Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Transportation Committee

Meeting Minutes

TEPE, Abbatacola, Iqbal, Kious, Lenert, Roth, K. Young, ex-officios Williams (County

Development Chair) and Pierog (County Chair)

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

9:00 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Tepe called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

Tepe introduced the new Transportation Committee members, Jennifer Abbatacola

and Kim Young.

Roll Call

Board Member Vern Tepe

PRESENT

Board Member Jennifer Abbatacola

Board Member Mo Iqbal

Board Member Chris Kious

Board Member Bill Roth

Board Member Kimberley Young

Ex-Officio (County Development Chair) Rick Williams

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

REMOTE

ABSENT

Board Member Bill Lenert

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Allan*, Juby*, Linder, Molina*; KDOT Dir. Zakosek &

staff Rickert, Young, Way, Lichtenberger, Coffinbargar, O'Connell, Nika; ITD staff

Peters; KC Historian Shepro; ASA Weldon; Spec. ASA Jaeger; and members of the

press and public including Parametrix representatives Jeff Frantz and Athreya

Sreenivasan, and Metro West Exec. Dir. Lesli Melendy.

Remote Attendance Requests

There were no remote attendance requests for today's meeting.

Approval of Minutes: January 19, 2026

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Chris Kious

Public Comment

Kane County resident, Steve Leffler, reminded everyone that there are bicycles on the

road. He stated that his personal goal for the month of March 2026 was to use only one

tank of gas and ride his bike when able. He hopes others would set similar goals. He

explained that while riding his bicycle this morning to the Committee meeting he

wondered where he was supposed to legally ride his bike on County property. He noted

that there is a Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) sign on the government

property that states, "no bikes". He asked that this be fixed, so that those who wish to

ride their bikes can do so legally. Additionally, he requested that a bike rail be installed

in the front of the Government Center.

KC Historian Shepro stated that on Monday, February 16, 2026, the Beacon News

published an article speaking to the National Park Service certifying the first official

Underground Railroad site: the Bartlett House, in Campton Township. He noted that

this is a historic moment for Kane County and is welcomed during Black History Month.

He acknowledged the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, who was a major figure in

American history.

Finance

Monthly Finance Reports

KDOT CFO Young stated the monthly financial reports were on file. No

additional report was made.

Maintenance

Maintenance Report

KDOT Maintenance Supt. Way stated the monthly report was on file. He

reported that as of February 4, 2026, snow plow operations have been out 38

times and has utilized 6,800 tons of salt. Compared to 2025, staff had gone out

21 times and used 3,700 tons of salt. Way stated that Cargill, who is the

County's representative for salt, has notified them that they are out of salt until

April 2026. He explained that Kane County has an approximate reserve of 5K to

6K tons of salt located at the Seavey Road pit location. He noted that the County

did deplete some reserves, and will order more salt to build it up again once

available. Way addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Discussion ensued.

Approving Adopt-A-Highway Applicants

KDOT Maintenance Supt. Way introduced this resolution. He stated that there

were three renewals and no new applicants.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

MOVED FORWARD BY VOICE VOTE

Chris Kious

Rick Williams

Approving the Purchase of One (1) 2026 Ford F-250 Truck Cab and Body for

the Kane County Division of Transportation - Unit 47

KDOT Maintenance Supt. Way introduced this resolution. He stated that this

purchase will be via the Sourcewell Cooperative for a purchase price of

$68,405.00. He noted that a $2K contingency has been added to lock in pricing.

He does not anticipate utilizing the contingency. This equates to the total of

$70,405.00. Way explained that the vehicle will be used by a supervisor for daily

activities and responding to emergent situations. He stated that with the

Sourcewell contract the body of the truck will be installed. He noted that this will

save the County approximately $7K.

