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A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Independent Contractor Agreement with J. Graham, LLC. for the Viaduct Art Installation to Change the not to Exceed Amount from $235,000 to $295,000 and Authorizing its Execution
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Introduction
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In 2024, the Village approved an agreement with Graham Carraway for the fabrication, installation, and purchase of an art installation under the viaduct on Oak Park Avenue as part of the streetscape project. Costs for materials and fabrication have exceeded the originally agreed-upon amount. The increased costs are a result of delays outside the artist's control, including deferring construction of the streetscape project from 2025 to 2026 and the timelines associated with getting the mural artwork approved by the Oak Park Area Arts Commission. This amendment increases the contract by $60,000 and adjusts the agreement amount from $235,000 to $295,000.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions:
• At the Village Board meeting on November 11, 2025, the Village Board approved a Contract with A Lamp Concrete Contractors, Inc. for Project 25-20, Oak Park Avenue Streetscape Improvements in an amount not to exceed $18,464,984 (RES 25-301)
• At the Village Board meeting on August 5, 2025, the Village Board had a presentation and discussion on the Oak Park Avenue Streetscape Project and directed staff to revise the sidewalk paving materials from bluestone to pavers (ID 25-467)
• At the Village Board meeting on February 18, 2025, the Village Board authorized the Rejection of all Bids for Project 25-20, Oak Park Avenue Streetscape Improvements (RES 25-138)
• At the Village Board meeting on August 27, 2024, the Village Board approved an Independent Contractor Agreement with J. Graham, LLC., for the Viaduct Art Installation, in an amount not to exceed $235,000. (RES 24-268)
• At the Village Board meeting on June 11, 2024, the Village Board approved a Motion to Concur with the Recommendation of the Oak Park Area Arts Council to Enter an Independent Contractor Agreement with Ray King Studio, Ltd. for a Flame Beacon Art Installation at the Southeast Corner of South Boulevard and Oak Park Avenue. (MOT 24-180)
Background
In 2024, the Village Board approved an agreement with Graham Carraway for the fabrication, installation, and purchase of an art installation under the viaduct on Oak Park Avenue as part of the streetscape project. The cost for the art was approved at $235,000. Since executing an agreement with the Village in late 2024, the artist has been developing the mural design and working to get approval from the Oak Park Area Arts Council (OPAAC). The OPAAC approved the general artwork for the mural in January of 2026, with final approval in February. An attachment showing the mural artwork is attached to this item.
In addition to the mural art approval process taking longer than anticipated, the original schedule for the fabrication and installation was predicated on a 2025 construction schedule for the streetscape project. The Village deferred construction of the streetscape project from 2025 to 2026 since the Village only received one bid for the project in late 2024.
Due to the delays in the construction of the streetscape project and the delays associated with getting OPAAC approval of the mural, the fabrication of the metal panel system and lighting has been delayed until now. Costs for the raw materials and the labor of the fabricating workshop have increased since the project was originally scoped in the summer of 2024. The increased costs to fabricate the artwork are $60,000, and adjust the agreement amount from $235,000 to $295,000.
Timing Considerations
Adoption of the Resolution at this time will allow for the fabrication of the artwork to be completed within the desired schedule for installation with the streetscape project.
Financial Impact
There are available funds for the $60,000 needed for this amendment from savings on the Madison Street Streetscape Project in the FY2026 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund, Public Works-Engineering, Streetscaping account no. 3095.43780.101.570959.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery. Staff has spent approximately six hours preparing this item. If approved, staff will begin meeting with the contractor regularly throughout the course of the project.
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
Adopt the Resolution.
Advantages:
• This action allows for the fabrication of the approved art.
Disadvantages:
• This action includes increased costs.
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:
• This action will delay the start of fabrication and potentially extend installation beyond the intended substantial completion date of Thanksgiving.
Alternative 2:
The Board can vote down the item.
Advantages:
• This action can result in cost savings.
Disadvantages:
• Staff would need to work with the artist to reduce the scope and size of the installation to fit within the original agreement amount. The installation would not be sized to fully fit the viaduct, and there would be additional costs for redesigning the artwork and the associated infrastructure for lighting and foundations.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
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. Amendment
3. Amendment Request
4. Executed Agreement
5. Viaduct Mural Design