Public Works Committee Minutes 2025 05-20-25APPROVED 6/17/25
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UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 6:00pm
Yorkville City Hall, East Conference Room #337
651 Prairie Pointe Drive, Yorkville, IL
IN ATTENDANCE:
Committee Members
Chairman Craig Soling Alderman Dan Transier
Alderman Rusty Corneils Alderman Joe Plocher
Other City Officials
Erin Willrett, Assistant City Administrator Public Works Director Eric Dhuse
Engineer Brad Sanderson, EEI Assistant Public Works Director John Sleezer
Alderman Matt Marek Alderman Chris Funkhouser
Other Guests: None
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Chairman Craig Soling.
Citizen Comments: None
Previous Meeting Minutes: April 15, 2025
The minutes were approved as presented.
New Business:
1. PW 2025-45 Quarterly Bond and Letter of Credit Reduction Summary
Mr. Sanderson said this is a standard summary with 2 action items, one for Grande Reserve Unit 4 and the other
for Timber Ridge Estates. This is for info.
2. PW 2025-46 Capital Improvement Projects Update
A couple of the many projects were highlighted by Mr. Sanderson. One was the Eldamain water main loop and
the southern sanitary connection project, both under construction for Cyrus 1. It should be finished by the end of
June. Also, the local road program has had concrete work done in Heartland--Bristol Bay will begin after that.
New surface has also been completed on Van Emmon by D Construction. Alderman Corneils asked about the
land acquisition at Kennedy Road and Freedom Place. Mr. Sanderson said there is some movement on this and
the right-of-way has been staked. Mr. Corneils also asked about the sidewalk replacement in Countryside and if
any landscaping will be done. That work should be done in the next couple weeks.
3. PW 2025-47 Traffic Studies
Mr. Dhuse said a couple traffic studies were done as a result of an accident and from a resident request. The first
study was on Somonauk and Spring from McHugh to Colton. The outcome was a recommendation to change
from a yield sign to a stop sign at Liberty and Somonauk St. Other signage and stop bars will be placed.
Increased traffic is seen on Somonauk to bypass Rt. 34 and 47. There are over 2,000 cars on Somonauk and
Spring. The other area was Grande Trail and Constitution near the school. A stop sign will be added near the
school. Also, a stop sign will be placed at Berrywood and Lehman with Berrywood being the through street.
Four residents requested this study. This moves to the consent agenda.
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4. PW 2025-48 Resolution Approving the Release of a Performance Guarantee Bond Related to Grande
Reserve Unit 8
Mr. Sanderson said this is the final step for the acceptance process. One year ago the city accepted the
improvements and a 1-year warranty period follows. All punchlist items have now been completed and he
recommended full release. This moves to the consent agenda.
5. PW 2025-49 Resolution Approving a Change Order Relating to the Bluestem Water Main
Replacement Project
The contract was awarded a few months ago and was for the Lake Michigan water project. An 8 inch water
main needed to be replaced by a 16 inch main. It was found that GIS information was incorrect and further
investigation was done by Mr. Dhuse's staff. They discovered that one more block needed to be included in this
project at an increase of $177,000 for a total of $642,000. Alderman Corneils asked what prompted further
investigation by Public Works. Mr. Dhuse replied they were checking valves prior to shutdown and found there
were smaller valves than what was needed. No further changes are anticipated and this moves to the regular
agenda.
6. PW 2025-50 South Receiving Station Standpipe – Contract Award
Mr. Sanderson said this is a Lake Michigan related project. There are 2 receiving stations being constructed, one
by Grande Reserve and the other along Rt. 126 at Restore Church. At the southern station, additional storage is
needed and it was determined long ago that a standpipe was the appropriate solution. Two bids were expected
and he noted there are a limited number of tank companies for this volume. In the end, CBI was the only bidder
at a cost of $6.6 million, about $700,000 above the budgeted amount. Staff reached out to the other expected
bidder, Caldwell, who said they did not bid due to the soils being difficult prompting a more intense foundation,
and also the 19 other bidding processes in which they are involved.
