Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Transportation Committee

Meeting Minutes

TEPE, Daugherty, Iqbal, Kious, Lenert, Roth, ex-officios Williams (County Development Chair)

and Pierog (County Chair)

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

9:00 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

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

Roll Call

Board Member Vern Tepe

Board Member Mo Iqbal

Board Member Chris Kious

Board Member Bill Lenert

Board Member Bill Roth

PRESENT

Ex-Officio (County Development Chair) Rick Williams

Board Member Gary Daugherty

ABSENT

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Allan*, Gripe, Juby*, Linder, Molina*, Penesis*; KDOT

Dir. Zakosek & staff Rickert, Young, Way, Files, Hohertz, Nika, O'Connell, Coffinbargar,

Lichtenberger; ASA Weldon; Special ASAs Jaeger, Shepro; Environ. Mgmt. Senior

Engineer Wetland Spec. Linke; ITD staff Peters; and members of the press and public

including Metra Board Chairman Joe McMahon and Demetri Skoufis.

Remote Attendance Requests

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

Approval of Minutes: September 16, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Chris Kious

Public Comment

Kane County Board Member and resident, Rick Williams, voiced his concerns on the

dangerous road conditions at the intersection of Hughes Road and Fabyan Parkway.

He explained that every day he has to make a left-hand turn to head eastbound onto

Fabyan Parkway from Hughes Road. He stated that this intersection has become so

dangerous that he often times drives through the Mill Creek subdivision to avoid it. He

explained that in September 2025, when there was a major car accident that left Mill

Creek without power. Williams stated that this is a public safety issue and would like

this intersection to be addressed. He noted that with the addition of the roundabout at

Fabyan Parkway and Main Street, traffic has increased, which has only intensified the

danger of Hughes Road and Fabyan Parkway. Additionally, he stated that this

intersection is poorly aligned, making it difficult to see oncoming traffic. Williams shared

photographs of the intersection. He spoke on the road conditions and the abundance of

cars traveling down Fabyan Parkway. He understands that the County is on a tight

budget, but he would appreciate the County addressing this intersection.

Jill Vandermeij, Geneva, stated that she has lived right across from the intersection of

Hughes Road and Fabyan Parkway for 18 years. In those 18 years, she has never

witnessed the amount of increased traffic that has been brought on by the roundabout

at Fabyan Parkway and Main Street. She noted that with the development of new

homes, this intersection will be impacted more. She explained that there have been

several accidents and multiple near misses. Vandermeij stated that every Saturday

while gardening, she witnesses honking and several near misses. She explained that

this intersection has very poor visibility. She proposed that this intersection become

perpendicular or moved entirely. She stated that she tells her children to never go

straight at this intersection and to always take a right-hand turn, due to witnessing

many drivers blowing the stop sign and speeding.

Kane County resident, Steve Leffler, explained that he has taken a pledge in October

2025 to not drive his car and to ride his bike. He spoke on the proposed increase in the

Motor Fuel Tax by five cents to fund the County's subway system. Leffler suggested

that a bike rack be placed outside of the Government Center. Lastly, he noted that the

increase to the Motor Fuel Tax would help fund the Kane County Division of

Transportation (KDOT).

Metra Draft Budget Presentation

Metra Board Chairman Joe McMahon presented the Metra Draft FY2026 Budget. He

stated that the largest issue with public transportation is the funding Transit Bill that

was passed by the Senate, but not the House of Representatives. He explained that

this Bill will have a large impact on Metra, PACE, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and

regional public transit. McMahon spoke on Metra's FY2026 Budget and investments.

He stated that Metra has proposed a $1.1B budget for FY2026, which includes a

Regional Transit Authority (RTA) mandated increase in fares of at least 10% to help

cover the $68M shortfall. He noted that the budget does not include any service cuts.

However, it does include a $575M Capital Plan that continues the investments in

bridges, stations, and new and rehabilitated rolling stock. McMahon explained that like

the CTA and PACE, Metra initially expected to be facing a much larger budget shortfall

in FY2027 that was brought on by the exhaustion of the COVID Relief funds. He stated

that like the other public transit agencies, Metra used these funds to cover drops in fare

revenue following lower ridership levels post pandemic. He explained that Metra

expects to get though FY2026 without hitting the fiscal cliff. However, in FY2027, the

expected budget shortfall is $276M, which will grow to greater than $304M in FY2028.

