1
00:34:04,360 --> 00:34:06,340
We're on the air.

2
00:34:09,100 --> 00:34:14,960
Okay, good morning and welcome to the Technology Operations Committee meeting for August 19, 2026.

3
00:34:15,660 --> 00:34:17,820
Chris, will you please do the roll call?

4
00:34:18,000 --> 00:34:19,040
Dr. Connelly?

5
00:34:19,240 --> 00:34:19,620
Here.

6
00:34:19,760 --> 00:34:20,600
Dr. Perk here.

7
00:34:20,720 --> 00:34:21,460
Dr. Nettemire?

8
00:34:21,900 --> 00:34:22,480
Chair Sweeney?

9
00:34:23,040 --> 00:34:23,200
Here.

10
00:34:23,480 --> 00:34:24,480
Mr. Chairman, we have a call.

11
00:34:24,720 --> 00:34:25,380
Thank you.

12
00:34:25,640 --> 00:34:27,780
I have a first order of business today's public comment.

13
00:34:27,900 --> 00:34:31,580
During this portion of the meeting, members of the public are invited to address the committee.

14
00:34:32,280 --> 00:34:34,900
We have speakers, limit their remarks at two minutes.

15
00:34:35,400 --> 00:34:39,560
Is there anyone present who wishes to address the committee at this time?

16
00:34:40,300 --> 00:34:40,940
That's it.

17
00:34:42,900 --> 00:34:48,220
I should ask. Is there anyone that wanted to make contact at the committee meeting, rather than at the board meeting?

18
00:34:56,060 --> 00:34:57,940
We've already started the chair's items.

19
00:34:58,820 --> 00:34:59,860
We have consideration minutes.

20
00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:06,440
Technology and operations committee meeting held July 16, 2026 may have a motion to approve the

21
00:35:06,440 --> 00:35:12,260
minutes as presented. So moved. Second, it's been moved in a second. Are there any questions

22
00:35:12,260 --> 00:35:15,080
or requests to amend the minutes?

23
00:35:17,390 --> 00:35:20,410
Very none. All those in favour, signify by saying aye.

24
00:35:20,750 --> 00:35:27,590
I was opposed to saying any. Motion passes. The minister approved. I have no additional items.

25
00:35:27,590 --> 00:35:32,170
I'll show I will turn the floor to our executive director for some.

26
00:35:32,550 --> 00:35:33,810
Thank you very much, Chair Smeaning.

27
00:35:34,230 --> 00:35:38,290
I have no items on to report so we can move on this morning to item for consideration.

28
00:35:38,990 --> 00:35:43,790
Under information technology, we have two items this morning and our chief information officer

29
00:35:43,790 --> 00:35:47,010
Mike Shea will present these items for the committee's consideration.

30
00:35:47,710 --> 00:35:47,730
Mike.

31
00:35:48,190 --> 00:35:49,270
Thank you, Executive Director.

32
00:35:49,550 --> 00:35:51,430
Good morning, Chair Smeaning and good morning directors.

33
00:35:52,830 --> 00:35:56,810
The first item is the award of the Order Against an Illinois Department of Innovation and

34
00:35:56,810 --> 00:36:02,050
technology master contract with Gartner reported for IT research and advisory services.

35
00:36:02,370 --> 00:36:07,210
This contract provides subscription-based licenses for seniors full-way staff as well as

36
00:36:07,210 --> 00:36:11,550
access to all technical staff at the full-way to the technical articles within their

37
00:36:12,670 --> 00:36:19,750
growth. Gartner also provides us guidance on best practices. We've utilized them for data governance

38
00:36:19,750 --> 00:36:24,690
and ethical AI policies as well as they keep help keep us abreast of cyber security trends

39
00:36:24,690 --> 00:36:30,530
right now they're currently helping us prepare for quantum-do encryption issues anticipated in the future.

40
00:36:31,350 --> 00:36:34,810
They also provide contractor view and assist us in software selection.

41
00:36:36,630 --> 00:36:40,090
This provides access for six senior technical staff.

42
00:36:40,330 --> 00:36:45,150
If IT staff, as well as I mentioned all technical staff for the whole way,

43
00:36:45,890 --> 00:36:50,270
and Gardner has committed to meeting 11% the ED goal as established in the Master Contract,

44
00:36:50,270 --> 00:36:54,130
The cost from the importance of the do it master contract and if it reviewed by the information

45
00:36:54,130 --> 00:36:55,510
technology department.

46
00:36:55,730 --> 00:37:02,950
Award is recommended to gardener incorporated for contract 26-1331 for IT research and advisory

47
00:37:02,950 --> 00:37:09,750
services for an amount not to exceed 493,338 dollars for a 1 year term.

48
00:37:11,050 --> 00:37:17,790
Second item is an award of a do it master contract with CDW government LLC for CardiGraph

49
00:37:17,790 --> 00:37:22,590
software subscriptions maintenance support. The contract provides a source to continue to use

50
00:37:22,590 --> 00:37:27,750
of cartograph software licenses including maintenance and support. Cartograph is a user

51
00:37:27,750 --> 00:37:31,710
centric solution that has been deployed in hundreds of cities, counties and state agencies

52
00:37:31,710 --> 00:37:37,290
to manage asset infrastructure. This operation management system provides the most complete

53
00:37:37,290 --> 00:37:41,790
work order service request and preventative maintenance and asset management tools set used by

54
00:37:41,790 --> 00:37:45,870
our roadway and facility maintenance staff as well as our general engineering consultant.

55
00:37:45,870 --> 00:37:59,150
The told-way has dedicated significant time, effort and financial resources to CardiGraph and CardiGraph has been integrated with multiple told-way systems, including Catapult Trimble and our traffic incident management system.

56
00:37:59,450 --> 00:38:09,910
The software has anticipated processes developed. The use of software, the process development and the use of the software would continue to provide operational efficiencies.

57
00:38:09,910 --> 00:38:15,270
We call it certain accordance with the do it master contract and have been reviewed by the information technology department.

58
00:38:15,610 --> 00:38:25,170
The award is recommended to cdwlc for government for contract 261361 for cartograph software subscriptions, maintenance and support.

59
00:38:25,410 --> 00:38:28,910
In an amount not to exceed $800,000 for a two-year term.

60
00:38:29,130 --> 00:38:30,410
With that I'm glad to answer any questions.

61
00:38:35,380 --> 00:38:35,700
Thank you.

62
00:38:45,320 --> 00:38:45,740
Practicing?

63
00:38:46,160 --> 00:38:46,440
Yeah.

64
00:38:47,340 --> 00:38:47,580
Thank you.

65
00:38:48,080 --> 00:38:49,860
Thank you,

66
00:38:51,870 --> 00:38:51,990
Mike.

67
00:38:53,630 --> 00:38:59,490
We have the motion to approve the placement of the information technology items number one on the full board agenda.

68
00:39:00,430 --> 00:39:01,450
So moved to the second.

69
00:39:02,770 --> 00:39:03,630
There's been moved in a second.

70
00:39:03,810 --> 00:39:07,990
Are there any questions or concerns on the item?

71
00:39:08,850 --> 00:39:09,590
Hearing none.

72
00:39:09,870 --> 00:39:12,190
All those in favor signify by saying aye.

73
00:39:12,870 --> 00:39:14,410
Those opposed saying aye.

74
00:39:14,730 --> 00:39:21,970
Motion passes information technology item one is approved for placement on the August Board meeting agenda with the committee.

75
00:39:21,970 --> 00:39:27,330
recommendation. I have a motion to approve placement of information and

76
00:39:27,330 --> 00:39:31,990
technology adding two on the full board agenda. So moved. Second. It's been moved

77
00:39:31,990 --> 00:39:35,150
in a second. Are there any questions or concerns on this item?

78
00:39:37,440 --> 00:39:42,700
None. All those in favour, signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed saying aye.

79
00:39:43,560 --> 00:39:47,700
The motion passes. Information and technology item number two is approved for

80
00:39:47,700 --> 00:39:49,280
and I always board meeting.

81
00:39:49,480 --> 00:39:50,880
Do you want to know what the committee's recommendation?

82
00:39:53,280 --> 00:39:54,580
Thank you very much.

83
00:39:54,840 --> 00:39:55,260
Your Sweeney.

84
00:39:55,480 --> 00:39:58,680
This morning, under facilities and upgrade operation.

85
00:39:59,240 --> 00:39:59,980
We have one item.

86
00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:07,760
The committee's consideration. And this month, our chief of facilities and fleet aims out of it, we'll present this item.

87
00:40:08,600 --> 00:40:08,920
Thank you.

88
00:40:09,040 --> 00:40:11,840
Senator, good morning. Chair Sweeney and one director.

89
00:40:12,680 --> 00:40:19,180
I do have one item to present. This item is a total order against a CMS master contract with

90
00:40:19,180 --> 00:40:23,200
I'll try to incorporate it to purchase front end load.

91
00:40:24,400 --> 00:40:27,560
Out to four, the warp rate is located at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

92
00:40:28,300 --> 00:40:32,620
This contract provides a source to purchase seven caterpillar front end loaders.

93
00:40:33,140 --> 00:40:35,960
These loaders are used at the 12 maintenance scratches.

94
00:40:36,880 --> 00:40:41,420
The loaders, main function, is to move salt into the salt dumps in the

95
00:40:41,420 --> 00:40:44,360
follow-mons and fill our plout trucks with salt in the winter.

96
00:40:45,240 --> 00:40:48,480
In the spring and summer, the loaders are used for various tests

97
00:40:48,480 --> 00:40:54,000
that require pushing and moving heavy materials, including sand, dirt and gravel.

98
00:40:54,800 --> 00:40:59,420
The seven loaders requested a replacement for existing loaders to have exceeded the

99
00:40:59,420 --> 00:41:04,800
total waste established replacement criteria of 7,000 engine hours, which is roughly

100
00:41:04,800 --> 00:41:08,920
about 10 years, or if the condition of the loader warrants replacement.

101
00:41:10,160 --> 00:41:14,640
The front loaders are used in a highly corrosive environment, and our condition can reach

102
00:41:14,640 --> 00:41:16,560
a point where they cannot be repaired.

103
00:41:17,620 --> 00:41:20,800
The old front end loaders will be solid on the state's side bit.

104
00:41:21,040 --> 00:41:26,620
What website, we currently have a fleet of 30 front end loaders, which includes the seven that we are replacing.

105
00:41:28,080 --> 00:41:34,320
The CMS Master Contract, the allow agencies to purchase caterpillar, or Volvo front end loaders.

106
00:41:34,600 --> 00:41:40,660
We selected the caterpillar loaders, because we have some already, and we find them easy to maneuver and repair.

107
00:41:41,980 --> 00:41:44,660
The front end loaders are actually made in Athens, Georgia.

108
00:41:47,900 --> 00:41:57,760
The costs are in accordance with the CMS master contract and there were four kids on the CMS master and we have reviewed the bids by our department.

109
00:41:58,360 --> 00:42:12,120
Award is recommended for contracts 26 that one, two, two, one for the one-time purchase of seven caterpillar for an unloader from all before in the amount and the amount not to exceed one million,

110
00:42:12,120 --> 00:42:16,220
and $670.586.75.

111
00:42:21,700 --> 00:42:22,360
Thank you, Dave.

112
00:42:22,680 --> 00:42:23,400
Thank you.

113
00:42:23,700 --> 00:42:27,680
May I have a motion to approve placement of facilities and fleet operations?

114
00:42:28,220 --> 00:42:29,800
Item one on the full board agenda.

115
00:42:30,500 --> 00:42:31,140
So moved.

116
00:42:31,620 --> 00:42:32,840
Move, then second.

117
00:42:33,920 --> 00:42:36,500
The other questions are concerns on this item.

118
00:42:39,140 --> 00:42:41,680
Hearing none, all those in favour of the second five by nine.

119
00:42:42,860 --> 00:42:43,940
Those are policy names.

120
00:42:43,940 --> 00:42:59,760
Motion to ask is fleet cost facilities and fleet item one is approved for a placement on the audit board meeting agenda with communities recommendation under unfinished business next on on the agenda unfinished business

121
00:42:59,760 --> 00:43:03,680
Is there any unfinished business committee wishes to discuss here

122
00:43:06,530 --> 00:43:11,340
in on is there any new business that the

123
00:43:14,260 --> 00:43:17,900
There's no further business before the committee may have a

124
00:43:17,900 --> 00:43:23,520
motion to adjourn. So moved, second, second. All those in favor, second, five, or

125
00:43:23,520 --> 00:43:28,680
saying aye. Aye. Those opposed to say nay. Motion passes. Thank you.

126
00:43:32,050 --> 00:43:35,450
Mr. Finance. All right. Good morning and welcome to the Finance and

127
00:43:35,450 --> 00:43:39,390
Audit Committee meeting of August 19, 2026, Christie. Will you please call

128
00:43:39,390 --> 00:43:39,930
them all?

129
00:43:40,170 --> 00:43:41,130
Mr. Connelly.

130
00:43:41,870 --> 00:43:43,470
Mr. Bill Ness. Here. Dr. Metta.

131
00:43:43,670 --> 00:43:43,790
Here.

132
00:43:44,270 --> 00:43:45,110
Mr. Connelly. Here.

133
00:43:45,350 --> 00:43:47,830
Mr. Chairman, we have a quarry.

134
00:43:47,970 --> 00:43:50,670
Thank you, Christie. Our first order of this today is public comment.

135
00:43:50,670 --> 00:43:54,390
through this portion of the meeting members of the public are invited to address the committee.

136
00:43:54,810 --> 00:43:57,070
He has sent speakers, please lend it to the remarks in two minutes.

137
00:43:57,530 --> 00:44:00,210
Is your A1 President who wishes to address the committee this time?

138
00:44:01,310 --> 00:44:03,710
All right. Thank you. Let's move on to Section 4 of our agenda.

139
00:44:04,330 --> 00:44:09,770
First of the chair's items, we have for consideration the minutes of the Finance and Audit Committee meeting held on July 16,

140
00:44:10,330 --> 00:44:13,250
2026, and I have a motion to approve the minutes as presented.

141
00:44:14,630 --> 00:44:18,410
Second, it's been moved in second. Are there any questions or requests to amend these minutes?

142
00:44:18,410 --> 00:44:25,370
If you're not all those in favor of signify by saying aye, aye, all opposed, the motion passes, the minutes are approved.

143
00:44:25,710 --> 00:44:29,790
I have no additional items at this time, so I'll turn it over to our executive director, Cassandra.

144
00:44:30,310 --> 00:44:31,270
Thank you very much, Chairman.

145
00:44:31,750 --> 00:44:41,430
I'm this morning, I have no additional items under the additional items, but I do have a report under my executive director report.

146
00:44:41,430 --> 00:44:48,410
And this morning our chief financial officer, Kathy Williams, has a 2026 second quarter financial

147
00:44:48,410 --> 00:44:54,390
report to share, which highlights the continued stability and progress across our operations

148
00:44:54,390 --> 00:44:56,490
and capital initiatives.

149
00:44:56,890 --> 00:44:59,970
As you will hear, the Illinois subway can include the second quarter.

150
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:13,520
Order, and the first half of 2026, and a stable financial position. Higher than budget year-to-date revenues, along with favorable operating results, and lower than budgeted debt service allocations.

151
00:45:14,220 --> 00:45:25,100
While higher capital expenditures reflect at the pace of major construction activities. So at this time, I'd like to ask Kathy Williams to present the second quarter year-to-date financials.

152
00:45:25,100 --> 00:45:28,960
Thank you. Thank you. Good morning, Chair. Good morning, directors.

153
00:45:29,660 --> 00:45:30,290
Good morning.

154
00:45:30,960 --> 00:45:34,880
I will be presenting the preliminary and unordered results.

155
00:45:35,380 --> 00:45:39,180
For the 2026 second quarter compared to budget.

156
00:45:41,140 --> 00:45:41,740
And it's perfect.

157
00:45:45,460 --> 00:45:46,420
And it's still connected.

158
00:46:00,130 --> 00:46:01,270
Kathy, how's your summer going?

159
00:46:03,310 --> 00:46:04,570
She has had it going well.

160
00:46:13,790 --> 00:46:17,870
What's a day without a little technology since there?

161
00:46:23,210 --> 00:46:24,750
What's a day without a little technology since there?

162
00:46:24,750 --> 00:46:26,610
The entire team is on the

163
00:46:52,850 --> 00:46:52,850
floor.

164
00:46:54,070 --> 00:46:54,070
So

165
00:46:57,360 --> 00:46:59,560
let's go to the financial summary.

166
00:47:02,830 --> 00:47:08,250
So this slide represents a financial summary of the year-to-date second quarter results.

167
00:47:08,250 --> 00:47:16,490
So, as you can see, revenue was budgeted at 860,660,000,000 through June 30,000 for today.

168
00:47:17,130 --> 00:47:20,610
Actual results taken in 879.3 million.

169
00:47:21,530 --> 00:47:26,250
They change or increase about budget of 12.6 million or 1.5%.

170
00:47:26,910 --> 00:47:32,670
This reflects mostly higher investment income that occurred during the first and second quarters.

171
00:47:32,670 --> 00:47:46,570
It's not one to that, and we're going to now make this an operation expenditures, came in below budget by $9.7 million, mostly due to contractual services, but parking offset by higher group insurance costs.

172
00:47:47,090 --> 00:47:53,210
That service transfers are $2.77.1 million and $2.8 million below budget.

173
00:47:53,210 --> 00:47:59,410
And this is also due to the later timing of our debt issues, as well as accumulated investment earnings

174
00:47:59,410 --> 00:48:06,110
that has resulted in invested and expected debt transfers.

175
00:48:06,950 --> 00:48:09,190
And lastly, capital expenditures are 49.

176
00:48:09,710 --> 00:48:20,050
Excuse me, we're 49 million or 11.7% higher above budget due to better

177
00:48:22,610 --> 00:48:26,430
So let's talk about revenue, through June 30.

178
00:48:28,050 --> 00:48:33,070
So here to date, so toll revenue, as I mentioned, is 12.6 million more than budget.

179
00:48:33,430 --> 00:48:36,930
And again, as you can see, most of it comes from investment income.

180
00:48:38,050 --> 00:48:41,730
This is driven by just higher projected balances that we carry.

181
00:48:42,210 --> 00:48:45,650
And off the cost of our relatively stable short term investments,

182
00:48:45,650 --> 00:48:47,950
rate that this occurred during the quarter.

183
00:48:49,010 --> 00:48:53,730
Tol revenue is slightly above budget 1.2 million, and that's mostly due to the

184
00:48:53,730 --> 00:48:58,870
better than expected evasion recovery results that occurred in the second quarter, and

185
00:48:58,870 --> 00:49:07,150
lastly, commit concessions and miscellaneous, this slightly above budget due to fiber optic

186
00:49:07,150 --> 00:49:09,710
at least as any that we encourage during the second one.

187
00:50:17,610 --> 00:50:21,050
This is the first.

188
00:50:32,260 --> 00:50:41,940
So, as you can see, the slide shows sit, roll, and toll revenue. Year-to-day toll revenue is

189
00:50:41,940 --> 00:50:53,800
755 million. And it coherent to 2025. This is an increase of 30 million or 422 percent that comes mostly from

190
00:50:53,800 --> 00:51:04,540
commercial vehicle revenue, which is 490.4 million and remains of revenue was about 4.9% of

191
00:51:04,540 --> 00:51:05,960
of 2025 levels.

192
00:51:06,740 --> 00:51:12,920
For passenger car vehicles, the passenger car vehicles revenue is about 11.5 million higher

193
00:51:12,920 --> 00:51:20,740
than our 2025 level of 3.4% total passenger vehicle revenue came in at 320.5.

194
00:51:20,740 --> 00:51:36,460
So, again, we're still showing you continued city growth, compared to budget revenue is slightly below budget and that's mostly because of weather impacts in both passenger vehicle and commercial vehicles in the first quarter and second June and second quarter.

195
00:51:40,420 --> 00:51:42,040
So, can you go back to transactions?

196
00:51:43,160 --> 00:51:45,400
I just want to point out the transactions.

197
00:51:46,880 --> 00:51:55,740
So transactions actually came in about budget by 0.4% and then compared to 2025 transactions

198
00:51:55,740 --> 00:51:58,720
increased by 12.5 million or two and a half percent.

199
00:51:59,220 --> 00:52:04,940
Again, that's driven by passenger car vehicles, passenger car vehicles, it was 12.2 million,

200
00:52:04,940 --> 00:52:13,160
a 2.8% higher than 20.25, much of vehicles are about 1.3 million or 0.5% higher than

201
00:52:13,160 --> 00:52:13,900
20.5.

202
00:52:14,080 --> 00:52:17,920
But again, we are still showing continuous steady growth in our revenue.

203
00:52:20,860 --> 00:52:25,960
And once again, how does that revenue get allocated with maintenance and operations?

204
00:52:26,720 --> 00:52:31,980
Here we show a budget of 204 million maintenance and operation costs.

205
00:52:31,980 --> 00:52:41,380
We're coming in slightly without a moment of 2015-9.7 million below, and this is mostly

206
00:52:41,380 --> 00:52:44,600
due to the timing of filling of open positions.

207
00:52:44,760 --> 00:52:50,560
Some of the positions that we budgeted this year will probably get filled next year in

208
00:52:50,560 --> 00:52:53,700
line with some of the projects we expected to implement in our team.

209
00:52:54,300 --> 00:53:01,240
Contractual services was also about 7 million below budget, and that mostly consists of operations

210
00:53:01,240 --> 00:53:09,660
efficiencies in our operations. We had more than expected call volumes. We also had, we see

211
00:53:09,660 --> 00:53:16,740
some of our customer service in a customer service that some of the efficiencies that we gain

212
00:53:16,740 --> 00:53:25,580
is because of increased IVR and so service usage which cuts our call times. So that helps with

213
00:53:25,580 --> 00:53:30,760
again an efficiencies in our operations. We also got a credit from our bank, well bank service

214
00:53:30,760 --> 00:53:36,080
against our bank charges and helping us put in the contractual services of CO2.2 million

215
00:53:36,580 --> 00:53:42,720
and then there are some lower spending and ISP expenses, which we expect to do

216
00:53:42,720 --> 00:53:49,640
probably increase for the whole year. Group insurance costs. We hear monitoring that

217
00:53:50,320 --> 00:53:56,120
group insurance is exceeding 551.5 million in the first order and this is due to higher than expected

218
00:53:56,120 --> 00:54:02,720
coins cost it occurred in the first folder. The second quarter actually the insurance

219
00:54:02,720 --> 00:54:08,520
costs were pretty much flat. So we are very grateful. And again, we had a higher than

220
00:54:08,520 --> 00:54:11,700
expected to claim cost in the first quarter.

