11.
OLD BUSINESS
Director Snyder informed the Committee of the decision of the Coalition opposed to the
Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Railway merger to file an appeal to the Surface
Transportation Board's (STB) merger approval. The appeal is based on the Coalition's position
that the STB failed to take a "hard look" at the impact of the merger on the Coalition
communities and asks that a supplemental Environmental Impact Study be undertaken to more
robustly analyze the impacts and appropriate mitigation measures needed as a result of the
merger.
Nick Kottmeyer, Chief Administrative Officer, introduced a discussion of replacing Chris
Snyder, who is both the Director of Transportation and County Engineer. Both positions are
defined by state statute, and, for DuPage County, both are required. Mr. Kottmeyer
recommended that Mr. Snyder’s current position be replaced by a separate Director of
Transportation and separate County Engineer. Mr. Kottmeyer noted that this recommended shift
in organizational structure reflects the increase in transportation revenues through the Rebuild
Illinois Program, our own county option motor fuel tax, and adoption of the DOT’s $1.2B Long
Range Transportation Plan. The role of County Engineer would prioritize the annual and
multi-year capital program development, monitoring, and delivery. The Director of
Transportation would be responsible for the overall management and administration of the
Division of Transportation. It is intended to initiate the recruitment process soon and to hire
these two positions to allow for overlap and transition of roles and responsibilities while Mr.
Snyder is still with the county. Following discussion, the Transportation Committee was
favorable to this organizational change and recruitment timeline.
Chair Ozog welcomed Christine Rose, from Pace, to our meeting.
Member Chaplin thanked Director Snyder for assisting her with an issue with one of her
constituents. She also commented that she has reservations as to the success of an appeal of the
railroad merger.
12.
13.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business was discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:27 AM.