Carpentersville trustees voted Aug. 19 to pay $248,009.09 for phase 2 engineering to prepare design plans to relocate utilities that became exposed where they cross the Fox River. The agreements authorize HR Green of McHenry to complete surveying, design and permitting work needed to make the crossings shovel-ready for construction.

The work stems from spring observations that four village utilities were located just 16 to 18 inches below the river bottom after removal of a small dam. Director Gray told the board staff hired a contractor immediately to place stone riprap to stabilize exposed lines and retained consultants to field-locate utilities, prepare water‑main modeling and draft an emergency response plan.

“Once we were notified, village staff took action and hired a contractor the very next day to stabilize all 4 utilities,” Director Gray said. He added HR Green will complete survey and design so the village can move quickly to construction if needed.

Trustee Frost asked whether state or federal agencies that supported dam removal might share liability or funding; staff said they have investigated potential liable parties but have not identified a responsible party and will continue to pursue funding sources and grants. Staff also said a state-required response-time study showed no interruption to emergency service if the village assumes coverage of the small area in question.

Trustee Garcia moved to approve the engineering contract; Trustee Abbott seconded. Roll call showed unanimous approval by trustees present.

The board and staff described the contract as phase 2: survey and final design. Phase 3, construction, would be authorized separately and would include construction oversight. Staff said the phase-2 deliverables will leave the project 90% design‑ready, a benefit if grant funds require a shovel‑ready project.

Village staff documented exposed lengths of about 60 feet for three utilities — a 12-inch force main, a 12-inch water main and an 8-inch water main — and about 8 feet exposure for a larger ductile iron force main. The village contracted interim stone protection and plans additional stone placement in coming weeks while completing design work.