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Village board tables $997,733 Ardmore grade separation engineering agreement after funding questions
Summary
Trustees delayed action on a nearly $1 million phase‑1 engineering agreement with CDM Smith for a grade separation at Ardmore Avenue while they seek more information about costs, funding sources and timing; an Illinois Commerce Commission matching grant was discussed but trustees asked for more time.
Trustees at the July 14 Villa Park Board of Trustees meeting voted to postpone a resolution authorizing a professional engineering agreement with CDM Smith for phase‑1 work on a proposed Union Pacific Railroad grade separation at Ardmore Avenue.
Manager Rivas and Public Works Director Mike Ware presented the $997,733, not‑to‑exceed engineering agreement, and CDM Smith representative Steve Prasinski explained the scope as preliminary engineering, environmental review under NEPA, railroad coordination and community engagement. Village staff said the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) had offered a matching grant covering 50% of phase‑1 engineering costs and that Ardmore was identified as the most suitable grade‑separation site in a prior feasibility study.
Public commenter Joel Mori urged the village to involve Union Pacific early and questioned whether Ardmore would qualify for major state or federal funds; Mori recommended coordination with UP commuter relations before paying for more studies.
Trustees expressed concern about Villa Park's current fiscal situation and asked for time to review the contract and its budget impact. Several trustees said they wanted more clarity on long‑term costs, right‑of‑way impacts and how future phase‑2 and construction funding would be assembled. Trustee Cozart moved to postpone the resolution to the July 28 meeting; the motion carried on a roll‑call vote.
Manager Rivas and CDM Smith staff said the engineering phase would typically take about 24 months and that future phases could include property acquisition and construction; costs for construction were expected to be in the multi‑million‑dollar range and could be eligible for up to 80% federal funding if matched with local or state funds. But trustees asked staff to return with additional options and clarifications about funding sources and phasing.
Ending: The board will reconsider the CDM Smith engineering agreement at its July 28 meeting; trustees asked staff to circulate written answers to specific financial and schedule questions before then.