221
00:54:16,270 --> 00:54:17,810
Going to our capital program,

222
00:54:20,320 --> 00:54:21,380
it's always budget

223
00:54:21,380 --> 00:54:30,100
before reimbursement. It's 418 million total of the annoying infringing adapter. Actual results

224
00:54:30,100 --> 00:54:38,380
came in at 475.1 million, and increased of 57.1 million above budget at 13.7 percent.

225
00:54:38,900 --> 00:54:44,140
And this is mostly due to significant progress that was made on the main light hallway

226
00:54:44,140 --> 00:54:49,780
in the tricycate, as well as bridge reconstruction. Also, there's been a lot of continued

227
00:54:49,780 --> 00:54:59,160
grab bridge and image change work in I-29 and I-88 that was not anticipated what we

228
00:54:59,160 --> 00:54:59,980
Um, six.

229
00:55:01,700 --> 00:55:14,940
In addition, this been more than I got just made on the eligible hearing than they just paid it. This is for the U.P. roll track relocation and better than they just paid it results on pipeline relocation.

230
00:55:15,620 --> 00:55:22,640
And lastly, in emerging projects, it's slightly below budget. And here, this just reflects time to design activity.

231
00:55:22,640 --> 00:55:25,260
on the

232
00:55:33,130 --> 00:55:37,410
total plan that lower the objectives of expenditures on the total plan as a

233
00:55:37,410 --> 00:55:42,270
however, work has continued on the fiber optic network expansion along the

234
00:55:42,270 --> 00:55:46,210
better this whole way and total plans that include a work has progressed on various

235
00:55:46,210 --> 00:55:46,730
objectives.

236
00:55:49,070 --> 00:55:51,250
Any questions on your time?

237
00:55:51,890 --> 00:55:52,770
You're going to take these out.

238
00:55:56,020 --> 00:55:59,980
Just one quick, we're going to do a period that we're having any issues but why is on the

239
00:55:59,980 --> 00:56:02,940
cost of fuel today versus a year ago.

240
00:56:03,800 --> 00:56:06,740
Now we are still in line with where we are budgeting.

241
00:56:07,620 --> 00:56:10,720
The other questions?

242
00:56:11,700 --> 00:56:12,440
Thank you, Kathy.

243
00:56:13,260 --> 00:56:15,520
The subject, do you have any additional items at this time?

244
00:56:16,140 --> 00:56:17,580
I have no additional items, Tammy.

245
00:56:18,160 --> 00:56:18,340
All right.

246
00:56:18,480 --> 00:56:21,960
So as we have no items for consideration this month, let's move on to unfinished business.

247
00:56:22,460 --> 00:56:25,220
We have any unfinished business that committee wishes to discuss.

248
00:56:26,020 --> 00:56:26,960
Is there any new business?

249
00:56:28,020 --> 00:56:30,600
There is no further business before the committee may add a motion adjourn.

250
00:56:30,600 --> 00:56:32,600
Thank you.

251
00:56:37,180 --> 00:56:38,980
The motion passes.

252
00:56:39,240 --> 00:56:39,900
We are adjourned.

253
00:56:40,200 --> 00:56:40,640
Thank you.

254
00:56:41,280 --> 00:56:42,760
The motion passes.

255
00:56:42,980 --> 00:56:43,800
We are adjourned.

256
00:56:43,940 --> 00:56:45,860
Thank you.

257
00:56:45,860 --> 00:56:49,460
The morning welcome to engineering planning and development.

258
00:56:49,460 --> 00:56:54,280
over-site community meeting August 19th, 2026.

259
00:56:55,860 --> 00:56:58,720
Chris, do you please call me, please?

260
00:56:59,260 --> 00:57:01,920
Dr. Gomez, I'll excuse you, Dr. Cadick.

261
00:57:02,380 --> 00:57:03,480
Chair, Dr. Seenie?

262
00:57:04,100 --> 00:57:04,700
Dr. Wright?

263
00:57:05,400 --> 00:57:06,440
Dr. Connelly?

264
00:57:06,960 --> 00:57:07,080
Here.

265
00:57:07,460 --> 00:57:08,460
Chairman, may I have one?

266
00:57:08,720 --> 00:57:09,060
Thank you.

267
00:57:09,520 --> 00:57:10,500
Christine, the first quoted witness.

268
00:57:10,700 --> 00:57:11,800
Today is public comment.

269
00:57:12,140 --> 00:57:15,500
At the end of this portion of the meeting, members of the public are invited

270
00:57:15,500 --> 00:57:16,440
to address the committee.

271
00:57:16,440 --> 00:57:20,980
We ask that the speakers please limit their March to two minutes.

272
00:57:21,760 --> 00:57:26,800
Is there any one present who wishes to address the committee at this time?

273
00:57:28,800 --> 00:57:30,560
Thank you.

274
00:57:31,020 --> 00:57:33,240
Let's move this section for our agenda.

275
00:57:37,460 --> 00:57:42,260
First under the chair's item, we have about four consideration minutes of the engineering

276
00:57:42,260 --> 00:57:47,040
planning development oversight committee meeting held on July 16, 2021.

277
00:57:47,040 --> 00:57:54,800
six may have a motion to approve the minutes, so a second motion is made in second.

278
00:57:58,030 --> 00:57:58,350
Are there

279
00:57:58,350 --> 00:58:04,330
any questions or requests to amend the minutes? Hearing none, all those are favorcing the

280
00:58:04,330 --> 00:58:11,190
five to say aye. May motion passes. I have no additional items at this time during the floor

281
00:58:11,190 --> 00:58:16,150
over the executive director for some. Thank you so much, Chair Connelly. I have no additional

282
00:58:16,150 --> 00:58:20,370
to report today. So we move on to items for consideration. Under

283
00:58:20,370 --> 00:58:23,610
engineering, we have three items this month. And our Chief

284
00:58:23,610 --> 00:58:26,670
Engineering Officer, Bernard Nash, will present these items for the

285
00:58:26,670 --> 00:58:30,890
committee's consideration. For not? Morning directors. Before

286
00:58:30,890 --> 00:58:33,630
presenting this month's items, I'd like to provide a brief update

287
00:58:33,630 --> 00:58:38,170
on progress that we are making. 2026 remains on track to be one of

288
00:58:38,170 --> 00:58:42,250
the largest to date. A significant progress is being made as the

289
00:58:42,250 --> 00:58:47,830
advances the move Illinois and bridging the future capital programs, demonstrating our continued

290
00:58:47,830 --> 00:58:53,150
commitment to delivering for our customers. On the central tri-state project, Reconstruction

291
00:58:53,150 --> 00:58:58,230
Work has continued between Agdhan Avenue and Cermack Road, with additional lanes expected to be

292
00:58:58,230 --> 00:59:05,550
opened by the end of the year, as well as at the I-2-90-88 interchange, where work on Reconstruction

293
00:59:05,550 --> 00:59:11,950
has continued for complex images crossing I-2-90 and I-88. Tier 1 Closet Work,

294
00:59:11,950 --> 00:59:17,550
at several locations is expected to be substantially completed this year and on the i490

295
00:59:17,550 --> 00:59:22,990
course or interchange and mainline work continues along with relocation of jet fuel pipeline

296
00:59:22,990 --> 00:59:28,930
serving over here which Kathy mentioned and that sets the stage for additional mainline construction

297
00:59:28,930 --> 00:59:34,550
significant mainline construction ahead next year and then finally as we continue to push

298
00:59:34,550 --> 00:59:40,750
to complete this year's work there are preparations underway for significant work that's planned

299
00:59:40,750 --> 00:59:43,150
for next year, so I think we'll take care of your next year.

300
00:59:45,680 --> 00:59:47,020
First, I'd like to invite him one

301
00:59:47,020 --> 00:59:48,640
as a construction contract to work

302
00:59:48,640 --> 00:59:51,780
for sign panel fabrication and installation system wide.

303
00:59:52,320 --> 00:59:56,260
This is a standard and essential contract for signing work

304
00:59:56,260 --> 00:59:59,960
to ensure that the signs on the totally system are well-meant.

305
01:00:01,300 --> 01:00:13,000
The work includes fabrication and installation of science, pick up an installation of science fabricated by the tollway, removal of science and science supports maintenance of traffic and other miscellaneous work.

306
01:00:13,700 --> 01:00:21,780
The current contract for this work will end this year. This contract will provide a continued source for the work. The low bid was below estimate.

307
01:00:21,780 --> 01:00:36,400
You see, two bids award is recommended to road-safe traffic systems incorporated as the little bit or at 2,969,487 dollars and 27 cents, and they have committed to meet the DBE and veteran goals on this contract.

308
01:00:39,000 --> 01:00:44,540
There's one new professional engineering service contract award being presented for consideration this month.

309
01:00:44,540 --> 01:00:49,200
I have two as a professional engineering service contract for construction,

310
01:00:49,560 --> 01:00:52,160
for door management and construction management services for the

311
01:00:52,160 --> 01:00:56,180
Elginal Hair Wester and Access project, and this is the last

312
01:00:56,180 --> 01:00:59,460
contract for these services for this project.

313
01:01:00,240 --> 01:01:03,140
And as highlighted in the past, the ongoing Elginal Hair

314
01:01:03,140 --> 01:01:06,180
Wester and Access project is a project of national and regional

315
01:01:06,180 --> 01:01:10,280
significance and plays in essential role in transforming mobility,

316
01:01:10,280 --> 01:01:15,860
kind of activity and accessibility in Northeast Illinois and is noted in this month's

317
01:01:15,860 --> 01:01:20,220
Quarterly Financial Report, progress in the second quarter of seated expectations.

318
01:01:20,980 --> 01:01:23,220
We're working aggressively to build on that momentum.

319
01:01:23,960 --> 01:01:30,140
What was 2026 strong in preparation for 2027, where work will be occurring along the entire length of the

320
01:01:30,140 --> 01:01:37,920
I-490 corridor. This contract has two primary components. First, construction corridor management

321
01:01:37,920 --> 01:01:43,920
services to support the totally with oversight and management of all remaining contracts for

322
01:01:43,920 --> 01:01:50,020
completion of construction and close out the I-490 corridor. And this also includes supporting

323
01:01:50,020 --> 01:01:56,020
all required public and agency communication and coordination. That includes coordination with

324
01:01:56,020 --> 01:02:01,900
I-DAT, Chicago Department of Aviation, Federal Aviation Administration, three different railroads

325
01:02:01,900 --> 01:02:04,820
in Cook and DuPage County, so just a few.

326
01:02:05,840 --> 01:02:09,240
And second component, construction management services

327
01:02:09,720 --> 01:02:12,520
for inspection oversight and providing

328
01:02:12,520 --> 01:02:14,600
documentation for continued construction

329
01:02:15,040 --> 01:02:18,420
within the Canadian Pacific's Venshinville Intermodal Yard

330
01:02:18,420 --> 01:02:21,420
and this includes construction of the new I-490

331
01:02:21,420 --> 01:02:25,460
overpass over the Canadian Pacific Venshinville Yard.

332
01:02:26,340 --> 01:02:28,160
This new contract ensures continuity

333
01:02:28,160 --> 01:02:30,480
for essential services, supporting delivery

334
01:02:30,480 --> 01:02:36,840
of remaining I-494 door construction work, and that construction includes completion of remaining

335
01:02:36,840 --> 01:02:42,180
segments bordering the west and southern sides of O'Hare, new access and outgrow village,

336
01:02:42,700 --> 01:02:48,320
and additional work to advance western access into O'Hare. A ward of this contract is recommended

337
01:02:48,320 --> 01:02:57,100
to V3 companies in the amount of $21,100,000,000. They committed to exceed the DBE goal and meet

338
01:02:57,100 --> 01:03:01,440
veteran goal for the contracts and they also have a partnering for growth agreement with

339
01:03:01,440 --> 01:03:03,480
HKM engineers LLC.

340
01:03:06,320 --> 01:03:11,640
The third item is a supplement and amount not to see $250,000 for additional

341
01:03:11,640 --> 01:03:19,720
construction management services under contract RR244943 with pinpoint precision LLC and they

342
01:03:19,720 --> 01:03:24,340
are providing the construction management services for the York Road Ridge Reconstruction

343
01:03:24,340 --> 01:03:31,080
over ideates in Oakbrook. The construction schedule for the contract they're overseeing has been

344
01:03:31,080 --> 01:03:37,020
extended. Additional time was needed to relocate a conflicting electrical line. Good news is

345
01:03:37,020 --> 01:03:42,360
construction on the bridge is completed. So this supplement just provides an extension of services

346
01:03:42,360 --> 01:03:47,980
required for the close-out of the contract. And then also we have a totally has an intergovernmental

347
01:03:47,980 --> 01:03:53,020
agreement with the village of Oakbrook and the village will participate in the the cost and the

348
01:03:53,020 --> 01:03:58,700
all project. So approval is recommended and the DB and Veteran Commitments are expected

349
01:03:58,700 --> 01:04:01,120
in that through completion of supplemental services.

350
01:04:03,100 --> 01:04:04,960
There are three questions in one hour.

351
01:04:08,890 --> 01:04:14,650
One, two, three times. Okay. Thank you very much. Without a judge, we need to take the engineering

352
01:04:14,650 --> 01:04:20,630
items as a group. I have a motion to consolidate what consideration and action engineering

353
01:04:20,630 --> 01:04:27,810
items once through three. So look, second, the motion is made in second. All those in

354
01:04:27,810 --> 01:04:34,130
favor, signify by say and aye. Motion pay items. Motion to consolidate these items

355
01:04:34,130 --> 01:04:39,410
have been carried. Now we have a motion to prove placement of engineering items once through

356
01:04:39,410 --> 01:04:49,090
three and the full board agenda. It's a little like it. All those in favor, signify by say and aye.

357
01:04:50,010 --> 01:04:55,070
May I say a motion pass, it's engineering 9, it's 1, 3, our approval for a placement

358
01:04:55,590 --> 01:04:59,890
on the August Board meeting agenda with the committee's recommendations.

359
01:05:02,660 --> 01:05:12,080
Thank you. Thank you. Yes. Under legal, we have four items this month. We are asking that items two, three, and four be deferred until after consideration in the executive session of the full board.

360
01:05:12,520 --> 01:05:18,000
Our general council would present legal item one for the committee's consideration. Kathleen. Good morning.

361
01:05:18,000 --> 01:05:24,900
One of the item one involves an IGA between the TOLA and the TOLA and the Transportation.

362
01:05:25,300 --> 01:05:31,580
I'd uplands to reach for the bridge carrying US-20 over the J. Adams Memorial TOLA at

363
01:05:31,580 --> 01:05:35,940
I-90 near Illinois TOLA Mile Post-19.8.

364
01:05:36,260 --> 01:05:41,520
The TOLA has maintenance for us oncibility for certain portions of the bridge and has requested

365
01:05:41,520 --> 01:05:46,160
that I'd have included certain of the TOLA's maintenance items in their project.

366
01:05:46,160 --> 01:05:50,340
I'd add a degree to do so subject to the Toeways Agreement to reimburse

367
01:05:50,340 --> 01:05:53,360
I'd out for the actual cost of that work.

368
01:05:53,780 --> 01:05:56,960
The estimated cost of the work I'd out will be performing on the Toeways

369
01:05:56,960 --> 01:06:02,160
behalf is $21,866,377.53.

370
01:06:05,480 --> 01:06:06,500
I have a question.

371
01:06:08,280 --> 01:06:09,160
All right, thank you, Kathy.

372
01:06:09,500 --> 01:06:11,920
Without objection, we will defer action.

373
01:06:12,400 --> 01:06:15,800
We can item 2, 2, 2, 4.

374
01:06:16,400 --> 01:06:19,180
All right, I have the executive session before the board.

375
01:06:19,500 --> 01:06:22,520
I have a motion to approve placement, legal item on the board.

376
01:06:22,540 --> 01:06:23,740
On the full board agenda.

377
01:06:24,160 --> 01:06:28,740
So, is there any questions?

378
01:06:29,500 --> 01:06:31,500
Are those in favor of signify by saying aye?

379
01:06:31,960 --> 01:06:44,120
As motion carries, we've laid on orders and proof for placement, and the others board meeting the agenda, and the committee's recommendation on business business.

380
01:06:45,280 --> 01:06:51,720
Any unfamiliar with business committee wishes to discuss new business, so any new business wishes to discuss.

381
01:06:52,840 --> 01:06:57,720
There's no further business before this committee may have a motion to adjourn.

382
01:06:57,720 --> 01:06:59,160
I'm going to move.

383
01:07:00,200 --> 01:07:02,200
It is motion is made in second.

384
01:07:02,780 --> 01:07:04,260
It was a favor signified the same.

385
01:07:04,680 --> 01:07:06,940
I face motion passes.

386
01:07:07,100 --> 01:07:08,020
We are adjourned.

387
01:07:08,360 --> 01:07:08,720
Thank you.

388
01:07:10,880 --> 01:07:11,280
All right.

389
01:07:11,660 --> 01:07:12,240
Good morning, everyone.

390
01:07:12,420 --> 01:07:14,340
And welcome to the August 19th, 2026,

391
01:07:15,420 --> 01:07:17,600
leading of the Illinois Toeway Board of Directors.

392
01:07:17,680 --> 01:07:19,440
Christie, will you please call the roll.

393
01:07:19,900 --> 01:07:20,240
Governor Prince.

394
01:07:20,840 --> 01:07:22,180
Secretary of the Aging.

395
01:07:22,780 --> 01:07:23,580
Dr. Connelly.

396
01:07:24,200 --> 01:07:24,740
Dr. Gomez.

397
01:07:25,440 --> 01:07:26,000
Dr. Bethel.

398
01:07:26,500 --> 01:07:27,180
Dr. Nettemire.

399
01:07:27,800 --> 01:07:28,520
Dr. Patel.

400
01:07:28,520 --> 01:07:28,720
here.

401
01:07:29,000 --> 01:07:29,580
Dr. Sweeney?

402
01:07:30,100 --> 01:07:30,620
Dr. Wright?

403
01:07:31,080 --> 01:07:31,660
Chairman Rivera?

404
01:07:31,920 --> 01:07:31,960
Here.

405
01:07:32,300 --> 01:07:33,340
Mr. Chairman, we have a call.

406
01:07:33,720 --> 01:07:34,760
Thank you, Christy.

407
01:07:34,980 --> 01:07:38,720
During the safety message last summer, a deputy chief of traffic and incident management

408
01:07:38,720 --> 01:07:43,340
Steve Mendes spoke to us about how important it is for drivers to stay in their cars.

409
01:07:43,680 --> 01:07:45,500
They're ever in a crash or just need to pull over.

410
01:07:45,860 --> 01:07:49,920
Because the single choice to stay inside a vehicle or to step in a traffic can mean the

411
01:07:49,920 --> 01:07:52,060
difference between going home and becoming a statistic.

412
01:07:52,660 --> 01:07:56,560
After hearing this message, we challenge our team to make this a priority to educate our

413
01:07:56,560 --> 01:07:58,740
about this final safety information.

414
01:07:59,340 --> 01:08:01,280
I'm pleased to share that communications in the roadway

415
01:08:01,280 --> 01:08:03,120
makes its teams accept that the challenge

416
01:08:03,120 --> 01:08:04,660
and spent the summer work for their

417
01:08:04,660 --> 01:08:06,140
communications department interns

418
01:08:06,140 --> 01:08:08,240
who developed a new safety campaign

419
01:08:08,240 --> 01:08:10,340
set tight choose right.

420
01:08:10,500 --> 01:08:11,880
That features a public service announcement,

421
01:08:11,980 --> 01:08:14,180
social media, and other public outreach.

422
01:08:14,560 --> 01:08:16,280
I'd like to invite Alandra and Abarro

423
01:08:16,280 --> 01:08:18,780
to say a few words and share the new PSA

424
01:08:18,780 --> 01:08:19,460
with us.

425
01:08:19,800 --> 01:08:20,020
Hi.

426
01:08:20,420 --> 01:08:21,720
Hi, good morning everyone.

427
01:08:21,960 --> 01:08:23,660
I'm Alandra and Abarro.

428
01:08:23,660 --> 01:08:29,480
And this summer I was tasked with fighting to develop this campaign.

429
01:08:30,180 --> 01:08:34,860
We found an opportunity to pre-attention society issue,

430
01:08:35,260 --> 01:08:37,120
because this campaign hasn't been done before,

431
01:08:37,380 --> 01:08:38,700
while connecting it to the story.

432
01:08:39,400 --> 01:08:43,360
We decided to focus on drivers exiting their vehicle and emergency,

433
01:08:44,000 --> 01:08:48,500
and wanted to encourage them to be proactive and always put their safety first.

434
01:08:48,500 --> 01:08:53,460
Look, PSA, which you'll get to see in a few minutes, really puts this message to life.

435
01:08:53,920 --> 01:08:58,060
We decided to put the list of scenarios which you'll get to see in this scenario.

436
01:08:58,400 --> 01:09:01,240
We put the new gas entirely.

437
01:09:01,560 --> 01:09:05,380
Any of that sort just to really connect to the user.

438
01:09:06,260 --> 01:09:14,100
And our overall goal throughout this was to really establish a frame of reference that individuals can utilize when we are in this situation.

439
01:09:14,100 --> 01:09:22,040
allowing them to always be able to make the crash decision and make them be able to sit tight and feel safe.

440
01:09:22,240 --> 01:09:23,480
Thank you.

441
01:09:31,450 --> 01:09:33,210
Seven roadside is the top line.

442
01:09:33,490 --> 01:09:35,430
We want you to think to remember that it's a good type.

443
01:09:35,850 --> 01:09:38,330
Stay calm and give me the decision of the best for your situation.

444
01:09:38,730 --> 01:09:40,950
Our health test drivers can assist with flat tires,

445
01:09:41,210 --> 01:09:43,410
and you can agree with me on the other side of the field.

446
01:09:43,730 --> 01:09:46,710
On the other side of the field.

447
01:09:46,710 --> 01:09:47,410
Stay in your home.

448
01:10:01,010 --> 01:10:08,230
Thank you, Alandra, and thank you to the communications and roadway team as well as all of our summer interns. That's really great work and great PSA.

449
01:10:09,350 --> 01:10:15,150
Next on the agenda is public comment. There are this portion of the meeting members of the public are invited to address the board.

450
01:10:15,430 --> 01:10:23,150
We ask that speaker's please limit the remarks in two minutes. This morning, we have a number of people who would like to address them. We ask that you come to the podium when your name is called.

