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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Kurt Muth, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works
DATE: February 23, 2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute a contract with Ayre Productions in the amount of $318,978.00 for sound equipment at RiverEdge Park.
PURPOSE:
The purchase of new sound equipment will allow the expanded music venue to function as intended.
BACKGROUND:
The city is nearing completion of the expansion project at RiverEdge Park that has been underway for the past two years. Prior to utilizing the new facilities, various sound equipment purchases are necessary.
DISCUSSION:
This contract was advertised and bid on the City's electronic bidding platform with bids opened on February 6th, 2026. A copy of the bid document is attached as Exhibit A. Ayre Productions submitted the lowest of three competitive bids received and their bid submission is attached as Exhibit B. A copy of the bid tabulation is attached as Exhibit C. The resolution amount of $318,978.00 includes the base bid of $287,630.00 to provide the equipment and $31,348.00 for the installation of the equipment. This total bid amount was approximately 25% less than the engineer's estimate and the 2nd lowest bid amount. Funds are budgeted for this expenditure in association with CIP A062, in account 358-4440-351.73-43. Ayre Productions has successfully worked with the City in the past and provided similar services to Millenium Park in Chicago.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Failure to procure the furniture will negatively impact the viewer experience of the park and limit the ability to hear the acts while located in the expanded areas of the park.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Infrastructure and Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute a contract with Ayre Productions in the amount of $318,978.00 for sound equipment at RiverEdge Park.
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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, the city is under construction for the expansion of RiverEdge Park; and
WHEREAS, new sound equipment purchases will be required to allow the expanded park to function properly; and
WHEREAS, Bids were requested and received publicly through the City's electronic bidding platform with Ayre Productions submitting the lowest bid received; and
WHEREAS, Ayre Productions has successfully provided similar services to nearby music venues and the City; and
WHEREAS, the resolution amount of $318,978.00 includes the proposal from Ayre Productions; and
WHEREAS, this expense has been budgeted for in relation to CIP A062 and funds are available in account 358-4440-451.73-43; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to execute a contract with Ayre Productions in the amount of $318,978.00 for sound equipment at RiverEdge Park.