St. Charles planning 12 road repair projects

St. Charles officials this week unveiled $2.58 million in summer road projects that will make improvements on only 2.63 miles of the city's 135 miles of roadway.

Aldermen didn't hesitate to give preliminary approval to the list of 12 project, but several said the city should do more to keep the most used city asset in good order.

"Streets are one of the few things in the city that has a direct impact on citizens," Alderman Rita Payleitner said. "They are glad we have a police department. They are glad they have a fire department. But they hope to never have to use them. I sure would like to see more funding for more street repairs."

The city uses motor fuel tax revenue to fund the bulk of road repairs. The state determines the city's share of the motor fuel tax dollars on a per capita formula. St. Charles had about $2 million of motor fuel tax funds saved up entering the city's 2016-17 fiscal year, which ends April 30. Officials estimate about $850,000 in new motor fuel tax income each year.

The city also applies for and receives some grant money to help fund road projects. A $220,000 grant from Kane County will pay for the work on 13th and 14th streets. Cash from the city's general and utility funds also help support road projects, including the work on 37th and 38th street in the city's east side industrial park.

Alderman Maureen Lewis joined Payleitner in asking to add road work into the budget. They highlighted what seems to be a trend in actual bids coming in well below estimated costs for such work.

Karen Young, the city's assistant director of public works, said use of motor fuel tax money must follow a process that commits the city to a certain number of roads. Modifying that list requires restarting the process. Projects funded with general or utility funds may have more wiggle room, she said.

Young said contracts for most of the work would come back to aldermen next month for final approval. Construction would begin in June and run through September.

The work in the east side industrial park will have a different schedule. Many businesses there operate 24 hours a day and must use roads that will be under repair. The city will use a unique process that will recycle and repair existing pavement, rather than tear out and replace it. Young said this will minimize disruption to the businesses. City officials are surveying the companies about operating hours and nuances to factor into the road construction process.