451
01:10:24,170 --> 01:10:26,870
First up, we have Mr. Juan Galvin.

452
01:10:44,440 --> 01:10:50,740
morning. I was on that line. I'll make it brief. I would ask today to come and join and speak to you

453
01:10:50,740 --> 01:10:56,660
at your meeting about the programs that the Toeway offers. I work for a company called

454
01:10:56,660 --> 01:11:03,940
Anchor Inc. We build highways and bridges. We do the 29390, 294, and we have some

455
01:11:05,140 --> 01:11:13,600
on the new 490 and also we do patch emergency patch and port the Toeway. We also do local municipalities

456
01:11:13,600 --> 01:11:20,060
runway that'll hear and some of the other local airports but I'm here to talk to you about the

457
01:11:20,060 --> 01:11:26,000
totally program that they offered. I have taken advantage of the programs that the fully

458
01:11:26,000 --> 01:11:32,760
offered back in my 10 years ago and the last 10 years effort displayed in what they totally

459
01:11:32,760 --> 01:11:40,110
the contractor training program and also with their partner, Haseo. Most recently for the last

460
01:11:40,110 --> 01:11:48,270
that have been working for AFTERA, the PoloA has a program that trains individuals from throughout

461
01:11:48,270 --> 01:11:54,130
the Chicago and area through a program, I don't know exactly, but I think it's called

462
01:11:54,130 --> 01:11:58,190
that contract of works, but what they do is they take individuals from the local communities

463
01:11:58,950 --> 01:12:07,570
and make a pool of individuals through the PoloA program to be able to get gainful employment

464
01:12:07,570 --> 01:12:13,990
in the shell and area. So what actors does, we go on to pull away this, of those individuals,

465
01:12:14,970 --> 01:12:22,150
we pull their names, and then we call them up, and then we hire them and we put them

466
01:12:22,150 --> 01:12:30,190
through the local units, whether the labor, cement, mations, teamsters. So that's why I was

467
01:12:30,190 --> 01:12:37,150
asked to come and talk about that. So the program does work. I'm a beneficiary, and as

468
01:12:37,150 --> 01:12:40,070
and we hire a lot of employers off that list.

469
01:12:40,510 --> 01:12:41,370
So it does work.

470
01:12:41,670 --> 01:12:42,350
Thank you.

471
01:12:42,350 --> 01:12:42,710
Thank you.

472
01:12:46,050 --> 01:12:48,170
Next up, we have Michael Mendez-Soba.

473
01:12:57,430 --> 01:12:59,550
Good morning, Chairman and members of the Board.

474
01:12:59,630 --> 01:13:00,810
My name is Michael Mendez-Soba.

475
01:13:01,130 --> 01:13:05,270
I'm the founder of the Eleanor Tolway Technical Assistance Program at the Eleanor Hispanic

476
01:13:05,270 --> 01:13:06,250
Chamber of Commerce.

477
01:13:06,670 --> 01:13:10,210
On behalf of the Eleanor Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I want to thank the Eleanor Tolway

478
01:13:10,210 --> 01:13:15,290
for its continued leadership and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for small

479
01:13:15,290 --> 01:13:17,590
diverse disadvantaged and better-owned businesses.

480
01:13:18,130 --> 01:13:19,470
As a technical assistance provider,

481
01:13:19,770 --> 01:13:22,410
IHCC has first-hand seen the impact

482
01:13:22,410 --> 01:13:26,230
that this commitment has had on businesses throughout our region.

483
01:13:26,710 --> 01:13:28,870
The Illinois Public Technical Assistance Program,

484
01:13:29,210 --> 01:13:33,650
IITAP for short, has provided our clients with support

485
01:13:33,650 --> 01:13:37,270
and resources necessary to strengthen their operations,

486
01:13:37,670 --> 01:13:38,910
compete for contract opportunities,

487
01:13:39,390 --> 01:13:41,410
and establish a sustainable presence

488
01:13:41,410 --> 01:13:43,930
within the transportation and construction industry.

489
01:13:43,930 --> 01:13:59,150
These results demonstrate the value of that investment, over the life of the program, IHCC clients supported through RTA have been awarded over a hundred and fifty million dollars in contracts and have achieved over all

490
01:14:01,750 --> 01:14:07,650
$336,000, $226,000 in five cents in overall revenue growth.

491
01:14:07,830 --> 01:14:09,330
And once we've been very specific on that one,

492
01:14:09,590 --> 01:14:12,170
because to me, it just blew my mind to see the overall number.

493
01:14:13,190 --> 01:14:19,210
And in the process of all this, the program has created almost 2900 jobs.

494
01:14:19,910 --> 01:14:24,790
But behind those numbers are businesses who success demonstrates the impact of the TA program,

495
01:14:25,230 --> 01:14:28,210
and broader resources and opportunities that the subway has made available.

496
01:14:28,210 --> 01:14:37,510
For example, our client foundation mechanics is strong in that progression, in addition to being an active participant in the construction works program.

497
01:14:38,090 --> 01:14:44,770
Foundation mechanics began as a protege in one of our 9 previous GeForgy relationships through our TA program.

498
01:14:45,190 --> 01:14:51,250
Today the company has come full circle and services as a member in one of our 5 active GeForgy relationships.

499
01:14:51,250 --> 01:14:59,970
Their progression to motivate to mentor is a powerful example of the long-term impact of these programs create developing businesses.

500
01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:06,760
Is that are not only growing and succeeding, but are ultimately positioned to support the growth and success of other firms in the industry.

501
01:15:07,360 --> 01:15:09,220
Another strong example is veterans back.

502
01:15:09,620 --> 01:15:13,980
For the past four years, our technical assistance team has worked with the company as it prepared.

503
01:15:14,200 --> 01:15:17,780
It is as it is preparing to continue its growth through a greater contracting responsibility.

504
01:15:18,320 --> 01:15:25,800
Today, veterans back is being supported as a first-time prime contractor, and is currently engaged in a P4G relationship.

505
01:15:25,800 --> 01:15:31,480
These businesses demonstrate the value of sustained technical assistance helping firms move

506
01:15:31,480 --> 01:15:36,840
from pursuing opportunities to building the capacity experience necessary to take on

507
01:15:36,840 --> 01:15:41,580
growth within the larger roles in the industry. As a totally considered proposal for this

508
01:15:41,580 --> 01:15:46,220
capital plan driving connections, people leave their significant opportunity to build upon these

509
01:15:46,220 --> 01:15:51,040
results. Continue investments in program like the technical assistance program alongside

510
01:15:51,040 --> 01:15:54,480
I've always brought a commitment to small business participation,

511
01:15:55,320 --> 01:15:56,400
diversity, better known businesses,

512
01:15:56,820 --> 01:15:58,080
will help ensure that firms,

513
01:15:58,420 --> 01:16:02,940
our position not only to participate in these opportunities created by the capital

514
01:16:02,940 --> 01:16:06,780
pan, but to grow and remain competitive for years to come.

515
01:16:07,560 --> 01:16:11,500
The Illinois Toys deserves recognition for developing and sustaining programs

516
01:16:11,500 --> 01:16:14,760
to have produced measurable economic impact while

517
01:16:14,760 --> 01:16:16,960
explaining opportunity within the industry.

518
01:16:17,440 --> 01:16:19,700
I need to see as proud that we have accomplished

519
01:16:19,700 --> 01:16:23,340
So what we have accomplished with this partnership, and more importantly, what our clients

520
01:16:23,340 --> 01:16:28,160
have accomplished throughout this result, we look forward to continuing our partnership with

521
01:16:28,160 --> 01:16:33,680
the Illinois TOLA supporting businesses that will help deliver driving connections and contribute

522
01:16:33,680 --> 01:16:37,480
to the future of the Illinois Transportation Infrastructure. Thank you.

523
01:16:37,660 --> 01:16:37,860
Thank you.

524
01:16:41,250 --> 01:16:43,750
Next, we have Xavier Delaney.

525
01:16:50,880 --> 01:16:55,340
I want to remind of the members of the board, and so we leave a show.

526
01:16:55,340 --> 01:17:00,120
and does. My name is Zighin Delaney. I'm a operations manager for a great mouth construction

527
01:17:01,080 --> 01:17:06,400
group. And we're up to American owned construction company. And we've got the reason

528
01:17:06,400 --> 01:17:12,140
I'll cut up quarterly meeting. I did not know executive director, Cassandra Ross, with a

529
01:17:12,140 --> 01:17:17,220
analysis of the year 15 year 26 and a half billion dollar driver connections program.

530
01:17:18,560 --> 01:17:24,680
Like most people, I heard the 26 million, the 26 billion. But what's that? Stay with me,

531
01:17:24,680 --> 01:17:32,860
was the 15 years, and this thing will be a recent construction contract, the average amount

532
01:17:32,860 --> 01:17:39,960
of the average of a time is 15 months, on a substantial of the completion. One contract

533
01:17:39,960 --> 01:17:47,320
will create an opportunity, but the 15 year pipeline helps a small business become sustainable

534
01:17:47,320 --> 01:17:50,160
of saying workers and growth.

535
01:17:51,160 --> 01:17:54,460
At that meeting, two firms were highlighted as a sentence

536
01:17:54,460 --> 01:17:56,640
with assistance, the assessments, the assessments.

537
01:17:57,100 --> 01:18:01,180
I looked at that and thought, frame out was next.

538
01:18:02,340 --> 01:18:05,280
That belief is based on real progress,

539
01:18:05,800 --> 01:18:09,840
inner city underwriting, helped us secure more than two million

540
01:18:09,840 --> 01:18:13,400
and work, and established a surety bond line.

541
01:18:14,300 --> 01:18:19,760
That work has now been completed and it has built our capacity.

542
01:18:20,420 --> 01:18:21,240
There are two ways.

543
01:18:21,600 --> 01:18:22,740
That's the maintenance support.

544
01:18:23,060 --> 01:18:27,800
I also help dream out submit peds on two toe weight projects.

545
01:18:28,540 --> 01:18:34,840
Moving from training to actively competing, completing its real progress.

546
01:18:35,980 --> 01:18:39,580
When respectfully asked the board to approve the driving connections,

547
01:18:39,580 --> 01:18:44,580
So businesses like Green Mile can do more than just win one project.

548
01:18:44,780 --> 01:18:53,940
Give us the opportunity to sustain our companies, to employ people, perform quality work, grow alongside the total weight for the next 15 years.

549
01:18:54,520 --> 01:18:54,960
Thank you.

550
01:18:58,820 --> 01:19:00,740
Next up, we have Gabriella Suarez.

551
01:19:19,770 --> 01:19:22,050
Morning everyone. My name is Gabriella Suarez.

552
01:19:22,250 --> 01:19:24,050
I'm with Midwest Business Consulting.

553
01:19:24,550 --> 01:19:28,770
We are the service service disabled veteran owned small business,

554
01:19:28,770 --> 01:19:31,610
for the construction work's program with Illinois toll weight.

555
01:19:32,450 --> 01:19:36,890
What we focus on is helping those individuals that are interested in having high

556
01:19:36,890 --> 01:19:37,970
with constructive careers.

557
01:19:38,570 --> 01:19:43,050
Oftentimes those careers are being able to through the union construction

558
01:19:43,050 --> 01:19:43,810
of apprenticeships.

559
01:19:44,070 --> 01:19:47,390
So what we do is that we focus with helping them get there.

560
01:19:47,670 --> 01:19:49,970
We do that through unions tax property.

561
01:19:50,890 --> 01:19:54,230
We do that through union engagement and case management.

562
01:19:55,750 --> 01:19:58,610
I just wanted to share some of the information from somebody

563
01:19:58,610 --> 01:19:59,970
and it's that we have helped out.

564
01:20:03,440 --> 01:20:14,000
So, from March 24, we currently have 74 candidates enrolled in the NBC, 44 are currently new members. I have

565
01:20:14,000 --> 01:20:15,900
I've been from an operators, teachers,

566
01:20:16,200 --> 01:20:17,640
keynote processing leaders, some methods.

567
01:20:18,520 --> 01:20:19,900
I work as bricklayers,

568
01:20:20,840 --> 01:20:23,580
electricians, both locally-wanted four and local nine.

569
01:20:24,240 --> 01:20:25,840
And I actually invited someone here today.

570
01:20:30,440 --> 01:20:32,340
I do not have much experience with public speaking.

571
01:20:33,600 --> 01:20:35,160
So, I'm going to go to the right, and do a little bit of a good thing.

572
01:20:35,220 --> 01:20:36,580
And so, I kind of invited someone here

573
01:20:36,580 --> 01:20:38,920
to have her names and she's Marks.

574
01:20:38,920 --> 01:20:42,960
She's a wonderful example of what this program is able to accomplish.

575
01:20:44,000 --> 01:20:46,760
So, she joined back in 2024 from sort of one of the events

576
01:20:46,760 --> 01:20:47,880
that the soy put together.

577
01:20:48,980 --> 01:20:52,580
And at the end of 2022, she tested in the top 20%

578
01:20:52,580 --> 01:20:54,980
for the teamsters 142, but was not

579
01:20:54,980 --> 01:20:55,960
to let this for the pressure.

580
01:20:56,460 --> 01:20:58,000
However, that's not stopped for trees.

581
01:20:58,380 --> 01:21:00,400
She continued to pursue her career in the trace.

582
01:21:01,000 --> 01:21:02,800
After being placed in the wait list,

583
01:21:03,200 --> 01:21:05,380
she gained her CDL class B license.

584
01:21:05,840 --> 01:21:07,260
She earned her transportation work

585
01:21:07,260 --> 01:21:09,380
or identification credential card

586
01:21:09,380 --> 01:21:11,860
as she completed her OSHA 30 certification.

587
01:21:12,440 --> 01:21:15,360
I am so happy to announce that in May, 2026,

588
01:21:15,360 --> 01:21:18,520
But shrew smarts was disrupted into Teamster's doing council.

589
01:21:20,920 --> 01:21:23,840
Number 25 training and she's here today, also to

590
01:21:23,840 --> 01:21:24,860
show more about her dirty

591
01:21:32,920 --> 01:21:33,740
piercey.

592
01:21:34,200 --> 01:21:36,340
Okay, let's go out of order and I'm more tree.

593
01:21:36,500 --> 01:21:37,720
I'll put it up.

594
01:21:38,080 --> 01:21:38,800
Go up, back, back.

595
01:21:38,800 --> 01:21:39,540
Trees marks.

596
01:21:47,950 --> 01:21:48,670
Good morning, everyone.

597
01:21:48,690 --> 01:21:49,150
I'm nervous.

598
01:21:52,490 --> 01:21:57,370
I originally, I originally pick the Mac only nice face.

599
01:21:57,370 --> 01:22:01,190
also served as some of you as a service and industrialization of these things.

600
01:22:01,490 --> 01:22:05,610
I decided to go to my community college where I picked up a flight of a construction work program.

601
01:22:05,830 --> 01:22:07,950
I attended an event at a West Side of Chicago.

602
01:22:09,030 --> 01:22:10,350
We have a side that would I gave them.

603
01:22:10,510 --> 01:22:13,010
They gave them an information and I signed up from there to have them.

604
01:22:13,050 --> 01:22:14,230
They're just to put it in my computer.

605
01:22:15,110 --> 01:22:18,850
As she mentioned, they gave me says preparation,

606
01:22:19,190 --> 01:22:20,370
a rest of what this hot 20%.

607
01:22:21,590 --> 01:22:24,370
Ocean 30, Ocean 10, Ocean 30, First 8.

608
01:22:25,630 --> 01:22:29,330
And I have now, in a print set, changed this local 25.

609
01:22:30,350 --> 01:22:32,250
There I am, upgraded my video license.

610
01:22:33,070 --> 01:22:35,250
I plan on being a presenter operator.

611
01:22:35,450 --> 01:22:37,250
It helps you work, but the other one is so late.

612
01:22:37,590 --> 01:22:38,610
Thank you.

613
01:22:38,830 --> 01:22:39,070
Thank you.

614
01:22:39,350 --> 01:22:39,490
Thank you.

615
01:22:43,340 --> 01:22:45,180
Next up, we have Steve Trivia.

616
01:23:01,340 --> 01:23:02,080
Good morning.

617
01:23:02,320 --> 01:23:03,260
My name is Steve Trivia.

618
01:23:03,300 --> 01:23:06,000
I'm the director of the DuPage County Division of Transportation.

619
01:23:06,640 --> 01:23:08,100
I may have chair Conroy.

620
01:23:08,240 --> 01:23:10,940
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to speak to this morning.

621
01:23:10,940 --> 01:23:14,660
I'd like to begin, very briefly, it's morning by noting that the Illinois subway network

622
01:23:14,660 --> 01:23:18,640
is directly linked to health and growth and businesses and transportation accessibility

623
01:23:18,640 --> 01:23:20,260
to do page counting in our region.

624
01:23:20,720 --> 01:23:24,400
Illinois in the Greater Chicago Land Area is the Transportation Center of the United States,

625
01:23:24,620 --> 01:23:28,160
our transportation infrastructure is essential in supporting the local regional and national

626
01:23:28,160 --> 01:23:28,740
economy.

627
01:23:29,600 --> 01:23:31,980
It's always one of the center pieces of that system.

628
01:23:32,420 --> 01:23:37,280
Driving connections capital program will be essential in renewing and enhancing that system

629
01:23:37,280 --> 01:23:38,260
over the years to cost.

630
01:23:38,260 --> 01:23:42,580
at two-page county, we're excited to see the focus on critical facilities here in your page

631
01:23:42,580 --> 01:23:45,800
and the good jobs that will certainly be supported during an after-program.

632
01:23:46,800 --> 01:23:51,100
The county appreciates the excellent relationship we have with the hallway and accordingly,

633
01:23:51,620 --> 01:23:56,320
but like to coordinate with the driving connections program on how we could collaborate

634
01:23:56,320 --> 01:24:01,680
on transportation efforts across the county. Many of the county's transportation goals such as

635
01:24:01,680 --> 01:24:07,000
road user safety, access transportation options, reduced congestion and improved usage technology

636
01:24:07,000 --> 01:24:08,800
could seamlessly with program.

637
01:24:09,380 --> 01:24:13,680
Some examples of areas where we believe there could be further discussion with staff with the helpful

638
01:24:13,680 --> 01:24:19,180
include continuing our current dialogue, regarding our East Branch Bajra Retrial Project,

639
01:24:19,380 --> 01:24:23,300
the currently our engineering teams are coordinating for possible use, so basically 350

640
01:24:23,300 --> 01:24:28,720
private right away. This proposed segment of the trail of parallel 350 five for over three miles.

641
01:24:29,200 --> 01:24:34,390
As work along 350 five is developed, we believe there may be additional opportunities to work together

642
01:24:34,390 --> 01:24:45,510
I'd like to discuss interchanged options, although we recognize this may be, as it's potential challenges, but interchanged options in the corporate vicinity along Act 294.

643
01:24:46,150 --> 01:24:59,290
Also, we have significant operational concerns here I-88 and Highland Avenue, and perhaps additional work in that area, including potentially a Westbound exit off of the interstate 88 with help with those.

644
01:25:00,000 --> 01:25:06,300
Issues we have up top on Highland and its proximity to Butterfield. We wish to maintain a dialogue

645
01:25:06,300 --> 01:25:11,920
concerning design considerations to propose the extension of Bill and I390, the new interchange

646
01:25:11,920 --> 01:25:16,960
with County Farm Road and over part. We have our own safety, drainage and access concerns

647
01:25:16,960 --> 01:25:24,300
in this area, and wish to maintain that open workforce box. Regarding the I390 discussion of

648
01:25:24,300 --> 01:25:31,140
potential transit accommodations along 390 into the 490 of Western access to O'Hare seems to be a good fit.

649
01:25:31,380 --> 01:25:35,380
We know that eye dot has worked with patients, successful implementation of bus on shoulders.

650
01:25:35,680 --> 01:25:39,460
The whole way has had successful implementation of buses along 990.

651
01:25:39,580 --> 01:25:47,720
Perhaps that is an avenue that could be pursued along the Illinois 390, allowing more multimodal access into the west side of O'Hare.

652
01:25:48,740 --> 01:25:50,600
And then finally, that's the county we have been promoting.

653
01:25:50,600 --> 01:25:54,100
and encouraging safe non-motorized travel.

654
01:25:54,720 --> 01:25:59,820
And so, be remiss if I didn't suggest that we could work together in areas such as

655
01:25:59,820 --> 01:26:04,680
Interstate 88 in the old mill street near Naperville, or 88 in 355 in Family Road,

656
01:26:05,040 --> 01:26:10,560
or Army cell road under 355 in enhanced pedestrian accommodation across those interchangeers.

657
01:26:11,520 --> 01:26:13,340
We'll see if that's not a short list.

658
01:26:15,000 --> 01:26:19,740
We hope that some of these items resonate with your program and look forward to our continuous

659
01:26:19,740 --> 01:26:22,160
in our governmental cooperation. Thank you for your time.

660
01:26:22,680 --> 01:26:22,760
Thank you.

661
01:26:26,110 --> 01:26:27,650
Next up we have Matthew Cooper.

662
01:26:38,610 --> 01:26:40,290
I'd like to say, I'm nervous as well.

663
01:26:43,350 --> 01:26:44,530
Good morning, Tim.

664
01:26:44,530 --> 01:26:45,210
Good morning, Tim. We're there.

665
01:26:46,190 --> 01:26:48,890
Board of directors, Executive Rouse.

666
01:26:49,230 --> 01:26:50,130
Thank you, Director Rouse.

667
01:26:50,850 --> 01:26:51,730
To a leadership.

668
01:26:53,610 --> 01:26:54,270
To a partners.

669
01:26:55,050 --> 01:26:55,430
And yes.

670
01:26:55,810 --> 01:26:56,810
My name is Matthew Cooper.

671
01:26:57,170 --> 01:26:58,350
I am the,

672
01:26:59,010 --> 01:27:01,730
I have the privilege of being the

673
01:27:01,730 --> 01:27:06,050
team leader for the toll rate technical assistance program in the

674
01:27:06,050 --> 01:27:10,350
industry by and of city underwriting. Over the past four years,

675
01:27:10,610 --> 01:27:14,010
industry has led a team from the prize primarily of African American

676
01:27:14,010 --> 01:27:19,410
health consulting firms delivered hands-on training, one-on-one coaching,

677
01:27:20,150 --> 01:27:25,430
bonding assistance, access to capital guidance, back off the support.

678
01:27:26,250 --> 01:27:30,850
And we've done this to more than 360 contractors, we're seeking to

679
01:27:30,850 --> 01:27:35,750
people to weigh and non-to-weight transportation related work.

