Public Works Committtee

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  1. Douglas Wetzell

    Wage and Salary Committee, Public Works Committee, & Landfill Committee Chair
    Phone: 815-622-5346

    28339 Hurd Road, Box 58
    Deer Grove, IL 61243

    Term 2026

    Party Affiliation: Republican


  1. Paul Cunniff

    Phone: 815-631-3994

    23047 Gaulrapp Road
    Rock Falls, IL 61071

    Term 2026

    Party Affiliation: Democrat


  1. Tom Witmer

    Phone: 815-535-1600

    21102 Freeport Road
    Sterling, IL 61081

    Term 2026

    Party Affiliation: Republican


  1. Rachel Crandall

    Phone: 815-535-1219

    PO Box 121
    Prophetstown, IL 61277

    Term 2028

    Party Affiliation: Republican


  1. Edward Weeks

    Phone: 815-718-3269

    16271 Crosby Rd
    Morrison, IL 61270

    Term 2026

    Party Affiliation: Republican


Overview

The Public Works Committee’s duties are as follows:

  • In terms of budget-building, accountability reporting, and chain of communication with the Board, serves as the Parent Committee to the County Engineer and the Airport Board.
  • Provides operational oversight and direction to the Highway Department, through the County Engineer. The Public Works Committee shall serve as a liaison between the Highway Department/Public Works Department and other Standing and Advisory Committees.
  • Ensures the County Engineer establishes, maintains, and presents to the Board a dynamic five-year plan and program of highway work to be undertaken by the County itself or jointly with other political agencies. The presentation should be in conjunction with the annual budget. Such work shall include bridges and drainage structures and shall set forth the location, type, and cost of each highway improvement proposed, subject to IDOT approval. Such a plan shall be followed as nearly as it is practical.
  • Shall have the County Engineer initiate specific highway projects which are within the overall annual appropriation and budget ordinance; to advertise for and receive bids, quotations, or proposals for such work or items.
  • Considers and promotes work on township roads where state motor fuel tax funds are involved or where County aid is granted to construct or repair bridges, culverts, or drainage structures.
  • Oversees post-closure activities and the closed landfill owned by the County. Reviews reports regarding remediation and compliance with IEPA post-closure mandates. Reports change related to same to the Board.
  • Inspects the condition of and reviews space utilization at the Highway Department annually.
  • Periodically reviews the County Engineer’s fixed asset spending plan that has been approved in the annual budget.
  • Periodically reviews the County Engineer’s repair and replacements/improvements plan at the Highway Department’s facilities, as approved in the annual budget.
  • The Chair of the Board shall appoint from this Committee one member to serve on the Airport Board.
  • Performs other general duties of the Public Works Committee as described in the County Code.