Shared road agreements need fine tuning

Now that an issue has arisen, it’s time for the Gilman Village Board to reconsider agreements for bordered boundaries, with the towns of Aurora and Ford. The matter was discussed July 10, during a regular meeting, recapping that Aurora informed Gilman they were crack sealing a portion of Gilman Drive, without joint consent and that Gilman’s share of the project was an unbudgeted $11,000.

Therefore, village trustee Russell Baker decided to look into what agreements are in place. Currently, the village shares Trucker Lane with the Town of Ford, where the agreement says Gilman is responsible for daily maintenance of .61 miles of the section west of Hay Creek bridge. Bridge replacement or repair is shared equally by the two entities, which the village board is quite happy to leave as is.

The Aurora agreement reads that they are responsible for all projects on 1.4 miles of Gilman Drive and that Gilman takes care of 1.5 miles of Babit Avenue. Baker would like to change that, so that the village takes care of all of Gilman Drive and Aurora takes care of all of Babit, since the last half mile of Babit all belongs to Aurora on both sides.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said trustee Dee Bornheimer. Another reason, is that Aurora wants to double chip seal Gilman Drive in the near future and through Baker’s research, he’s found it’s not a good idea, as the chip sealing will not stand up.

“Personally, I don’t want to have anything to do with chip sealing a gravel road,” said Baker.

The Aurora agreement states that both parties have to agree on a project, which was not done. The village received only one estimate on the crack sealing from Aurora, which was already signed by their board. Village clerk Candice Grunseth emailed the town board chairman, informing him that Gilman required at least a second quote, especially since the project is above $15,000 and got no response.

Baker also asked the county to look at the road and provide an estimate.

“When he (county representative) went to do that, they had already done it,” said Baker. “It was already completed.”

Trustee Bob Preston asked if the village is obligated for the $11,000 for the project, but it was agreed they are not, as they were not consulted, per the agreement with Aurora.

When dealing with roads of their own, the village approved bids from the county, for crack and chip sealing Eighth Avenue, Pauline and Delos streets, for $13,646. Delos is in rougher condition, so they will spray patch it first, before chip sealing.

“I think those roads were rated at a 4,” said Baker, with 10 a good rating. “Chip seal is a whole lot less expensive.”

By doing so, it could add eight to 10 years of life to the roads.

Members also approved a contract update for another five years, with Larry Jo Romanowski, who farms a portion of village property. In doing so, Romanowski pays the village $1,500, to be made each June. The village reserves the right to cancel the contract, if companies come forward desiring to build in the industrial park. If that happens, Gilman provides reimbursement to Romanowski, if he’s already seeded and treated the parcel.

“Probably something we don’t have to worry about at this point,” said Preston.

There is renewed interest in the old care center property, however, as it is once again up for auction.

“There will be no minimum bid requirement,” said police chief Tom Tallier. “It will sell.”

Of course, Gilman would love to have the property sell for housing, so developers are encouraged to look into the details of the sale, as it will take place quickly.

Tallier also mentioned that the village might want to do a trade of sorts, as the owner of the old care center property owes $20,000 in back taxes, and delinquent water and sewer bills. The owner is willing to “sell” the village a couple acres, that they could market and sell to developers.

“He is willing to separate that from the full property,” said Tallier.