Committee OKs finance referral to repair forensic center parking lot after engineer estimate

The LaSalle County Public Safety Committee authorized staff to forward an engineering estimate and project request to finance for repair of the forensic center parking lot after staff and the Highway Department outlined extensive pavement failure and drainage problems.

County staff presented photos showing widespread cracking, sink‑hole development and areas where the parking‑lot base has deteriorated. The Highway Department provided an estimate and noted the work will require full reconstruction in areas with new base compaction, binder and surface material. Staff said the lot has been neglected for years and that large rains and salt intrusion have worsened base deterioration.

Committee members discussed drainage and whether portions of the lot could be repaired piecemeal. Staff and the Highway Department said the lot’s grading and retention design require coordinated work so that water drains properly; piecemeal repairs could leave drainage problems unresolved.

A motion to send the project to finance and to pursue bids and engineering as needed was made by Ray and seconded; the committee approved the referral. Staff said the project will be bid through the normal county procurement process and that temporary parking accommodations could be arranged with neighboring properties during construction.

No final contract award or firm cost was approved in committee; the matter will next move to finance and property review and then, if funded, out for formal bid.