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LaSalle County highway committee approves multiple road contracts, a tractor purchase and e‑bidding pilot
Summary
The LaSalle County Highway Department voted to award several road and shoulder contracts to low bidders, approved the purchase of one mower tractor and authorized an electronic bidding pilot with Quest; several utility and right‑of‑way permits and surplus disposals were also approved.
LaSalle County Highway Department officials on Thursday approved awards to multiple contractors for resurfacing and shoulder projects, voted to buy one mowing tractor, and authorized an e‑bidding pilot for highway projects, the department said during its regular meeting.
The committee awarded low bids on a series of highway resurfacing and shoulder jobs, with vendors and recommended award amounts announced during the meeting. Department staff recommended awards to Illinois Valley Excavating, Universal Asphalt and Excavation, Holcomb, Antelope Valley Excavating and others for projects that included HMA resurfacing and aggregate shoulder work across county townships. Staff said the recommended low bidders were under the engineer’s estimates for the listed projects.
The committee also approved the purchase of one John Deere‑brand mowing tractor available from a Mendota dealer for $55,802.82. Department staff recommended buying the lower‑priced machine (a near‑new unit with about 10 hours) with a standard two‑year or 2,000‑hour warranty and to continue shopping for a second tractor at a lower price point rather than buying higher‑end models listed at about $73,911 and $146,901.
On electronic procurement, the committee voted to begin a pilot using Quest (an electronic bidding platform) for highway lettings. Staff said Quest is already used by many state and local agencies; using the system would let vendors pull plans and submit bids electronically, reduce paper handling and allow staff to verify submissions before publicly posting results.
Other routine items approved during the meeting included multiple utility and transmission‑line crossing permits, several road‑flooring and tile permits, approval to post the department’s surplus equipment at auction, and a special‑event cleanup permit for an Earth Day roadside cleanup. Staff also read and the committee approved the accounts payable and the minutes from the prior meeting.
Votes at a glance: the transcript records the following formal approvals during the meeting: - Award: Aggregate shoulder and resurfacing projects — recommended awards to Illinois Valley Excavating, Universal Asphalt & Excavation, Antelope (Antelope Valley) Excavating, Holcomb, Current Contracting and others; committee approved awards as recommended (motion carried). (Transcript evidence: bids and awards announced at multiple points; see provenance.) - Purchase: One John Deere mowing tractor for $55,802.82 — approved (motion carried). (Transcript evidence: “So I'm looking for a motion to purchase the 1 tractor for $55,802.82.”) - E‑bidding pilot: Quest electronic bidding for highway projects — approved (motion carried). - Surplus/disposal: Authorize disposal/sale of two tandems, a pickup, an SUV and other listed vehicles/equipment — approved (motion carried). - Special event permit: Sabik (Earth Day cleanup along County Highway 51/Canal Road) — approved (motion carried).
Staff said the low bids were typically below the engineer’s estimates and that all bidders were prequalified through IDOT. Department staff recommended awarding to the lowest responsible bidders and noted prior work experience where applicable. The department indicated it will continue using state prequalification standards and will verify bid tab calculations when numbers are handwritten.
Ending: Staff summarized upcoming construction activity — culvert and bridge work planned for spring and summer — and the committee adjourned after routine business.
