Larry G. Callant

The committee meeting included reports from the Assessment, Planning & Zoning committee and a Long Range Planning update, as well as one appointment for H.E.W. Solids Waste & Veterans. Old Business discussions covered the IACBM, CIRMA, and GREDCO reports, with updates on the Viewpoint Project, Constellation, FOP CBA, OCEDC presentation scheduling, the status of the Roofing Project, and communications regarding Bellwether services. The committee also addressed web accessibility compliance oversight. New Business featured two scheduled presentations: one from the Northern Illinois Food Bank and another from the Ogle County Economic Development Director.

The meeting included discussions on several new business items. The Director of FOCUS House requested approval to fill a resigned marketing coordinator position, which after discussion regarding funding accountability, was approved pending clarification of job scope and funding responsibilities. A request was introduced to add a standing agenda item for department heads to summarize and address monthly issues, exemplified by recent FOIA request responses, for better transparency and uniformity; the committee will consider this request. The committee addressed an IT security matter forwarded by the Chairperson. Regarding old business, a motion carried to amend the Vacation Policy to offer five working days immediately upon hire for employees in their first and second year of service, with further action needed to clarify the personnel manual language. A significant portion of the meeting addressed Human Resources staffing needs, with a recommendation to keep current staff permanent and postpone hiring a third person until there is capacity for adequate training, planning to present concrete recommendations next month.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the review and approval of bills and payroll for the Highway Department. A significant discussion point was the Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with Chastain & Associates for the Lake Mistake Drain Hydraulic Study, a joint project with the City of Oregon primarily funded by a FEMA grant, which aims to model flooding and size a replacement culvert under Pines Road. Under unfinished business, the committee noted the hiring of a new truck driver and plans to hire an engineering technician. Status updates indicated that transportation improvement projects southwest of Rochelle are indefinitely on hold due to study findings and the closure of the intermodal facility. New business included an update from the IACE Policy Committee regarding revised FHWA bridge inspection requirements effective in 2025, and information on IDOT's developing requirements for Design-Build project delivery methods for local highway projects.

The meeting commenced late due to the county engineer's tardiness. Key agenda items included the approval of bills and payroll, which covered a new air compressor purchase. The committee approved an agreement for Stormwater Reviews on Various Projects, noting that fees would be reimbursed through developer fees. In ongoing business, discussions focused on vehicle replacement, with a preference noted for a V8 engine over a 2.7L turbo I-4 engine, and updates were provided on vehicle delivery status. Personnel updates included a promotion to Heavy Equipment Operator and plans to post for a vacant Engineering Technician position. For new business, the committee reviewed the status of the 2026 Budget, which is the first under a new collective bargaining agreement, and it is scheduled for presentation to the Finance Committee. During public comment, a request was made to inspect a culvert along Flagg Road.

The meeting addressed the approval of previous minutes from December 12, 2017, and the review of Highway Department bills and payrolls. The committee awarded bids for the purchase of a mid-sized crew cab pickup truck, a 1-Ton Dump Truck, and two 45 HP mowing tractors, all including trade-ins. A motion was approved to accept the Preliminary Engineering agreement with Chastain & Associates LLC for a hydraulic analysis and concept plan for improvements on Pines Road within Oregon city limits, not to exceed $29,375. New business included a review of the proposed 2018 Letting Schedule and the 2018 Project Status Report, noting monthly updates will follow.