McHenry County Blog

A sixth note to the McHenry County Board from the Fleming Road Alliance:

To:  Ken Koehler, Chair, McHenry County Board; County Board Members

From: Fleming Road Alliance

Re: Update on Fleming Road Alliance Position on Improvements for Fleming Road.

Dear County Board Representatives:

Speed Limits and Weight Postings: These are two major safety measures that impact the entire design.

Bull Valley Riding Club trails cross, residents walk, run and bike – even world class bicyclists – and sight-seers enjoy the road.

Safety and convenience of the residents and slow moving travelers is as important, if not more important, than the speedy passage of the traveler passing through in a vehicle.

TranSystems has stated that Illinois law prevents a lowering of the speed to less than 35 mph.

We have asked for a cite to that law repeatedly and not been answered. We would like the speed limit reduced to 30 mph. The number of driveways along the road, combined with the rolling topography, make it imperative to keep speed down and truck traffic to a minimum.

There are a number of examples where our County Roads have a 30 mph speed limit – providing precedent.

We also are requesting the County Board to set a weight limit on Fleming Road that is 6 tons per axle.

Limiting heavy vehicles will dramatically improve the longevity of this pavement and investment.

The gentle rolling hills and curves of Fleming Road were never made for 80,000 lb trucks (and soon to be 97,000 lb trucks by pending federal legislation).

It is dangerous and destructive to have them on the road.

We request that the County Board set the speed and weight for the entire length of Fleming Rd. at the lowest allowed by law.

Fleming Road Alliance Organizing Committee

Ed Bennett, Mary Moltman. Lisa Rhoades, Marti Jadd, Linda Ramsey, Stanley Jarosz, Phyllis Keinz, Kevin Keesee, Emily Berendt, Deb Staley, Bjorn Mattsson

A fifth missive to the County Board from the Fleming Road Alliance:

To:  Ken Koehler, Chair, McHenry County Board; County Board Members

From: Fleming Road Alliance

Re: Update on Fleming Road Alliance Position on Improvements for Fleming Road.

Guardrails: In Design Options 3 & 4, TranSystems has included guardrails.

Guard rails have never been necessary, and will not be necessary if the road remains in the same footprint.

MCDOT and TranSystem Safety Studies show Fleming to be a very safe road so there is no justification for guard rails.

Again, widening the pavement will have a ripple effect to require guardrails, which will require back filling which will kill the surrounding trees and change the functioning drainage.

Hills and Valleys, Curves, Sight Distance: We are very glad to know that according to the 3-R standards MCDOT is applying, none of the curves in the road require straightening.

The hills and valleys however, or the ‘sight distance” are a topic of contention between us.

Grading to shave off hills and fill in valleys will impact almost all of the driveways along the road making some inaccessible and requiring extensive modification to others.

It also requires destruction of trees. (As well as creating drainage problems – see Curb and Gutter, Ditching, Drainage).  We recommend no change in vertical or horizontal alignment.

Instead we are asking for a speed limit reduction.

Simply reducing the speed reduces the standard required sight distance, and increases safety, (see Speed Limits and Weight Postings) hence our request for that solution rather than the more invasive grading proposed by MCDOT.  Again, we request that MCDOT seek a variance.

Fleming Road Alliance Organizing Committee

Ed Bennett, Mary Moltman. Lisa Rhoades, Marti Jadd, Linda Ramsey, Stanley Jarosz, Phyllis Keinz, Kevin Keesee, Emily Berendt, Deb Staley, Bjorn Mattsson

A fourth email to county board members about Fleming Road:

To:  Ken Koehler, Chair, McHenry County Board; County Board Members

From: Fleming Road Alliance

Re: Update on Fleming Road Alliance Position on Improvements for Fleming Road.

Dear County Board Representatives:

Water is the Issue

Rain water flows naturally down the sides of Fleming Road hills.

The infiltration of rainwater through the soils along Fleming Road cleanses contaminants before the water reaches the aquifer below.

Redirecting the flow negatively impacts that ability.

Design Option 2, which was soundly rejected, included installation of retaining walls that will CREATE runoff streams and assure drainage problems.

MCDOT then proposes to solve these problems by installing curb and gutter that will further impede the natural drainage pattern.  The ends of the retaining walls can be a hazard and must be protected.  By what?  Where does this end?

Fleming Road’s soft earthen banks are natural retaining walls that are much more forgiving than man-made materials like stone, brick, metal and wood.

They are already in position and do not impact the natural drainage path that was laid down when the receding glaciers created the topography to which this road conforms.

We request that MCDOT not create problems to drainage systems that are working well only to have to solve those problems with more engineering.

Class III Special Resources Groundwater: A major concern is the impact on any change in drainage patterns on the Class III Groundwater area that encompasses more than half of Fleming Road.

There are only five Class III areas in the state.

They are determined by IEPA application and approval and represent areas where the underlying aquifers are particularly vulnerable to contamination, in this case by road salts, oils, chemicals etc. The Village of Bull Valley has enacted a Class III Groundwater Protection Ordinance.

The Fleming Road Class III is the primary source of water for hundreds of acres of Illinois Natural Area Inventory (INAI) and MCNAI sites and Illinois Nature Preserves.  At issue is the Quality and Quantity of water flow to support these Recognized and Protected Natural Resources.

Also at issue is the quality and quantity of water flow for Human Consumption.

With water from our aquifers being withdrawn faster than it is replenished, it is critical that our Class III source be protected as it is a highly efficient water recharge area.  Several thousand county residents depend on the protection of this Class III.

We request that there be no change to the drainage in the Class III area.  Specifically, do not increase the volume of pavement surface, and leave the surrounding shoulders undisturbed

Fleming Road Alliance Organizing Committee

Ed Bennett, Mary Moltman. Lisa Rhoades, Marti Jadd, Linda Ramsey, Stanley Jarosz, Phyllis Keinz, Kevin Keesee, Emily Berendt, Deb Staley, Bjorn Mattsson

A third email to the county board from the Fleming Road Alliance:

To:  Ken Koehler, Chair, McHenry County Board; County Board Members

From: Fleming Road Alliance

Re: Update on Fleming Road Alliance Position on Improvements for Fleming Road

Tonight’s topic is the “clear zone”.

Here's the widening poster from the original Fleming Road improvement hearing.

Clear Zone: TranSystems initially designed for a 14’ “clear zone” along each side of the road. They later reduced the clear zone requirement to 7’.

Old red and white oaks would be chopped down if Fleming Road is widened.

A total of 282 fixed objects have been identified in the clear zone. Most of the fixed objects in the clear zone are older trees that have been around since the Civil War and before. The construction itself will kill many more trees simply because of the root disturbance.

Fleming Road has one of the last Oak Hickory Forest areas in the County. Knowing the true extent of potential tree loss will inform our decision making process and the CAG recommendation.

As of this date, MCDOT has refused to allow input from experts on the impact to the trees.

The road also serves as a crossing in a wildlife corridor that will be further disrupted.

The yard sign says, "Daffodils NOT Asphalt."

In addition, twenty-five years of Daffodil tradition will be almost completely wiped out by grading.

International studies on Health, Wealth and Welfare clearly indicate the benefits of tree-lined roadways.  Sticking to the footprint does the least amount of damage.

We ask that MCDOT seek a variance or waiver of the clear zone.

Fleming Road Alliance Organizing Committee

Ed Bennett, Mary Moltman. Lisa Rhoades, Marti Jadd, Linda Ramsey, Stanley Jarosz, Phyllis Keinz, Kevin Keesee, Emily Berendt, Deb Staley, Bjorn Mattsson

Another letter from to the McHenry County Board from the Flemming Road Alliance:

To:  Ken Koehler, Chair, McHenry County Board; County Board Members

Re: Update on Fleming Road Alliance Position on Improvements for Fleming Road.

Dear County Board Representatives:

Here is the Fleming Road Alliance information on Pavement and Lane and Shoulder Width

Pavement: Initially, some of us felt that the road should be simply resurfaced.

Some felt that a partial rebuild of the base would be necessary.

McHenry County Highway Department employees patch Fleming Road.

At CAG #2, a presentation of the pavement condition and causes of existing problems was followed by a group discussion that resulted in a general understanding that much of the base of the road needs to be replaced.

The use of modern technology and better materials available today will help extend the life of the road.  We anticipate that MCDOT will use the best possible materials.

Lane Width and Shoulders:  The striped driving lane is currently 10’ with the pavement varying between 10.5’ and 11’. The shoulder varies between 0’ and 2’ along the road depending on surface conditions.  This is the existing footprint. We request that it not be widened..

The width of the pavement is the key element to a) achieving the project and community goals or b) starting a destructive and expensive ripple effect on the roadway and community.

Consultant TranSystem’s design plans show at minimum an 11’ lane and a 4’ paved shoulder.  Even in design option 4, entitled “Reconstruction Maintaining Same Profile” the lane is 11’.  That is not the same footprint.

Widening the lane width by even a foot increases the need for grading and filling to stabilize the edge, creates drainage problems where none exist, (See Curb and Gutter, Ditching, Drainage), requires more extensive work to correct cross-sections, and creates access problems at driveway entrances. It also endangers more trees.

We ask what we have asked all along, that the road remain in the same footprint. We have requested that if required for funding, MCDOT seek a variance from IDOT standards to allow a varied shoulder width. MCDOT has also indicated that the shoulder must be paved. We have asked that the shoulders remain grass with 1-foot gravel drain channels where absolutely necessary. Changing the current lane and shoulder width will create drainage problems. (See Curb and Gutter, Ditching, Drainage).

We also have brought information to MCDOT on a new, highly recommended edging technique called the Safety Edge that reduces accidents while supporting the pavement edge (increased stability increases life of pavement which increases return on investment).  MCDOT has not indicated an interest in this new design feature.  We would like to know that this technology is being considered and the reasons for or against its applicability to Fleming Road.

Fleming Road Alliance Organizing Committee

Ed Bennett, Mary Moltman. Lisa Rhoades, Marti Jadd, Linda Ramsey, Stanley Jarosz, Phyllis Keinz, Kevin Keesee,Emily Berendt, Deb  Staley, Bjorn Mattsson

A communication to the McHenry County Board:

To:  Ken Koehler, Chair, McHenry County Board; County Board Members

From: Fleming Road Alliance

Re: Update on Fleming Road Alliance Position on Improvements for Fleming Road.

Dear County Board Representatives:

Overview: It’s been a while since we communicated with you, so we wanted to touch base with you on our position on the proposed Fleming Road improvements.

"Cut Speed Not Trees" advises this sign.

We have been meeting as part of the Community Advisory Group (CAG) under the IDOT Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) guidelines and appreciate the willingness of the Division of Transportation to learn the process with us.

We believe that working cooperatively through the CSS process is valuable.

The unique nature of Fleming Road presents an opportunity for the MCDOT to be a leader state-wide in the application of CSS to a project and to serve as an example written up in professional journals, as well as to assure that taxpayer money is being spent wisely and efficiently.

The MCDOT stated project goal is:

To develop a preferred plan for Fleming Road which replaces the deteriorated pavement, improves safety, maintains the character of the corridor, while minimizing the disturbance to adjacent property owners.

We agree with the project goal but have different interpretations of some of the terms.

We asked during CAG #1 that mutual understanding of terms and intent be achieved to enable us all to move positively through the process to the finished product.

MCDOT held an Open House on March 23, 2010.  The Fleming Road Alliance was created at that meeting from a ground swell of concern by the residents, roadway travelers and the neighboring local public.  The FRA represents well over 1000 active concerned citizens.

Our initial position was based on the 400+ public comments submitted to MCDOT at the Open House.   These were summarized into a survey circulated at the first Fleming Road Alliance meeting on May 5, 2010 to determine the strength of positions and priorities.

1. Replace the base only where proven necessary.
2. Keep the lanes the same width they are currently
3. Retain the existing shoulder width in a given location
4. Don’t add curbs and gutters.  This is not a city street.
5. Don’t add ditches. The existing drainage is working well.
6. Leave the intersections at Bull Valley, Country Club Rd. and 120 as is.
7. Don’t add turn lanes.
8. Reduce the speed limit to 30 mph.
9. Keep the posted weight limit of 6 tons per axle.
10. Keep the hills and the valleys.
11. Keep the curves.
12. Keep all the Oaks, Hardwoods and other native trees.
13. Do not dig up the daffodils. Replace any accidentally dug up with a planted double quantity.
14. Respect our historic and scenic value. Make the least disturbance possible.

Yellow tape has replaced the daffodils on Fleming Road.

The FRA summarized the results of the public comment/survey as “Keep the Same Footprint”, meaning the driving lanes are striped at 10’, the total pavement width remains between 21 and 22’, the shoulders are not widened and when the contractor finishes the project, the road looks the same. We have consistently adhered to this position.

It became very clear at the FRA May 3, 2010 meeting, that an additional concern from the citizens was and is the COST of the project and undisclosed justifications.  Please see

Cost Effectiveness.

During the CAG meeting process, the consultant TranSystems first presented us with two design options. Both of these options, Options 1 & 2 were soundly rejected as they far exceeded (over-engineered) the need to meet the goal of the project.

The CAG request that a third Option be worked on as a group was not responded to.

A summary list of CAG comments and recommendations was sent to MCDOT and TranSystems at TranSystems request. TranSystems then presented Options 3 & 4 at our CAG meeting on June 8, 2011.

Of the two, Option 4 comes closer to meeting the CAG recommendations, but still raises concerns about several issues, as explained in subsequent emails.

We have learned a lot over the past year and we would like to take this opportunity to offer and explain some of our own design criteria and solutions as we work through the topics to follow.  We are asking for your support.

Saturday Fleming Road was dedicated as a Scenic Drive.

First there was a Pledging of Allegiance to the Flag.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the sign was covered. Ray Pensinger is seen on the left. Nick Chirkos, Chairman of the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission, is on the right.

Speaking at the event was District 5 McHenry County Board member Tina Hill, who read Robert Frost’s “The Road Less Traveled,” as the wind blew her hair and into the microphone.

Tina Hill speaks before the unveiling of the Scenic Drive sign on Fleming Road.

When it came time to uncover the sign, the designated women needed help from one of the tall men.

"Some assistance, please."

Time for the formal shots.

Nancy Jung (left) and Lynn Pensinger (right), co-founders of the Bull Valley Daffodil Project, stand under the unveiled sign.

Now is the time to drive the roads of Bull Valley. The daffodils are blooming beautifully.

Michelle Krenger (left) took the photos of Fleming Road for the Scenic Drive application, and Lisa Halma Rhoades wrote the narrative that indicated the ways in which Fleming Road satisfied all six requirements of historic, architectural, archeology, cultural, scenic, and natural.

After the sign was uncovered, it was off to the Woodstock Country Club for a reception.

Marilyn and John Krenger drown their vintage car to the Woodstock Country Club for a celebratory reception.

= = = = =
Photos by Mary Moltmann.

The following press release found in a McHenry County email explains a celebration being held Saturday afternoon by those who don’t want county government to turn Fleming Road into an eastern truck bypass for Woodstock.

Amongst the blooming daffodils on Fleming Road is a sign reading, "Daffodils NOT Asphalt."

The McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission will be dedicating Fleming Road in Bull Valley, IL as McHenry County’s 8th Scenic Road.

