It's the 16th Annual for
West Central Highway Commissioners!

The West Central Illinois Highway Commissioners Association held its 16th annual summer seminar June 10-11, 2008. The educational session of the seminar was held at the Macomb American Legion Tuesday morning. At 9 a.m., President Dennis Gibb made opening comments, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Jim Anderson gave the invocation.
Jim Anderson, education chairman, introduced Jerry B. Crabtree, TOI Associate Director. He spoke of the success of the educational seminar that was put on by TOI with 712 people in attendance. He brought to attention Con-Con, which will be on the November ballot, asking the question whether a new Constitutional Convention should be called. This could be very detrimental for township government if it were to be called.
Rod Beck, executive director of TOIRMA, introduced Ted Lemke, loss control agent, who is semi-retiring. Matt Knight will take over responsibility as Ted cuts back his workload. Rod spoke about road signs and importance of proper placement and maintenance of the signs, and the importance of contacting TOIRMA immediately in the event of a claim.
At 9:30 a.m., Gene Larkin of Warren County spoke on bridge inspection guidelines and inventory, and signing.

Kevin Burke, IDOT Illinois Technology Transfer Center, gave a presentation on erosion and sediment control principle, clean water act pollutants of concern, and NPDES regulation. He also presented a program on retroreflectivity. He brought to attention that by January 2012, we need to implement a sign management and assessment package that would include having retroreflective signs. He mentioned the importance of going out for a visual night sign inspection and spoke about the sign replacement program.
At 11 a.m., Thom Durr with the Illinois Dept. of Labor spoke of the Prevailing Wage Act and Con Med division, the Davis-Bacon Act, and wages overtime comparison of the Davis-Bacon Act and IDOL.
After the 11:30 a.m. lunch break, President Gibb introduced Les Hild, president of the Illinois Township Highway Commissioners Division. Les announced the upcoming August seminar in Peoria Aug. 3-5.
A short business meeting was held and door prizes were drawn before adjourning to Argyle Lake State Park for a vendor and equipment show and snowplow rodeo. A steak supper followed, served by the Colchester Lions Club.
Wednesday, June 11, the group gathered at Argyle State Park for breakfast. Vendor booths were open, followed by a vendor parade. A dirt work demonstration was scheduled, but cancelled due to wet weather Monday.

Todd Stevens, Secretary
WCIHCA