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Kane County

KC Transportation Committee

Meeting Minutes

TEPE, Daugherty, Berman, Iqbal, Kious, Lenert, Roth, ex-officios Williams (County

Development Chair) and Pierog (County Chair)

Tuesday, April 15, 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 Dale Berman

Board Member Chris Kious

Board Member Bill Roth

PRESENT

Ex-Officio (County Development Chair) Rick Williams

Board Member Gary Daugherty

Board Member Mo Iqbal

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Board Member Bill Lenert

REMOTE

ABSENT

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

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

McPherson; ASA Cermak, Weldon; GIS Dir. Lebo & staff Chidester, Petoskey,

Krueger; ITD CAD Mgr. Mullins, Dieckmann; PIO Mann; ASA O'Brien; ITD staff Peters;

and members of the press and public including KDOT Atty. Pat Jaeger and St. Charles

Representatives.

Remote Attendance Requests

Chairman Tepe announced the remote attendance requests for today's meeting. He

asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Member Daugherty

and Iqbal attending today's meeting remotely. There were no objections.

Approval of Minutes: March 18, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Chris Kious

Public Comment

Michael Nelson, Campton Hills, provided a brief historical background of his family

residing and serving in Kane County. His father has been the pastor at Hosanna

Lutheran Church in St. Charles for the past 40 years, and helped to establish Lazarus

House. His mother has been a chaplain in Elgin for the past 30 years. Nelson stated

that all Kane County communities are interconnected. Those that live in Campton Hills

work in St. Charles and serve in Elgin. Nelson spoke on urbanism and public transit. He

explained that community, offering third spaces, and reducing the barrier to existence

and participation in our world is highly important to him. He noted that Metra, CTA, and

PACE will face a major budget deficit starting in 2026 as Federal COVID Relief Funds

are expected to be expended. The Illinois Legislature is aware of this shortfall and is

seeking solutions. If Illinois does not act by this Spring, Metra, CTA, and PACE will be

forced to prepare for drastic service cuts and fare increases to balance revenues and

expenses. Nelson urged residents to speak to state representatives about this topic, as

it will affect everyone. These services help build community, helps County businesses,

and is an investment in the County. Everyone should help support this matter in every

way possible. Nelson stated he would support the County acquiring a Fox River Rapid

Transit bus system, along Route 31. The County can take small steps to interconnect

the transit systems.

Traffic Safety

National Work Zone Awareness Week

GIS Office Manager Lorraine Chidester spoke on the loss of her husband, Steve

Chidester. She mentioned that she has rewrote today's speech several times, "A

Widow's Plea - Don't Drive Distracted and Pay Attention While in a Work Zone." In her

opinion, the most dangerous work zone is a moving one, in which her husband died in.

Chidester urged drivers to slow down and pay attention when they see the posted

warning signs as if someone's life depends on it. As for her husband, he was hit by a

distracted driver that caused 13 body items to be broken or removed, two body bags, a

closed casket, and a widow and family struggling with their loss that occurred on May

19, 2016. Chidester spoke on National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW).

NWZAW is hosted by North Carolina Department of Transportation that runs from April

21 to April 25. Chidester reviewed the NWZAW event outline. She asked everyone to

be a defensive driver, rather than a distracted one. She stated that driving is a privilege

and cell phones are the most dangerous distraction of all. That one text and/or phone

call can wait because the driver's life or someone else's matters more. Chidester asked

those to be aware of your surroundings. Just one second can not only change the

driver's life, but someone else's, as well. It is not worth the loss of life. According to the

Cell Phone and Driving magazine, phone usage comes in at the top of the list of being

one of the most distracted things to a driver. Chidester spoke on the possibility of

texting and driving taking a driver's life. According to the National Women's Health

resources, there are three kinds of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive.

Chidester stated that texting and driving can cause someone to take the life of others. It

can leave the driver feeling guilt for the remainder of their life, and being sentenced to

up to three years in prison. Lastly, she explained that the State of Illinois passed a

resolution in honor of the passing of Steve Chidester. She read the resolution aloud.

Chairman Tepe asked for a motion to proclaim April 21 to April 25 as National Work

Zone Awareness Week. Committee Member Roth provided the motion, Kious

seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Chris Kious

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Dale Berman, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth, and

Rick Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty

Bill Lenert

NAY:

ABSENT:

Proclaiming May 2025 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Kane County

Chairman Tepe introduced this proclamation. He read the proclamation aloud.

Committee Member Iqbal asked if this proclamation promotes helmets being

worn by motorcyclists. He noted that this proclamation mentions safety, but not

the use of a helmet.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Bill Roth

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Dale Berman, Chris Kious, Bill Roth, and Rick

Williams

AYE:

Gary Daugherty, and Mo Iqbal

Bill Lenert

NAY:

ABSENT:

Finance

March Transportation Committee 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

explained that staff has been transitioning to the summer routine work, such as

tree and brush trimming and roadway improvements. On April 12, 2025, the

Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) staff participated in an

Adopt-A-Highway staff clean-up in memory of Steve Chidester. Way stated that

this is an annual event for KDOT, in which staff is able to learn about Chidester's

life and death. He provided photographs of the event. He spoke on the increase

of aggressive driving that maintenance workers have been noticing and dealing

with.

Approving Adopt-A-Highway Applicants

KDOT Maintenance Supt. Way reviewed the new applicants and renewals. He

explained that the Adopt-A-Highway helps lessen the amount of time KDOT staff

spends in cleaning up the roadways. The more participants the program has, the

less amount of clean up work staff needs to perform. His goal is to have every

County road adopted. Way addressed questions and comments from the

Committee.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Bill Roth

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Gary Daugherty, Dale Berman, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious,

Bill Roth, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

11.

Planning & Programming

Planning & Programming Report

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

on file. She spoke on her new role at the Kane County Division of Transportation

(KDOT) as Chief of Planning and Programming and the Executive Director of

the Kane Kendall Council of Mayors. She reviewed her professional background

with KDOT. Files provided an update on impact fees. KDOT is moving through

the Qualifications - Based Selection (QBS) process for the Impact Fee Program

update. This is required by state statute. KDOT has selected a consultant and

are in negotiations for the fees and the scope of the program. Files explained

that updating KDOT's Travel Demand Model will be a new item added to the

program's scope. She plans to bring this contract forward at the May

Transportation Committee meeting.

Approving a Technical Services Agreement Between the Regional Transit

Authority and the County of Kane for the Ride in Kane Program, Contract No.

S5310-2024-05, Federal Project No. IL-2024-004, Program Phase 21 & 22

Mobility Management

KDOT Chief of Planning and Programming Files introduced this resolution and

provided additional information. Files addressed questions and comments from

the Committee. Kious requested that an Impact Fee Program presentation

explaining the contents of the program and fees be shared to the Committee.

Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Dale Berman

Vern Tepe, Gary Daugherty, Dale Berman, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious,

Bill Roth, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving Amendment No. 2 to an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the

County of Kane and City of St. Charles for Access and Improvements to Randall

Road from IL Route 64 to Dean Street

KDOT Deputy Dir. Rickert introduced this resolution. Discussion ensued on the

safety of the right-in/right-out access point.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Gary Daugherty, Bill Roth, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Chris Kious

Mo Iqbal

NAY:

REMOTE:

ABSENT:

Bill Lenert

Approving the Kane County 5-Year FY2025-2029 Transportation Improvement

Program (TIP)

(Committee Member Berman left at 9:45 a.m.)

KDOT Deputy Dir. Rickert introduced this resolution. He provided a presentation

of the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). He mentioned that this is required

by State Statute ILCS 5/5-301. He explained that this plan is the foundation for

KDOT's project development and budget development. He noted that the plan is

a working document of KDOT's full five-year financial plan. He reviewed the type

of Transportation Improvement Projects and the funding of each that are

included within the TIP. He noted that the projects listed are KDOT's primary

efforts. Rickert provided lists of expansion projects, intersection

safety/operational improvements, bicycle/pedestrian improvements, in which

multiple projects are a financial obligation of KDOT. The primary charges for

KDOT is maintenance to pavement and bridges/structures. There is currently 61

repair/replacement projects for bridge and structural improvements that will have

to be completed. Regarding the project list that was presented at last month's

meeting, several projects were moved to the multi-year projects to have the TIP

be as fiscally constraining as possible.

Chairman Tepe stated that the financing associated with transportation is

complex and hard to understand. He noted that the Committee has attempted to

present the complexity of KDOT funding these past few months. This has helped

the County Board to better understand the complexity, where funding is coming

from, and what is expected. Tepe spoke on the Five-Year TIP. He

recommended that this plan be passed. If revisions are needed, they can be

done so during the FY2026 budget process. Rickert addressed questions and

comments from the Committee. Much discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Rick Williams

Vern Tepe, Gary Daugherty, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth, and

Rick Williams

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Permitting

12.

Permitting Report

KDOT Asst. Dir. Nika stated that out of the 330 County road miles, 113.5

centerline miles have been adopted by the Adopt-A-Highway Program.

Nika stated that monthly Permitting Report was on file. He explained that over

the past weeks, KDOT held two preconstruction meetings for the Main Street

and Deerpath Road permit and the Longmeadow Parkway and Stonegate Road

permit. Construction will be occurring on County roadways and all access

permits. He noted that all the costs are under the responsibility of the land

developer. Nika addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

13.

Traffic Operations

Traffic Operations Report

KDOT Asst. Dir. Nika stated the monthly Traffic Operations Report was on file.

