year CIP, covering $22.4 million in enterprise-funded capital projects for fiscal year 2026. They detailed system needs, including aging infrastructure, smart water meter pilot planning, and a breakdown of investments across water production, wastewater collection, and reclamation facilities. Key projects highlighted included the Fox Lake Hills water storage facility, the Rollins Road force main replacement, and the Saunders Road sewer improvements. Committee members discussed the basis for expansion projections, noting flat population growth and cautioning against overbuilding. The presentation also reviewed upcoming projects such as the Antioch Township sewer expansion (estimated up to $145 million, with an ongoing study expected to complete by end of 2026). Chair Clark praised the strategic shift to a fully funded, methodical CIP, and members commended the clarity of the presentation.
• Item 8.3 – Director’s Report: Director McFarland provided updates: (1) renewal of a water service agreement with CLCJAWA for the Village of Mattawa, with no immediate expansion plans but allocation maintained; (2) publication of the annual Consumer Confidence Report detailing water quality testing for all 12 drinking water systems; (3) invitation for committee members to tour the Mill Creek facility on September 12, 2025, at 9 AM.
• Executive Session – Review of Closed Session Minutes: The State’s Attorney’s Office recommended releasing 6 of 40 executive session minutes from the Public Works and Transportation Committee and none of 2 from the now-inactive Public Works Planning and Transportation Committee. After a motion (by Member Hunter, seconded by Member Maine) the committee voted by roll call to enter executive session. Following the closed session, a motion (by Member Roberts, seconded by Member Hewitt) to accept the State’s Attorney’s recommendations passed unanimously. Member Frank raised a process concern about items listed as “pending litigation” that may not have been appropriate for executive session, requesting further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Contract Approval: The $1,065,868 contract for Corporate Woods Reservoir improvements was approved.
• CIP Acknowledged: The 2026–2030 CIP was presented and discussed; no vote was taken, but the committee expressed support for the strategic planning.
• Executive Session Minutes: The committee voted to accept the State’s Attorney’s recommendations, releasing 6 sets of minutes and keeping 34 closed (plus all 2 from the former committee).
• Member Hunter’s Request: The committee gave consensus for Member Hunter to invite a representative from the Lake County Department of Transportation to a multi-county meeting (Lake, McHenry, Kenosha) regarding safety and bike path connections on Wilmot Road, noting no cost to the county.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 27, 2025.