680
01:27:36,210 --> 01:27:39,510
The only toilet technical assistance program is designed to prepare,

681
01:27:39,750 --> 01:27:44,710
inverting, and establish construction and professional engineering firms,

682
01:27:45,170 --> 01:27:48,290
including small, diverse, independent-owned businesses.

683
01:27:48,770 --> 01:27:55,950
It's a space successfully in contracts on the highway and vertical

684
01:27:56,850 --> 01:28:04,090
I work as rooted in that mission, helping firms strengthen their operation, understand project

685
01:28:04,090 --> 01:28:11,290
requirements, fields, financial capacity, and move from opportunity to actual performance.

686
01:28:12,150 --> 01:28:16,590
One of the most important points I want to make today is that the program has produced meaning

687
01:28:16,590 --> 01:28:21,730
for results while remaining broadly accessible and racing.

688
01:28:21,730 --> 01:28:26,570
We're proud that more African-American contract is a pity on subway projects that never

689
01:28:26,570 --> 01:28:26,890
before.

690
01:28:27,590 --> 01:28:31,070
But the program is served contractors across many backgrounds.

691
01:28:31,550 --> 01:28:39,670
Currently, we serve 245 African-American farms, 50 Israeli farms, 29 Caucasian, 21 Asian

692
01:28:39,670 --> 01:28:43,110
with the rest being from other nationalities and ethnic groups.

693
01:28:43,730 --> 01:28:45,650
The numbers reflect more than participation.

694
01:28:45,650 --> 01:28:57,150
They reflect a growing pipeline of business with the skills, confidence, and capacity to compete in a demanding transportation construction market.

695
01:28:58,030 --> 01:29:02,050
In fact, this work can be measured in concrete results.

696
01:29:02,410 --> 01:29:09,090
During the past four years, current participating in the program have reported more than $200 million in revenue growth.

697
01:29:09,090 --> 01:29:13,090
more than $15 million in access to capital.

698
01:29:13,830 --> 01:29:17,870
And most importantly, $120 million in shorty bond capacity.

699
01:29:18,810 --> 01:29:22,530
For Farms, many Farms would have never had a bond before,

700
01:29:22,590 --> 01:29:26,550
or have never been able to increase their bond into this situation.

701
01:29:26,810 --> 01:29:28,430
Abonding blinds.

702
01:29:28,510 --> 01:29:31,590
Behind every one of those numbers is a contractor

703
01:29:31,590 --> 01:29:35,950
who has become prepared to estimate a job,

704
01:29:35,950 --> 01:29:41,290
manage risk, secure bonding, strengthen their back office systems, and obtain the capital

705
01:29:41,290 --> 01:29:47,250
needed to perform and step forward with confidence as a better sub-contractor, the most

706
01:29:47,250 --> 01:29:56,900
important part of that. It does more than invite in, you know, the program does more than

707
01:29:56,900 --> 01:29:59,980
by small business to table. It helps them understand.

708
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:09,100
It helps them prepare for the work. It helps them meet the standards required on major public projects and infrastructure projects.

709
01:30:09,540 --> 01:30:16,560
It helps them build the internal capacity to succeed long after a training class for a consulting session.

710
01:30:16,560 --> 01:30:24,600
We have seen firms repeat complete estimating training and immediately improve quality of their bits.

711
01:30:27,260 --> 01:30:30,760
We have seen contract as moved from uncertainty to readiness,

712
01:30:32,990 --> 01:30:35,570
from missed opportunities to competitive proposals,

713
01:30:36,090 --> 01:30:39,830
and from isolated projects to sustain growth.

714
01:30:40,950 --> 01:30:45,690
As a tool we consider as the proposed driving connections capital program, the work becomes even more important.

715
01:30:45,690 --> 01:30:57,150
Driving connections is a 15-year, 26.5 billion dollar commitment to improved traffic, road conditions, reliability, and economic development across every quarter of the total system.

716
01:30:57,770 --> 01:31:08,550
A program of that size and duration will create extraordinary opportunities, but only if small diverse federal and emerging firms are prepared to feed for that work.

717
01:31:10,760 --> 01:31:14,240
Technical assistance is a bridge between investment and inclusion.

718
01:31:14,560 --> 01:31:16,520
It turns capital programs into business growth.

719
01:31:16,880 --> 01:31:19,800
It turns public infrastructure spending into local jobs.

720
01:31:20,160 --> 01:31:22,740
It turns policy goals into measurable outcomes.

721
01:31:23,760 --> 01:31:26,320
As over and over the past four years,

722
01:31:26,600 --> 01:31:28,060
the total technical assistance is shown

723
01:31:28,060 --> 01:31:30,620
that what firms we see in firms we see,

724
01:31:30,820 --> 01:31:33,140
practical, customized support.

725
01:31:33,600 --> 01:31:36,220
They respond to the growth, performance and suspension.

726
01:31:36,900 --> 01:31:39,860
So on behalf of the industry and the contract as we serve,

727
01:31:39,860 --> 01:31:46,280
I want to thank the Board. It's only leadership for investing in the program that is producing real results.

728
01:31:47,180 --> 01:31:52,780
And I'm here to confirm our strong support for the driving connections capital.

729
01:31:53,320 --> 01:31:54,380
Thank you.

730
01:31:54,420 --> 01:31:55,640
Thank you.

731
01:31:57,920 --> 01:31:59,540
Next up, we have Hannah Sosa.

732
01:32:04,420 --> 01:32:05,500
Good morning, everyone.

733
01:32:05,620 --> 01:32:05,860
Good morning.

734
01:32:06,720 --> 01:32:10,600
And we'd like to encourage our speakers to speak up,

735
01:32:10,800 --> 01:32:14,520
where I understand we're having some trouble hearing at the other side of the room.

736
01:32:14,700 --> 01:32:15,880
Yes, we have thank you.

737
01:32:15,880 --> 01:32:24,620
So I provided some packets because I understand it's probably going to be difficult for me to relate the impact of the technical assistance program has had on our business in two minutes.

738
01:32:25,280 --> 01:32:35,480
So I did prepare for a 10 person board. So I apologize. I don't have packets for a woman, but please feel free to grab our contact information and the information that I'm going to relate here in a minute.

739
01:32:35,720 --> 01:32:39,800
My name is Hannah Sosta. My husband, I'm, I need a short, sorry.

740
01:32:43,360 --> 01:32:51,540
My husband and I own and operate Grindwell LLC, we're an electric minority disadvantaged service

741
01:32:51,540 --> 01:32:55,500
connected disabled veteran firm, the operates in the Chicago Lent area.

742
01:32:56,180 --> 01:33:02,720
We opened our doors in 2022 with one employee and quickly got to work with the technical

743
01:33:02,720 --> 01:33:06,980
assistance program with a mission of becoming an asset to the state of Illinois.

744
01:33:07,640 --> 01:33:13,020
Our first year in business we really focused with the technical assistance program on getting all

745
01:33:13,020 --> 01:33:18,680
those certifications that I just cited to you guys that are on the end of our title of our

746
01:33:18,680 --> 01:33:25,180
business. That took a long time and if they gave us the ground work to enter into the contractual

747
01:33:25,180 --> 01:33:31,420
obligations that we wanted to meet under the cost of the Illinois told me. Second year of business

748
01:33:31,420 --> 01:33:41,800
In 2024, we've really got to work on relationship building, meeting those contractors, general contractors that are already working under the full way.

749
01:33:41,800 --> 01:33:49,620
Always systems that have built that reputation that we're looking for reliable stuff contractors to help build us up in a small business arena.

750
01:33:50,480 --> 01:33:56,400
2025, we really focused on crew expansion under the technical assistance program.

751
01:33:57,260 --> 01:34:06,620
Again, nourishing those general contractor relationships, setting us up to transition into a prime contractor moving forward.

752
01:34:07,220 --> 01:34:15,520
Critical success factors that we work through while working with the technical assistance program with education education education.

753
01:34:15,520 --> 01:34:22,260
as a small business new person to the Illinois, the State of Illinois, contractor, construction

754
01:34:22,260 --> 01:34:27,680
around. It's very hard to get behind the walls unless you have someone driving the bus for you.

755
01:34:28,360 --> 01:34:33,220
So technical assistance served as that bus driver for us. The educating us on how to do

756
01:34:33,220 --> 01:34:39,000
business, how to be taken seriously, how to set up our back office to facilitate successful

757
01:34:39,000 --> 01:34:45,500
completion of projects. Next, we rolled into looking at the bigger picture, making sure we

758
01:34:45,500 --> 01:34:51,520
have the proper partnerships to be successful. Specifically in our arena, we're a medium to

759
01:34:51,520 --> 01:34:59,080
high voltage electrical contractor. We specialize in overhead and underground power lines to include

760
01:34:59,080 --> 01:34:59,960
infrastructure work.

761
01:35:00,000 --> 01:35:16,640
Which is also known as street lighting. And so, in insurance or any realm of when you're issuing a contract, we're considered a catastrophic risk category. If something goes wrong under that realm of work, it can be catastrophic.

762
01:35:17,340 --> 01:35:29,980
So we had to make sure we have the appropriate insurance companies backing us that we have appropriate safety parameters and training for our field folks. Again, so we can become an asset and provide quality or shared work through our contract.

763
01:35:30,000 --> 01:35:36,980
And then, secondly, again, just nourishing this business development, nourishing us through business development.

764
01:35:37,800 --> 01:35:41,180
Key steps in our execution of our strategic build in Grindel.

765
01:35:41,560 --> 01:35:44,240
Again, in 2023, we started with one employee.

766
01:35:44,960 --> 01:35:47,860
We're wrapping 2026 with 60 employees.

767
01:35:48,660 --> 01:35:54,240
We've increased our annual revenue four times since 2020 to three under the technical assistance program.

768
01:35:55,080 --> 01:35:56,800
So I can't be more thankful again.

769
01:35:56,800 --> 01:35:58,400
I know I only had two minutes to share.

770
01:35:58,580 --> 01:36:00,340
I wanted to get those key points out.

771
01:36:00,360 --> 01:36:01,860
Please feel free to grab a pamphlet.

772
01:36:01,920 --> 01:36:04,100
That has a little more information in it.

773
01:36:04,420 --> 01:36:06,100
And I want to thank everyone here today

774
01:36:06,100 --> 01:36:07,680
for allowing me the time specifically

775
01:36:07,680 --> 01:36:10,580
the Illinois Toolway Technical Assistance Program.

776
01:36:10,900 --> 01:36:13,040
HACO has been a tremendous partner of ours

777
01:36:13,040 --> 01:36:15,300
as well as IHCC and our growth

778
01:36:15,300 --> 01:36:16,300
for the last four years.

779
01:36:16,460 --> 01:36:17,120
So thank you, everyone.

780
01:36:22,060 --> 01:36:23,720
Next up, we have an Emily Crane.

781
01:36:24,160 --> 01:36:24,980
That's a good one.

782
01:36:41,340 --> 01:36:42,140
Hi, good morning.

783
01:36:42,500 --> 01:36:42,760
We're evening.

784
01:36:43,080 --> 01:36:43,940
I'm Emily Crane.

785
01:36:44,060 --> 01:36:46,160
I am a resident of Berlin, Illinois,

786
01:36:46,160 --> 01:36:48,780
and also enthusiastic to lay customer.

787
01:36:50,260 --> 01:36:54,360
I'm a long time Illinois resident and for the past 10 years have had the privilege of helping to raise

788
01:36:54,360 --> 01:36:56,400
two wonderful sexual dream to live in Woodstock.

789
01:36:57,220 --> 01:37:01,520
Over the 10 years, the J&M's to lay has been part of countless trips that matter most

790
01:37:01,520 --> 01:37:02,080
to our family.

791
01:37:02,460 --> 01:37:07,580
Before dawn departures for travel best of all, we can acquire concerts after work, home photos,

792
01:37:07,820 --> 01:37:11,580
graduations, and all the milestone moments that come with raising two busy kids.

793
01:37:12,260 --> 01:37:16,020
There are many no-cost routes I could take to get to Woodstock, but time again I

794
01:37:16,020 --> 01:37:20,920
I chose the Illinois Toolway because I know it will help you get there safely, reliably and on time.

795
01:37:21,460 --> 01:37:23,640
And for me that piece of mind is worth every penny.

796
01:37:24,420 --> 01:37:29,020
Today I'm here to express my strong support for the Illinois Toolway's driving connections capital programs,

797
01:37:29,500 --> 01:37:32,320
including the investment to rehabilitate grow ways,

798
01:37:32,640 --> 01:37:34,700
improve infrastructure and reduce congestion.

799
01:37:35,360 --> 01:37:39,220
As our communities continue to grow, these investments will help ensure that families like mine

800
01:37:39,220 --> 01:37:43,220
can continue to reach life's most important moments safely and efficiently.

801
01:37:43,220 --> 01:37:48,440
I also support the Tolligessments needed to fund this program, without continued investment,

802
01:37:48,720 --> 01:37:52,220
our roads will continue to age, congestion will increase and safety will suffer.

803
01:37:52,940 --> 01:37:57,300
The two busy kids I mentioned are now becoming busy young adults, their senior and high

804
01:37:57,300 --> 01:38:01,420
school and engineering college, and new drivers as well.

805
01:38:01,780 --> 01:38:06,940
This investment will help ensure that they have safe reliable roads as they travel to and from

806
01:38:06,940 --> 01:38:11,740
college, begin their careers, and someday perhaps travel those same roads with families of their

807
01:38:11,740 --> 01:38:12,000
own.

808
01:38:12,000 --> 01:38:17,900
The Illinois Toilet is more than payment and bridges, it connects us to the people and moments that enter the most.

809
01:38:18,280 --> 01:38:21,280
I'm going to thank the Illinois Toilet for making those connections possible.

810
01:38:21,920 --> 01:38:23,820
Thank you all for the opportunity to speak today.

811
01:38:28,100 --> 01:38:29,820
Next up, we have Kiera Rogers.

812
01:38:38,340 --> 01:38:40,900
Good morning. There's a writing on English Kiera Rogers.

813
01:38:41,120 --> 01:38:45,760
And I am the communications director for the Custom Policy Chamber of Commerce.

814
01:38:46,400 --> 01:38:51,740
I'm happy to be here today representing the Chamber and the business community that we say.

815
01:38:51,740 --> 01:38:55,820
The Chamber is proud to say that's a member of the Illinois Solace, the recipient,

816
01:38:56,220 --> 01:38:56,940
by Zrew Community.

817
01:38:57,580 --> 01:39:02,680
And that role the Chamber has had the opportunity to see firsthand out bringing together

818
01:39:02,680 --> 01:39:08,120
businesses, communities, and public sector partners that can create greater access

819
01:39:08,120 --> 01:39:08,780
and opportunity.

820
01:39:09,580 --> 01:39:13,960
Today, I am here on behalf of the Council of Public and Chamber to express our support

821
01:39:13,960 --> 01:39:16,620
for the proposed driving financials program.

822
01:39:16,620 --> 01:39:25,800
For us, transportation investment is more about more than roles and bridges, it's also about economic opportunity.

823
01:39:26,440 --> 01:39:34,520
Better transportation connects people to jobs, business is to customers, suppliers to new opportunities and communities to get to you grow.

824
01:39:34,520 --> 01:39:39,340
especially encouraged by that's always committed to making sure small, diverse,

825
01:39:39,640 --> 01:39:43,640
veteran, and emerging businesses that opportunity to participate.

826
01:39:44,460 --> 01:39:46,800
Programs like the Technical Assistance Program,

827
01:39:47,200 --> 01:39:51,000
help businesses straight to areas such as estimating, bonding,

828
01:39:51,780 --> 01:39:56,060
access to capital, and overall business running and so that they can better compete

829
01:39:56,060 --> 01:39:58,100
for transportation and related opportunities.

830
01:39:58,800 --> 01:39:59,920
That work matters.

831
01:40:00,000 --> 01:40:07,520
To the chamber, because our mission is not only to connect businesses with opportunities, but to help make sure that they are prepared to take a hint.

832
01:40:08,420 --> 01:40:18,920
With the proposed 15 year 26.5 billion dollar driving connections program, you see the potential for new jobs, contracts, voice development,

833
01:40:19,860 --> 01:40:25,060
We struggle businesses and continue investment in communities throughout our region.

834
01:40:25,880 --> 01:40:31,020
The cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce is proud to support driving connections and we encourage

835
01:40:31,020 --> 01:40:36,880
the continued focus on diversity, inclusion, technical assistance and meaningful opportunities

836
01:40:36,880 --> 01:40:38,680
for businesses of all sizes.

837
01:40:39,380 --> 01:40:44,860
We look forward to continuing our partnership with Illinois Sew Lake and help we connect businesses

838
01:40:44,860 --> 01:40:50,260
community to set up with the opportunities they have. Thank you so much for being here.

839
01:40:54,480 --> 01:40:56,200
Next up we have more women.

840
01:41:14,470 --> 01:41:17,210
Good morning, Chairman Rivera, members of the board,

841
01:41:17,650 --> 01:41:22,550
and Executive Director of Rouse. My name is Laura Newman. I'm the City Administrator for the

842
01:41:22,550 --> 01:41:27,930
City of Portavia. And I'm here today on behalf of Mayor Shilky. It was really important that

843
01:41:27,930 --> 01:41:33,830
Mayor Shilky asked for me to be here. He wanted to express the importance of the toll waste system

844
01:41:33,830 --> 01:41:39,590
communities like the city of Batavia. When we talk about this whole way, I think it's primarily

845
01:41:39,590 --> 01:41:45,570
in terms of pavement bridges, interchanges, and miles of roadway, but from the perspective

846
01:41:45,570 --> 01:41:52,770
of a community like Batavia, it's really about people. Mayor Shilky says that one of Batavia's

847
01:41:52,770 --> 01:41:58,850
greatest advantages is that we can enjoy the character of a Fox River Valley community while still

848
01:41:58,850 --> 01:42:04,690
connecting with everything that the Chicago region has to offer. For many of our residents,

849
01:42:05,150 --> 01:42:11,550
IEDA is simply a part of their everyday lives. It's how they get to work. It's how they get to

850
01:42:11,550 --> 01:42:16,930
appear downtown Chicago. It's how they get to a medical appointment or to see family or go to a

851
01:42:16,930 --> 01:42:23,390
concert or a quality. Or just get home at the end of a long day. And increasingly, people don't

852
01:42:23,390 --> 01:42:27,090
necessarily work and live in the same community.

853
01:42:28,070 --> 01:42:32,690
Our residents may work in Elfbrook, the Downers Grove, Chicago, or elsewhere in the region.

854
01:42:33,310 --> 01:42:37,930
And at the same time, people are traveling from all of those communities throughout North

855
01:42:37,930 --> 01:42:40,050
Eastern Illinois to work in the Tadega.

856
01:42:40,710 --> 01:42:47,250
That means the reliability of IEDA has a very direct effect on people's daily lives.

857
01:42:47,950 --> 01:43:05,650
If you can make a trip more predictable, or even just say 10 to 15 minutes of someone's commute time back matters over the course of a week, over the course of a year, this is a significant amount of time that people get to sign with their families instead of driving.

858
01:43:06,470 --> 01:43:09,710
The same is true from an economic development standpoint.

859
01:43:09,710 --> 01:43:16,510
When we talk with businesses who are looking to locate in our community in Batagia, transportation

860
01:43:16,510 --> 01:43:22,770
access matters, it's why we've been able to attract two national headquarters, both

861
01:43:22,770 --> 01:43:29,810
all the and some cast, two our community. Employers need their employees to be able to reach them

862
01:43:29,810 --> 01:43:35,450
and customers and visitors need to be able to reach our community and manufacturers and other businesses

863
01:43:35,450 --> 01:43:38,030
is being reliable movement of goods.

864
01:43:39,090 --> 01:43:43,130
So when I look at the investments that are being contemplated

865
01:43:43,130 --> 01:43:46,170
in the driving connections, capital plan,

866
01:43:46,670 --> 01:43:51,930
improvements to the IAA can be IAA-355 interchange,

867
01:43:52,810 --> 01:43:56,110
modernization of the corridor and technology improvement,

868
01:43:56,830 --> 01:43:59,090
I don't see those simply as tall-weight projects.

869
01:43:59,490 --> 01:44:01,730
I see them as investments in the communities

870
01:44:01,730 --> 01:44:06,130
that depend upon that corridor every single day.

871
01:44:06,750 --> 01:44:11,210
And I think there's another point that's important from the perspective of local government.

872
01:44:11,810 --> 01:44:17,670
Residents really don't distinguish much between who is responsible for a part of the roadway.

873
01:44:18,090 --> 01:44:22,750
They don't say that's a total waste responsibility or that's the city's responsibility.

874
01:44:23,450 --> 01:44:24,170
It's a system.

875
01:44:24,170 --> 01:44:29,150
And when that system works well, it expands people's choices.

876
01:44:29,930 --> 01:44:32,550
They can choose where they want to live, where they want to work,

877
01:44:32,810 --> 01:44:35,310
and where they want to do business, without transportation,

878
01:44:36,270 --> 01:44:37,510
becoming a limiting factor.

879
01:44:38,450 --> 01:44:41,230
And that's why these long-term investments matter.

880
01:44:41,670 --> 01:44:46,250
Patavia is so fortunate to have ideate essentially at our doorstep.

881
01:44:46,690 --> 01:44:49,970
It connects our community to the larger Chicago region,

882
01:44:50,570 --> 01:44:53,010
but it connects the region to us.

883
01:44:53,010 --> 01:44:59,810
maintaining and improving that connection will have very real and substantial benefits to our residents and businesses.

884
01:45:00,140 --> 01:45:15,680
For decades to come. So, on behalf of Mayor Shokie and the city of Portadia, thank you for continuing to look at beyond the infrastructure itself and considering the people and the communities like this infrastructure serves to thank you.

885
01:45:15,680 --> 01:45:16,800
Thank you.

886
01:45:20,200 --> 01:45:22,000
Next up, we have Pasquale, Gianni.

887
01:45:34,010 --> 01:45:34,790
Good morning, everybody.

888
01:45:35,370 --> 01:45:37,610
And we're here at the YouTube Day.

889
01:45:37,770 --> 01:45:39,010
My name is Pasquale, Johnni.

890
01:45:39,010 --> 01:45:41,350
I'm here today to express my strong support

891
01:45:41,350 --> 01:45:44,390
for the Toilet Ways News and Cyber Protection Capital Program.

