Submitted By
Brandon Crawford, Deputy Development Services Director
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving the Professional Services Agreement with Planning Resources, Inc. Not-to-Exceed $150,000 to Develop a Streetscape Design to Publicly Recognize and Memorialize the Life and Legacy of Dr. Percy L. Julian on Chicago Avenue between East Avenue and Austin Boulevard.
End
Overview
Overview
On May 21, 2024, the Village Board considered a number of options related to honorary designations of village streets, facilities, business districts, programs, purchases, and other initiatives to memorialize individuals and groups with direct connections to the Village, including Dr. Percy L. Julian. At the meeting, the Board directed staff to identify opportunities to make streetscape improvements.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution
Background
On July 9, 2024, the Village issued an RFQ for the development of a streetscape plan along Chicago Ave. between East Ave. and Austin Blvd. The Village received eleven (11) responses to the RFQ. A panel comprised of village staff from Development Services, Finance, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Manager’s Office, Public Works, and Sustainability reviewed and scored all eleven (11) responses. The responses were scored on the basis of their project vision and design approach (35%), cultural competency (30%), firm experience and project team qualifications (20%), and community engagement strategy (15%). The panel proceeded to interview the six (6) highest-scoring respondents. Following the interviews, the panel determined Planning Resources, Inc. as the firm best suited to partner with the Village on this initiative.
Fiscal Impact
The project costs not-to-exceed $150,000 are accounted for under the Main Capital Fund Revenues, account GL 3095.41300.101.491425 and Expenditure Line Item 3095.43780.101.570706.
DEI Impact
The detailed framework provided in this agenda item offers an opportunity to rectify the omission or underrepresentation of marginalized groups and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the Village of Oak Park. By standardizing the process within the public forum, all historically significant and distinguished individuals with connections to the Village can be considered and assessed on merit. Removing implicit bias from the process will reduce barriers and provide a pathway to recognition and memorialization for all individuals or groups, regardless of personal or assigned affiliations.
Alternatives
1. The Board can choose to delay action to gather additional information
2. The Board can choose not to adopt the Resolution
Previous Board Action
N/A
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
Staff will continue to coordinate with local, state, and federal government agencies as appropriate.