McMahon stated that without a solution from Springfield, there will be severe service

cuts and other actions will be needed. As he has mentioned, the RTA required the

service boards increase fares by a minimum of 10% for FY2026. He explained that

Metra has included a proposed fare restructuring across all zones. McMahon spoke on

the decrease in ridership and the ways Metra could attract more riders. He noted that

fares will increase in FY2026 between 13% and 15%, depending on the fare product

and the number of zones traveled. He stated that Metra's budget for FY2026 is

approximately $1.1B, which is 1.7% lower than FY2025. This decrease was driven by

operating efficiencies, hedges on fuel cost, and other reductions offset by inflation,

contractual obligations, health insurance costs, and market increases on supplies and

equipment. McMahon stated that Metra's budget is funded by a series of sources of

revenue: the system generated revenue of approximately $325M, of which, $207M is

fare collection. Additionally, Metra is funded by over $635M in regional sales tax

receipts. The balance of the budget is funded by the Federal COVID Relief funds of

$206M. McMahon spoke on the public outreach provided for members of the

community to voice their opinions on the FY2026 Budget. He explained that the $575M

Capital Program will be funded by federal formula funding and discretionary grants that

are pursued, such as the $88M in Illinois PayGo funding, $100K in RTA Transit grant,

$59M in signal and electric communications, over $27M in facilities and equipment,

$59M in stations and parking, and $92M to support operations. McMahon spoke on the

aging infrastructure that Metra operates. He explained that Metra operates on lines that

are owned by the several class one railroads, such as the Union Pacific Railroad. The

Union Pacific allows Metra to use their railway to move from Elburn to Chicago.

McMahon explained that Metra trains cross more than 700 bridges on a daily basis. Of

which, 236 of those bridges are over 100 years old. McMahon stated that Metra invests

heavily on these bridges on an annual basis. Metra continues to look for federal loan

programs to accelerate the Bridge Rehabilitation Program. McMahon explained that the

federal administration that inspects the bridges has announced the hiring of an

additional 100 inspectors. These additional inspectors will increase the rate, frequency,

and the number of bridges that will be inspected annually. McMahon highlighted the

importance of the need to continue to invest and reinvest in County's bridges and

infrastructure, which will lead to on-time performance, safe and reliable trains, and

consistent schedules. He explained that Metra will hold their budget public hearings

across the region on November 5, 2025 and November 6, 2025. He stated that the

budget hearing for Kane County is scheduled for November 6, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to

6:00 p.m. at the Kane County Government Center, Building A, in the auditorium.

McMahon stated that Metra's investment into the Capital Program covers new car

procurement and remanufactured locomotives. (Committee Member Roth arrived

in-person 9:17 a.m.) He explained that Metra has ordered zero emission train sets. The

first train set is expected to arrive in January 2027. The hope is to have all zero

emission train sets operating by 2028. McMahon explained that Metra has a proposed

contract for battery powered equipment. He noted that a Request for Proposal (RFP)

will go out for those battery powered locomotives in the next year. Last year, McMahon

spoke about the UP West Third Mainline. He noted that the work in Geneva has been

completed. He explained that the third line track went into service in August 2025. This

line has increased on-time performance and reduces the interference with freight trains

coming through the area. McMahon stated that the Geneva station has been

completed with improvements that include increased public announcements. He

explained that the updated announcements identify when trains are arriving on track

three and platform two. Additionally, electric signage was installed. McMahon explained

that a pilot program was developed to increase staffing at the Geneva station during off

hours to improve communication with passengers. He stated that another program

affecting Kane County is the extension of the Milwaukee District West line to Rockford.

He explained that this project is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation

(IDOT), but it will be operated by Metra. McMahon stated another improvement that

has been implemented are ticket vending machines. He noted there are approximately

300 ticket machines that are installed across the County. He spoke on ridership trends.

He noted that it is not uncommon to see ridership levels increase by 105% to 110% on

weekends. McMahon addressed questions and comments from the Committee and

staff. Much discussion ensued.

Finance

Monthly Finance Reports & Draft FY2026 Transportation Budget

KDOT CFO Young stated the monthly financial reports were on file. She

explained that there were fewer transactions due to paying Amazon by invoice,

rather than by the procurement card. She stated that the Kane County Division

of Transportation's (KDOT) FY2026 draft budget was included in today's

meeting agenda packet for review. She noted that since the last draft budget

was presented in August 2025, there has been an increase of $2M, due to

anticipated carryover from the Randall Road at Hopps Road project.

