Title
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A Resolution Amending the Professional Services Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and Opticos Design, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $128,000 for Additional Services
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Introduction
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This resolution is seeking authorization for additional professional services with Opticos Design, Inc., related to Economic Feasibility Testing, Community Outreach, and the development of a Zoning Comparison Tool.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
On August 5, 2026, the Village Board approved a Professional Services Agreement with Opticos Design, Inc.
Background
This project directly relates to the adopted Board Goals. This initiative also supports key recommended strategies from the Strategic Vision for Housing plan relative to housing in business districts, missing middle housing, and the relationship between housing and parking.
Prior to the Village Board goals adoption, the Village engaged the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus in February 2023 to begin an update to the 2012 Homes for a Changing Region Report. This resulted in the adoption of the Strategic Vision for Housing Plan in March 2024. After the completion of this Plan, the Village was accepted into the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Missing Middle Housing Peer Network, supported by Opticos Design, Inc. This network consisted of a consortium of 19 Chicagoland communities that met regularly regarding missing middle housing, zoning regulations, development tools, communication, advocacy, and implementation techniques.
Prior to the aforementioned Metropolitan Mayors Caucus engagements, the Village began updating the Zoning Ordinance with recognized zoning reform initiatives that increased opportunities for more affordable housing options, such as Accessory Dwelling Units and adaptive reuse opportunities within abandoned churches. Most recently, the Village Board approved a dual-use for Places of Worship, which will allow the incorporation of multiple family dwellings.
The Village Board directed staff to research and actively pursue changes to residential zoning classifications, which would increase density, diversity, and equity within residential and commercial zoned areas. The existing Professional Services Agreement with Opticos Design, Inc. supports the Village Board’s direction. However, additional questions and informational needs came about during the process, where staff determined additional research was necessary to support a clear understanding of the effects the proposed zoning modifications would have on the Oak Park community.
Timing Considerations
These services would be conducted over the next three months upon approval
Financial Impact
The original agreement allocated $200,000 within the Development Services Department’s Planning Division budget under External Support. The proposed agreement will be an additional $128,000, which can be absorbed within the current account due to a delayed start of another project.
The account GL is 1001 46202 101 530667
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery. The Development Services Department will be supporting these additional services. The Manager’s office will have more involvement in the Trustee briefing meetings portion of the project.
DEI Impact
The amended agreement will help Staff improve community outreach and gather a further understanding of the proposed zoning modifications in the Village.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this agreement as the proposed tasks outlined will ensure a more complete picture of the potential outcomes and effects of the missing middle housing initiative.
Advantages:
• The additional information will inform all from an economic feasibility standpoint.
• The additional services will provide for more public interaction and awareness of the project.
• The consultant will develop a public interaction tool to help better understand any changes in zoning.
• Funding is currently available within the 2026 budget.
Disadvantages:
• This agreement is an unexpected expense.
• This will delay the process and presentation timing.
Alternatives
Alternative 1
The Board rejects the amendment.
Advantages:
• This action would save the Village the cost of this amendment.
• This action would keep the presentation and process on time.
Disadvantages:
• The full understanding of outcomes and effects would be diminished
Alternative 2:
The Board can elect to modify the request.
Advantages:
• This action could fine-tune the agreement even further.
Disadvantages:
• This action could delay the process if a new scope of work would need to be drafted and submitted for approval.
Anticipated Future Actions
The consultant will return to the Village Board for presentation. Staff will be seeking further direction.
Prepared By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Additional Services Agreement (Amendment)
3. Original Professional Services Agreement