PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 2025/10/20 PacketPUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
CITY HALL – UPSTAIRS CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
AGENDA
I.ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER
TED NOTZ, CHAIRMAN
RICHARD WALTHER
NANCY NOVIT
II.NEW BUSINESS / ACTION ITEMS
1.APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2025, PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
2.REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF
EASEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST AND COM ED FOR THE
WAUKEGAN & WESTLEIGH INTERSECTION PROJECT – BYRON KUTZ
3.REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE
MCLENNON-REED BRIDGE REPAIRS & CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING –
BYRON KUTZ
4.REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL TO
PROCEED WITH THE THIRD YEAR OF A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT FOR ANNUAL
TREE PRUNING – COREY WIEREMA
III.CIP PROJECT SUMMARY CHART
IV.PUBLIC COMMENT
V.NEXT MEETING – NOVEMBER 3, 2025
VI.ADJOURNMENT
NEW BUSINESS / ACTION ITEM:
APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2025,
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
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PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
CITY HALL – UPSTAIRS CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Walther called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. Alderman Nancy
Novit was in attendance. Chairman Notz joined the meeting via phone.
Staff attending the meeting included Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works;
Corey Wierema, Superintendent of Public Works; Matt Brugioni, Superintendent
of Public Works, and Jim Lockefeer, Assistant Director of Public Works.
II. NEW BUSINESS / ACTION ITEMS
1. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 7, 2025, PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Alderman Novit moved to approve the July 7, 2025, Public Works Committee
meeting minutes. Alderman Walther seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
2. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF IDOT
JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR THE WAUKEGAN & EVERETT INTERSECTION
PROJECT – BYRON KUTZ
Superintendent Kutz reviewed the below presentation slides on the topic.
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The Committee and City staff discussed the project schedule, easements,
detours, and the City’s grant funding share.
Alderman Novit moved to recommend City Council approval of a resolution for
a joint funding agreement for federally funded right-of-way with the State of
Illinois Department of Transportation for the Waukegan & Everett Project, Section
Number 11-00091-00-CH, for a local match estimated at $218,860, and authorize
the City Manager to execute required agreements and additional paperwork as
required by IDOT related to work on this Project. Chairman Notz seconded the
motion, which carried unanimously.
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3. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL L OF A
DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE WALDEN LANE EAST BRIDGE
REPAIR PROJECT – BYRON KUTZ
Superintendent Kutz reviewed the below presentation slides on the topic.
The Committee and City staff discussed project proposals received, project
timing, and design scope.
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Chairman Notz moved to recommend to City Council approval of design
engineering services for the Walden Lane East Bridge Repairs Project to GSG
Consultants, Inc., and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in
the amount of $85,910 to include a contingency in the amount of $4,090 for a
total cost of $90,000. Alderman Novit seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
III. CIP PROJECT SUMMARY CHART
The Committee and City staff discussed the below presentation slides.
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IV. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no Public Comment.
V. NEXT MEETING – TBD
Assistant Director Lockefeer explained that Director Thomas would coordinate
the next meeting date via email.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Novit moved to adjourn the meeting of the Public Works Committee
at 6:06 P.M. Alderman Walther seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Lockefeer Jr.
Assistant Director of Public Works
NEW BUSINESS / ACTION ITEM:
REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL
TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF
EASEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAKE
FOREST AND COM ED FOR THE
WAUKEGAN & WESTLEIGH INTERSECTION
PROJECT
WAUKEGAN AND WESTLEIGH INTERSECTION PROJECT
APPROVAL OF EASEMENTS WITH COMED
•Waukegan and Westleigh intersection project- anticipated construction start ~ Mid March 2026
•Widening and addition of lanes requires private-utility relocations
•Preferred to have all utilities relocated prior to project start
•ComEd relocation requires permanent easement at city-owned 1030 W Westleigh Rd
•ComEd can access the site, clear vegetation, and remove obstructions as needed
•No changes or obstructions allowed on the easement area without ComEd’s consent.