KDOT Deputy Dir. Rickert shared the proposed FY2026 Budget highlights. He

stated that KDOT's proposed FY2026 Budget is approximately $119M. He

explained that the majority of the budget are projects, such as bridge repair and

resurfacing. He noted that about 52% of the budget is fund utilization. He

explained that the funding for these projects have to be set aside in order to

properly plan and prepare for them. However, there is a significant budget

shortfall. Rickert shared that the fund utilization, or cash-on-hand is the only way

KDOT can complete projects. Regarding personnel, Rickert explained that the

Teamsters Union proposal is included in the FY2026 Budget. As far as

non-union positions, there is no consideration for wage increases. Rickert

explained that KDOT changed three engineer positions to maintainer positions

in order to find significant savings to purchase a paint truck. This paint truck has

the potential to save the County $500K annually. Rickert explained that KDOT

will continue to look for alternatives in order to complete those types of services.

He added that Maintenance Superintendent Way is evaluating crack-sealing and

the possibility of doing it internally to save. Rickert spoke on the Regional Transit

Authority (RTA) Sales Tax reduction. He stated that this reduction does create

shortfalls within KDOT's reoccurring annual operations and maintenance.

Because of this, KDOT has scaled back or stopped approximately 19 projects.

He noted that in FY2026, KDOT did not add any new projects. He stated that

KDOT will continue to look at public safety concerns on a case-by-case basis.

He stated that if considerations come ahead that require certain improvements

to be made, KDOT will look at how to balance the requests and utilize alternative

ways to improve public safety. Lastly, Rickert stated that KDOT will be searching

for grants regarding maintenance and safety funding.

Authorizing Execution of Collective Bargaining Agreement for Kane County

Division of Transportation

KDOT CFO Young introduced this resolution. She explained that this resolution

authorizes the execution of Kane County's Division of Transportation's (KDOT)

collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with Teamsters. She stated that this CBA

is for a three-year period beginning November 1, 2025 through October 31,

2028. She explained that the agreement includes a three percent increase each

year with a "Me Too" provision that would capture any difference that KDOT

non-union staff receives in cost-of-living, if over the three percent. Additionally

there are possible incentive opportunities for those that hold a Class A CDL

license and/or tanker endorsement, which will help KDOT meet their operational

needs. Young stated that the external promotional testing has been removed

and training will be done in-house. Lastly, the Sick and Extended Sick Policy

now mirrors the non-union County policy.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Chris Kious

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Maintenance

Maintenance Report

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

photographs of the painting done at the Kane County Division of Transportation

(KDOT) Complex, Buildings A, B, and E. The painting was done due to fading

and cracking of the pavement. Way explained that KDOT received quotes from

external companies to complete this project for $95K. He stated that KDOT staff

was able to complete this project for $13,336. 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 renewal applications and two new applications.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Bill Roth

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Authorizing the Purchase of Gasoline and Diesel Fuel for the Division of

Transportation, Sheriff’s Office, Building Management, and Other

Intergovernmental Agencies (BID# 25-026)

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Chris Kious

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Approving the Purchase of One (1) Maxi-500, 500 Gallon Tote Pumper Style

Application Striping Truck for the Kane County Division of Transportation

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Approving Purchase of Four (4) Body and Equipment Packages Including

Installation Thereof on Four (4) Tandem Axle Truck Cab & Chassis for the Kane

County Division of Transportation

KDOT Maintenance Supt. Way introduced this resolution. He added that these

packages include a contingency of $50K due to the affects of tariffs. He stated

that he does not anticipate utilizing the contingency.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Approving the Purchase of Five (5) 2026 Tandem Axle Truck Cab and Chassis

for the Kane County Division of Transportation

KC Administration Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Administration Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Chris Kious

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Planning & Programming

Planning & Programming Report

KDOT Chief of Planning and Programming Files stated the monthly report was

on file. She announced that the Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT)

will be having a public hearing regarding the proposed land use assumptions

that will be used in the Travel Demand Model in the development of the Impact

Fee Program update. The public hearing will be held on November 18, 2025

from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Kane County Government Center, Building A,

auditorium. Files stated that the public hearing information has been shared

through Kane County Connects and the Council of Mayors meeting. Files

addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

10.

Permitting

Permitting Report

KDOT Chief of Permitting Hohertz stated the monthly report was on file. No

additional report was made.

11.

Traffic Operations

Traffic Operations Report

KDOT Asst. Dir. Nika stated the monthly report was on file. He noted that Traffic

Operations staff are working to finalize all projects before the winter season.

