Committee approves multiple construction and design amendments, denies proposed corridor lighting and forwards CIP and a stormwater reimbursement resolution

The Public Works and Utility Committee considered several construction‑phase contract amendments and actions for major street projects, approved multiple amendments, voted to deny a proposed lighting plan and forwarded a draft capital improvement plan and a clean water fund reimbursement resolution to the village board.

Why it matters: The decisions affect schedules, budgets and the village’s ability to bid and construct projects that replace aging pavement and utilities, secure DOT funding and meet stormwater and drainage needs.

Key approvals and outcomes (summary): The committee approved a time extension and construction change order for the Weston Avenue reconstruction project (to address unexpected rock in sanitary sewer trenches), approved an amendment to construction‑services inspection agreement with AECOM to add approximately 200 inspection hours (not to exceed $17,160), and approved engineering service contract amendments for Schofield Avenue and Scofield Avenue projects to cover additional design and construction oversight as project scope evolved. The committee also approved a right‑of‑way services amendment with Becker Hoppe for the Ross Avenue/Metro Drive/Alderson Street STP project to secure easements needed for DOT grant and bidding timelines.

Lighting denial: The committee reviewed a request coordinated with the village of Rothschild to add two lights between Alderson and Birch Street (one paid by each municipality). After discussion about limited corridor illumination, maintenance costs and inconsistent benefit for the corridor’s users, the committee voted to recommend denying the proposed lighting plan.

Clean Water Fund resolution and stormwater project: The committee approved a resolution to submit for Clean Water Fund loan reimbursement related to the Highway 29/Business 51 stormwater project. Staff said the estimated project cost is about $2,800,000 with the village’s share roughly $2,000,000 and partners Rothschild and Schofield covering the remainder; DOT review of the stormwater model is pending and could affect DOT participation.

Capital improvement plan: Staff presented the draft 2025–2029 capital improvement plan and the committee voted to forward the CIP draft to the village board for consideration and for use in upcoming budget workshops. The plan schedules reconstruction and utility work in residential neighborhoods and major corridors over the next five years while targeting about $3,000,000 in annual general‑fund borrowing guidance used historically by staff.

Votes at a glance: (committee recommendations to village board or committee approvals) - Weston Avenue: construction change order (time extension) — motion passed. - AECOM: construction inspection amendment (not to exceed $17,160) — motion passed. - Schofield Avenue: engineering services contract amendment — motion passed. - Scofield Avenue: engineering services contract amendment — motion passed. - Ross Avenue/Metro Drive/Alderson Street: right‑of‑way (real estate) services amendment ($77,832) — motion passed. - Weston Avenue corridor lighting (Alderson to Birch) proposed plan — committee recommended denial (motion passed to deny). - Clean Water Fund loan resolution for Highway 29/Business 51 stormwater project (Resolution 2025‑014) — motion passed. - 2025–2029 CIP draft — committee recommended forwarding to village board (motion passed).

What the committee emphasized: Members questioned scope creep on design work, urged clearer scope definitions to avoid mid‑project amendments in future contracts, and discussed the operational impacts of encountering rock during sanitary sewer installations. Staff said the additional inspection hours were warranted given extended schedules and additional on‑site crews.

Next steps: Staff will forward approved contract amendments and the CIP draft to the village board and will bring bid results for Well 3 and any loan‑required board actions back to the committee when needed. Staff will also coordinate with Rothschild on any joint project responsibilities and finalize right‑of‑way documentation for DOT requirements.