KC Administration Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Administration Committee

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Chris Kious

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving the Purchase of One (1) 2027 Tandem Axle Dump Trailer for the

Kane County Division of Transportation

KDOT Maintenance Supt. Way introduced this resolution. He stated that staff

worked with the Purchasing Department to put out a bid for one 2027 Tandem

Axle Dump Trailer, or Bomber Trailer. He explained that this is a semi-trailer that

is utilized to haul debris, dirt, and salt. He noted that this would be an additional

dump trailer to the overall fleet. He explained that the Kane County Division of

Transportation (KDOT) has one dump trailer that is about 15 years old that is set

to be repainted and rebuilt. He noted that by having two dump trailers, it would

allow staff to be more equipped to respond to storms, hauling salt, and respond

to the growing operation. He stated Midwest Trailer Manufacturing, LLC (MTM)

was the lowest bidder in the amount of $58,227.34. Way addressed questions

and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving a Deposit for Three (3) 2027 Tandem Axle Truck Cab & Chassis for

the Kane County Division of Transportation

KDOT Maintenance Supt. Way introduced this resolution. He stated that this

purchase would replace three trucks within the snow plow fleet. He hoped to

stop making deposits on vehicles, but companies have been playing catch up to

purchase new trucks and responding to the new Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) regulations that will take place in 2028. Therefore, everyone is

trying to buy trucks in bulk before 2028, because it will add approximately $20K

per truck. Way explained that the build spots for 2027 are halfway full.

Therefore, the Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) would like to lock

in their build spot with this deposit. Way noted that the deposit and purchase of

these trucks are included in the proposed FY2027 Budget. He stated that if all

three trucks are not received, then part of the deposit could be put towards the

other trucks, or be refunded. He explained that the deposit for each truck is $5K,

which equates to a total of $15K. Way addressed questions and comments from

the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Kimberley Young

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Planning & Programming

Planning & Programming Report

KDOT Dir. of Communications and Transportation Planner Lichtenberger stated

the monthly report was on file. She reported that the Kane County Division of

Transportation's Council staff secured an additional $3.7M for the Randall at Big

Timber Road Project. Secondly, the County received an honorable mention from

the League of American Bicyclists' through its Bicycle Friendly Community

Program recognizes progress toward national bike friendly standards. Lastly,

since January 1, 2026, the Ride in Kane Transit Program has become a full

countywide coordinated program. Lichtenberger stated that this has been a

smooth transition with support from PACE and the Regional Transit Authority

(RTA).

Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Illinois Department of

Transportation and the County of Kane for the Illinois Route 47 Planning and

Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study

KDOT Dir. of Communications and Transportation Planner Lichtenberger

introduced this resolution. She explained that the County received a $4M

statewide planning and research grant to conduct a Planning and Environmental

Linkages (PEL) Study, in coordination with the Illinois Department of

Transportation (IDOT), of Illinois Route 47 from Plank Road south to I-88. She

stated that this is a planning level evaluation of the corridor to look into

transportation needs, potential improvement strategies, and environmental

considerations. She explained that of the $4M, $3.2M is federal funding and the

balance of $800K will be covered by IDOT. She noted that no County funds

would be expended on the study. Lichtenberger and KDOT Chief of Design

O'Connell addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion

ensued.

KDOT Deputy Dir. Rickert explained that a federal grant has been applied

towards the study and IDOT will be providing the matching funds. He stated that

this is a joint effort that is not primarily led by the County. He explained that

Kane County is the lead agency in administering the study, but will be working

closely with all municipalities located along Illinois Route 47. He noted that this

funding was requested by the municipalities. He explained that Metro West, the

Council of Mayors, IDOT, and Kane County are coming together to start moving

this project forward. Ultimately, this is not a Kane County project to implement,

but staff is here to do the planning and the initial environmental and aspects of

the Phase I Engineering. Rickert stated that this is an IDOT led project and the

funding received proposes that a lead agency be authorized, which the County

is best suited for. Further discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Bill Roth

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Adopting Land Use Assumptions Associated with the Imposition of Impact Fees

KDOT Asst. Dir. Nika introduced this resolution. He stated that this is an ongoing

effort to update the Impact Fee Program, which is required by State Statute.