Additionally, he explained that KDOT is approaching the turnover of the

electrical maintenance contract at the end of the fiscal year. He stated that this

contract will be awarded to a new contractor, Meade Electric. Staff is preparing

for this change.

Approving an Alteration of Speed Limit Within Elgin Township

KDOT Asst. Dir. Nika introduced this ordinance. He explained that the Elgin

Township Commissioner has requested that six roads on the Township Highway

System be considered for a speed limit reduction. He shared a map depicting

the roads. He explained that the Kane County Division of Transportation's

(KDOT) Speed Limit Policy allows for a further reduction to 25 miles per hour

(MPH) from 30 MPH for these types of roadways. Staff recommends approval.

Nika addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion

ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Bill Roth

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

12.

Project Implementation

Project Implementation Report

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

informed the Committee that the Kane County Division of Transportation

(KDOT) was selected for two projects for Highway Safety Improvement Program

(HSIP) funding. One project is to continue the installation of the recessed,

reflective pavement markers. The other project is to provide safety

improvements on Allen Road, between Widmayer Road and Breyer Hill.

O'Connell stated that the HSIP funding is 90% federal funding that only requires

a 10% match. She shared several photographs depicting the construction

projects occurring around the County.

Approving an Agreement for Phase I Engineering Services with Crawford,

Murphy & Tilly, Inc. of Aurora, Illinois for the French/Harmony Extension

Improvements from IL Route 72 to Allen Road, Kane County Section No.

25-00582-00-BR

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

the Phase I study will look at extending French Road to Harmony Road,

between IL Route 72 and Allen Road.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Chris Kious

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Approving an Agreement with Aldi, Inc. for Kirk Road at Douglas Road

Intersection Improvement, Kane County Section No. 24-00377-01-CH

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

resolution describes Kane County's improvement at Kirk Road and Douglas

Road with Aldi Incorporated. She explained that Aldi was awarded $2M of

Economic Development Program funds to incentivize job development and the

expansion of their corporate offices and improvements to the Kirk Road and

Douglas Road intersection. She stated that staff has coordinated with Aldi to

develop the agreement that was attached to this resolution, which requires Aldi

to deposit all construction funds with Kane County in advance of the

construction bid opening. Therefore, the Kane County Division of Transportation

(KDOT) will not have to expend any County funds to accomplish the project.

O'Connell stated that as part of the resolution, Aldi requested a permanent full

access to the east side of Kirk Road at Douglas Road. O'Connell addressed

questions and comments from the Committee.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Bill Roth

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Approving a Relocation Commitment Agreement with Commonwealth Edison

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

Intersection Improvement, Kane County Section No. 19-00511-00-CH

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

as part of this intersection realignment and grade separation project, some

existing ComEd transmission towers need to be relocated and lifted for the

grade separation over the Canadian National Railroad (CNRR). She stated

these facilities are located within ComEd's easements. Therefore, the relocation

costs are the responsibility of Kane County. She explained that ComEd has

requested an advance deposit of $1M to initiate Phase II Engineering and the

procurement of materials that have long lead times in order to maintain the

expedited schedule of the project. She noted that the current estimated project

cost to relocate the transmission towers is $7M. Therefore, the additional

payment of $6M will be expected in the future. O'Connell and KDOT Deputy Dir.

Rickert addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion

ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Chris Kious

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

13.

14.

Reports Placed On File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Chris Kious

Executive Session

The Transportation Committee entered into an Executive Session at 9:57 a.m. to

discuss probable and/or pending litigation and land acquisition on a motion made by

Williams, Lenert seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Rick Williams

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

AYE:

Vern Tepe, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, and Rick Williams

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

Mo Iqbal, and Bill Roth

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Land Acquisition

15.

Open Session

The Committee returned to Open Session at 10:34 a.m. on a motion made by Roth,

Williams seconded. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Resolution: Approving Preliminary Compensation Appropriations for the

Acquisition of Real Property for Randall Road at Hopps Road Intersection and

CNRR Grade Separation Improvement Project, Kane County Section No.

19-00511-00-CH, Parcel Nos, 0001, 0002, 0002TE, 0003, 0003TE, 0006,

0006TE & 0008 (not attached)

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert

Vern Tepe, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Lenert, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Resolution: Approving Acquisition of Real Property for Kirk Road Over Union

Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) Tracks, Geneva, Illinois, Kane County

Section No. 12-00192-04-BR, Parcel No. 0008 (not attached)

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert