West Central Reporter

McDonough County Board Road & Bridge Committee met April 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The McDonough County Road and Bridge Committee held their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.  The Meeting was held at the McDonough County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, Law Library. Committee Members present  included Chair Craig Foster, Vice Chair Dave Cortelyou, Eric Chapman, Mike Cox, Travis Hiel, Jerry Raby, Jarad Royer, and  Terry Thompson. Other persons in attendance: Brett Schnarr, Doug Plummer, Dave Cadwalader, Scott Hance, County  Chair Eric Blakeley, and County Board Secretary Sara Kluthe.  

Chair Foster called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.  

Review Minutes from March 6, 2025 

Member Chapman moved with a second by Member Raby to approve the minutes as submitted. Motion carried on a  voice vote.  

Discuss Teamster’s Union Contract 

Hance informed the Committee that the contract will be up in November, he recommended to start working on  revisions this summer. 

Discuss Pavement Preservation Letting on April 11th 

Hance stated that the Federal program that provides funding for oil and chips was approved, letting begins this month.  

Approve Road Use Agreements with Bushnell Sun LLC and 1150th Sun LLC 

Member Cox moved with a second by Member Chapman to approve the Road Use Agreements with Bushnell Sun LLC., and 1150th Sun LLC. Motion carried on a voice vote. 

Old Service Truck Sold at Auction 

The old service truck was sold at Kelso’s for $3,100.0. 

Update on the Camp Creek Wind Farm Road Use Agreement 

The developer would like to core the roads, it was recommended that they do a cement stabilization test on major roads  and if needed, add 4 inches of rock. They would like the roads oiled at least once before winter, 46 miles are oil and chip,  and 7 miles are hot mix. 

Update on the Starr Bridge South of Fandon 

Hance looked back and they had started the paperwork back in 2022. They will need to take a picture of the bridge, put it on display in the Courthouse along with information about the bridge for historical purposes. Having a memorial of the  bridge will allow it to be removed, he is hopeful they can start building next year. 

Update on the Start of Scotland Township Bridge Construction 

The start date has been pushed back to May. 

Discuss Future Wind Farms and Solar Farms 

Hance has been considering sending a letter to all road commissioners and asking them to let him know when and  where solar farms are going up. County Chair Blakeley informed the Committee that he talked to Will with RWE  regarding some calls that he has received. People have been knocking on doors in the Blandinsville area regarding leasing ground for wind turbines. Will confirmed that they are looking to add some more turbines, and possibly solar  farms. 

Discuss Wind Farm Invoices Paid to Date 

Hance talked to Megan at IMEG, RWE has given the County $113k for the siting permit and wind turbines. He has been  using the Highway Department funds to pay invoices regarding the wind farm, and he would like to have funds  transferred back to the County Highway account.

Miscellaneous Project Updates 

Survey work has started for the 1700 bridge that is South West of Bardolph, they will begin working on this bridge when  they have completed the Scotland bridge. County Chair Blakeley received a phone call from a land owner on West  Adams regarding a curve on the edge of town, the owner witnessed a near accident and agreed that the side of his hill  needs cut down so that there is visibility on the curve. Blakeley would like the Highway Department to do this as soon as  possible. 

Work Report 

Report given by Dave Cadwalader.  

Claims Review and Approval 

Member Hiel moved with a second by Member Raby to approve the claims submitted. Motion carried on a voice vote. 

Other Items as Needed 

Chair Foster informed the Committee that he has reached out to Dewayne Fender, the Warren County Engineer. regarding him helping with our engineering until we can hire an engineer. Dewayne returned his call just before the  meeting, he will call him after the meeting and update the Committee. 

Executive Session 

None. 

Public Comment 

Brett Schnarr, and Doug Plummer, Trustee’s for New Salem Township spoke to the Committee regarding an area  flooding in Adair. Anytime there is heavy rain the road floods, which runs in to Doug’s yard and garage. They discussed  the changes that have happened over time with culverts and the land. They asked if the Highway Department would  consider looking at this and see what a solution would be, the Township is willing to contribute funds to remedy the  problem. Member Cox said that this has been a problem for years, they tried working with the railroad in the past, the  County did their part of the solution and the railroad never did their part.  

County Chair Comments 

County Chair Blakeley informed the Committee that one of the turbines in the north part of the County was struck by  lightning, it was blown apart and caught on fire. It was suggested that there should be some kind of emergency alert on  the turbines so that if they were to catch on fire, emergency personnel would be notified immediately. 

Adjourn 

Member Raby moved with a second by Member Cortelyou to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 p.m. Motion carried on a  voice vote. 

http://mcg.mcdonough.il.us/countyboarddocs/minutes/2025-04-03%20Road%20&%20Bridge.pdf