Most recently, KDOT staff prepared and presented land use assumptions that

established proposed growth, households, population, and employment in the

region. Afterwards, several public hearings were held to allow the public to

provide their comments. Nika stated that the Impact Fee Advisory Committee

met on January 22, 2026 and voted to recommend the land use assumptions to

the Kane County Board for approval. He explained that the growth assumptions

are used as inputs into the County's Traffic Demand Model to identify

deficiencies and evaluate impact fee eligible projects. He introduced Parametrix

Principal Consultant, Jeff Frantz.

Parametrix Principal Consultant Frantz presented the Kane County Road Impact

Fee Program Update. He reviewed the land use assumptions for the impact fee

program update. He explained that land use informs the socioeconomic data

that correlates to the number of trips made on a highway network. He stated that

Kane County has utilized socioeconomic forecasts from the Chicago

Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the federally designated

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for northeastern Illinois. He reviewed

the land use assumptions shared at recent public hearings. This began with

CMAP's 2050 adopted forecasts (2018-series), followed by the 2020 and 2030

forecasts being adjusted through County's public process, and ended with the

adopted land use assumptions by the Kane County Board in 2021. For 2027, the

Impact Fee Program Update and public hearing presentation started with

CMAP's 2050 adopted forecasts (2018-series), updated in 2023, then applied

the same adjustment factor from previous Impact Fee updates to 2025 and

2035. Lastly, it maintained CMAP's 2040 values for the 20-year horizon. Frantz

stated that public hearings were held and the Impact Fee Advisory Committee

voted upon the land use assumptions. He noted that there were a total of four

public hearings that were required by State Statute for land use assumption

changes. Throughout the process, no direct comments were received on the use

of data. Frantz shared a few tables that represented the input that is being used

in the County's Traffic Demand Model. He reviewed the next steps within the

process of the land use assumptions.

Chairman Tepe added that the County needed to go through the process. He

found it interesting that the public was not engaged with the process, but the

Impact Fee Advisory Committee was. He explained that the Impact Fee Advisory

Committee consists of various mayors, township officials, builders and

developers, and others that relate to business development. He has been

impressed by the engagement. He commended staff and consultants for putting

together a process that has been successful.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Rick Williams

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Kimberley Young

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Permitting

Permitting Report

KDOT Asst. Dir. Nika stated the monthly report was on file. No additional report

was made.

10.

Traffic Operations

Traffic Operations Report

KDOT Asst. Dir. Nika stated the monthly report was on file. No additional report

was made.

11.

Project Implementation

Project Implementation Report

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell stated the monthly report was on file. She

informed the Committee that KDOT Project Manager, Calley McPherson, and

KDOT Construction Manager, Jessica Costello, have obtained their Professional

Engineer (PE) Licenses and have been promoted to Civil Engineer III. She

stated that passing this exam and obtaining this license is a large milestone in

an engineer's career and are valuable assets to the organization.

Approving an Agreement with Commonwealth Edison Company for

Reimbursable Utility Adjustment for the Randall Road at Hopps Road

Intersection Improvement and Grade Separation Project, Kane County Section

No. 19-00511-00-CH

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell introduced this resolution. She explained that

this is in preparation for the Randall Road at Hopps Road Intersection

Improvement and Grade Separation Project. She stated that ComEd has

existing transmission towers that conflict with the proposed grade separation.

She explained that these facilities are located within an existing ComEd

easement. Therefore, the relocation costs are the responsibility of Kane County.

O'Connell stated that since this project entails federal funds, the Illinois

Department of Transportation (IDOT) is requiring that ComEd comply with Buy

America, Build America requirements when sourcing the steel required for the

manufacture of the new transmission towers.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving a Relocation Commitment Agreement with Commonwealth Edison

Company for the Relocation of Facilities for the Randall Road at Hopps Road

Intersection Improvement and Grade Separation Project, Kane County Section

No. 19-00511-00-CH

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell introduced this resolution. She stated that this

is for the Randall Road at Hopps Road Intersection Improvement and Grade

Separation Project. She explained that ComEd has requested a second

advance deposit of $2.4M to complete Phase 2 Engineering and procurement of

material with long lead times in order to maintain the expedited schedule of the

project. She added that the current estimated total of the ComEd transmission

tower relocation project is $7M. She stated that Kane County submitted deposits

of $100K last summer and $1M in January 2026. Therefore, an additional $3.5M

is expected in the future. O'Connell addressed questions and comments from

the Committee.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving an Agreement for Phase I Engineering Services with V3 Companies

of Woodridge, Illinois for I-88 Tollway Bridge Services, Kane County Section No.

