ROCHELLE — City officials are moving forward on plans for the airport taxiway rehabilitation following Monday evening’s approval by Rochelle city council members.
The approval authorizes the execution of agreements with Hanson Professional Services, Inc. for the design and construction phases of the project not to exceed $37,100.
Economic development director Jason Anderson explained IDOT has determined the taxiway used to access four hangar rows will need the rehabilitation.
“The Federal and State will fund 95 percent of this approximately $335,000 project,” Anderson said. “The city’s five percent share for this project will be $16,750 and has been included and approved in the 2019 budget.”
Anderson indicated another engineering firm has been chosen for the runway rehabilitation based on qualifications through a request for proposal process.

Property
City council approved the purchase of condemned property located at 410 Cherry Avenue for $6,000. This purchase is in line with the city’s effort to address blight in the downtown area of the city. One option discussed for the property involves creating a green space or place for outdoor seating for the businesses/restaurants in the area. The building is beyond repair and will be torn down.
City council also approved a purchase and sale agreement for one acre of land next to Well 12 for the future construction of the radium removal plant. The agreement is with Howard Hayes Trust c/o Soy Capital Ag Services and Trust Company in the amount of $20,250 plus closing costs.
An agreement with Sikich LLP for information technology services has been tabled until the next meeting.
Council members Don Burke and John Bearrows were absent from the meeting.