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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Kurt Muth, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works
DATE: August 31, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution to Award the Contract for the Swimming Stones Brick Paver Replacement to Semper Fi Landscaping, Inc.
PURPOSE:
To award the replacement contract for the brick pavers below the swimming stones water feature located adjacent to 1 W. Benton Street.
BACKGROUND:
The swimming stones water feature was constructed in the early 2000's and the brick pavers around the base of the water feature are showing significant wear and tear and require replacement. The feature is located on the north side of W. Benton Street west of S. Stolp Avenue and adjacent to 1 W. Benton Street. The proposed bricks will have a slip resistance surface and additional bricks are to be purchased to replenish the City's stock for use during future downtown projects. These bricks are also special order so the extra quantity will exceed the production threshold to yield a lower unit cost.
DISCUSSION:
Bids were opened on August 26, 2026. The lowest responsible and only bid received was submitted by Semper Fi Landscaping, Inc. in the amount of $89,580.00 which was within 1% of the Engineer's Estimate. Although it is the only bid received, it is very close to the anticipated cost (engineer's estimate) so we are recommending approval. The majority of the brick to be replaced is a special order with a 4-6 week lead time so the City is moving forward with purchasing the order directly from Unilock to jumpstart the manufacturing of the brick and to reduce the overall project cost. The agreed to revised contract value with Semper Fi will be $56,942.30. Semper Fi Landscaping has successfully completed similar projects in the City of Aurora. The project bid document can be found as Exhibit A and the site plan is at the end of this attachment. Semper Fi Landscaping's bid is also attached as Exhibit B. The funds were approved with a 2026 decision package and are available in account 340-4030-418-38-05 ($60,000.00 approved 2026 budget).
Local preference does apply to this bid, however no local contractor submitted. A verification of good standing is attached as Exhibit C.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Construction is expected to begin in October and be completed prior to winter. Traffic will experience delays and nearby parking stalls may be closed for staging. The adjacent sidewalk may be closed for periods during the project duration.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Infrastructure & Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to Award the Contract for the Swimming Stones Brick Paver Replacement to Semper Fi Landscaping, Inc., in the amount of $56,942.30.
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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, it is necessary and desirable to replace the brick pavers at the swimming stones water feature; and
WHEREAS, a responsible bid was received and publicly opened on August 26, 2026 attached hereto and incorporated as Exhibit 'B'; and
WHEREAS, Semper Fi Landscaping, Inc., 10744 Route 47, Yorkville, IL 60560 was the only responsible bidder in the revised amount of Fifty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred Forty-Two Dollars and Thirty Cents ($56,942.30); and
WHEREAS, the 2026 City Budget provides funds for the project in account 340-4030-418-65-99 ($60,000 approved 2026 decision package).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to execute a contract with Semper Fi Landscaping, Inc. for the unit prices shown within the bid as set forth in Exhibit 'B'.