DeKalb County issues 35 permits as Frontier Communications upgrades to fiber

The government meeting held on June 3, 2025, in Sandwich, DeKalb County, Illinois, focused on several key issues related to infrastructure and permitting processes. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to manage road usage and the impact of heavy vehicles on local infrastructure.

One of the primary topics addressed was the issuance of permits for overweight vehicles. Officials noted that the sheriff's department would be responsible for monitoring and enforcing weight limits on local roads. The conversation revealed that the department recently trained two new deputies to handle overweight vehicle enforcement, which had been lacking since the retirement of a skilled officer.

The meeting also touched on the permitting process for utility companies, particularly Frontier Communications, which is transitioning to fiber optics. In the past ten days alone, 35 permits have been issued for their operations, indicating a significant increase in activity. Officials expressed concern over the administrative burden this places on staff and the need for taxpayers not to bear these costs.

Another significant point of discussion was the permitting for solar farms. With the state of Illinois shifting authority away from counties and townships, local officials are now tasked with managing road impacts from these projects. A specific solar farm project at Twombly and John Hubert Parkway was mentioned, where developers are required to bond the roads to cover potential damages. The bond amount discussed was $1.5 million, reflecting the high stakes involved in maintaining road integrity.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of establishing weight limits on certain roads to protect infrastructure. Officials emphasized the need for a streamlined permitting process to recover costs associated with road maintenance and inspections. Overall, the discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local government in balancing infrastructure demands with regulatory requirements.