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A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Terra Engineering, Ltd. for Phase I And II Engineering Services for the Chicago Avenue Projects in an Amount not to Exceed $1,228,357 and Authorizing Its Execution
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Introduction
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The Engineering Division issued a Request for Qualifications for Phase I and II Engineering Services for projects on Chicago Avenue and received three responses. Two firms were interviewed and Terra Engineering, Ltd. was selected as most qualified. Staff recommends awarding an agreement not to exceed $1,228,357 based on their proposed staff, qualifications and experience. The projects on Chicago Avenue include safety improvements, water main improvements, and streetscaping improvements to honor Dr. Percy Julian.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions:
• At the September 9, 2025 Village Board meeting, the Village Board approved the design concept and scope of the Chicago Avenue Streetscape Plan Honoring Dr. Percy Julian (MOT 25-220)
• At the July 22, 2025 Village Board meeting, the Village Board approved the Bike Plan Update as recommended by the Transportation Commission (RES 25-232)
• At the February 18, 2025 Village Board meeting, the Village Board approved the Oak Park Vision Zero Action Plan (RES 25-145)
Background
In 2025, the Village completed a Vision Zero Action Plan, an update to the Bike Plan, and a preliminary design study for a streetscape on Chicago Avenue honoring Dr. Percy Julian. These three plans identified specific improvements along Chicago Avenue from Marion to Austin. The streetscape design was developed by Planning Resources Incorporated (PRI), a landscape architecture firm. The purpose of this agreement is to team a civil engineering firm with PRI to implement these improvements and the accompanying public outreach in an efficient and consistent manner. A phasing plan will be developed to implement the improvements over multiple years and include underground infrastructure improvements prior to installing surface elements to ensure long-term cost efficiency.
The Engineering Division issued a Request for Qualifications for Phase I and II Engineering Services for projects on Chicago Avenue and received three responses. Two firms were interviewed, and Terra Engineering, Ltd. was selected as the most qualified.
Based on the anticipated timelines associated with the design and public engagement, the preliminary schedule for work on Chicago Avenue is for the safety improvement project generally west of Ridgeland to be constructed in 2027, with the streetscaping, safety improvements, and underground utility work east of Ridgeland planned for 2028 construction.
The safety improvement project west of Ridgeland is meant to address safety concerns on Chicago Avenue, which was identified as a high-injury network in the Vision Zero Plan (VZP). The conceptual design includes installing protected bike lanes on Chicago Avenue to narrow the roadway, slow cars, and improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. This would remove parking from one side of Chicago, from roughly Kenilworth to Ridgeland. The design work includes a traffic study, which will review the coordination to ensure that other safety issues are addressed with the project. There will be public engagement to solicit feedback regarding safety concerns and potential changes to on-street parking regulations.
Timing Considerations
Adoption of the Resolution at this time will allow for the consultant to begin data collection, public outreach as well as design and permitting work to prepare construction documents so the first phase can begin construction in 2027.
Financial Impact
The FY2026 Budget includes $1,160,000 for the design of the Chicago Avenue projects, with $930,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund, Public Works - Engineering, Project Engineering account no. 3095-43780.101.570955 and $230,000 for design of water main improvements in the Water and Sewer Fund, Sewer Collection, Capital Improvements account no. 5040.4370.777.570707.
The total cost for the design of the project is $1,453,857, which includes $1,228,357 for the engineering and public engagement work and $225,500 for the landscape architecture work for the streetscaping project. The total cost for the designs exceeds the 2026 Budget amount by $293,857. The additional $293,857 needed for the overall project’s design will be budgeted for in 2027 since the design work will extend into 2027, especially for the streetscape project.
There is $754,500 available in the FY26 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund, Public Works - Engineering, Project Engineering account no. 3095-43780.101.570955 and $230,000 in the Water and Sewer Fund, Sewer Collection, Capital Improvements account no. 5040.4370.777.570707 to fund the portion of the engineering work for this contract in 2026. The remaining $243,857 needed for this work will be included in the FY27 Budget.
Operations Impact
There is no operating 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. Community engagement will be part of this design contract for both the safety project and the streetscaping project.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution, which will allow for the work to start for the Chicago Avenue Projects.
Advantages:
• This agreement will allow for the procurement of needed services.
Disadvantages:
• This agreement requires the expenditure of $1,228,357 of funds.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can delay action to gain additional information.
Advantages:
• Board Members would be presented with the additional information they requested.
Disadvantages:
• The timing of the eventual Board action could impact the desired implementation schedule.
Alternative 2:
The Board can vote down the item.
Advantages:
• Potential cost savings of $1,228,357.
Disadvantages:
• Work identified in safety plans will be delayed.
Anticipated Future Actions
There is a separate Board agenda item at tonight’s meeting for an agreement with Planning Resources, Incorporated for the landscape architecture portion of the streetscape project.
Prepared By: Bill McKenna, Village Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Agreement
3. Proposal
4. Request for Qualifications
5. RFQ Summary Table