892
01:45:44,670 --> 01:45:46,570
This new program includes a balance,

893
01:45:47,010 --> 01:45:49,250
a responsible mix of good repair projects,

894
01:45:49,450 --> 01:45:50,910
and a maintaining the same role

895
01:45:50,910 --> 01:45:53,490
and a series of new investments to help grow.

896
01:45:53,630 --> 01:45:56,750
This is some expand the benefits of this whole way.

897
01:45:56,950 --> 01:45:58,230
Outside of this current website.

898
01:45:58,810 --> 01:46:03,170
These investments are needed to continue to to always grow the massive job creator and

899
01:46:03,170 --> 01:46:05,430
drive out of regional economic and change.

900
01:46:06,330 --> 01:46:10,630
Not just through the construction work for also by giving communities a lot which

901
01:46:10,630 --> 01:46:14,310
will be accessing each grow, develop, and prospering.

902
01:46:14,450 --> 01:46:18,350
While it's never easy to ask people to pay more, I have been full support of the toy

903
01:46:18,350 --> 01:46:21,630
adjustments needed to come to this program over the next 15 years.

904
01:46:22,570 --> 01:46:25,210
Thank you to that one which will wait for playing ahead of making sure it's low

905
01:46:25,210 --> 01:46:29,130
ways can do this, or people don't want to, for generations to come.

906
01:46:29,570 --> 01:46:30,370
Thank you.

907
01:46:30,450 --> 01:46:30,770
Thank you.

908
01:46:36,030 --> 01:46:38,770
Next up, we have Tony Garretano.

909
01:46:39,550 --> 01:46:42,990
I'm also going to call Anthony Beckham, who I believe is in the overflow

910
01:46:42,990 --> 01:46:46,370
room, so I want to make sure it has enough time to make it up.

911
01:46:46,610 --> 01:46:48,090
So, Tony, in the Anthony.

912
01:46:56,460 --> 01:46:56,920
I was standing.

913
01:46:57,460 --> 01:46:57,880
It's a great morning everybody.

914
01:46:58,060 --> 01:46:58,700
Oh, it's almost lunch.

915
01:47:00,320 --> 01:47:01,200
Tony Garretano.

916
01:47:02,560 --> 01:47:05,580
Two thousand six, you know, open up a tiny little MB.

917
01:47:05,580 --> 01:47:08,160
And by 2017, it was time to close.

918
01:47:09,140 --> 01:47:12,860
But I ran into an opportunity with the tollway.

919
01:47:13,100 --> 01:47:16,700
In 2018, we were able to be part of a contract,

920
01:47:16,920 --> 01:47:19,060
which was pretty special, pretty unique.

921
01:47:19,440 --> 01:47:21,220
My first question was why is the tollway

922
01:47:21,220 --> 01:47:22,380
doing more force development?

923
01:47:22,760 --> 01:47:25,400
I found a really soon that critical skills shortens

924
01:47:25,400 --> 01:47:26,260
is a real thing.

925
01:47:26,480 --> 01:47:27,700
And it's been a workforce development.

926
01:47:27,900 --> 01:47:28,700
People need opportunity.

927
01:47:28,940 --> 01:47:29,700
People need jobs.

928
01:47:30,060 --> 01:47:31,440
People need somewhere to go every day

929
01:47:31,440 --> 01:47:33,140
and make money for the back of the family, right?

930
01:47:33,640 --> 01:47:35,300
And not only was it just a way

931
01:47:35,300 --> 01:47:36,760
to get skilled workforce.

932
01:47:37,280 --> 01:47:41,220
It was also a way to dispel the myths that this is that for us.

933
01:47:41,520 --> 01:47:45,120
A lot of my friends, a lot of my people, you know, the wasn't in the construction, wasn't

934
01:47:45,120 --> 01:47:45,480
in the car.

935
01:47:45,600 --> 01:47:46,840
It didn't know about it.

936
01:47:47,000 --> 01:47:51,160
This whole program was the opportunity to let people know this is for them, right?

937
01:47:51,440 --> 01:47:56,900
So fast-forward seven years, eight years actually, and everything from job fairs to church

938
01:47:56,900 --> 01:48:02,380
presentations, to hiring events, to being in high schools and the city and the suburbs,

939
01:48:02,380 --> 01:48:05,640
being with job cores in everything in between.

940
01:48:05,760 --> 01:48:07,640
We're able to get the message out, right?

941
01:48:08,180 --> 01:48:09,500
And fast forward a few contracts.

942
01:48:09,880 --> 01:48:12,320
Here we are in, you know, 2026.

943
01:48:13,000 --> 01:48:15,340
The third, I think, installment of this, you know,

944
01:48:15,380 --> 01:48:16,340
I'll stand in program.

945
01:48:17,000 --> 01:48:19,040
And this year, just to highlight some numbers,

946
01:48:19,080 --> 01:48:20,140
because numbers make a difference.

947
01:48:20,340 --> 01:48:21,160
That's what's our important.

948
01:48:22,120 --> 01:48:23,880
Our sales, actually technology,

949
01:48:24,100 --> 01:48:26,180
we have a dual customer approach, right?

950
01:48:26,440 --> 01:48:28,500
That won't do me care about helping out job seekers,

951
01:48:28,720 --> 01:48:30,080
getting people to career opportunities.

952
01:48:30,520 --> 01:48:32,360
We also want to make sure that these great contracts,

953
01:48:32,360 --> 01:48:36,880
There's some you'll hear about a patient and also everybody in between, right?

954
01:48:37,260 --> 01:48:39,580
Have the opportunity to grow their own business.

955
01:48:39,780 --> 01:48:47,520
Just like you guys getting to the opportunity back eight years ago, I like to be doing the same thing for all our different contractors and subcontractors and subcontractors.

956
01:48:47,740 --> 01:48:49,160
So it's been a world win, right?

957
01:48:49,520 --> 01:48:56,360
In the last two and a half years, 275 placements, we've helped out the system with over 30 additional placements, well over 300.

958
01:48:56,360 --> 01:49:04,280
they'll spread between at least 40 different contractors and subcontractors, 183 unionized

959
01:49:04,280 --> 01:49:09,740
positions, 58 were apprentices, which is great, the first year, second year, third year type

960
01:49:09,740 --> 01:49:16,560
people, and of course about 125, so everything has been great and we really appreciate the

961
01:49:16,560 --> 01:49:22,000
continued work. And the most important thing that I like to leave everybody with is it's important

962
01:49:22,000 --> 01:49:23,820
with this economic empowerment,

963
01:49:24,300 --> 01:49:27,320
then people have a place to work and a career to grow into.

964
01:49:27,700 --> 01:49:30,560
But it also became something to be very proud.

965
01:49:30,840 --> 01:49:33,200
The people who I work with, I help get jobs to,

966
01:49:33,200 --> 01:49:34,900
they work proudly, right?

967
01:49:35,700 --> 01:49:37,780
Construction works powered by the Illinois toll lane.

968
01:49:38,040 --> 01:49:39,160
People go to work, happy.

969
01:49:39,300 --> 01:49:41,340
They come home with some extra money in their pocket,

970
01:49:41,460 --> 01:49:42,780
able to provide for their families.

971
01:49:42,900 --> 01:49:44,700
Thank you, Marlin, thank you for your leadership.

972
01:49:45,700 --> 01:49:47,820
Thank you to the care of any for your courage.

973
01:49:48,420 --> 01:49:52,740
And thank you Donald Jolens for keeping the program alive.

974
01:49:53,000 --> 01:49:56,420
I'd like to introduce an outstanding partner of this program,

975
01:49:56,640 --> 01:49:58,080
who's been with us in one.

976
01:49:58,520 --> 01:49:59,660
And thank you back and we'll be back.

977
01:50:00,000 --> 01:50:02,000
Thank you, Tom.

978
01:50:05,720 --> 01:50:14,460
I told you the entire league was supposed to be so slow. So I came here with another dress. I feel a key role.

979
01:50:14,620 --> 01:50:19,660
Thank you for that, Tom. My name is Anthony Beck, a member of Vice President at FHPash.

980
01:50:19,760 --> 01:50:24,520
So I want to say good morning, first of all, to chairman executive director of all the board members here.

981
01:50:25,200 --> 01:50:28,380
I believe in the three bees and live be bold, be brief and be gone.

982
01:50:29,300 --> 01:50:32,960
So that's what I want to do because I know you've had a lot of speakers before me.

983
01:50:32,960 --> 01:50:43,740
But I do want to say, an MPH passion, we have seven active projects going on currently right now with Illinois told by as a general contractor.

984
01:50:43,900 --> 01:50:46,580
And so I want to say thank you to everyone at this table.

985
01:50:47,640 --> 01:50:50,660
And then I want to speak about the importance of the VA credit program.

986
01:50:51,160 --> 01:50:54,480
VA credit is very important in Illinois, highly competitive market.

987
01:50:54,480 --> 01:51:03,340
So, ensure that you maintain a competitive advantage in the industry that is earned from our participation in workforce diversity and local hiring.

988
01:51:04,160 --> 01:51:13,480
And then, also, I want to talk about how FHP is always looking to both serve as ranks with additional CW works for operators, carpenters, laborers, and C-mint make sense.

989
01:51:13,860 --> 01:51:24,140
And then, finally, I will say this, FHP has multiple workers that started the FHP through the CW program, and they are currently working across the land of all countless programs with us.

990
01:51:24,140 --> 01:51:28,680
Without folks like Tony calling me all the time, me and Tony have a direct relationship,

991
01:51:29,220 --> 01:51:37,300
that relationship I could not talk about more because it is needed specifically now with the shortage

992
01:51:37,300 --> 01:51:42,600
of jobs, the opportunities for folks. And then I do want to speak about all of the educational

993
01:51:42,600 --> 01:51:49,300
programs around the land, the Chicago land, the suburban area that is working, the CW program

994
01:51:49,300 --> 01:51:53,740
down from the wordscast. Let's continue to utilize that program and let's make sure that you're

995
01:51:53,740 --> 01:51:55,680
fun in it. Thank you so much. Thank you.

996
01:52:00,020 --> 01:52:05,240
Let's move on to section four of our agenda. First of the chair's items we have for consideration

997
01:52:05,240 --> 01:52:10,660
the minutes of the regular board of directors meeting held July 16th, 2026. May I have a motion

998
01:52:10,660 --> 01:52:16,760
to approve the minutes as presented? So we'll move in a second. Are there any questions or request

999
01:52:16,760 --> 01:52:18,080
to many's minutes.

1000
01:52:18,780 --> 01:52:21,480
You're in none, all those in favor of seeing the five by saying aye.

1001
01:52:22,320 --> 01:52:23,020
All opposed?

1002
01:52:23,900 --> 01:52:24,820
Motion passes.

1003
01:52:24,940 --> 01:52:25,880
The minutes are approved.

1004
01:52:26,560 --> 01:52:31,360
Without objectionable with the for action on chair's items two until after the executive session.

1005
01:52:31,860 --> 01:52:34,060
Next in the agenda are the committee reports.

1006
01:52:34,660 --> 01:52:37,840
All directors represent for the committee meeting, so we can dispense with this report.

1007
01:52:38,500 --> 01:52:41,840
As a point of order, following the executive director's toll weight update,

1008
01:52:41,860 --> 01:52:45,800
and before our items for consideration, the board will consider the driving

1009
01:52:45,800 --> 01:52:48,560
connected scaproprogram and proposed total increases.

1010
01:52:49,020 --> 01:52:51,160
The Executive Director of Staff will present this item

1011
01:52:51,160 --> 01:52:54,160
for the Board's consideration before it is called for a vote.

1012
01:52:54,680 --> 01:52:56,360
I have no additional items at this time,

1013
01:52:56,500 --> 01:52:58,380
so I'll turn the floor over to our Executive Director.

1014
01:52:59,140 --> 01:53:00,480
Thank you, Ms. Chairman.

1015
01:53:00,660 --> 01:53:03,040
Thank you, and good morning to the Chairman and to directors.

1016
01:53:04,040 --> 01:53:06,180
I'd like to start this morning too.

1017
01:53:06,180 --> 01:53:08,160
And I think, too, our summer interns

1018
01:53:08,160 --> 01:53:10,260
follow the terrific safety message.

1019
01:53:10,840 --> 01:53:12,800
And actually, you know, I'm extending a plot

1020
01:53:12,800 --> 01:53:15,780
to the intern that presented this morning.

1021
01:53:15,920 --> 01:53:17,920
I know that that time took a lot of courage

1022
01:53:17,920 --> 01:53:21,540
and I really thank you for representing the interns

1023
01:53:21,540 --> 01:53:23,520
this morning with the safety message.

1024
01:53:24,840 --> 01:53:27,040
This intern class this year,

1025
01:53:27,200 --> 01:53:28,740
bought to the toeway this summer,

1026
01:53:29,500 --> 01:53:31,440
so much experience and expertise.

1027
01:53:32,100 --> 01:53:35,840
This summer, we were so proud to welcome 39 interns

1028
01:53:35,840 --> 01:53:38,140
and they represented 29 universities.

1029
01:53:38,740 --> 01:53:41,680
And over 11 weeks, they gained hands on experience

1030
01:53:41,680 --> 01:53:48,780
across 13 departments and contribute to real world projects with the Toeway professionals in

1031
01:53:48,780 --> 01:53:55,120
the field and the office and really across the Toeway system. Our Toeway internship program

1032
01:53:55,120 --> 01:54:02,760
is an investment in the future of transportation. It introduces talented students to meaningful public

1033
01:54:02,760 --> 01:54:08,800
service careers while bringing the fresh ideas, the energy and their perspective to the Toeway.

1034
01:54:08,800 --> 01:54:20,960
So again, I am so proud of what this year's interns have accomplished, I'm grateful to the mentors and the staff who share their time and expertise to make this such a successful experience for them.

1035
01:54:21,360 --> 01:54:34,740
And I'm pleased to note that 10 of our interns are extending their time with us, and that really speaks again to the experience that they had and the connections that they have built with our teams.

1036
01:54:34,740 --> 01:54:41,940
So with that, I'd now like to turn to the next portion of the second director's report.

1037
01:54:42,880 --> 01:54:44,760
So I'm going to have a lot of good mornings this morning.

1038
01:54:46,180 --> 01:54:47,000
So bear with me.

1039
01:54:48,020 --> 01:54:49,400
So good morning once again, Chairman.

1040
01:54:49,780 --> 01:54:54,840
And I'm also directors of the board two months ago.

1041
01:54:55,620 --> 01:54:59,480
We came before you to introduce driving connections.

1042
01:55:00,000 --> 01:55:10,540
Which was the result of more than two years of strategic planning, analysis, and engagement that was focused on the future of the Illinois Towa.

1043
01:55:11,680 --> 01:55:28,880
Since then, we have taken that conversation directly to the 12 counties that we serve, holding 13 public hearings, and providing multiple ways for customers, for communities and for stakeholders to participate.

1044
01:55:28,880 --> 01:55:38,440
During that process, we had more than 1,100 people that joined us in person and thousands

1045
01:55:38,440 --> 01:55:44,220
more shared their views through surveys, written comments and online engagement.

1046
01:55:45,140 --> 01:55:51,420
During that process, we heard from customers, businesses, labor, transportation partners, and community

1047
01:55:51,420 --> 01:55:51,920
leaders.

1048
01:55:51,920 --> 01:56:00,100
We heard support, we heard concerns, and we heard important questions about affordability,

1049
01:56:00,920 --> 01:56:08,960
about accountability, congestion, and our responsibility to maintain the system that we already have.

1050
01:56:09,860 --> 01:56:14,080
But that is exactly what this process was intended to do.

1051
01:56:14,580 --> 01:56:21,580
Nearly 1.7 million drivers rely on the railway system every day, and their expectations are clear.

1052
01:56:21,580 --> 01:56:27,880
They want a system that is safe, a system that is reliable and prepared for the future.

1053
01:56:28,500 --> 01:56:30,780
They want the toll way to address congestion.

1054
01:56:31,220 --> 01:56:37,600
They want the toll way to plan ahead, whether then wait until infrastructure falls and fails

1055
01:56:37,600 --> 01:56:41,480
or becomes problems and becomes more expensive to solve.

1056
01:56:42,240 --> 01:56:49,380
So today, more than two years of work and the completed public process come together.

1057
01:56:49,380 --> 01:56:54,400
as the Board considers what's next for the Illinois Tollway System.

1058
01:56:55,380 --> 01:57:02,840
Before we begin that discussion, I want to take you through the region,

1059
01:57:03,720 --> 01:57:07,140
and highlight the people who participated in the process,

1060
01:57:07,400 --> 01:57:12,080
and the people who helped shape the public record that is before you today.

1061
01:57:12,080 --> 01:57:12,780
Driving

1062
01:57:17,740 --> 01:57:27,720
connections is the only way to continue with investment in infrastructure, but also what it represents is just an opportunity for us to continuously approve upon safety for our travelers.

1063
01:57:28,380 --> 01:57:40,960
If an opportunity for us to really deliver projects that will bring about economic development for this region, it also was an opportunity for us to provide jobs, it's an opportunity for us to really connect communities.

1064
01:57:40,960 --> 01:57:51,060
We have the hosting public hearing in each of the 12th-to-way counties, but public will be given a chance to review the proposal and share feedback directly with us.

1065
01:57:52,020 --> 01:57:54,820
The most important piece of this planning is listening.

1066
01:57:55,200 --> 01:57:56,600
This listening to our travelers.

1067
01:57:57,120 --> 01:57:59,420
This listening to those that do business with us.

1068
01:57:59,760 --> 01:58:01,880
We want to make sure no voice is left unheard.

1069
01:58:02,180 --> 01:58:05,520
So we've certainly done our due diligence with a lot of industry groups.

1070
01:58:05,540 --> 01:58:07,120
Over the last two, two and a half years.

1071
01:58:07,120 --> 01:58:09,260
Now it's time to listen to the public.

1072
01:58:09,400 --> 01:58:11,220
The people who are going to be using the roadway,

1073
01:58:11,420 --> 01:58:14,020
the people who are going to be impacted by these projects.

1074
01:58:14,440 --> 01:58:17,340
And I'm very excited to say thank you because what you're doing now

1075
01:58:17,340 --> 01:58:20,000
is ensuring that the future generation of young men and women

1076
01:58:20,000 --> 01:58:22,220
who are working on this for you will have job opportunities.

1077
01:58:22,920 --> 01:58:27,100
I strongly believe as a parent that these investments are necessary

1078
01:58:27,760 --> 01:58:31,720
to ensure that the transportation system remains dependable.

1079
01:58:32,020 --> 01:58:35,000
Not only for us, but for our future generations.

1080
01:58:35,660 --> 01:58:40,980
We'll see, let's all reach a local 1.50 and I'm very grateful to local 1.50 and the

1081
01:58:40,980 --> 01:58:46,040
toll way for being able to work on about 850 million dollar project because without

1082
01:58:46,040 --> 01:58:51,480
that estimate in class, I wouldn't have the intellectual capacity to be on some of these jobs

1083
01:58:51,480 --> 01:58:52,260
I'd be today.

1084
01:58:52,780 --> 01:58:58,460
As a retired senior citizen living out of fixed income, I know first hand that increases in

1085
01:58:58,460 --> 01:59:00,240
every day costs add up quickly.

1086
01:59:00,240 --> 01:59:06,000
I respectfully ask the board to consider the impact on tax payers and reject this proposed

1087
01:59:06,000 --> 01:59:06,880
toll increase.

1088
01:59:07,140 --> 01:59:09,680
Chop drivers, why wouldn't they get this child?

1089
01:59:10,040 --> 01:59:15,840
This program creates opportunities for engineering excellence and for people to live

1090
01:59:15,840 --> 01:59:19,760
a quality of life that they may not have experienced before.

1091
01:59:20,200 --> 01:59:26,280
We have millions of travel our system and central you make their commune in their daily lives

1092
01:59:26,280 --> 01:59:27,960
better by using our system.

1093
01:59:27,960 --> 01:59:35,200
Knowing that we are surrounded by the public, I'm in North Mass numbers, it's really important for us to ensure that we are

1094
01:59:35,200 --> 01:59:38,960
sourcing them in the way that really benefits them in their daily life.

1095
01:59:39,500 --> 01:59:44,260
The impact is really important is shaping how we move, how we invest, how we deliver projects,

1096
01:59:44,500 --> 01:59:51,820
the timing of that delivery to make sure it's complimenting some of the strategic investments that the communities are making over the years to come.

1097
01:59:58,350 --> 01:59:59,990
We really took the time to make sure...

1098
02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:05,680
We were talking to our partners, our customers, communities throughout the region to understand how we could align

1099
02:00:05,680 --> 02:00:07,720
priorities with regional goals.

1100
02:00:13,230 --> 02:00:19,430
This project is so important for everybody on our system. 26 and a half billion dollars.

1101
02:00:19,990 --> 02:00:29,850
We are really going to need the economy in the region. People are going to go to work. Companies are going to grow. They're going to hire people. They're going to spend money. It's going to be a great cycle.

1102
02:00:29,850 --> 02:00:33,950
I'm a frequent user of the Illinois TOLA and I support the driving connections capital

1103
02:00:33,950 --> 02:00:38,590
program because it will continue through the TOLA system by funding and critical maintenance

1104
02:00:38,590 --> 02:00:40,390
and future infrastructure projects.

1105
02:00:41,010 --> 02:00:46,330
I see so many opportunities that I've been a fitting daily commuters every day.

1106
02:00:46,510 --> 02:00:51,170
Jobing connections is important to me because I think this election on the Illinois TOLA

1107
02:00:51,170 --> 02:00:56,930
understanding is drivers and the listening that we are undertaking in the moment really

1108
02:00:56,930 --> 02:01:04,090
allows us to ensure that we have prioritized those infected and ways that will benefit those communities,

1109
02:01:04,430 --> 02:01:09,290
allow those communities to grow, to bring jobs and opportunities with the two those communities,

1110
02:01:09,670 --> 02:01:14,570
and ensure that families can continue to thrive in the way that they see that and moving some

1111
02:01:14,570 --> 02:01:15,950
one place or another.

1112
02:01:25,700 --> 02:01:30,980
Well, represents only a portion of the participation in the feedback we receive across the region.

1113
02:01:30,980 --> 02:01:36,920
But what it reflects is the breadth of the voices that informed this process.

1114
02:01:37,420 --> 02:01:41,440
Every comment submitted during the process has been collected and reviewed, and

1115
02:01:41,440 --> 02:01:46,840
ensuring that the board has a benefit of a complete public record, and as it considers

1116
02:01:46,840 --> 02:01:53,900
the proposal that is before us today, I have asked Archive of Planning, Ken Robles, to

1117
02:01:53,900 --> 02:01:59,700
walk us through what that engagement and summarize what we heard, the highlights of the priorities

1118
02:01:59,700 --> 02:02:03,520
and the customers that shared with us, Karen.