•Easement is permanent and applies to future property owners.
Action requested: PW Committee recommends City Council
Approval of a Grant of Easement to Commonwealth Edison for the
Waukegan and Westleigh Intersection Project and Authorization for
Staff to Execute the Easement and Related Documentation
MCLENNON-REED BRIDGE REPAIRS
CONSTRUCTION & CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
•Full deck and railing replacement
•Spot steel-repairs
•Slope stabilization and ravine restoration
•Asphalt resurfacing at both approaches
•Construction: Summer 2026 (FY2027)
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE SERVICES
•Scope
•Respond to RFIs on structural components
•Review demolition and erection procedures, and shop-drawings
• Concrete testing for first deck pour
•~10 Site Visits (Pre-construction, deck removal, form-work, reinforcement, deck pour, etc.)
•Staff initiated RFP process; 3 proposals received
•WJE- Designer of record
•FY2027 Budget: $80,000
Consultant Firm Proposal Amount
BLA $73,920
WJE $74,431
Innova Consulting $82,453
NEW BUSINESS / ACTION ITEM:
REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL
TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE
MCLENNON-REED BRIDGE REPAIRS &
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
MCLENNON-REED BRIDGE REPAIRS
CONSTRUCTION
•Received 3 bids- October 2, 2025 (see chart)
•Low-bid contractor same as Lake Woodbine
•Anticipated construction from March 31 to September 15
•FY2027 Budget total $1,880,000 (adjusting construction to $2,175,000 including10% contingency and $80,000 for inspection)
•Project begins prior to start of FY27 Budget (May 1, 2026)
•Construction will be in conjunction with adjacent Lake Woodbine project
Actions requested:
1) PW Committee Recommends City Council Award of the Low Bid for the McLennon-Reed Bridge Repairs Project
to Dunnet Bay Construction and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement in the Amount of $1,976,924
and a Contingency in the Amount of $198,076 for a Total Project Cost of $2,175,000.
2) PW Committee Recommends City Council Approval of Structural Engineering Construction Assistance Services
for the McLennon-Reed Bridge Repairs Project to Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., and Authorize the City
Manager to Execute an Agreement in the Amount of $74,431to Include a Contingency in the Amount of $5,569 for a
Total Cost of $80,000
Contractor Firm Bid Amount
Dunnet Bay Construction $1,976,924
Lorig Construction Co $2,017,462
Michels Construction, Inc. $3,252,538
NEW BUSINESS / ACTION ITEM:
REVIEW AND RECOMMEND
APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
TO PROCEED WITH THE THIRD YEAR OF A
THREE-YEAR CONTRACT FOR ANNUAL
TREE PRUNING
MPI TREE PRUNING(CYCLE)
•FY26 Budget - $83,000 Forestry Operating Fund
•The FY24 MPI Tree Pruning contract term agreement is from January 2023 through
December 2025. The City of Lake Forest reserves the right to renew this contract for two
(2) additional one (1) year periods subject to acceptable performance by the contractor.
•In FY2024, the City will begin its first eight-year cycle pruning plan.
•This project will be completed by the end of December 2025. The City will prune
approximately 1,800 trees under this contract.
•FY24 Bid Results:
•Advanced Tree Care has held this contract for the past two years and has performed very
well.
•Action Requested: PW Committee Recommends City Council Award approval
to continue the Municipal Partnership Initiative (MPI) that was approved in
FY2024 and proceed with the third year of a three-year contract with Advanced
Tree Care.
