Infrastructure Comm Mtgs.

The City of Harvard Infrastructure Committee meeting held in August 2026 focused on significant utility and roadway improvements, specifically the approval of the Phase I 2027 Water Main Improvements. Key takeaways include:

• Project Approval: The committee approved a $595,040 engineering proposal from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) for Phase I of the water main improvements, to be integrated into the 2026 Road Program.

• Mandated Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR): Starting November 1, 2027, the city is mandated to replace 10% of its lead service lines annually. The 2027 project will replace 400 service lines, counting toward this mandate.

• Funding Strategy: The city is utilizing Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) loans totaling approximately $7.5 million. The strategy revolves around using $183,800 in annual funds freed up from retired debt to service the new loan, which may qualify for a 1% "hardship" interest rate and 30% principal forgiveness.

• Cost Management: To protect infrastructure and reduce expenditures, the committee voted to remove $100,000 for permanent davit cranes from the budget, opting for a rental model.

• Roadway Updates: The Marengo Road bridge project is moving toward a September letting, with construction restricted to a May–August window in 2027 to avoid disrupting the school calendar. To explore these proceedings in greater detail, please select from the navigational buttons to the right:

During this City of Harvard Infrastructure Committee meeting, officials discussed several critical public works and safety initiatives, beginning with a public hearing on a potential $31 million IEPA loan to fund extensive water system improvements, including lead service line replacements and water main upgrades. The committee also reviewed a vendor audit for upgrading the city's tornado sirens, expressing interest in a $17,000 centrally controlled system to back up the existing "Code Red" alerts, though achieving full community coverage remains an ongoing concern. Additionally, members debated a $200,000 engineering estimate to add ADA-compliant retaining walls along Lincoln Street sidewalks, ultimately deciding to seek a legal opinion on removing private "carriage walks" and to bid the east-side improvements as an alternate. Finally, the committee directed staff to negotiate an easement, rather than an outright land purchase, to route the Forest Downs water main connection around a large, unbuildable dirt mound.  To explore these proceedings in greater detail, please select from the navigational buttons to the right:

2026 Road Program Status: The 2026 Road Program faces schedule adjustments due to engineering complexities on Lincoln Street. Current sidewalks are significantly elevated and non-ADA compliant. The committee debated a "Complete Streets" reconstruction versus a simple roadway rehabilitation. To evaluate the financial feasibility of bringing the sidewalks to compliance, the committee unanimously approved additional funds for preliminary design work to estimate the costs of necessary retaining walls. Consequently, the main road program bidding is delayed to late summer or fall 2026, with construction potentially extending to spring 2027. However, Timber Drive will be bid separately to ensure "hot-in-place recycling" proceeds this summer.

Bike and Pedestrian Plan Refinement: During public comments regarding the "Harvard On the Moooove" plan, residents emphasized the need for better Metra integration for commuters and urged the City to advocate for closing the dangerous 1.5-mile gap between the Stone Mill and Long Prairie Trails.

Staff presented revised infrastructure priorities, shifting focus to sidepaths on Marengo Road (Airport to Route 173) and Diggins Street, as well as connections along Route 173 to Galvin Parkway. The committee also agreed to designate Jefferson Street as a bike route despite its current poor condition, ensuring the project remains eligible for future grant funding when the road is eventually reconstructed.

Marengo Road and Bridge Timeline: The Marengo Road and Bridge projects are now targeting a fall letting due to contract delays. Construction for both projects is scheduled to occur simultaneously in 2027. This strategy is intended to minimize the duration of road closures and prevent heavy bridge construction equipment from damaging the newly paved road.

The primary takeaways from this meeting are:

• Viaduct Snow Maintenance Suspension:  Following a difficult and costly snow removal operation on the Route 14 Viaduct in December 2025, the committee voted to place a moratorium on current clearing resolutions. The city will transition to posting signage stating the sidewalk is not maintained during the winter months due to safety risks and logistical constraints.

• Correction of Funding Resolutions:  An administrative error in a previous resolution for the Marengo Road and Ayer Street Sidewalk Improvement Project was corrected to ensure IDOT processing for construction to begin in Summer 2026.

• Strategic Pedestrian Planning:  The city is moving away from an in-house 2021 "walking path" draft in favor of a professional, data-driven "bike pedestrian plan" developed with technical assistance funding. A final report is expected in Spring 2026.