1119
02:02:04,840 --> 02:02:05,480
Thank you, Cassandra.

1120
02:02:05,740 --> 02:02:06,740
Good morning, everyone.

1121
02:02:07,620 --> 02:02:11,760
I am excited to be here today to highlight the progress that you've made on the driving

1122
02:02:11,760 --> 02:02:17,080
connections capital program and to provide that detailed summary of our recent public engagement.

1123
02:02:18,200 --> 02:02:21,580
Before we dive into the statistics and discuss the feedback that we received,

1124
02:02:21,900 --> 02:02:24,580
I want to provide a quick snapshot of our overall process.

1125
02:02:24,580 --> 02:02:24,860
They're

1126
02:02:30,270 --> 02:02:35,230
all aware that driving connections program and the associated tool of adjustment was

1127
02:02:35,230 --> 02:02:40,270
invented to the board back in June. This launched our two-month public outreach and engagement

1128
02:02:40,270 --> 02:02:46,230
process designed to gather and solicit feedback from customers and stakeholders. These several

1129
02:02:46,230 --> 02:02:51,250
outreach strategies to share information on the proposed plan, the associated toll increase,

1130
02:02:51,670 --> 02:02:57,050
and to encourage people to participate in our process. More than 4 million customer emails were

1131
02:02:57,050 --> 02:03:01,670
for providing information about the program and encouraging them to submit comments.

1132
02:03:02,430 --> 02:03:06,050
These emails generated an open rate of approximately 55%.

1133
02:03:06,750 --> 02:03:12,470
The driving connections was paid to track it more than 130,000 visitors right in our public comment period.

1134
02:03:13,370 --> 02:03:18,610
Social media also played an important role in our process with dozens of posts reaching a wide audience

1135
02:03:18,610 --> 02:03:22,010
and generating significant engagement across all of our platforms.

1136
02:03:22,790 --> 02:03:27,590
For example, while the public comment process did not allow us to directly engage with the

1137
02:03:27,590 --> 02:03:32,110
people who are providing feedback, it didn't take the opportunity to utilize social media

1138
02:03:32,110 --> 02:03:37,910
to provide additional information to answer questions and provide clarity around some misconceptions

1139
02:03:37,910 --> 02:03:41,270
about the full way, and I'll highlight some of this later in my presentation.

1140
02:03:42,950 --> 02:03:47,190
For anyone that was unable to attend one of our 13 in-person public hearings,

1141
02:03:47,190 --> 02:03:53,670
of virtual version was put on our website and we saw hundreds of additional views providing another

1142
02:03:53,670 --> 02:03:58,410
accessible way for the public to participate in and learn about the proposed program into

1143
02:03:58,410 --> 02:04:03,690
already increased. The toll way also ran public notices several times in newspapers in

1144
02:04:03,690 --> 02:04:08,250
all 12 toll way counties in accordance with the requirements of the Illinois toll Highway Act.

1145
02:04:10,760 --> 02:04:16,160
Here you can see our metric dashboard. We used this to monitor our efforts throughout the process

1146
02:04:16,160 --> 02:04:18,720
to make sure we were reaching a broad audience.

1147
02:04:19,660 --> 02:04:22,840
This data also helped us to adapt our outreach along the way

1148
02:04:22,840 --> 02:04:24,620
to ensure that we were reaching our customers

1149
02:04:24,620 --> 02:04:26,120
through a variety of methods.

1150
02:04:26,860 --> 02:04:29,620
For example, we leveraged our relationships across the region

1151
02:04:29,620 --> 02:04:32,140
so that we didn't have to rely on our efforts alone.

1152
02:04:32,620 --> 02:04:34,440
We worked with local councils of government

1153
02:04:34,440 --> 02:04:36,840
to ensure our messages were reaching a broader audience

1154
02:04:36,840 --> 02:04:38,060
through community-based outreach,

1155
02:04:38,240 --> 02:04:40,640
like municipal social media and newsletters.

1156
02:04:43,510 --> 02:04:47,530
Overall, we collected more than 18,500 public comments.

1157
02:04:47,530 --> 02:04:58,970
Approximately 73% of those, more than 13,500 of these responses, came from our online comment form, and the remainder came from email, the mail, and public hearings.

1158
02:05:00,000 --> 02:05:21,400
Public sentiment varied across engagement channels, comments received during the public hearing process were approximately 79% supportive, 15% opposed and 5% neutral, whereas comments submitted through our online channels were approximately 17% supportive, 76% opposed and 7% neutral.

1159
02:05:22,200 --> 02:05:28,960
This distinction highlights the importance of providing multiple engagement channels as different audiences chose to participate in different ways.

1160
02:05:31,280 --> 02:05:35,640
I'd also like to point out that the feedback we received came from across the entire toll

1161
02:05:35,640 --> 02:05:36,480
way region.

1162
02:05:37,020 --> 02:05:40,940
This map shows where responses came from with each circle representing a difference

1163
02:05:40,940 --> 02:05:43,520
of code, and the corresponding number of responses.

1164
02:05:44,560 --> 02:05:49,540
As expected, we saw a lot of responses from Cook County and the Collar counties, but we

1165
02:05:49,540 --> 02:05:54,220
were pleased to see that we had engagement and responses from across all 12 counties that are

1166
02:05:54,220 --> 02:05:55,400
served by the toll way.

1167
02:05:58,530 --> 02:06:02,590
The public hearings were a key component of our outreach, and they were conducted in accordance

1168
02:06:02,590 --> 02:06:05,730
with the requirements of the Illinois Total Highway Act.

1169
02:06:06,310 --> 02:06:09,370
Our goal for these public hearings was simple to ensure

1170
02:06:09,370 --> 02:06:12,630
customers, communities, businesses, elected officials,

1171
02:06:13,110 --> 02:06:15,230
and stakeholders had meaningful opportunities

1172
02:06:15,230 --> 02:06:17,610
to learn about the program and the associated

1173
02:06:17,610 --> 02:06:20,010
brave increase and allow them in opportunity

1174
02:06:20,010 --> 02:06:22,930
to voice their thoughts on the proposed toll increase.

1175
02:06:23,810 --> 02:06:25,710
We held 13 public hearings including

1176
02:06:25,710 --> 02:06:28,970
two in Cook County from July 13 to July 24.

1177
02:06:32,360 --> 02:06:34,040
Each hearing began with a presentation

1178
02:06:34,040 --> 02:06:38,800
regarding the proposed driving connections capital program and the proposed whole rate increase.

1179
02:06:39,640 --> 02:06:43,500
After the presentation, attendees were given the opportunity to provide verbal comments,

1180
02:06:43,720 --> 02:06:48,560
which were documented by a court reporter. Attenties wishing to comment, but not speak,

1181
02:06:48,700 --> 02:06:53,180
were able to submit comments, either electronically using their smartphones or on told-way provided

1182
02:06:53,180 --> 02:06:59,200
tablets at the hearings or in-writing using physical comment cards. All of these comments are included

1183
02:06:59,200 --> 02:07:06,000
in the official record. In total, we welcome more than 1100 attendees to the hearings. We also collected

1184
02:07:06,000 --> 02:07:12,020
more than 400 and 40 comments across those 13 hearings. Approximately 340 of those comments

1185
02:07:12,020 --> 02:07:14,460
were verbal with the remainder submitted in writing.

1186
02:07:17,380 --> 02:07:19,460
As part of our online comment form and the

1187
02:07:19,460 --> 02:07:24,440
in-person comment cards, we included a short multiple choice survey question, asking respondents

1188
02:07:24,440 --> 02:07:30,100
what their priorities are for the 12-way system. The tap priority for the public was affordability

1189
02:07:30,100 --> 02:07:35,660
followed closely by well maintained rows. This is a good representation of the overall feedback

1190
02:07:35,660 --> 02:07:41,160
we received that the public expects a high quality, well maintained system, while still offering

1191
02:07:41,160 --> 02:07:43,120
good value and affordability.

1192
02:07:46,460 --> 02:07:49,480
As we reviewed thousands of comments several consistent themes

1193
02:07:49,480 --> 02:07:55,580
emerge and I'll go through those briefly. Affordability was at the forefront of many comments and any

1194
02:07:55,580 --> 02:08:01,620
participants appreciated the told ways self-funded, user-based structure, viewing it as a fair and

1195
02:08:01,620 --> 02:08:04,460
sustainable way to fund operations and improvements.

1196
02:08:05,780 --> 02:08:10,480
The future toll increases to do inflation were also a frequent comment with some participants

1197
02:08:10,480 --> 02:08:14,720
noting the predictability and fiscal stability that automated increases provide.

1198
02:08:15,500 --> 02:08:19,380
While some attendees were concerned that automatic increases could mean less opportunity

1199
02:08:19,380 --> 02:08:22,600
for input on the need for those future increases.

1200
02:08:24,020 --> 02:08:28,460
We also heard some concerns about the cumulative cost of living increases at a time of higher

1201
02:08:28,460 --> 02:08:33,820
inflation. Some participants raised concerns about proposed commercial vehicle rate increases

1202
02:08:34,380 --> 02:08:38,380
and highlighted the impacts this proposed constant increase could have on their businesses.

1203
02:08:40,700 --> 02:08:45,540
Customer experience was also a significant theme. Drivers recognized the value of well-meaning

1204
02:08:45,540 --> 02:08:51,600
team roads, reliable travel times, and road side assistance provided by the tollway. Participants

1205
02:08:51,600 --> 02:08:56,380
also noted that tollway access was a key factor in choosing where to live, citing convenient

1206
02:08:56,380 --> 02:09:04,060
connections to jobs, services, and regional destinations, and how a congestion-free system was a top priority for them.

1207
02:09:04,600 --> 02:09:11,180
They acknowledged that investing in infrastructure today helps reduce future maintenance needs and avoid more costly repairs down the road.

1208
02:09:11,980 --> 02:09:17,760
Any commenters also distrust opportunities and economic impacts that result from TOLA investments.

1209
02:09:18,780 --> 02:09:23,100
Commenters acknowledged the TOLA's role in sparking economic growth, citing how TOLA access

1210
02:09:23,100 --> 02:09:27,040
encourages business investment and job opportunities and surrounding communities.

1211
02:09:28,160 --> 02:09:35,540
They also recognize that continued TOLA investment helps sustain thousands of skilled trade straps providing stable family supporting careers.

1212
02:09:36,600 --> 02:09:40,380
Commence also are revolved around the agency and general accountability.

1213
02:09:41,340 --> 02:09:44,020
The general misconception was that the totally revenues were going to be

1214
02:09:44,020 --> 02:09:48,040
diverted to not only use this like transit, they are not.

1215
02:09:49,320 --> 02:09:52,560
Commence also revolved around whether the proposed increase is necessary

1216
02:09:52,560 --> 02:09:56,540
and whether additional cost-saving opportunities have been fully explored.

1217
02:09:57,600 --> 02:09:59,980
And lastly, questions were also raised about general oversight.

1218
02:10:00,000 --> 02:10:09,780
And the transparency of the agency. In closing, I'd like to thank the Board, executive leadership, and the staff who made this public outreach process successful.

1219
02:10:10,400 --> 02:10:13,940
It was an intense process, but we're really pleased with the results that we received.

1220
02:10:14,780 --> 02:10:20,780
Overall, the level of engagement with experienced demonstrates how important the tool is to the communities and the customers we serve.

1221
02:10:21,620 --> 02:10:29,980
The conclusion of this outreach process, our team reviewed the comments submitted through this process to ensure that the driving connections program is aligned with the goals of our customers.

1222
02:10:29,980 --> 02:10:32,680
of our stakeholders and our communities.

1223
02:10:33,280 --> 02:10:35,820
That concludes my presentation and I'm happy to answer any questions.

1224
02:10:38,160 --> 02:10:39,340
Thank you so much, Karen.

1225
02:10:40,080 --> 02:10:41,980
Chairman Rivera and the Board.

1226
02:10:42,220 --> 02:10:47,260
Today's presentation, it reflects both the skill and the responsibility and the strength

1227
02:10:47,260 --> 02:10:49,840
of the public process that brought us to this point.

1228
02:10:50,420 --> 02:10:55,020
I want to also take a moment to thank our Governor Priskar for his support and this effort

1229
02:10:55,020 --> 02:10:59,440
and for the guiding principles that actually launched this effort a couple years ago.

1230
02:10:59,440 --> 02:11:04,020
We have heard clearly from customers and communities, they expect a totally

1231
02:11:04,020 --> 02:11:08,120
system that is, again, reliable, affordable, accountable and prepared for the

1232
02:11:08,120 --> 02:11:08,500
future.

1233
02:11:09,180 --> 02:11:14,160
And this decision before the board is significant, but they are grounded more and more than

1234
02:11:14,160 --> 02:11:18,960
two years of analysis, a transparent public engagement process, and a share

1235
02:11:18,960 --> 02:11:22,640
commitment to maintaining one of the region's most important transportation

1236
02:11:22,640 --> 02:11:23,260
systems.

1237
02:11:24,060 --> 02:11:28,160
As we move forward, our responsibility is to balance today's needs with

1238
02:11:29,220 --> 02:11:34,440
to protect the system we have, to invest wisely in the system we need, and to ensure

1239
02:11:34,440 --> 02:11:38,440
the Illinois toll way continues to serve customers, communities, and the regional economy

1240
02:11:38,720 --> 02:11:40,020
for decades to come.

1241
02:11:40,780 --> 02:11:44,220
So thank you, and I look forward to the board's discussion.

1242
02:11:45,360 --> 02:11:51,260
I'm going to also move into the second third part of our presentation this morning, but

1243
02:11:51,260 --> 02:11:55,740
we'll first pause and see if there are any questions from the board related to the feedback process.

1244
02:11:55,740 --> 02:12:23,500
It's just a comment if I can't pay and you know we alluded to it briefly a lot of today's discussion was around the recent public hearing sessions but this process really started almost three years ago if you recall with the formation of the stakeholder advisory team right where we brought in a consortium of business leaders from across many different industry segments from labor from business to transportation the environment education to solicit their feedback.

1245
02:12:23,500 --> 02:12:30,440
Following that and there were five of those sessions following that we set out. We embarked on a outreach with a lot of municipality

1246
02:12:30,440 --> 02:12:38,080
Speak to government leaders who didn't have seated at the table with the stakeholder by treating and then transition into the more recent public hearing session

1247
02:12:38,080 --> 02:12:43,660
So I just want to commend the staff out of that took a lot of time a lot of effort the process was inclusive

1248
02:12:43,660 --> 02:12:52,580
It was transparent. It was disciplined. It was well thought out and I think it's also important to note while the recent public hearing sessions were

1249
02:12:52,580 --> 02:12:57,720
mostly about soliciting feedback and listening, it was also a good opportunity for us to

1250
02:12:57,720 --> 02:13:02,840
educate the public about the fact that we've reminded that this agency by and large doesn't

1251
02:13:02,840 --> 02:13:08,220
receive federal funding for its projects. Talking about all of the positive impact that these

1252
02:13:08,220 --> 02:13:15,340
projects have on quality of life, on economic impact. Look at I355 is a great example of that. Right

1253
02:13:15,340 --> 02:13:21,040
of job creation, right, of the appreciation of property values when we come in with our infrastructure.

1254
02:13:21,040 --> 02:13:31,440
So, I thought it was also a great way to remind everyone even with this toll increase on a comparative rate look relative to other agency and toll systems.

1255
02:13:32,060 --> 02:13:39,480
We're still in the lower echelon of that, right? And then, and then just certainly at overview of the priorities that we've identified through these listening sessions.

1256
02:13:39,860 --> 02:13:45,100
So, again, just want to commence that. It was three years in the making. We don't take this decision lightly.

1257
02:13:45,100 --> 02:13:54,100
We're going to increase our toll, but I think I think we understand the history of this agency with the positive impact of these projects and look forward to embarking on this next one.

1258
02:13:54,640 --> 02:13:55,080
Thank you.

1259
02:13:56,590 --> 02:13:56,750
Thank you.

1260
02:13:57,170 --> 02:14:00,790
Thank you.

1261
02:14:00,790 --> 02:14:09,830
So as you just heard, we have engaged in a period of public comment and gather feedback to ensure driving connections, addresses, the transportation needs of our customers.

1262
02:14:10,470 --> 02:14:11,730
Communities and the region.

1263
02:14:11,730 --> 02:14:17,670
And today, we advance this vision by presenting the Capital Program for Consideration and Approval.

1264
02:14:18,670 --> 02:14:25,450
This all-time year 26.5 billion, Capital Program Investment will begin in 2027,

1265
02:14:25,990 --> 02:14:31,850
I continue through 2042, seamlessly overlapping with bridging the future

1266
02:14:31,850 --> 02:14:36,890
to ensure continuity and project delivery and investment across the system.

1267
02:14:36,890 --> 02:14:47,510
Draw the connections represents a significant investment in mobility and economic opportunity and the communities we serve throughout the Northern Illinois region.

1268
02:14:48,750 --> 02:14:58,510
Now, before we discuss the program in detail, I want to recognize the extraordinary dedication, the partnership, and the vision that brought us to this moment.

1269
02:14:59,330 --> 02:14:59,970
This is an important part.

1270
02:15:00,000 --> 02:15:06,460
The important step forward toward shaping the future of mobility for the communities that we serve.

1271
02:15:07,280 --> 02:15:18,080
Drawing connections is the result of more than two years of planning, engagement, and collaboration with our customers, our stakeholder partners, and again our regional leaders.

1272
02:15:18,640 --> 02:15:28,160
We gathered input through public outreach. We were closely with partner agencies and benefited from the guidance of our stakeholder advisory team.

1273
02:15:28,160 --> 02:15:34,760
The program, before you today, reflects the collective input and shared vision for the future of the tollway.

1274
02:15:35,960 --> 02:15:39,960
Driving connections is also guided by five core goals.

1275
02:15:40,660 --> 02:15:45,820
Strengthening the system, driving economic growth, maximizing prior investments,

1276
02:15:47,020 --> 02:15:52,500
expanding regional access and leveraging technology to enhance safety and efficiency.

1277
02:15:52,500 --> 02:16:00,160
These goals are served as a foundation for every investment that is included in this program.

1278
02:16:01,020 --> 02:16:05,780
With that foundation in mind, I'm going to turn this over to Karen Rope was actually for planning,

1279
02:16:06,280 --> 02:16:11,880
who will walk us through how these goals translate into the investments across the system.

1280
02:16:12,440 --> 02:16:13,380
I'm back.

1281
02:16:14,840 --> 02:16:16,100
Thank you, Cassandra.

1282
02:16:16,100 --> 02:16:25,920
So, as I said, I mentioned the investments showing here on the map are really built off the foundation of those goals.

1283
02:16:26,740 --> 02:16:32,420
And this map is intended to illustrate the regional significance of the driving connections program.

1284
02:16:32,800 --> 02:16:36,000
And it's focused on strengthening the entire coal waste system.

1285
02:16:36,360 --> 02:16:40,240
Every corridor in our system contributes to the success of the region.

1286
02:16:40,240 --> 02:16:45,440
And we'll benefit from the 26.5 billion dollars driving connections capital program.

1287
02:16:47,000 --> 02:16:54,060
So now I'm going to jump into an overview of the projects that are being included in the program on a corridor basis.

1288
02:16:55,000 --> 02:17:00,060
So I, through 55, has been a key gateway to Chicago's Western suburbs for nearly four decades.

1289
02:17:00,660 --> 02:17:03,900
As the region continues to grow, so do the demands on this corridor.

1290
02:17:03,900 --> 02:17:18,320
As I were making a $6.63 billion investment to modernize the infrastructure, address congestion, and position I-355 as an innovation corridor of the future, supporting residents, businesses, and communities for decades to come.

1291
02:17:18,960 --> 02:17:28,300
Projects in this corridor include reconstructing the I-888 I-355 interchange, reconstructing the rehabilitating segments of the roadway and upgrading our fiber system.

1292
02:17:28,300 --> 02:17:33,510
Up next, we have IED-8, the regular memorial toll way.

1293
02:17:34,010 --> 02:17:38,490
And IED-8 has long served as a critical link between the Chicago region and Western Illinois,

1294
02:17:38,950 --> 02:17:43,090
connecting communities, businesses, and freight movement across nearly 100 miles.

1295
02:17:43,750 --> 02:17:48,390
As one of the state's fastest growing economic corridors, IED-8 supports diverse industry

1296
02:17:48,390 --> 02:17:52,230
centers and the Western suburbs, Decal, Rochelle, and Dixon.

1297
02:17:53,010 --> 02:17:57,110
The demand continues to increase alongside growth in the technology, logistics, and freight

1298
02:17:57,110 --> 02:17:57,650
industries.

1299
02:17:57,650 --> 02:18:03,890
Through driving connections, we are making a $3.53 billion investment to modernize the corridor,

1300
02:18:04,470 --> 02:18:08,990
and enhance reliability, and ensure that IIT-8 remains a powerful engine for economic growth

1301
02:18:08,990 --> 02:18:14,150
and regional connectivity. These investments include rehabilitating segments of the roadway

1302
02:18:14,150 --> 02:18:20,030
from Butterfield Road and the Aurora Tulsa to Washington Street, and from U.S. 30 to Stuart Road.

1303
02:18:20,730 --> 02:18:25,630
The program also includes a new access point in Lee County, widening the congestion segment

1304
02:18:25,630 --> 02:18:30,390
from the Aurora told Plaza to Route 59 and, again, upgrading Fiverr.

1305
02:18:33,130 --> 02:18:35,570
Drining connections will reinforce the South Tri-State

1306
02:18:35,570 --> 02:18:40,750
toldways role as a strategic transportation and economic asset for the Southland, the region,

1307
02:18:41,010 --> 02:18:46,410
and the Midwest. Through a $2.39 billion investment, we're upgrading critical infrastructure

1308
02:18:46,410 --> 02:18:51,710
and strengthening the corridor dysfunction as the largest transportation length between Illinois and Indiana.

1309
02:18:52,510 --> 02:18:58,630
Projects and group rehabilitation and bridge reconstruction from 159th Street to 90th

1310
02:18:58,630 --> 02:19:04,730
Street, roadway and bridge rehabilitation and widening from Illinois 394 to 159th

1311
02:19:04,730 --> 02:19:10,690
Street, southbound widening between Holstead and Illinois 394, improving the remaining

1312
02:19:10,690 --> 02:19:15,990
toll classes in this area and expanding our ATMS smart road system to address congestion

1313
02:19:15,990 --> 02:19:17,510
where widening isn't feasible.

