Title
title
A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Thompson Elevator Inspection Service, for Three (3) Years with Two (2) Optional One (1) Year Renewals, in an Amount Not to Exceed $120,000 and Authorizing its Execution
..end
Introduction
overview
The State of Illinois requires elevators to be inspected annually. Elevators are unique, complex and specialized. To provide optimal customer service, the Village of Oak Park shall continue to outsource the annual safety inspections and construction plan review activities to Thompson Elevator.
end
body
Recommended Action
Approve the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On October 8, 2024, the Village Board approved RES 24-291, approving the professional services agreement with Thompson Elevator for a one-year term.
• On November 20, 2023, the Village Board approved RES 23-327, approving a professional services agreement with Thompson Elevator for a one-year term.
• On December 5, 2022, the Village Board approved RES 22-307, approving a professional services agreement with Thompson Elevator for a one-year term, with two additional one-year term renewals.
Background
The State of Illinois requires elevators to be inspected annually. Most Illinois municipalities outsource their elevator safety inspection programs due to the complexity of elevator machinery.
The Village contracted with Thompson Elevator Inspection Services to handle inspection and review services from 2000 to 2014 and from 2018 to 2023, and most recently from 2023 to 2025.
A request for proposals was facilitated on September 10, 2025, for elevator inspection and plan review services. The Village received two bids, one being from Thompson Elevator. Staff is recommending to continue with Thompson Elevator Services for 2026-2028 services.
Timing Considerations
The agreement would be effective January 1, 2026.
Budget Impact
The proposed FY 2026 budget has $1,400,000 within account #1001.46250.101.530667 (External Support) for contractual services in the Permits and Development Division of the Development Services Department. This agreement will not exceed $120,000 for annual services.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Resolution.
Advantages:
• Elevators are a complex and specialized field in which Thompson Elevators specializes. They have multiple inspectors to handle the high seasonal loads that occur while ensuring that the State requirements are fulfilled.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this recommendation.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village Board could decide to return control of the inspection program to the State.
Advantages:
• Staff would not have to certify elevators, eliminating some workload from the Permits Division.
• There would be cost savings of $120,000 because staff would not have to outsource elevator inspections.
Disadvantages:
• Elevator operators would not have locked-in rates and would have to pay more to certify their elevators.
• Elevator operators may not be following State regulations and will operate faulty elevators until they are inspected by the State.
Alternative 2:
The Village Board could direct staff to hire additional inspectors to perform in-house testing.
Advantages:
• All inspections would be facilitated by Village staff.
Disadvantages:
• Based on the current number of elevators, staff would need to hire two additional FTE that specialize in elevators.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Sean Lintow Sr, Chief Building Official/ Permits and Development Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Agreement
3. Request for Proposal
4. RFP Response