• Downtown Revitalization:  The city has submitted a grant application to the RTA for pedestrian improvements near the Metra station, focusing on ADA accessibility and connectivity to local businesses.

• Utility Infrastructure Stalls:  Efforts to secure a second water line for Oak Grove remain stalled due to ongoing easement negotiations with private property owners.

The committee unanimously approved two significant items: a change order for the Well #9 generator project and a new three-year sludge hauling contract.

The primary action taken was the approval of a $15,213 change order for the Well #9 generator installation, which required a new disconnect switch. This keeps the project approximately $120,000 under budget. Secondly, the committee approved a three-year sludge hauling contract with Synagro, securing services at a rate of $28.06 per cubic yard. The decision was driven by market consolidation and Synagro's superior service record compared to the previous vendor.

Key discussions also centered on future infrastructure maintenance and telecommunications challenges. The committee addressed the need to coordinate street resurfacing with the protection of decorative brickwork in the recent streetscape project, tasking staff with researching protective measures. Furthermore, updates on the city's strategic vision highlighted that a publicly funded downtown Wi-Fi network is now considered cost-prohibitive, especially with the rise of 5G. The meeting concluded with a review of local telecommunications services, noting AT&T's withdrawal from a proposed cell tower project and the discontinuation of its service at the Senior Center, as well as a discussion of significant gaps in Surf's local fiber-optic network.

The City of Harvard’s Infrastructure Committee convened on November 11, 2025, to advance two major capital projects and address public safety communications. The committee unanimously voted to recommend that the City Council approve an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with McHenry County for the Rush Creek Bike Path. According to the IGA, Harvard will serve as the lead agency for the engineering phases, with the City contributing 10% and the County 90% of the estimated $1.2 million cost. This partnership is designed to expedite the project and enhance the city’s position for securing construction grants.

Addressing a critical vulnerability, the committee also approved a proactive plan to line all storm and sanitary sewers beneath the Union Pacific railroad right-of-ways. This action follows a recent storm sewer collapse and aims to prevent future costly emergency repairs and service disruptions. To fund the $154,546 low bid from Performance Pipelining, Inc., the committee authorized a $101,000 reallocation from the Water/Sewer Tap-On Fund to supplement the existing $70,000 budget.

Further discussion focused on the city's decommissioned tornado sirens. Citing concerns for residents not utilizing the Code Red alert system, the committee directed staff to confirm the system's household penetration rate and investigate grant opportunities for a modern, redundant warning system. The meeting also included a comprehensive status update on all ongoing city infrastructure initiatives.

The Harvard Infrastructure Committee, with attendees including Aldermen and city department heads, met on September 9, 2025, to discuss several key projects and strategic initiatives.

A major point of discussion was the repair of Timber Drive, which has a low Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 22-26. The committee reviewed three options for the repair. Option 1, a full removal and replacement, was the most expensive at over $400,000 and exceeded the available $332,000 in unused funds from the Ayer Street project. Option 2, a mill and resurface, was cheaper but had a short service life and would not fix underlying base issues. The committee ultimately approved Option 3, Hot In-Place Recycling (HIPR), by a 3-1 vote to recommend to the City Council. This option, costing just over $250,000, was seen as a good balance of cost and longevity, providing a 10-15 year service life while also addressing the lack of a proper crown for water drainage. Construction is expected to start in Spring 2026.

The committee also addressed the city's approach to roadway and sidewalk planning. While the city's reconstruction framework is "sidewalk to sidewalk," staff will make case-by-case decisions, especially for streets like McKinley, which currently lack sidewalks. The need for sidewalks for pedestrian safety, particularly near schools, was emphasized, aligning with the city's "complete streets" resolution. The city is also taking core samples and upgrading spot repairs to more permanent "Class D patches" on other streets.

Additionally, the committee approved funding for two projects at Well 6: a $19,888 pipe repair and replacement and a $94,721 iron filter media replacement. Both projects, which have needed attention for years, were recommended to the city council for approval. The meeting also included a strategic vision update, highlighting progress on street improvements and sidewalk projects, as well as the need for improved public communication and a comprehensive water master plan. Final updates were provided on the Mingo Road bridge, which now has a revised construction timeline. Additionally, the ongoing work to clear the overpass sidewalk in winter is considered a low-priority task.