Addressing the Ongoing Routine Activities, he spoke on the activity of recording

and investigating all received motorist operations related complaints. He

addressed the numerous complaints and requests that KDOT has received to

improve the safety of County roadways. He stated that a lot of time and effort is

put forth to give each of these complaints the attention it deserves.

14.

Project Implementation

Project Implementation Report

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell stated the monthly Project Implementation

Report was on file. She introduced KDOT's new Design Engineer, Calley

McPherson. O'Connell spoke on McPherson's professional background. She

provided several photographs of the construction projects occurring around the

County.

Approving a $127,892.80 Contract for Construction with Steffens 3D

Construction, Inc. of Toluca, Illinois for 2025 Virgil Township Bituminous Surface

Treatment, Section No. 25-16000-02-GM

KDOT Chief of Design O'Connell reminded the Committee that KDOT assists

townships by helping them administer their state issued Motor Fuel Tax (MFT)

Funds. When a Township Highway Commissioner undergoes a contract, he

submits a written request to KDOT's Financial Team for the expenditure of their

MFT funds. KDOT assists by opening bids and the County Board approves the

expenditure of the MFT funds. KDOT CFO Young addressed questions and

comments from the Committee.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Bill Roth

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Gary Daugherty, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth, and

Rick Williams

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving a $128,909.90 Contract for Construction with Geske and Sons, Inc. of

Crystal Lake, Illinois for 2025 Rutland Township Road District, Section No.

25-13000-01-GM

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Gary Daugherty, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth, and

Rick Williams

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Phase I Engineering Services Agreement

with Alfred Benesch & Company of Chicago, Illinois for Randall Road Multi

Modal Improvements, Kane County Section No. 21-00539-00-TD

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Roth

MOVER:

Chris Kious

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Gary Daugherty, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth, and

Rick Williams

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Authorizing Acquisition of Real Property for Randall Road at Big Timber Road

Intersection Improvement, Kane County Section No. 19-00369-01-CH

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Bill Roth

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Gary Daugherty, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth, and

Rick Williams

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Kirk Road at Douglas Road Proposed Corporate Headquarters Expansion

Project Update

KDOT Asst. Dir. Coffinbargar provided the Kirk Road at Douglas Road Proposed

Corporate Headquarters Expansion Project Update. Back in 2023, he provided

information to the Committee regarding the proposed development of the expansion

project for the corporate headquarters of Aldi, located at the intersection of Kirk Road

and Douglas Road. This corporate headquarters expansion project is projected to

include a new 56K square foot, two-story building, plus a basement. The total projected

investment is approximately $30M, along with the creation of new jobs. Currently, there

is only a right out access on east side of Douglas Road. Coffinbargar explained that

Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) staff have been working with Aldi on

the engineering aspects of the plan. He stated that he has been involved in helping

develop the agreement with the Kane County's State's Attorney's Office (SAO). The

improvement plan will provide a full access signalized intersection with left and right

turn lanes to accommodate future traffic. Coffinbargar shared an exhibit depicting the

details of the improvement plan to the intersection. He explained that KDOT has

agreed to be the local agency sponsor in order for Aldi to receive awarded State

Economic Development (EDP) Program Funding from the Illinois Department of

Transportation (IDOT). Aldi has been awarded $2M that will go towards these road

improvements. Coffinbargar noted that no County funding will be expended for this

project. He detailed the funding process of KDOT being the project's local agency

sponsor. KDOT has been drafting an agreement that include the financial details. They

have been working with Aldi to develop a set of construction plans that meet KDOT's

and IDOT's requirements. Coffinbargar stated that the agreement and a resolution for

the major access permit will be presented at a future Transportation Committee

meeting. Coffinbargar addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Discussion ensued.

15.

16.

Reports Placed On File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Bill Roth

Executive Session

The Transportation Committee entered into Executive Session at 10:18 a.m. to discuss

land acquisition on a motion made by Kious, Roth seconded. Motion carried

unanimously by roll call vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Chris Kious

Bill Roth

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Vern Tepe, Gary Daugherty, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, Bill Roth, and

Rick Williams

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

Land Acquisition

17.

Open Session

The Committee returned to Open Session at 10:28 a.m. on a motion made by Kious,

Williams seconded. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Chris Kious

MOVER:

Rick Williams

SECONDER:

Resolution: Approving Acquisition of Highway Right of Way for Randall Road at

Illinois Route 72, Elgin, Illinois, Kane County Section No. 19-00514-00-WR,

Parcel No. 1PK0004 (not attached)

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Chris Kious

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Bill Roth

Vern Tepe, Gary Daugherty, Mo Iqbal, Chris Kious, and Bill Roth

Rick Williams

AYE:

NAY:

Dale Berman, and Bill Lenert

ABSENT:

18.

19.

New Business

None.

Adjournment

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Rick Williams

Chris Kious

MOVER:

SECONDER:

This meeting was adjourned at 10:29 AM.

Savannah Zgobica

Sr. Recording Secretary