Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting - September 30, 2026

The Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on September 30, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The meeting was called to order by Chair Clark with roll call and Pledge of Allegiance. The committee unanimously approved several resolutions related to capital improvements, contracts, land acquisition, and grant applications. Key discussions included the Cedar Lake Road realignment, Old McHenry Road underpass, and the establishment of a special service area for Del Mar Wood subdivision.

Consent Calendar

• Item 8.1: Consent agenda approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• 8.2 – 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Director McFarland presented the CIP for the Department of Public Works. No significant comments were received; the program was recommended for acceptance.
• 8.3 – Contract with Kirschhofer Truck Service for sand, gravel, stone, and spoil removal services ($291,783): The contract supports restoration after water main and sewer repairs. Kirschhofer was the lowest responsible bidder.
• 8.4 – Contract with Amber Mechanical Contractors for HVAC replacement at Vernon Hills New Century Town Water Reclamation Facility ($194,400): The unit had reached end of useful life (over 25-30 years).
• 8.5 – Contract with Capital Industrial Coatings for painting of lift stations ($183,300): Painting protects exposed lift stations; specific paint specifications are used for durability (5-6 years).
• 8.6 – Contract with Archline Construction for force main replacements at West Columbia Bay Road and Lakeside Drive ($1,672,084): These pressurized sewer mains have reached end of service life. Bypass pumping will be used to avoid service interruption. Director McFarland noted proactive assessment of water and sewer mains with CDM Smith to prioritize future repairs.
• 8.7 – Resolution requesting quick take powers for Cedar Lake Road realignment: Director Schneider explained this is a risk management tool to secure a $19 million RAISE grant by allowing parallel land acquisition and negotiations. The project is about $50 million. Support from state legislators noted.
• 8.8 – Resolution dedicating county property along Winchester Road to DOT for public roadway: Formalizes existing usage, including a bike path and intersection improvements. Also facilitates upcoming IDOT ADA improvements.
• 8.9 – Resolution appropriating $7,600,000 for right-of-way acquisition for Old McHenry Road improvement: This transformational project includes an underpass under the Canadian National Railroad to eliminate 30-minute delays from 20 daily freight trains, plus intersection and non-motorized improvements. 50 parcels involved. Construction targeted for 2029.
• 8.10 – Authorizing grant applications for ITEP grants for Patriot Path segment along IL 137 and non-motorized improvements for Cedar Lake Road: Patriot Path segment connects to Robert McClory bike path; previous $2M grant expired but they are reapplying for up to $5M. Discussion about delays with IDOT on appraisals for land acquisition at the naval base.
• 8.11 – Appropriation of $200,000 for right-of-way acquisition for Fairfield Road culvert replacement at Round Lake Drain: Partnership with SMC; culvert replacement to address upstream flooding. Work to occur next year with staged construction.
• 8.12 – Director's Report: Three items: (1) Returning a $6M CMAP grant for connected vehicle technology due to lack of standardization; (2) Low bid for Deerfield Road Reconstruction Project was $64M vs engineer's estimate of $50M – analysis underway; (3) Lake County will provide a semi-truck and worker to assist Cook County with debris removal after an August tornado (500,000 cubic yards of woody debris).
• 8.13 – Ordinance establishing Special Service Area No. 18 for Del Mar Wood Subdivision: Deputy County Administrator Matt Myers and Attorney Steve Rice presented. This resolves a decades-long issue where the subdivision's sanitary district lacked maintenance funding. After public hearings and no petition, the county will take over operations. 110 homes will benefit. Future steps include dissolution of the old district.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions (items 8.1 through 8.11 and 8.13) were approved unanimously by voice vote (all "Aye", no opposed).
• The committee expressed support for creating signage to highlight Lake County infrastructure projects, similar to the "Rebuild Joaquin" signs in Waukegan. Staff will explore options and report back.
• The next meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2026.