Submitted By
John P. Wielebnicki, Public Works Director
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Independent Contractor Agreement with A&B Landscaping and Tree Service, Inc. for Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Services to Change to the Not to Exceed Amount from $20,000.00 to $50,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution
End
Overview
Overview
Due to an increase in participation in the Village's Sidewalk Snow Removal Program, there is a need to increase the Independent Contractor Agreement with A&B Landscaping and Tree Service, Inc. from $20,000.00 to $50,000.00. This program provides snow shoveling assistance to property owners who are unable to clear public sidewalks due to age, disability and/or severe health problems and have no one else who is able to help them with snow removal. In order to continue this program an addendum to the agreement will be necessary.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Resolution.
Fiscal Impact
In the General Fund, Street Services budget, account no. 1001-43740-765-530667, External Support $20,000.00 is budgeted for these services. To date $23,806.82 has been spent.
It is recommended to transfer $30,000.00 in funds from the Street Services, Roadway Maintenance account (1001-43740-765-560633) to the External Support account. These funds were dedicated for a possible salt purchase in the fall of 2019. This transfer is to support the balance of the 2018/2019 snow season for this program. Subject to the Village Board’s approval of this agenda item, a future budget amendment will be proposed in order to approve the transfer.
Should staff see a need to request more funds for salt or these services in the fall of 2019, a budget transfer will be requested at that time.
This program will be reviewed as part of the FY2020 budget discussion.
Background
As noted in the Overview for this item, this program provides snow shoveling assistance to property owners who are unable to clear public sidewalks due to age, disability and/or severe health problems and have no one else who is able to help them with snow removal. This program has been offered to residents since 2007, which is when the village passed an Ordinance (Section 22-4-8 of the Village code) requiring owners to remove snow and ice from the public sidewalk abutting their property.
Prior to the 2018/2019 winter the average number of participants for this program was approximately 40 participants per storm. This year for five storms in January 2019 the average has risen to 112 participants per storm.
Typically $15,000.00 - $20,000.00 has been adequate annual funding for this program, however due to the increase in participants this snow season the budget was exceeded just in the month of January 2019.
It is presumed that the reason for the dramatic increase in the program is due to the fact that the Oak Park Township began advertising this free program in the fall of 2018.
The Public Works Department and the Parking Services Division of the Development Customer Services Department solicited pricing for 2017/2018 Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Services as part of its larger Snow-Ice Removal for Public Parking Lots, Sidewalks and Snow Plowing Program Request for Proposals (RFP). A&B Landscaping and Tree Service Inc., was the low bidder for the sidewalk snow shoveling services. The company has successfully done this work for the Village in the past. The RFP provides for the option to renew for two additional snow seasons. This is the first of the two additional snow seasons. A&B is also allowed one price adjustment per snow season per the latest CPI.
Alternatives
The Board can delay action to gain additional information.
Previous Board Action
The Village Board has provided funding for this program since 2007.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
This program will be reviewed as part of the FY2020 budget discussion.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
There are no other Oak Park taxing bodies that support funding this program.
Performance Management (MAP) Alignment
This work is in alignment with the Governance Priority established for the Public Works Department for Maintenance and Service Programs.