The City of Waukegan Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on Nov. 17, 2025 approved a slate of infrastructure measures affecting downtown sidewalks, the Greenwood Avenue Bridge and water‑system compliance.

Public Works staff asked the five‑member committee to reclassify funds to pay Patrick Engineering for Phase 1 engineering and utility upgrades on the Washington Street corridor. The motion to reclassify the listed line items was moved and seconded and carried by roll‑call vote.

The committee awarded the fiscal‑year 2026 sidewalk program to TCD Concrete Works as the lowest qualified bidder for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $174,126. Public Works reported five bidders submitted proposals at an 11/04/2025 opening. A committee member confirmed the award covers the list of sidewalks attached to the board materials.

A separate rebid for downtown sidewalk improvements on Genesee and Clayton Streets was awarded to Everlast Blacktop for a not‑to‑exceed total cited in staff materials as $1,367,956.28 after a 10/21/2025 bid opening that drew seven bidders. Committee members questioned whether the higher cost reflected greater square footage and whether any design elements (pavers) were included; staff said the work is primarily straight concrete replacement of existing sidewalk, removal of asphalt trip‑hazard patches, and includes tree and planter work.

The committee approved a rental contract for lane‑closure equipment from Traffic Control and Protection LLC d/b/a High Star Traffic for a not‑to‑exceed $27,843.50. Staff said the rental is needed because the Greenwood Avenue Bridge has deteriorated and an earlier closing was approved to avoid continued cribbing and shoring costs; Alderman Guzman asked, “Why are we renting and not, owning?” and staff replied that IDOT‑required barricades and large items are not owned by the city because they are rarely needed.

The committee also approved a public highway overpass agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for up to $152,400. Staff explained Union Pacific will perform construction oversight during Greenwood Avenue Bridge construction and that IDOT requires an executed agreement before the project can proceed to letting; the bridge letting is now scheduled for January 2026.

On the lakefront 'pork chop' project, the committee approved change order No. 2 with Ravine Paving for up to $21,887.48. Staff said drawings provided initially were not to scale and additional quantities were found during construction; with the change order, the project total becomes $253,442.40, which staff said is budgeted.

Finally, the committee authorized a professional services agreement with CDM Smith to update the AWIA (America’s Water Infrastructure Act) Risk and Resilience Assessment for a not‑to‑exceed $59,500; staff noted AWIA requires updates every five years. All motions recorded at this meeting passed by roll‑call vote with the members present voting in favor.

In reports, committee members praised ongoing work on Washington Street and thanked contractors and staff. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:15 p.m.

Votes at a glance: reclassification for Patrick Engineering — approved; FY2026 sidewalk program to TCD Concrete Works ($174,126) — approved; downtown sidewalk rebid to Everlast Blacktop ($1,367,956.28) — approved; lane‑closure equipment rental to High Star Traffic ($27,843.50) — approved; Union Pacific overpass agreement ($152,400) — approved; change order #2 to Ravine Paving (lakefront project, $21,887.48; new total $253,442.40) — approved; CDM Smith AWIA RRA ($59,500) — approved.

The committee did not receive public comment during audience time and had no further business before adjourning.