25-00585-00-BR

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell introduced this resolution. She explained that

the Kane County Department of Transportation (KDOT) selected V3 Companies

to provide Phase I Engineering services for structure improvements to be made

to four structures over the I-88 Tollway.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Bill Roth

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving a Contract for Construction with A Lamp Concrete Contractors, Inc. of

Schaumburg, Illinois for the 2026 Kane County Kirk Road PCC Repair Project,

Kane County Section No. 25-00592-00-RP

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell introduced this resolution. She explained that

in January 2026, eight bids were opened at the Kane County Division of

Transportation (KDOT) for the Kirk Road PCC Repair Project, which includes

concrete maintenance repair. She stated that staff recommends approval of a

contract with A Lamp Concrete Contractors for $1,158,960.53. She noted that

this bid does not meet the requirements set forth within the Responsible Bidders

Ordinance (RBO), but is in compliance with the remaining sections of the

County's Purchasing Ordinance. O'Connell addressed questions and comments

from the Committee.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Kimberley Young

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving a Contract for Construction with Builders Paving, LLC of Hillside,

Illinois for 2026 Dundee Township Resurfacing Project, Section No.

26-07000-01-GM

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell introduced this resolution. She explained that

staff recommends approval of a contract with Builders Paving, LLC, for the 2026

Dundee Township Resurfacing Project for $308,828. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving a Contract for Construction with Peter Baker and Son Co. of Lake

Bluff, Illinois for 2026 Hampshire Township Resurfacing Project, Section No.

26-10000-01-GM

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell introduced this resolution. She explained that

Approving a Contract for Construction with Builders Paving, LLC of Hillside,

Illinois for 2026 Kaneville Township Resurfacing Project, Kane County Section

No. 26-11000-01-GM

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell introduced this resolution. She explained that

staff recommends approval of a contract with Builders Paving, LLC, for the 2026

Kaneville Township Resurfacing Project for $202,778.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Bill Roth

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving Acquisition of Real Property for Fabyan Parkway Intersection

Improvements at Settlers Hill and Kingsland Drive, Kane County Section No.

21-00373-01-CH

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell introduced this resolution. She explained that

this relates to the right of ways required in order to complete the Fabyan

Parkway Improvements at Settlers Hill and Kingsland Drive as proposed in the

engineering design. She stated that staff recommends approval of this resolution

that authorizes the County to acquire parcels as described. Additionally, in the

event an agreement on compensation cannot be reached, the resolution

authorizes the State's Attorney to institute eminent domain proceedings.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Chris Kious

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving Acquisition of Real Property for Plank Road from Romke Road to

Brier Hill Road, Kane County Section No. 21-00540-00-SP

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell introduced this resolution. She explained that

right of way acquisition is required in order to complete the Plank Road - Romke

Road to Brier Hill Road - Safety Project as proposed in the engineering design.

She stated that staff recommends approval of this resolution that authorizes the

County to acquire the parcels. Additionally, in the event that an agreement on

compensation cannot be reached, this resolution authorizes the State's Attorney

to institute eminent domain proceedings.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving Acquisition of Real Property for Randall Road at Hopps Road

Intersection and CNRR Grade Separation Improvement, Kane County Section

No. 19-00511-00-CH

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell introduced this resolution. She explained that

right of way is required for Randall Road at Hopps Road. She stated that staff

recommends approval that would authorize the County to acquire the parcel as

described. Additionally, in the event that an agreement for compensation cannot

be reached, the resolution authorizes the State's Attorney to institute eminent

domain proceedings. O'Connell and KDOT Asst. Dir. Coffinbargar addressed

questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Chris Kious

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Jennifer Abbatacola, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth,

Kimberley Young, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Committee Member Kious requested to go back to the Project Implementation Report