The Infrastructure Committee Meeting held on July 8, 2025, for the City of Harvard, outlined various discussions and decisions regarding public works and transportation infrastructure. Key topics include addressing resident concerns about unofficial vehicle routes through private property, approving a memorial street sign for Jay Nolan, and receiving updates on ongoing road construction projects. 

A significant portion of the meeting focuses on the development and proposed implementation of a five-year city-wide transportation plan, detailing strategies for road maintenance, repair, and reconstruction based on pavement condition and funding availability. The sources also cover the reallocation of excess funds from the Ayer Street resurfacing project to other street improvements, as well as discussions about adjusting contractor work hours for internet connection installation. 

Attendees at the meeting include city officials such as Public Works Director Rob Lamz, Acting City Administrator Deb Bejot, and committee members Alderman John Lavallee, Alderwoman Lisa Haderlein, Alderman Joel Kriete, and Alderman Matt Perkins, highlighting the collaborative nature of city planning and operations. 

Notes, references, and a Podcast covering the City of Harvard Infrastructure Committee Meeting on June 10, 2025. The meeting agenda covered several key points, including the approval of past meeting minutes and a discussion on the allocation of remaining funds from this year's road work budget. This included exploring options such as stamped concrete, alley improvements, skip patching, and neighborhood road enhancements. Additionally, the committee addressed and approved emergency repairs for a malfunctioning aerator motor and a broken boiler. A major topic was also the replacement of a critical electrical panel at the Marengo Road lift station, deemed necessary for safety and functionality. Finally, the meeting included a discussion of the strategic vision and updates on various ongoing infrastructure projects, including the city's comprehensive study and grant applications. 

The Infrastructure Committee meeting on March 10, 2025, involved the approval of a resolution to recommend participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) to the City Council, along with a revised agreement aimed at broadening mutual aid beyond emergencies and streamlining its governance. 

The committee received updates on current infrastructure projects, including the low number of actual lead service lines found compared to initial reports, ongoing design work for the Route 173 sidewalk, and the impending installation of infiltration and rain monitors to gather data on sanitary systems. 

Significant discussion centered on stormwater management issues at new developments, with concerns about surface water flowing over sidewalks rather than into storm drains, as well as the potential for sidewalk degradation. 

The city confirmed its responsibility for maintaining bridge sidewalks, including winter snow clearance. 

An update on Surf Internet installations addressed concerns about gas line location and boring techniques, with Surf committing to improved safety and compliance. 

The approval of a site readiness grant for development, along with the ongoing creation of a comprehensive sidewalk master plan that prioritizes replacements, remains pending, despite unresolved questions regarding funding and ownership. Other topics covered were challenges with water shut-offs for rental units, prompting a proposed ordinance for individual metering, and the confirmed donation of land along Shadow Creek that has spurred interest in a community bike path initiative, alongside progress reports on the 1% sales tax for infrastructure improvements and the development of a road master plan.

The City of Harvard's Infrastructure Committee recently made several key decisions to advance significant infrastructure projects, particularly in roads, water, and wastewater systems.

The committee unanimously approved an IDOT resolution for a joint funding agreement to resurface Diggins Street and Sumner Street, an STP Grant project that includes wider sidewalks and aims to fully update Diggins Street. The city's portion for phase one is estimated at $295,365.

A major step for water infrastructure was the unanimous recommendation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for direct technical assistance with drinking water. This initiative is 100% funded by an IEPA grant, requiring no city matching funds, and will develop a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for both water and wastewater facilities. Delta Institute and RCAP will collaborate on a comprehensive master plan.

For immediate road work in 2025, the committee recommended the $605,000 Air Street resurfacing project (3-1 vote) to the City Council. This project, funded by the 1% sales tax, is a preventative measure on a high-traffic road with a known substructure. Additionally, $225,000 from Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds was unanimously approved for continued skip patching across the city.

Looking long-term, a strategy was discussed to maximize the 1% sales tax by issuing a $4 million bond every five years, which could provide significantly more road work—potentially 13 times more than previous annual spending—by leveraging economies of scale. Approximately $1 million needs to be set aside to implement this bond.

The committee's strategic vision is progressing, with an infrastructure plan on track for 2025 and a goal to increase street improvement by three times. Its scope has expanded to include water and sewer infrastructure, with the proposed 2025-2026 budget including $145,000 for smoke testing and flow monitoring. Finally, it was confirmed that the City of Harvard is responsible for specific maintenance, including weed removal and snow plowing on sidewalks, for the Route 14 bridge.