Lake County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting - February 4, 2026

The Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on February 4, 2026, at 8:30 AM. Chair Clark presided. Member Roberts participated electronically due to a work conflict. The committee approved several contracts and received updates on the Pactura water system conversion, Julie locate services, and the Envision 2050 long-range transportation plan. The meeting was held in a hybrid format.

Consent Calendar

• Item 8.1: Consent agenda was approved by unanimous voice vote (motion by Wasick, second by Casbin).

Discussion Items

• Item 8.2: Generator Replacement – Remington LRSD Lift Station (Joint Resolution authorizing contract with Buckeye Power Sales Co. Inc., Romeoville, IL, for $94,965). Director McFarland explained the generator had reached its useful life (typically 10-15 years). The committee discussed salvaging the old unit and efficiencies of newer natural gas generators. Member Wasick noted the replacement likely has a lower carbon footprint. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Item 8.3: Director's Report – Pactura Water System & Wildwood Water Main Update. Director McFarland reported that the Pactura system began receiving Lake Michigan water on December 19, 2026, after a delay caused by new EPA regulations. Only a few complaints about elevated residual chlorine were received, and adjustments are being made. Additional lead and copper testing is required for about a year and a half. The project used ARPA funds. On the Wildwood water main, McFarland stated a secondary feeder main is being installed to supply Arbor Vista and Liberty Acres due to concerns about a 50-year-old existing main. The new main will allow the old one to be shut down for assessment.
• Item 8.4: Julie Utility Locating Services (Joint Resolution authorizing contract with USIC Locating Services LLC, Indianapolis, IN, for $165,204, plus $20,600 in Julie fees, totaling $218,800 from quarter-percent sales tax). DOT Director Schneider explained the contract is required by state law for utility locates. Last year the county processed about 17,000 tickets. The committee discussed the efficiency of the service and the importance of public outreach to encourage residents to call 811 before digging. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Item 8.6: Intersection Improvement Engineering – Rollins Road & Wilson Road (Joint Resolution authorizing agreement with Stanley Consultants Inc., Chicago, IL, for Phase I engineering services at a maximum cost of $1,773,869, appropriating $2,130,000 from quarter-percent sales tax). DOT Director Schneider said the intersection is about 30 years old with end-of-life traffic signals and pavement. Phase I will evaluate alternatives including roundabout, turn lanes, and bike path connections. Member Hunter noted a major sanitary interceptor runs under the road and coordination with Public Works is needed. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Item 8.6 (repeated): Envision 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan Update – Vision & Goals. Mike Clemens, Manager of Transportation Planning, and Kevin Carrier, Assistant County Engineer, presented revised vision statements and goals. The committee discussed two vision options: Option 1 ("sustainable, resilient transportation system") and Option 2 (more aspirational, including "safety is absolute, reliability is guaranteed, mobility is a right"). Most members (Clark, Maine, Hewitt, Casbin, Hunter) preferred Option 1, with suggestions to remove a dash, add something about fiscal responsibility and community responsiveness. Member Wasick liked parts of Option 2 but acknowledged it was dense. Members requested examples of how the adopted vision would affect project selection. The goals incorporate climate resilience throughout. Next steps include stakeholder meetings in early March, public engagement, and a draft plan with projects by late summer 2026. The non-motorized transportation policy update is also underway.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Generator replacement contract (Item 8.2) approved unanimously.
• Julie locate services contract (Item 8.4) approved unanimously.
• Rollins/Wilson intersection engineering contract (Item 8.6) approved unanimously.
• Envision 2050 Vision & Goals: The committee expressed preference for Vision Option 1 with modifications. Staff will revise and bring back a refined version, including examples of how the vision will impact project decisions. The plan update will continue with stakeholder input and public meetings.