HILLCREST — The Hillcrest Village Board met Wednesday night to review insurance updates, infrastructure projects, and potential funding for a new sanitary sewer system. Adam Heal of Crum-Halsted Insurance presented the village’s annual insurance renewal, effective Dec. 1. Workers’ compensation coverage decreased by $280, while the liability package increased $753, resulting in a total premium of $29,586, a 1.6 percent increase.
Kaitlin Wright, infrastructure assistant department manager with Baxter & Woodman, updated the board on village water mains and the Hemstock Road Bridge over the Kyte River, which has been closed due to deteriorated steel piles. The bridge, located between Windmill Drive and South Queens Road, had a load rating drop from 7 to 4 after an Ogle County inspection in July, prompting immediate action. Baxter & Woodman’s inspection revealed all eight pilings were corroded, with two no longer supporting the bridge, and the beam facia in poor condition. Wright said temporary repairs could cost $100,000 or less and require IDOT approval, potentially taking six months, while full replacement could be a million-dollar project and take three to four years if state or federal funds are used. Engineers are preparing design-build plans to solicit contractor bids for repairs, with replacement funding potentially available in 2028.
The board also discussed the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s unsewered community grant, which could provide up to $5 million to connect Hillcrest to Rochelle’s sanitary sewer system. Wright noted the grant window has been delayed due to the federal government shutdown but emphasized that such grants are rare and would cover abandonment of septic systems and repiping. Village Trustee Tim Ball was vocal in opposition to forcing residents to switch to sewer from septic without gathering opinions and input. Public meetings could be scheduled to inform residents about the proposed expansion.
Other infrastructure updates included tree removal along Route 251 by IDOT due to rotting and dying trees, and water department improvements. Wright said the village will order new air relief valves for the well at roughly $1,000 each, as old valves are leaking. The village is also implementing new billing software to simplify payments and provide email alerts for boil orders or emergencies.
Wright expressed concerns over resident participation in a state-mandated water service line survey, noting roughly 60 service lines remain unverified. She warned that federal law requires the village to replace a set number of lines annually, and noncompliance could lead to costs for both residents and the village. No lead lines have been confirmed in Hillcrest’s inventory.
The board also reviewed planned road work for 2026, including the Windover Park neighborhood and Maple Avenue, with Bethel Road improvements being handled as part of a township program, with the village to be invoiced for its share of the project.