CBI was also contacted about the substantial increase in their prices. They cited a steel increase, foundation
issue will add to cost along with a 80 pilings needed, it is a complex project with multiple contractors, there is
also the DWC metering station at this site, a long warranty and high volume of tanks. Mr. Sanderson said CBI
also asked if they could delay the completion date until 2028, which the city cannot. He outlined the options for
the committee saying the city could move forward with the project with the cost increase of $700,000, delay the
decision until next month and try to bring down costs, or, all bids could be rejected. However, to reject the bids
would not be a viable option due to higher costs and jeopardizing the schedule. Also, he said the city does not
own the property near the church as of yet, though the church has agreed to a price. A meeting is scheduled soon
with the land acquisition specialist to complete the sale.
The Alderman had several questions regarding the contract. Cost of the pylons was discussed and thought to be
about $200,000. Soil borings were done with no detectable issues. The style and heavier foundation is the
reason for the cost and not unusual according to Mr. Sanderson. Alderman Funkhouser said he would not object
to delaying the decision a month for more feedback and he doesn't feel much re-negotiation would be gained.
Alderman Corneils asked what the savings would be with the value engineering option. Mr. Sanderson felt it
would be $50,000 to $150,000. Changing sites is not an option either and would push the project back 1-2 years.
Alderman Soling asked if the foundation issues stem from the standpipe vs. a tank. Mr. Sanderson said a
spheroid would likely be more money. Alderman Transier asked if CBI has given a reason for using the pilings
vs. the mat foundation. The company has been asked, however, not given an answer. It was decided that if
answers about the foundation are received soon, this matter will be forwarded on to City Council and if no
answers, then back to committee in June.
7. PW 2025-51 Resolution Approving an Engineering Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc.
(South Receiving Station Standpipe - Construction)
The committee decided this item will follow item #6.
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8. PW 2025-52 2025 Road to Better Roads Program – Contract Award
Mr. Sanderson said there was good competition on the roadway bids. This second portion of Road to Better
Roads portion will use MFT funds and likely start in July, finishing at year end. D Construction is the low
bidder at over $1 million and under the estimate. There is a map in the packet for the work north of city hall,
Beecher and Water Park Way. Concrete patching will be done as well. He recommended awarding the bid to D
Construction.
Alderman Soling asked that D Construction not allow oil to leak all over the street similar to what occurred in
Conover. Mr. Dhuse said the contracts have tightened due to past incidents. Alderman Funkhouser asked if
Prairie Meadows had been accepted. It has been accepted and buckling has occurred. Expansion panels have
been added and joints were cut to prevent this. If “D” is not meeting expectations, Alderman Corneils asked if
another contractor could be used. With MFT and state-related projects it is more difficult due to MFT. Mr.
Sanderson said you have to build a record of deficiencies and speak with IDOT if you are not awarding to the
low bidder. Alderman Corneils asked if there is enough evidence for that, however, there is not enough now.
Mr. Sanderson it could be documented and then reach out to IDOT to see what they require. It might incentivize
“D” to improve. Mr. Sleezer said he and Mr. Dhuse will be on site each day along with EEI personnel. If
deadlines are not met, liquidated damages can be pursued, said Mr. Dhuse. This moves to the regular agenda.
9. PW 2025-53 Resolution Approving an Engineering Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (2025
Road to Better Roads Program – Construction Engineering)
This is a standard agreement with EEI and extends one year beyond the contract duration. The cost is $114,950
and $120,000 was budgeted. This moves to the regular agenda.
10. PW 2025-54 Faxon Road and Beecher Road Reconstruction – Contract Award
This is related to Cyrus 1 and they are funding. There were several bidders and D Construction had the lowest
bid and below estimate and $1.4 million budget. It is a full reconstruction. Right-of-way needs to be acquired
and the project is contingent upon that. Staff has met with owners and their signatures are required. They also
briefly discussed the improvements to Beecher. This will move to the consent agenda.
11. PW 2025-55 Resolution Approving an Engineering Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc.
(Faxon Road and Beecher Road Reconstruction – Construction Engineering)
Cyrus 1 will be paying for this project and the cost is $199,944. With committee approval this moves to the
consent agenda.