1314
02:19:20,830 --> 02:19:22,670
Next, we have the North Tri-State, which plays an

1315
02:19:22,670 --> 02:19:27,570
essential role in connecting more than 700,000 Lake County residents to communities and

1316
02:19:27,570 --> 02:19:32,470
destinations across the region, while linking Illinois and Wisconsin. Through driving

1317
02:19:32,470 --> 02:19:37,570
connections, our $3.07 billion investment will strengthen the corridor's ability to support

1318
02:19:37,570 --> 02:19:43,030
economic activity, regional mobility, and access to the recreational and tourism destinations

1319
02:19:43,030 --> 02:19:48,350
that attract residents and visitors alike. As part of the program, we will rehabilitate several

1320
02:19:48,350 --> 02:19:53,470
of the roadway and bridges, including between Russell to Buckley Road, Buckley to Half

1321
02:19:53,470 --> 02:19:59,890
Day Road, Happy Road to the Innspurs, I-294 to Innspursway and Bell Morrell Avenue.

1322
02:20:01,020 --> 02:20:10,780
We will also upgrade the fiber system and we will expand our ATMS smart road system, which will allow us to better manage seasonal traffic to be on the North Tri-State.

1323
02:20:13,940 --> 02:20:25,880
The Jean Adams Memorial tollway is a critical connector between Chicago land, the Northwest suburbs and the Rockford region, linking resident businesses and freight carriers to opportunities across northern Illinois.

1324
02:20:25,880 --> 02:20:29,220
With $2.6 billion in planned investments,

1325
02:20:29,560 --> 02:20:31,880
driving connections will strengthen this corridor's role

1326
02:20:31,880 --> 02:20:34,920
and facilitating the efficient movement of people and goats

1327
02:20:34,920 --> 02:20:38,700
along one of the nation's most important east-west transportation routes.

1328
02:20:39,460 --> 02:20:40,220
On the Jane Annoyum,

1329
02:20:40,440 --> 02:20:43,520
driving connections will include multiple segments of road and bridge rehabilitation

1330
02:20:43,520 --> 02:20:46,640
between the Rockford, Metro Region, and Elgin.

1331
02:20:47,380 --> 02:20:50,060
Improvements to the I-90, Least Street, and our change.

1332
02:20:50,520 --> 02:20:53,920
We're going to be studying potential improvements to the I-90, I-290,

1333
02:20:54,020 --> 02:20:55,560
Illinois 53, and our change.

1334
02:20:55,560 --> 02:21:01,720
Upgrading the fiber system and expanding the ATS smart road technology based on the success

1335
02:21:01,720 --> 02:21:04,380
of net technology on the eastern portion of this corridor.

1336
02:21:07,980 --> 02:21:12,100
The central tricycate is the backbone and workhorse of the Illinois Toolway system, carrying

1337
02:21:12,100 --> 02:21:16,720
more than half a million vehicles each day and supporting the movement of people, brave

1338
02:21:16,720 --> 02:21:18,880
and commerce throughout the Chicago Land Region.

1339
02:21:19,740 --> 02:21:24,720
Driving connections, $1.87 billion investment in this corridor will build on the corridors

1340
02:21:24,720 --> 02:21:30,340
recent modernization efforts, strengthening its ability to deliver reliable mobility and economic

1341
02:21:30,340 --> 02:21:35,420
access. The program includes investments in this corridor that were not included in the move

1342
02:21:35,420 --> 02:21:40,760
Illinois program. This includes Road and Bridge Rehabilitation from 95th Street to Wolf Road

1343
02:21:40,760 --> 02:21:46,420
and from Wolf Road to Valmoral Avenue. Design work for the I-294 Bridge over the vets of

1344
02:21:46,420 --> 02:21:51,940
Velrealia are just also included. And to improve the I-294 Irving Park Road interchange,

1345
02:21:51,940 --> 02:21:55,960
We're going to make that a full interchange and provide more direct access to the communities

1346
02:21:55,960 --> 02:21:58,740
and job centers just east of O.H. Airport.

1347
02:22:01,730 --> 02:22:04,070
Illinois, Route 390, and the future I-490

1348
02:22:04,070 --> 02:22:09,610
toll-way play a key role in improving access to O.H. International Airport. One of the region's most important

1349
02:22:09,610 --> 02:22:15,490
economic engines. With a completion of I-490 as part of the Mobile and I program, driving connections

1350
02:22:15,490 --> 02:22:20,210
includes key investments that will strengthen connections to the airport and support the businesses and

1351
02:22:20,210 --> 02:22:26,550
industries that depend on it. The $833 million investment in this area also includes bridge

1352
02:22:26,550 --> 02:22:31,590
and robbery and limitation for the original portions of Illinois 390 that were not reconstructed

1353
02:22:31,590 --> 02:22:32,670
as part of the move Illinois.

1354
02:22:37,760 --> 02:22:41,260
While corner investments often take center stage, the performance of our entire

1355
02:22:41,260 --> 02:22:45,660
total waste system depends on the infrastructure, facilities, and operational support that work

1356
02:22:45,660 --> 02:22:52,420
behind the scenes every day. Our 5.57 trillion dollar investment and regional and program-wide initiatives

1357
02:22:52,420 --> 02:22:57,540
will strengthen these essential assets, helping deliver state, reliable, and efficient travel

1358
02:22:57,540 --> 02:23:02,740
for the 1.7 million customers who depend on the toll weight each day. This includes funding

1359
02:23:02,740 --> 02:23:08,860
toll weight facility improvements, non-roboy operations, back office upgrades, and program support,

1360
02:23:09,240 --> 02:23:14,440
as well as funding for future projects if new needs arise over the next 16 years.

1361
02:23:15,320 --> 02:23:19,280
We'll also allocate funding for our corridor opportunities for regional enhancements,

1362
02:23:19,280 --> 02:23:24,720
core initiative to pursue collaborative projects with peer agencies that advanced regional

1363
02:23:24,720 --> 02:23:30,000
transportation goals. And we also have funding dedicated to furthering the toolways, sustainability,

1364
02:23:30,480 --> 02:23:35,280
and innovation efforts. And we'll now hand things over to Kathy Williams to review the funding

1365
02:23:35,280 --> 02:23:35,780
program.

1366
02:23:47,590 --> 02:23:53,970
Thank you and good morning. Back again. So you've just heard from

1367
02:23:54,870 --> 02:23:57,350
and you've heard from our executive director,

1368
02:23:57,670 --> 02:24:00,350
Cassandra Rouse about the major improved food misplanned

1369
02:24:00,350 --> 02:24:04,110
through 242, as I'd like to build on those remarks

1370
02:24:04,110 --> 02:24:06,630
by walking you through how we will fund this investment.

1371
02:24:07,470 --> 02:24:11,190
But before we get to into the specific funding approach,

1372
02:24:11,570 --> 02:24:16,750
I want to underscore the principle that guides every financial decision

1373
02:24:16,750 --> 02:24:17,790
that we make.

1374
02:24:18,450 --> 02:24:21,130
Achieving the toll risk vision requires a strong,

1375
02:24:21,130 --> 02:24:23,810
as a sustainable financial foundation,

1376
02:24:24,590 --> 02:24:27,150
one that supports critical capital investments,

1377
02:24:27,750 --> 02:24:31,770
ensures adequate funding for operations and maintenance,

1378
02:24:32,270 --> 02:24:34,890
and keeps us aligned with industry best practices.

1379
02:24:35,570 --> 02:24:39,110
At the heart of this approach is a responsible stewardship,

1380
02:24:40,450 --> 02:24:43,210
which requires managing every dollar

1381
02:24:43,210 --> 02:24:46,810
with transparency long-term discipline,

1382
02:24:47,450 --> 02:24:50,430
and a commitment to maximizing public value

1383
02:24:50,430 --> 02:24:57,030
all while safeguarding the toll waste financial strength decades to cut. So with that foundation

1384
02:24:57,030 --> 02:24:59,690
in my name, let's talk about how the driving connections program.

1385
02:25:00,000 --> 02:25:05,600
We'll be finding that. The total cost, as you know, of the driving connections program, is projected

1386
02:25:05,600 --> 02:25:14,740
to be 255 billion, which translates to an estimated average annual span of 1.8 billion a year. Working

1387
02:25:14,740 --> 02:25:20,620
with our traffic engineers to develop revenue projections and using assumptions about future death

1388
02:25:20,620 --> 02:25:28,100
service, operating costs, and capital costs. We determined that approximately 216 billion of the driving

1389
02:25:28,100 --> 02:25:35,420
connections program, we'll be funded with net revenues, about 78%, while the remaining

1390
02:25:35,420 --> 02:25:40,760
will, of the 22% will be funded by bond processes of about 6 billion.

1391
02:25:42,680 --> 02:25:48,540
This net revenue will be funded with a proposed toll increase, the proposed toll rate increase

1392
02:25:48,540 --> 02:25:52,440
will impact both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.

1393
02:25:52,440 --> 02:25:58,460
So, for example, vehicles traveling through the most common mainline toll-plasm, where toll rates

1394
02:25:58,460 --> 02:26:04,340
are currently 75 cents, looking increase by 45 cents, and commercial vehicle rates are proposed

1395
02:26:04,340 --> 02:26:07,540
increase by 30%.

1396
02:26:07,540 --> 02:26:16,240
Opposed rates will go into effect January 1, 2021, with subsequent inflationary increases occurring

1397
02:26:16,240 --> 02:26:24,440
every two years, beginning in 2020, with the cap that limits told increases to no more than

1398
02:26:24,440 --> 02:26:27,040
8% every two years.

1399
02:26:28,460 --> 02:26:33,420
To tell revenue also funds our annual maintenance and operation expenses as well as annual

1400
02:26:33,420 --> 02:26:38,240
debt service costs for the bonds issued during the program and during the prior program.

1401
02:26:39,120 --> 02:26:45,060
So revenue is used for toll weight purposes only, and again, does not fund transit.

1402
02:26:46,300 --> 02:26:50,360
And perhaps one importantly, the toll weight does not, as you've heard it received in

1403
02:26:50,360 --> 02:26:55,760
the state of federal funding, everything we build, maintain and operate, is funded entirely

1404
02:26:55,760 --> 02:26:57,860
by toll revenue and violence.

1405
02:26:58,460 --> 02:27:04,700
We believe this proposed funding represents a fiscal, disciplined approach, designs to preserve

1406
02:27:04,700 --> 02:27:08,020
the strongest possible credit ratings.

1407
02:27:12,060 --> 02:27:13,360
So as Director of Patech mentioned,

1408
02:27:13,500 --> 02:27:15,520
even with the proposed toll rate increase,

1409
02:27:16,080 --> 02:27:19,560
toll rates still remain among the lowest national

1410
02:27:19,560 --> 02:27:21,040
capacity cars.

1411
02:27:21,640 --> 02:27:22,500
For passenger cars,

1412
02:27:22,840 --> 02:27:25,260
this would be the first toll rate increase

1413
02:27:25,260 --> 02:27:27,160
in 15 years on a system,

1414
02:27:27,300 --> 02:27:28,660
only through seven cents a month,

1415
02:27:28,820 --> 02:27:30,360
so seven cents a month,

1416
02:27:30,680 --> 02:27:32,020
getting below the national average.

1417
02:27:33,520 --> 02:27:35,980
Our goal with this proposed toll rate increase

1418
02:27:35,980 --> 02:27:41,140
is to carefully balance project benefits with cost for drivers,

1419
02:27:44,460 --> 02:27:45,700
and the crossroads of the nation

1420
02:27:45,700 --> 02:27:51,640
are region is a major, freight and shipping hub, and a well-maintained, easily accessible,

1421
02:27:52,380 --> 02:27:57,820
toll-way system is especially beneficial to our commercial vehicles. Even with this toll rate

1422
02:27:57,820 --> 02:28:03,820
anchories, commercial vehicles will remain competitive to our national peers. One thing I'd like to

1423
02:28:04,680 --> 02:28:10,080
point about both of these slides, we're showing you the proposed tolerate increase as a January

1424
02:28:10,080 --> 02:28:16,340
1st, 2027 for the child life. This is comparing to race that are current, more of these

1425
02:28:16,340 --> 02:28:23,000
of entities as of 2026. So many of these entities are tied to CPI as well and so the rates

1426
02:28:23,000 --> 02:28:29,620
will increase in 2027, such as one to make this. So again, access to some deficit at the crossroads

1427
02:28:29,620 --> 02:28:32,920
of the nation in this invest in this vital, great movements

1428
02:28:32,920 --> 02:28:36,240
and our continued national economic competitiveness.

1429
02:28:36,240 --> 02:28:39,720
So next time, I'll return this back over to the executive director

1430
02:28:40,560 --> 02:28:42,560
to add a few clothes in remarks.

1431
02:28:43,040 --> 02:28:45,080
Thank you very much, Kathy, for your presentation.

1432
02:28:45,760 --> 02:28:48,120
Before we conclude this morning, I want to recognize,

1433
02:28:48,280 --> 02:28:51,120
again, the remarkable effort, the professionalism

1434
02:28:51,120 --> 02:28:53,740
and the commitment that brought us to this moment.

1435
02:28:54,440 --> 02:28:57,460
Driving connections, again, reflects years of discipline

1436
02:28:57,460 --> 02:29:02,480
planning, analysis, engagement, and collaboration across Illinois

1437
02:29:02,480 --> 02:29:04,860
Tohway and again throughout this region.

1438
02:29:06,040 --> 02:29:11,820
I especially want to thank our Illinois Tohway employees, whose expertise and their dedication

1439
02:29:12,290 --> 02:29:17,660
are at the heart of this program, along with our partners, community leaders, stakeholders,

1440
02:29:18,040 --> 02:29:21,060
and board members who help shape this path forward.

1441
02:29:21,680 --> 02:29:23,180
So I'll be happy to Illinois Tohway.

1442
02:29:23,340 --> 02:29:27,360
Thank you for the leadership, the collaboration and sheer commitment that made this

1443
02:29:27,360 --> 02:29:32,840
possible, again, thank you to our governor, J.B. Pritzker, and as we have discussed, driving

1444
02:29:32,840 --> 02:29:39,080
connections is more than a set of projects. It is a long-term investment and the people

1445
02:29:39,080 --> 02:29:43,220
and the communities and businesses that depend on the total waste system every day.

1446
02:29:43,840 --> 02:29:49,960
This program reflects our responsibility to strengthen the transportation network to support

1447
02:29:49,960 --> 02:29:55,460
economic opportunity, expand access and prepare Northern Illinois for the future.

1448
02:29:55,460 --> 02:29:59,540
We are proud of the collaboration that brought us here.

1449
02:30:00,340 --> 02:30:05,960
We are ready to turn this vision into realities through investors that will strengthen communities, a support

1450
02:30:05,960 --> 02:30:08,900
growth, and keep Northern Illinois moving forward.

1451
02:30:11,370 --> 02:30:15,770
So at this time, today we are seeking your approval

1452
02:30:15,770 --> 02:30:21,870
of the driving-connected program and associated toll increase. And with your approval we can move forward with

1453
02:30:21,870 --> 02:30:27,490
the program proud of this strong fiscal responsibility, built on discipline planning, sustainable funding,

1454
02:30:27,490 --> 02:30:30,490
and careful stewardship of customer dollars.

1455
02:30:31,050 --> 02:30:33,490
While delivering lasting value for our customers,

1456
02:30:34,110 --> 02:30:35,510
communities, and our growing region.

1457
02:30:36,170 --> 02:30:38,150
So at this time, I'll turn things over to back to the chairman.

1458
02:30:38,650 --> 02:30:38,670
All right.

1459
02:30:38,770 --> 02:30:39,490
Thank you, Cassandra.

1460
02:30:39,890 --> 02:30:43,070
Are there any questions or comments on the board?

1461
02:30:43,390 --> 02:30:44,510
I'll let you know.

1462
02:30:44,670 --> 02:30:45,070
Is this a show?

1463
02:30:46,310 --> 02:30:47,890
And I still have an item to present.

1464
02:30:48,710 --> 02:30:49,390
Yes, I do.

1465
02:30:49,430 --> 02:30:50,330
Do you like to do that first?

1466
02:30:50,350 --> 02:30:50,930
Yes, I do.

1467
02:30:53,070 --> 02:30:53,870
Thank you, too.

1468
02:30:54,050 --> 02:30:56,630
Any comments before I turn it back to over to Cassandra?

1469
02:30:56,630 --> 02:31:00,110
I want to thank, you know, on the behalf of the entire board, I want to thank the entire

1470
02:31:00,110 --> 02:31:04,830
management team for the work that got us here, you know, your intentionality and the

1471
02:31:04,830 --> 02:31:09,530
planning and engagement is reflected in this proposed plan, so I want to thank you all

1472
02:31:09,530 --> 02:31:10,270
for that.

1473
02:31:10,310 --> 02:31:14,450
I want to thank the board, I mean, you guys have been with the team, guidance and engagement

1474
02:31:14,450 --> 02:31:18,910
through every step of the process and, you know, we're much better off, because of that

1475
02:31:18,910 --> 02:31:23,790
and then, you know, I echo Cassandra's thanks to the governor for his leadership and his

1476
02:31:23,790 --> 02:31:29,770
believe in this agency to develop and execute a plan at the scale. So with that, I will turn

1477
02:31:29,770 --> 02:31:32,850
it back over to Cassandra, and she ends one item per consideration.

1478
02:31:34,030 --> 02:31:39,270
Thank you very much, Chairman. So this morning, I'm Directors and Chairman, I am pleased to

1479
02:31:39,270 --> 02:31:45,330
present for the Board's consideration. The Illinois Tollways Proposed 26.5 billion dollar driving

1480
02:31:45,330 --> 02:31:51,710
connections happen to a plan and corresponding to all increases. The proposed plan is based on

1481
02:31:51,710 --> 02:31:57,050
non-regional and community input and prioritizes keeping the system and a state of good

1482
02:31:57,050 --> 02:32:03,790
repair while advancing customer focus improvements, strategic interchange expansions, and

1483
02:32:03,790 --> 02:32:09,810
technology investments that strengthen reliability, expand access, and promote long-term

1484
02:32:09,810 --> 02:32:11,690
regional economic growth.

1485
02:32:12,450 --> 02:32:19,680
As required by the TOL Highway Act, the proposed TOL Red increases necessary to fund the

1486
02:32:19,680 --> 02:32:27,060
planned were presented for public comment at 13 hearings held in July. Following the hearings,

1487
02:32:27,360 --> 02:32:33,560
public comments were reviewed and detailed and provided to the Toeway Board in conjunction with

1488
02:32:33,560 --> 02:32:39,120
the recommendation and request that the Board approved the plan and approved the proposed Toe

1489
02:32:39,120 --> 02:32:48,160
rig increases necessary to support and fund the capital plan. So today we are seeking the Board's approval

1490
02:32:48,160 --> 02:32:54,420
of the proposed driving connections capital plan, approval of the proposed toll rate increases

1491
02:32:54,420 --> 02:33:02,100
necessary to support the plan, which rates will take effect on January 1, 27, and to account

1492
02:33:02,100 --> 02:33:10,660
for inflation will be adjusted every year based on CPI with a maximum allowable increase of

1493
02:33:10,660 --> 02:33:20,220
percent every two years. CPI adjustments will begin in 2029. Approval is requested and

1494
02:33:20,220 --> 02:33:25,940
authorization to take any and all actions necessary to implement the proposed

1495
02:33:25,940 --> 02:33:31,740
toll rate increases. We are also seeking approval for the Chief Financial

1496
02:33:31,740 --> 02:33:37,860
Officer to declare as when necessary. The official intent of the toll

1497
02:33:37,860 --> 02:33:45,300
to issue obligations to reimburse the toll way for expenditures made for capital projects of the

1498
02:33:45,300 --> 02:33:52,520
toll way and approval for the executive director of the toll way to seek the government's approval

1499
02:33:52,520 --> 02:34:01,440
approval only if the plan is ever revised in a way that makes approval necessary. Please note there

1500
02:34:01,440 --> 02:34:08,540
No additional approval required beyond the Board's action today on the capital program that

1501
02:34:08,540 --> 02:34:12,180
has been presented and the Associated Tolerate Increases.

1502
02:34:13,240 --> 02:34:18,200
So thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the directors for your consideration of the title.

1503
02:34:18,620 --> 02:34:19,260
Thank you, Cassandra.

1504
02:34:19,440 --> 02:34:22,180
Are there any questions from the Board?

1505
02:34:23,180 --> 02:34:23,360
Yes.

1506
02:34:23,980 --> 02:34:24,760
Thank you.

1507
02:34:25,460 --> 02:34:27,440
One question to clarify.

1508
02:34:27,440 --> 02:34:31,120
You can get on a record, I think it's important.

1509
02:34:31,820 --> 02:34:34,680
The post-lams and periods have include labels that could be read.

1510
02:34:35,640 --> 02:34:39,200
That the governor has an approval and approval role

1511
02:34:39,200 --> 02:34:41,280
with respect to the Toaways capital plan.

1512
02:34:41,800 --> 02:34:44,200
And I don't believe the Illinois Toa Act

1513
02:34:44,200 --> 02:34:46,840
to create and approve procedure.

1514
02:34:47,480 --> 02:34:49,020
Adding another procedure.

1515
02:34:50,700 --> 02:34:52,920
The governor, it goes back to the governor for two things.

1516
02:34:52,920 --> 02:34:57,260
for any additional highway routes we may want to build on.

1517
02:34:57,560 --> 02:34:59,300
You'll be able to be an example of one.

1518
02:35:00,000 --> 02:35:09,040
We need the governors approval. And then the binding is limited to cost estimates. I think

1519
02:35:09,040 --> 02:35:17,280
primary plans, those sort of things as well. But that is it, under the act. Is that the way

1520
02:35:17,280 --> 02:35:21,980
we understand it is a board or is it just me? Absolutely. That is the way you should interpret

1521
02:35:22,780 --> 02:35:28,660
the requirements of your people from the governor base upon the act. And as I stated,

1522
02:35:28,660 --> 02:35:33,880
based upon the plan that has been presented for the board today, and the Associated

1523
02:35:33,880 --> 02:35:38,460
Tolerary, Great Increases to Fund, and the Associated, you know, CPI, just with every two years,

1524
02:35:38,860 --> 02:35:44,760
the board has the authority to make that decision to approve without any additional approvals

1525
02:35:44,760 --> 02:35:54,220
from the office of the governor. Thank you. So would that, would that language be put in in the

1526
02:35:54,220 --> 02:36:15,540
And the resolution, it will very clearly state an actual turn that over to legal, but I will say that it will clearly state that this approval, that whatever the approval is from the board here today, will be all that's necessary in order to move forward with the driving connections program and the associated total rate increases.