Vendors Advanced Tree
Care
Lucas Landscaping and
Design
Clean Cut Tree
Services LLC
Winkler Services
LLC
Size (DBH)
Category
Price Per Inch Price Per Inch Price Per Inch Price Per Inch
1-7"$2.10 $2.35 $6.00 $14.00
8-15"$2.50 $2.75 $8.00 $7.00
16" & up $2.90 $3.50 $12.00 $5.00
CIP PROJECT SUMMARY CHART
FY25 CIP PROJECT SUMMARY CHART – CAPITAL FUND
Highlighted areas represents the project was updated since the September 15, 2025, PW Committee meeting
Project Asset Category % Complete Project Timeline Notes
Waukegan & Everett Intersection (Land Acquisition)Road 5%2024
City selected for STP-Shared grant for land-acquisition on
12/1/23. ROW Funding Agreements will be presented to
CC in November
Waukegan & Westleigh Intersection (Land Acquisition)Road 100%2024 Presented to City Council on 8/5. Approval process
complete.
Westleigh Resurfacing (41-Western) Phase I Design Road 65%TBD CC approved on 7/15/24. Actual road construction was
not awarded grant funding but placed on contingency list.
Deerpath Intersection Traffic Light/Crossing Improvements Road / Sidewalk 0%TBD
Recently received one bid over budget. Staff initiated
discussions with Deerpath Streetscape electric contractor.
Project to be-budgeted for FY27 consideration.
CBD Infrastructure Improvements Evaluation Streetscape 98%November 2024 Staff has received draft final report; Engineering to review
report and provide final comments to consultant.
McLennon-Reed Bridge Repairs – Design Bridge 100%Winter 2024 Construction schedule has been changed in order to be
timed concurrently with Lake Woodbine.
McLennon-Reed Bridge Repairs – Construction Bridge 0%Winter 2026 – Fall 2026
Construction schedule has been changed in order
to be timed concurrently with Lake Woodbine. Bids have
been received and will be presented to Council in
November.
Lake-Woodbine Bridge Reconstruction – Construction Bridge 0%Winter 2026 – Fall 2026
City Staff received announcement from IDOT of additional
grant funding. Bids have been received and IDOT is
continuing with award process. ComEd will temporarily
relocate an aerial line across the ravine in November.
Ringwood Bridge Replacement Phase I Design Bridge 20%2024 – 2025
City Council approved agreement w/ engineering firm to
begin Phase I at their December 2nd meeting. Staff
presented update to CC on 9/2.
ADA Transition Plan Facilities / Right of Way /
Parks 85%September Final draft of plan is complete. HR Director to review final
draft.
FY25 CIP PROJECT SUMMARY CHART – CAPITAL FUND
Highlighted projects represents the project was updated since the September 15, 2025, PW Committee meeting
Project Asset Category % Complete Project Timeline Notes
Gorton Community Center Patio & Drop in Center Facility 45%September 2025 Demolition complete and all new footings installed.
West Park: Tennis Court Construction Parks 100%July Complete
Cemetery Ravine Restoration – Design Ravine 95%May – Spring 2025 Design progressing. Submitted for IEPA grant application in mid-
July.
Walden Ravine Bed Restoration – Design Ravine 80%May – Summer 2025 Design progressing.
Seminary Ravine Improvements Construction Ravine 0%TBD
City obtaining approximately $1 million in federal grant funding.
Project construction schedule is subject to EPA grant
administering timeline. Staff is working with design consultant on
grant materials.
Ahwahnee Road & Lane Storm Sewer Upgrade Construction Storm Sewer 100%January 2025 – August 2025 Complete.
Scott-Wisconsin and Griffith-Woodland Storm Sewer
Improvement Design Storm Sewer 90%May – September Design progressing.
FY26 CIP PROJECT SUMMARY CHART – CAPITAL FUND
Highlighted areas represents the project was updated since the September 15, 2025, PW Committee meeting
Project Asset Category % Complete Project Timeline Notes
Annual Pavement Resurfacing & Patching Program Road 100%June – October Punchlist and patching is remaining.
Crack Sealing Program Road 100%July Complete.
Concrete Streets Repair Road 100%Summer 2025 Complete.