12. PW 2025-56 Resolution Approving a Second Change Order Relating to the Southern Sanitary Sewer
Connection
This change order is related to Cyrus 1 and is the sanitary sewer being extended along the train tracks. The
original plan called for a 20 inch steel casing under the creek, but during construction many boulders were found
and they tried to remove them without success. It was decided it would be more effective to change the casing
size to 30 inch pipe. Cyrus 1 approved and will pay 100% of that cost. The Change Order is for $85,000 + and
Mr. Sanderson recommended approval. This moves to the consent agenda.
13. PW 2025-57 BNSF Railway Company License Agreements
a. Southern Sanitary Sewer Connection
b. Eldamain Water Main Loop South
Mr. Sanderson explained this is the license agreement related to utility projects for Cyrus 1. Any time a railroad
is crossed, these agreements must be signed. They were reviewed by the attorney and the license fee is $3,700
per crossing, which Cyrus pays. He recommended acceptance and this moves to the consent agenda.
14. PW 2025-58 Resolution Approving a Change Order Relating to Well No. 9 Emergency Repairs
This is a balancing Change Order, said Mr. Dhuse. The estimate of $156,000 was exceeded in the time and
materials and a problem with the threads on the well pipe was also found. That resulted in a $19,000 increase,
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however, the overall cost was still below the $375,000 budget. He said the preventative maintenance should be
good for another 10-12 years. This moves to the consent agenda.
15. PW 2025-59 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a Replacement Generator for the Blackberry North
Lift Station, in an Amount not to Exceed $73,464
This original portable generator was provided by the original developer in 1995 and needs to be replaced. Parts
are no longer available, Mr. Dhuse said. A Caterpillar generator was chosen and is $73,464, below the budget
amount of $100,000. This requires a super majority since it is sole source and moves to the regular agenda.
16. PW 2025-60 Weight Restrictions on Neighborhood Roads – Cannonball Estates and Kylyn's Ridge
Subdivisions
Director Dhuse said he is providing suggestions for sign placements and possible restrictions. Alderman
Funkhouser asked about the 8 tons and “local traffic only”. Mr. Dhuse explained the rules pertaining to trucks
and deliveries, etc. Enforcement is done by the police and it was noted that enforcement officers recognize
trucks that are over 8 tons. Trucks were seen going to the lettuce farm and drivers are being instructed to not use
the restricted roads or residential neighborhoods. It will take about 2 weeks to receive the signs. There are
certified scales at Gas N Wash. The committee discussed examples of weights. If these suggestions are
approved, signs will be installed in about 3-4 weeks. Mr. Funkhouser also noted a “no parking” sign near
Northland and Blackberry Shores has not been installed yet after discussion last year. This moves to the consent
agenda.
Old Business:
1. PW 2025-18 Northland Lane Parking Restrictions - Discussion
This was brought back from last month's meeting. Alderman Funkhouser suggested a conversation with Parks &
Rec to manage the parking incurred from the travel team who does pay a usage fee. If the parking was
modified as discussed, the cost would be $430,000. This will be sent to the Park Board for further discussion.
2. PW 2025-33 Pavement Management Study – 5 Year Plan
Engineer Sanderson said this came from the March committee meeting where the results of the study were
presented. It was requested that a 5-year plan be compiled. Several exhibits for the 5-year plan were included
in the agenda packet and the budget is $3.5 million. The Kendall County Council of Mayors will be selecting
new projects toward the end of the year. He said there are some potential projects which will be announced at
year end including some of the streets that will be damaged by water pipe replacement. In 2026, areas of
concentration will be south of the river, Rivers Edge and Raintree. A general consensus is needed for this. An
engineering agreement will be brought forth in August or September. He also said concrete patching needs to be
continually budgeted and crack sealing and rejuvenation is also necessary. Alderman Funkhouser noted that he
was very pleased with all that has been accomplished since 2012. This moves to the regular agenda.
Additional Business:
Alderman Funkhouser asked about rejuvenation and if restriping or cleaning stop bars will be done. He said the
issues are with ADA ramps, some of which were replaced and grinding of the panels is needed. He also asked
about last years' road program and curb replacement, and if punchlist items are still being done. There is some
bond left per Mr. Dhuse.
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:05pm.
Minutes respectfully transcribed by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker