Committee approves several engineering, permitting and software contracts, and an overpass amendment

Committee members approved multiple contract and agreement items intended to support current construction, permitting and design work.

Staff described the need for on‑call Phase 3 engineering because of construction department staffing shortages and said it selected Seorba Group, Inc. through QBS for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $300,000 over three years to help fill the gap while hiring continues; the committee approved the agreement. The committee also approved a three‑year on‑call support contract with Burn Software Technologies for Asella permit software with a compensation limit of $69,750 for the three‑year term; the staff confirmed the figure was for the full three‑year period.

Design staff presented an amendment to an overpass agreement with Union Pacific Railroad that extends the term and appropriates an additional $51,920 from motor fuel tax fund 302 to secure a temporary construction easement; the amendment was approved. Committee members also approved amendments extending design engineering agreements and administrative changes requested by IDOT for ongoing projects including the Kirk Road Bridge replacement and other phase‑specific agreements.

Staff said the Seorba contract and design amendments are intended to keep current construction schedules and lettings on track while the county addresses staffing and utility coordination issues.