When:    Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

Where:   Near the intersection of Fleming and Bull Valley Roads.

Please park park along the shoulders of the road to avoid the grass and plants.

Oaks that would presumably be removed if the County Trasnporation Department's plan to widen Flrming Road is implemented.

Click here to view the dedication ceremony program!

Click here to learn more about McHenry County Scenic Roads and the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission!

= = = = =

I am told that the owners of the Right-of-Way, that is the property owners along Fleming Road, have dedicated a conservation easement to a conservation organization.

"Cut Speed NOT Trees" says this partically obscrued yard sign.

But they have done something else, as well.

They have also dedicated the easement to the Village of Bull Valley.

I am told that one governmental unit cannot condemn land within the boundaries of another one.

If so, that would seem to checkmate any county government ambitions to seize property through eminent domain proceedings so as to turn Fleming Road into a thoroughfare wider than residents desire.

That’s what Fleming Road resident Lisa Rhoades told the McHenry County Department of Transportation Tuesday.

Her comments follow:

The State of Illinois has provided us with the Vision of Transportation for the 21st Century:  The cornerstone words are Livable and Sustainable.  These words are specifically intended to guide Transportation Design to primarily benefit the Individual Community that a roadway will serve while providing a means for non-local residents to travel through.

Some highlights on the State of the Fleming Road Project:

First, there is a threshhold issue that needs your attention:  A multi-million dollar project was launched by this body on a Consent Agenda.  A Cost /Benefit Analysis could not have been presented let alone refined during this authorization process – bypassing due diligence.  We ask that one is conducted post-haste.

At the urging of the Fleming Road Alliance (FRA) and to comply with IDOT Context Sensitive Solutions Policy, a mandated Community Advisory Group (CAG) was organized. Its composition is heavy in governmental entities, TranSystems engineers and MCDOT Engineers. The membership list is attached to this note.

With the State of Illinois Vision in mind, the CAG developed Project Goals that support the Vision -

1. Replace Deteriorated Pavement
2. Improve Safety
3. Maintain Character of Corridor
4. Minimize Impact to Residents

A couple of summers ago the McHenry County Transportation Department patched part of Flemming Road.

With those Goals in Mind, Design Criteria was presented by MCDOT. Fleming Road Alliance and individuals, including me, requested the addition of Design Criteria that included the a) Irreplaceable Class III groundwater, b) the sensitive aquifer, c) and the full functioning ecosystem provided by the historic forests, among others.

This process that is designed to reach consensus through collaboration has broken down. Input on Design Criteria from the CAG has been ignored. Only TranSystems and MCDOT concerns are reflected.

This is like answering a question with only partial information – as we all know, a little bit of knowledge is dangerous.

During the Study Phase, MCDOT determined that statistically, safety concerns did not rise to a level that required remediation. Therefore Time, Money and Energy for designing to safety standards were not necessary and prudently should be eliminated.  In other words, It is not necessary to Idiot Proof the road.

Drainage was also proven to be a problem in only two specific spots along the road – the prudent response would also be to only design drainage solutions for those two spots.  Yet, instead of pulling resources from those activities, designs just received for CAG#4, significantly alter infiltration, drainage, tree placement, slopes etc. along the entire roadway.

A lot has been made of Saving Trees.

The U.S. Department of Transportation studies show that Tall Trees along narrow pavement are proven to be safer to the motoring public than no trees along wide open roads.

The sign says, "Save Our Trees & Hills"

It’s a simple matter of when a driver “feels” the need to pay attention.

A sample of the many facits of a trees value to our county and community are:

• economic,
• health,
• safety,
• privacy,
• environmental, etc.

At the last CAG#3, Kevin Keesee clearly stated that the Design Criteria have still not been updated.

This means that not only are we being ignored, but resources are being spent to design for issues that do not require remediation.

Who is in charge of monitoring and altering the finances of the project?

It seems like the Fox is running the Hen House!

Some materials for CAG 4 have been put out and dogmatically continue:

• ignoring the input from the residents,
• ignoring the full picture of the design criteria
• ignoring the decisions and consensus from the CAG
• and ignoring the results of the Trans Systems own studies.

In addition, the conditions and allowances for the Natural Heritage Corridor that is being built along Fleming Road, also need to be inserted into the designs.

Working with this new and exciting program will show that the CSS process and the democratic process are alive and well in McHenry County.

Every project using significant funds requires periodic evaluation of Readiness to determine when it is appropriate to move on to the next phase.

As the body with final responsibility for McHenry County transportation projects, the taxpayers rely on you and ask you to determine if the Fleming Road Project Status indicates

• Green – Go (to the next phase),
• Yellow – Caution (More discovery needed),
• Red – Stop (Conditions have changed or problems exist that must be addressed).

A Readiness Evaluation considers all of the major issues of a project in their fluid / evolving state:  Financial, Management, Environment, Communication, Economic, Goals and Objectives.

The Evaluation asks the make or break questions.

Because there are so many important questions that are not answered, I am happy to schedule a work session with any of you interested in building the Readiness Evaluation.

Please take charge of this process. Democracy is circumvented when elected officials are not actively involved.

The daffodils will soon be blooming next to Fleming Road.

Let’s look at what those opposed to making Fleming Road an eastern by-pass of Woodstock have to say about

FLEMING ROAD COST BENEFIT CONSIDERATIONS

There are three primary considerations used in evaluating roadway needs: Capacity, Safety, and Cost.

The County Department of Transportation has acknowledged that neither capacity nor safety are issues that would require remediation of Fleming Road.

Therefore, cost must be driving this project.

McDOT has indicated that Fleming Road has reached a point where it needs to be completely rebuilt, and that anything less would not be cost effective.

Many months ago, local residents at a CAG meeting requested a cost benefit analysis from McDOT to help us understand the reasoning behind the proposed expenditure of $5.2 million on a 2.4 mile local road project that will result in

• a huge loss of trees and habitat
• higher,
• less safe vehicle speeds negatively affecting the character and property values of our neighborhood

To date, we have not received any such analysis.

In the absence of a reply from McDOT, we have consulted with engineering professionals who have indicated that there are indeed cost effective solutions to the repair of Fleming Road that would save the county millions of taxpayer dollars, and retain the existing character of the community.

McDOT has budgeted $5.2 million for the Fleming Road reconstruction with an expected service life of 15-20 years.

Based upon similar projects, a simple overlay of Fleming Road would cost $500k with an expected service life of 4 years. This process would provide a $1.5-2 million budget to provide the same 15-20 year service life.

Another alternative would be based on the 2010 Bull Valley Road repair process.

This was not just an overlay paving, but included excavating to a depth of 8 inches, and replacing failed base road areas where necessary.

Under this method, Fleming Road could be repaired and resurfaced for approximately $545,000.

This repair method is expected to provide an 8–10 year service life delivering a total budget of approximately $1 million.

Under this last method, McDOT could save the County’s hard press taxpayers over $4 million to repair Fleming Road and respond to the public’s overwhelming desire to keep the road in its existing footprint.

Although the existing shoulder configurations of Fleming Rd are unconventional, the drainage system works very well along the great majority of the roads length, due to the extremely porous soils in the kettle moraine topography of the region.

We invite interested Board members to walk the road with us to see for yourselves how well the existing shoulder and drainage systems work.

Our belief is that the most common sense approach to repairing Fleming Road would be to correct the two areas McDOT listed with drainage deficiencies, and proceed with repairing, or reconstructing, the remainder of the road in its existing footprint.

This would likely result in maintaining the beautiful character of this scenic road and save the over taxed residents of McHenry County millions in the process.

Flemning Road in early spring.

We ask you, the elected County Board members, to direct McDOT to revise the Fleming Road project to simply rebuild the road within its existing footprint, in order to save the County millions, and to preserve the character of our neighborhood.