Annual Longline Striping Program Road 100%Summer 2025 CC approved 4/21/25
Waukegan & Westleigh Intersection Improvements -
Construction Engineering Road 0%Summer 2027 PWC to review 11/3/25; seek CC approval 1/19/26
Concrete Sidewalk/Curb Replacement Road / Sidewalk 100%Summer 2025 Complete.
Whispering Oaks Sidewalk Connections Sidewalk 100%June – July Complete. Monitoring seed and blanket.
Deerpath Streetscape –Construction Streetscape 90%January – October
The road is now fully closed between Oakwood and
Western.Streetscape Improvement work is now focusing
on masonry walls, curb, and sidewalk.Extensive
communication and business outreach efforts continue.
On track for 10/31 completion.
Bank Lane Streetscape Improvements – Design Streetscape 100%January – April Complete.
McClory Bike Path Resurfacing (Westleigh to Ryan)Bike Path 100%July Complete.
Walden East Bridge Repairs Design Bridge 5%June – April 2026 Awarded by City Council.
FY26 CIP PROJECT SUMMARY CHART – CAPITAL FUND
Highlighted areas represents the project was updated since the September 15, 2025, PW Committee meeting
Project Asset Category % Complete Project Timeline Notes
Rec Center HVAC RTU Replacements Facility 100%August Complete
Senior Center Air Condenser Replacement Facility 0%Spring 2026
Design progressing. Construction bids: PWC to review 7/21/25;
seek CC approval 8/4/25. In the process of redesigning
equipment needs based on industry regulations
South Park: Tennis/Basketball Surface Maintenance Parks 100%June Complete.
Waveland: Tennis/Basketball Surface Maintenance Parks 100%June Complete.
Waveland Park Pavilion Project Parks 0%Fall 2025 – Winter 2026 Demolition complete and footings to be installed.
Forest Park: Playground Equipment Replacement Parks 95%September – October On schedule to be completed by the end of October
Annual Storm Sewer Lining Program Storm Sewer 15%October-November Will be completed by mid-November.
Storm Sewer Design Cherokee: Grandview-Forest Hill Storm Sewer 80%May – October PWC reviewed 4/7/25; CC approved 5/5/25. Construction
budgeted with FY27 funding
Griffith Woodland Storm Sewer Construction Storm Sewer 0%Spring / Summer 2026 PWC and CC to review March/April 2026
FY26 CIP PROJECT SUMMARY CHART – WATER FUND
Highlighted areas represents the project was updated since the September 15, 2025, PW Committee meeting
Project Asset Category % Complete Project Timeline Notes
Water Meter Replacement Purchase & Installation Water 5%FY25-FY29 First phase (test phase) of installs underway. Approximately 100
meters installed.
Green Bay Watermain Replacement Design (Linden-Greenwood)Water 80%February – September PWC reviewed on 2/3/25 and CC approved proposal 2/18/25.
Design work is now underway.
Basswood Watermain Replacement Design (Blackthorn-Westleigh)Water 80%February – September PWC reviewed on 2/3/25 and CC approved proposal 2/18/25.
Design work is now underway.
Water Plant AHU Coil Replacements Water 100%Late Summer 2025 Complete.
Elevated Tank Generator Replacement Water 10%Winter 2026 CC approved 6/2/25. Coordinating work with contractor.
Ahwahnee Ln Watermain Replacement (S. of Deerpath)Water 100%Summer 2025 Complete.
Valve Repairs Water 100%Summer 2025 Complete.
Elevated Tank Painting Water 10%Spring 2026 Work was placed on hold due to large water transmission main
breaks.
Annual Sanitary Sewer Lining Program Sanitary 15%October-November Will be completed by mid-November.
Manhole Lining and I&I Repairs Sanitary 100%Summer – Fall 2025 Complete
PUBLIC COMMENT
NEXT MEETING:
NOVEMBER 3, 2025
ADJOURNMENT