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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Daniel Anderson, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation
DATE: January 30, 2018
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing the approval of a contract to provide a Mastodon Interactive Exhibit with Taylor Studios, Inc. to complete the OSLAD project at Phillips Park as designed.
PURPOSE:
To obtain the City Council's approval to sign the proposed contract with Taylor Studios, Inc for the Mastodon Interactive Exhibit to complete the OSLAD Mastodon Island Interpretive Adventure Area project for the Park and Recreation Division.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks Division of the City of Aurora was awarded an OSLAD grant in early 2015 but the grant was frozen by the State of Illinois until August of 2016, the grant awarded is a $400,000 matching funds grant. The original design was for a $900,000 project but due to the States delays and plan changes including additional amenities the project is expected to cost close to $1,200,000. Additional funds were asked for during the 2018 budget/CIP process along with during the Council approval of the project construction company and playground equipment in December, 2017 (R 17-44). The Finance Committee and COW were in support of adding the additional funds from the City's 2017 GO Bond to complete the project as designed. A Budget Amendment will be required. RFP 18-01 was completed on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 and Taylor Studios, Inc was found to be the lowest responsible proposal based on price, product, experience and being able to meet the strict construction deadline for the Exhibit.
DISCUSSION:
This is a unique opportunity to invest in Phillips Park by touting the legacy of the Mastodon. Most of the unearthed Mastodon bones are on display at the Phillips Park Stover Visitor Center. The new Interactive Mastodon feature will only enhance this legacy and the prestige of Phillips Park, already known for being the crown jewel of parks in the City of Aurora. The City should seize the opportunity provided by this $400,000 grant. Funding will be provided by the remaining funds in account 353-4440-451.73-43 and from the additional $250,000 provided by the Budget Amendment.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This project will have a huge impact on the visitor's to Phillips Park by taking underutilized open space and creating a new, fun recreational and educational space. This could be a once in a life time opportunity with minimal impact on the operating budget of the Parks Division.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request approval to award a contract to Taylor Studios, Inc based on their proposal from RFP 18-01 to complete the OSLAD project for the Phillips Park Mastodon Island Adventure Area.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Mervine, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the approval of a contract to provide a Mastodon Interactive Exhibit with Taylor Studios, Inc to complete the OSLAD project at Phillips Park as designed.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the interactive Mastodon Exhibit is an integral part of the OSLAD Mastodon Island Interpretive Adventure Area project; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Studios, Inc was deemed the lowest responsible proposal from RFP 18-01 based on price, product, experience and being able to meet the strict construction deadline for the Exhibit:
WHEREAS, a Budget Amendment is needed to complete the OSLAD project at Phillips Park, funds will then be sufficient in 353-4440-451.73-43.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the proposal from Taylor Studios, Inc to provide an interactive Mastodon Exhibit for the Division of Parks and Recreation is hereby accepted and an Agreement is hereby authorized.