1527
02:36:15,660 --> 02:36:23,200
So it's clear that once this forward passes to a resolution like this capital improvement plan,

1528
02:36:23,200 --> 02:36:29,080
The only other approval needed is that the governor's for those who narrow

1529
02:36:29,840 --> 02:36:30,600
particulars

1530
02:36:30,600 --> 02:36:38,700
Exactly only if and as you describe the expansions and the event that you know there's some other major or material project

1531
02:36:38,700 --> 02:36:43,600
With that qualifies underneath the statute that will be the only time

1532
02:36:43,600 --> 02:36:51,660
But this program does not have any such project that would qualify or would necessitate an approvals from the governor's office

1533
02:36:51,660 --> 02:36:52,820
Thank you.

1534
02:36:52,960 --> 02:36:53,840
You're welcome.

1535
02:36:54,960 --> 02:36:55,480
Any questions?

1536
02:36:56,220 --> 02:37:01,580
I just want to, you know, it's a question based around accountability and oversight.

1537
02:37:01,820 --> 02:37:06,360
I just want to make sure both Karen and Kathy mentioned it in their presentation, so

1538
02:37:06,360 --> 02:37:07,180
thank you.

1539
02:37:07,660 --> 02:37:11,660
I would like to ask maybe for a little bit more detail, because I think it's important

1540
02:37:11,660 --> 02:37:15,620
for a public to hear and maybe Kathleen Ray and on this as well.

1541
02:37:15,620 --> 02:37:31,280
There's two things. One is the the biannium increases. If we could just talk a little bit about how the future boards can weigh in on that increase after today's vote.

1542
02:37:31,720 --> 02:37:37,700
But more importantly, number two, and again, you both talked about it. The protection of the toll waste money.

1543
02:37:37,700 --> 02:37:47,140
I'm a nerd, I've read this totally at 65 pages multiple times, so I understand the legislative portion of that and how it's protected.

1544
02:37:47,300 --> 02:37:54,800
But if you could just maybe for the public, talk a little bit about that, and then the second piece about the trust engine and how we're protected under the trust engine.

1545
02:37:55,040 --> 02:37:59,920
And I'll just leave off by just indicating that again, the totally funds are used on a totally system.

1546
02:38:00,060 --> 02:38:06,740
And then also our funds are not used to fund trends and operations, which we have asserted during a public hearing process.

1547
02:38:06,740 --> 02:38:16,700
and we will continue to bring that forward, that message forward as well, and in regard to the other financial data data I will turn it over to our CFO, so she's sitting next to me.

1548
02:38:17,860 --> 02:38:24,860
So the question about the manual and later and how will you be able to monitor and capture that?

1549
02:38:25,460 --> 02:38:36,720
And that's a really good question, and we will continue to provide the board with first of all the short term view that we do every year during the budget process, which will show our revenue and anticipated revenue for the community.

1550
02:38:36,740 --> 02:39:06,720
current year forecast for the end of year, as well as the revenue for the next year, which is provided by our traffic engineer and certified by traffic engineer and our operating and capital needs for that year on an annual basis and then in addition to that we will provide the board and update on our longer term financial need so we all will have those again those revenue estimates that's provided by traffic engineer on the long term basis and we'll show that our operating and capital needs on the long term basis through our

1551
02:39:06,740 --> 02:39:13,500
the plan to see how those revenues are continuing to fund the operating and capital needs and

1552
02:39:13,500 --> 02:39:18,440
improvements on the toll way. You also have to save for those amendments, which was passed,

1553
02:39:19,340 --> 02:39:24,300
which gives legislation which amended the Constitution to protect road funds,

1554
02:39:24,780 --> 02:39:30,260
that are particular for roads like tolls, so we've got layered protections here.

1555
02:39:30,700 --> 02:39:36,560
And then when you stay still, right? And then when other protection is that the toll highway act

1556
02:39:36,560 --> 02:39:39,940
is we're required by the toll-high react to maintain rates

1557
02:39:39,940 --> 02:39:45,600
if the lowest reasonable rate sufficient to provide necessary need

1558
02:39:45,600 --> 02:39:49,560
to cover our MNO and our reconstruction improvements

1559
02:39:49,560 --> 02:39:52,500
to the system as well and our debt service.

1560
02:39:52,800 --> 02:39:55,120
So we have to maintain the lowest reasonable rate

1561
02:39:55,120 --> 02:39:56,160
possible to do that.

1562
02:39:57,040 --> 02:39:59,140
So they address the accountability piece as well.

1563
02:40:01,170 --> 02:40:03,650
And I think the other question was.

1564
02:40:03,650 --> 02:40:06,990
Around the trust and danger and the legislative protections.

1565
02:40:08,150 --> 02:40:11,690
Yes, because we mentioned it also, the fact that our trust and denture were choirs.

1566
02:40:12,310 --> 02:40:16,010
That toll way fund to be used specifically for toll way purposes.

1567
02:40:16,850 --> 02:40:24,390
So anything, again, anything, you know, this trying to fund other things would have to,

1568
02:40:24,550 --> 02:40:27,150
would be a conflict with our trust and attention.

1569
02:40:27,990 --> 02:40:30,690
I'm a general council perspective, anything to ask.

1570
02:40:31,110 --> 02:40:36,690
No, and we will make clear in the resolution that no further action relative to approval

1571
02:40:36,690 --> 02:40:41,870
is fire by hitting at a person or enemy to approve the plan or approve the total increases

1572
02:40:41,870 --> 02:40:45,470
or approve the subsequent increases to the total.

1573
02:40:46,590 --> 02:40:50,610
One of the follow-up questions on the CPI?

1574
02:40:50,610 --> 02:40:50,970
Yes.

1575
02:40:50,970 --> 02:40:58,550
When that falls around, this vote today is, they only vote needed for that to continue now.

1576
02:40:58,630 --> 02:41:00,310
Exactly, that is correct.

1577
02:41:00,610 --> 02:41:00,730
That is correct.

1578
02:41:00,770 --> 02:41:01,510
It's automatic.

1579
02:41:03,370 --> 02:41:06,150
I have a follow-up to the responsible stewardship piece.

1580
02:41:06,910 --> 02:41:09,970
So the automatic CPI over two years.

1581
02:41:11,630 --> 02:41:13,030
15 years will come and go.

1582
02:41:14,270 --> 02:41:16,990
Future generations, we talked about the Future Generational Impact.

1583
02:41:16,990 --> 02:41:24,450
is that will that just continue but increase is it an automatic after what happens after

1584
02:41:24,450 --> 02:41:31,010
do we have to continue to do that increase, especially as it relates to our potential investors

1585
02:41:31,010 --> 02:41:37,510
on I know required for fund proceeds but can you talk a little bit about that component?

1586
02:41:38,270 --> 02:41:38,370
Sure.

1587
02:41:38,970 --> 02:41:42,930
The total, the, our trust and adventure,

1588
02:41:43,270 --> 02:41:44,890
seven or six of our trust and adventure,

1589
02:41:45,170 --> 02:41:48,390
gives the exclusive right of this company board

1590
02:41:48,390 --> 02:41:51,490
to the asset rates, change rates,

1591
02:41:52,050 --> 02:41:54,690
so that exquisite right exists for this board.

1592
02:41:55,010 --> 02:41:58,190
So again, as we continue to show our need

1593
02:41:58,190 --> 02:42:01,830
and our need for those rate increases

1594
02:42:01,830 --> 02:42:04,730
as far as how it funds our system,

1595
02:42:05,210 --> 02:42:07,090
I'll continue to find as we'll continue to provide

1596
02:42:07,090 --> 02:42:13,190
to the board so you can make that continue to evaluate the need for that.

1597
02:42:13,470 --> 02:42:17,630
But it is a true supply of the board to be able to set toll rates.

1598
02:42:18,250 --> 02:42:21,650
So thank you, and there was, I know there was feedback

1599
02:42:21,650 --> 02:42:31,530
concern from the comments or stakeholders, users about the impacts to, especially for the communities

1600
02:42:31,530 --> 02:42:32,970
that are on fixed income.

1601
02:42:32,970 --> 02:42:42,430
What programs do we have available to assist our stakeholders to help with the increase in?

1602
02:42:42,570 --> 02:42:42,970
Yes, absolutely.

1603
02:42:43,050 --> 02:42:43,430
Thank you.

1604
02:42:43,530 --> 02:42:44,190
Great question.

1605
02:42:44,750 --> 02:42:47,130
We have great programs to actually help.

1606
02:42:47,130 --> 02:42:49,350
Obviously, we heard that affordability was an issue.

1607
02:42:50,210 --> 02:42:53,210
And that's why we have our IPAS assist program.

1608
02:42:53,630 --> 02:42:55,530
And so we really encourage our, you know,

1609
02:42:55,590 --> 02:42:59,950
traveling travelers on the to a system to really utilize every source.

1610
02:42:59,990 --> 02:43:02,370
We have streamlined the application process.

1611
02:43:02,370 --> 02:43:10,330
It takes minutes to see if you qualify and the I pass, you know, the I pass assist program has

1612
02:43:10,330 --> 02:43:15,670
held lots of customers, but again, you only know, you will hopefully, you'll only utilize

1613
02:43:15,670 --> 02:43:16,610
if you know about it.

1614
02:43:16,710 --> 02:43:21,310
So I'm really making it appeal to the public for those that, you know, have the affordability

1615
02:43:21,310 --> 02:43:22,410
issue to please.

1616
02:43:22,570 --> 02:43:28,450
Utilize our I pass assist program, we also have a payment network out there to assist with

1617
02:43:28,450 --> 02:43:34,790
making payment obviously off your invoices so you can avoid fines and fees there out in the

1618
02:43:34,790 --> 02:43:39,750
neighborhoods where you already pay your bills and obviously our customer service center

1619
02:43:39,750 --> 02:43:46,930
is available as well. So we do have programs that really assist our patrons if there

1620
02:43:46,930 --> 02:43:50,450
are affordability issues with paying the tolls.

1621
02:43:51,190 --> 02:43:55,150
Maybe I'm going to mention it as well, because sometimes I want to.

1622
02:43:55,150 --> 02:43:55,970
Yes, thank you.

1623
02:43:56,270 --> 02:43:57,030
And then I pass.

1624
02:43:57,330 --> 02:44:01,050
Something else we found out is that with an iPass account if you're an iPass customer,

1625
02:44:01,310 --> 02:44:02,710
you are already receiving a discount.

1626
02:44:02,830 --> 02:44:04,590
You will receive a discount on your toes.

1627
02:44:05,070 --> 02:44:10,810
So we also encourage the other public to utilize and become an iPass customer.

1628
02:44:11,590 --> 02:44:13,510
And maybe we can do an extra little push.

1629
02:44:14,010 --> 02:44:14,190
Yes.

1630
02:44:14,190 --> 02:44:31,950
So, you know, how wonderful I in terms, you know, helped with our safety videos and they also kind of helped to work on some some videos to help us market our various programs related to toe payment and then also our programs that are trusting affordability issue.

1631
02:44:32,450 --> 02:44:41,510
And making sure they're completely marketing and making known that our iPads, you know, users, you know, haven't discounted toe rate available to them.

1632
02:44:43,970 --> 02:44:45,210
Any other questions?

1633
02:44:49,320 --> 02:44:50,200
We have no other questions.

1634
02:44:50,460 --> 02:44:51,620
May I have a motion to approve?

1635
02:44:51,900 --> 02:44:54,380
The Illinois Tolway Driving Connections Capital Plan

1636
02:44:54,840 --> 02:44:57,460
and of course, bonding toll increases as present.

1637
02:44:58,920 --> 02:44:59,960
That's pretty cool.

1638
02:45:00,000 --> 02:45:01,180
We're just supposed to do it here.

1639
02:45:01,600 --> 02:45:02,520
Come on, let me go.

1640
02:45:04,240 --> 02:45:05,080
We did a second.

1641
02:45:05,700 --> 02:45:10,160
Yeah, I'd make the motion address him on.

1642
02:45:10,260 --> 02:45:11,680
Director Sweeney's concerns.

1643
02:45:12,620 --> 02:45:13,340
Can we have a second?

1644
02:45:14,200 --> 02:45:14,500
All right.

1645
02:45:15,120 --> 02:45:15,860
It's been moved in second.

1646
02:45:16,180 --> 02:45:19,120
Are there any additional questions or concerns on the sign-up?

1647
02:45:19,380 --> 02:45:21,540
Hearing none, Christie may have a roll call on the motion.

1648
02:45:22,660 --> 02:45:23,540
Director Connelly?

1649
02:45:24,300 --> 02:45:27,120
Director Nettemire? Yes. Director Gomez? Yes.

1650
02:45:27,320 --> 02:45:28,360
Director Mehmet? Yes.

1651
02:45:28,360 --> 02:45:29,500
Yes.

1652
02:45:29,500 --> 02:45:30,360
Director Sweeney.

1653
02:45:31,200 --> 02:45:31,840
Yes.

1654
02:45:32,520 --> 02:45:33,400
Director Wright.

1655
02:45:34,040 --> 02:45:34,120
Yes.

1656
02:45:34,340 --> 02:45:34,680
Chairman Rivera.

1657
02:45:34,920 --> 02:45:35,200
Yes.

1658
02:45:35,620 --> 02:45:36,780
Eight Yays and Zero Nays.

1659
02:45:37,140 --> 02:45:37,180
All right.

1660
02:45:37,260 --> 02:45:38,000
The motion passes.

1661
02:45:38,020 --> 02:45:39,240
This item is approved.

1662
02:45:41,240 --> 02:45:41,520
Sounded?

1663
02:45:42,420 --> 02:45:42,840
Thank you.

1664
02:45:43,160 --> 02:45:45,040
So thank you, Chairman.

1665
02:45:45,300 --> 02:45:48,500
I have no additional items this morning.

1666
02:45:50,820 --> 02:45:51,780
Let me find more.

1667
02:45:52,100 --> 02:45:52,660
No.

1668
02:45:52,900 --> 02:45:53,380
There we go.

1669
02:45:53,660 --> 02:45:54,160
Thank you.

1670
02:45:55,320 --> 02:45:55,640
So.

1671
02:45:55,640 --> 02:45:59,620
So, next to the agenda are there are many guidance for consideration, and there are information

1672
02:45:59,620 --> 02:46:00,160
technology.

1673
02:46:00,420 --> 02:46:01,440
We have a few items this month.

1674
02:46:01,660 --> 02:46:04,920
May have an emotional proof information technology item 1.

1675
02:46:06,260 --> 02:46:09,320
The second order, there are any questions that are concerned on this side.

1676
02:46:09,820 --> 02:46:13,720
Hearing none of those in favor of seeing the five by saying aye, all opposed?

1677
02:46:14,120 --> 02:46:17,080
The motion passes, information technology item 1 is approved.

1678
02:46:17,600 --> 02:46:22,340
Directed that as indicated in advance, is wish to reduce yourself on information technology item 2.

1679
02:46:22,620 --> 02:46:25,380
May have emotional proof information technology item 2.

1680
02:46:25,380 --> 02:46:26,280
as presented.

1681
02:46:27,460 --> 02:46:30,840
To move in second, are there any questions or concerns on this sign?

1682
02:46:31,740 --> 02:46:34,300
If you're in non-Christian, may I have a roll call on the motion to approve?

1683
02:46:34,840 --> 02:46:35,380
Dr. Pauline?

1684
02:46:35,880 --> 02:46:36,660
Dr. Nettemire?

1685
02:46:37,200 --> 02:46:37,880
Yes. Dr. Goldnes?

1686
02:46:38,260 --> 02:46:39,020
Yes. Dr. Meta?

1687
02:46:39,400 --> 02:46:40,300
Dr. Patrick?

1688
02:46:40,400 --> 02:46:41,700
Yes. Dr. Sweeney?

1689
02:46:42,340 --> 02:46:42,780
Yes. Dr. Wright?

1690
02:46:42,900 --> 02:46:43,380
Yes.

1691
02:46:43,380 --> 02:46:43,900
Chairman Rivera?

1692
02:46:44,100 --> 02:46:44,340
Yes.

1693
02:46:44,760 --> 02:46:46,740
78 zero days and one recusal.

1694
02:46:47,220 --> 02:46:48,940
The motion passes information technology.

1695
02:46:49,240 --> 02:46:49,940
Two is approved.

1696
02:46:50,520 --> 02:46:53,700
Next on the facilities and the operations, we have one item this month.

1697
02:46:53,700 --> 02:46:57,400
May have a motion to approve facilities in three operations item 1.

1698
02:46:58,280 --> 02:47:02,040
So within second, are there any additional questions or concerns on this item?

1699
02:47:02,680 --> 02:47:05,400
Here are none. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

1700
02:47:05,640 --> 02:47:07,300
Aye. All opposed.

1701
02:47:08,040 --> 02:47:11,480
The motion passes facilities in three operations item 1 is approved.

1702
02:47:11,960 --> 02:47:13,760
Under engineering, we have three items.

1703
02:47:14,000 --> 02:47:16,220
Without objection, we'll take these items as a group.

1704
02:47:16,480 --> 02:47:21,060
May have a motion to consolidate for consideration and action engineering items are 1 through 3.

1705
02:47:21,640 --> 02:47:22,020
Second.

1706
02:47:22,020 --> 02:47:26,880
to remove the seconded, all those in favour, signify by saying aye, all opposed.

1707
02:47:27,560 --> 02:47:28,440
The motion passes.

1708
02:47:28,540 --> 02:47:32,260
The motion to consolidate these items have been carried, they now have the motion to approve

1709
02:47:32,260 --> 02:47:34,120
engineering items 1 through 3.

1710
02:47:34,400 --> 02:47:34,520
So, no.

1711
02:47:35,100 --> 02:47:35,320
Seconded.

1712
02:47:35,320 --> 02:47:38,960
To remove the seconded, are there any additional questions and concerns and any of these

1713
02:47:38,960 --> 02:47:39,300
items?

1714
02:47:40,360 --> 02:47:40,920
Here are none.

1715
02:47:41,020 --> 02:47:44,540
All those in favour, signify by saying aye, all opposed.

1716
02:47:45,120 --> 02:47:48,600
The motion passes, engineering items 1 through 3 are approved.

1717
02:47:48,600 --> 02:47:53,660
Well, under legal we have four items, with an objection, with the for action on legal items

1718
02:47:53,660 --> 02:47:57,280
2, 2, 4, until after consideration in executive session.

1719
02:47:57,760 --> 02:48:03,520
May have a motion to approve legal item 1, so it is a moving second, are there any additional

1720
02:48:03,520 --> 02:48:05,580
questions or concerns on this item?

1721
02:48:06,220 --> 02:48:09,060
Hearing none, are those in favor signify by saying aye?

1722
02:48:10,080 --> 02:48:10,660
All opposed?

1723
02:48:11,500 --> 02:48:13,820
The motion passes legal item 1 is approved.

1724
02:48:14,560 --> 02:48:18,580
Next, on the agenda is executive session, may have a motion to enter executive session

1725
02:48:18,580 --> 02:48:25,980
question pursuant to exceptions provided in section 2C5, 11 and 21 of them open meetings act

1726
02:48:25,980 --> 02:48:30,520
to consider toe-way matters related to the purchase or sale of real property, pending

1727
02:48:30,520 --> 02:48:33,440
or probable litigation and the minutes of closed meetings.

1728
02:48:34,120 --> 02:48:36,480
So, we move them seconded.

1729
02:48:36,480 --> 02:48:38,480
All those in favour of seeing the five by saying aye.

1730
02:48:39,260 --> 02:48:39,920
All opposed?

1731
02:48:40,560 --> 02:48:41,240
The motion passes.

1732
02:48:41,440 --> 02:48:42,860
We will now move through executive session.

1733
02:48:42,960 --> 02:48:43,540
Thank you very much.

1734
03:27:53,740 --> 03:27:59,760
May have a motion of future, item 2, the executive session minutes, the Board of Directors meeting held July 16, 2026.

1735
03:28:00,740 --> 03:28:07,000
The move in seconded, all those in favor, seeing the five essay night, all opposed, the motion passes, the minutes are approved.

1736
03:28:07,260 --> 03:28:15,200
Under legal, we have three remaining items, without objectionable to take these items to the group, may have a motion to consolidate for consideration and action, legal items, two through through.

1737
03:28:15,820 --> 03:28:23,620
So, we'll move in seconded, all those in favor, seeing the five essay night, all opposed, the motion passes, the motion to consolidate the items,

1738
03:28:23,620 --> 03:28:28,540
having carried may not have a motion to approve legal items to do for as discussed in executive

1739
03:28:28,540 --> 03:28:29,280
session.

1740
03:28:30,860 --> 03:28:34,520
To move in second, are there any additional questions or concerns in these items?

1741
03:28:35,720 --> 03:28:39,400
Here are not all those in favour of seeing the five of us saying, aye, I'm opposed.

1742
03:28:40,300 --> 03:28:44,420
The motion passes legal items to do for approved next is unfinished business.

1743
03:28:44,580 --> 03:28:46,960
Is there any unfinished business to board wishes and discuss?

1744
03:28:48,000 --> 03:28:50,120
Yes, heavy lifted by the women.

1745
03:28:50,480 --> 03:28:50,840
Thank you.

1746
03:28:51,200 --> 03:28:52,200
Thank you.

1747
03:28:52,200 --> 03:28:55,980
No, that's what the record is, or any new business, or version of the stress.

1748
03:28:57,720 --> 03:28:57,880
All right?

1749
03:28:58,060 --> 03:29:00,660
If there's no further business before the board may have a motion adjourn.

1750
03:29:00,860 --> 03:29:01,300
So moved.

1751
03:29:01,300 --> 03:29:01,520
Second.

1752
03:29:02,000 --> 03:29:04,640
Do you move in second and all those in favour of seeing the five by saying aye?

1753
03:29:04,700 --> 03:29:04,900
Aye.

1754
03:29:05,260 --> 03:29:05,940
All opposed.

1755
03:29:06,400 --> 03:29:07,120
The motion passes.

1756
03:29:07,360 --> 03:29:07,880
We are adjourned.

1757
03:29:07,940 --> 03:29:08,580
Thank you, everyone.

1758
03:29:08,820 --> 03:29:09,140
Congratulations.

1759
03:29:09,680 --> 03:29:10,160
Thank you.