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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Jason Bauer, Director of Public Works / City Engineer
DATE: September 16, 2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute contracts and change orders for ongoing work at RiverEdge Park for jumbotron purchases and paver replacement.
PURPOSE:
To execute a contract with Saco for the purchases of jumbotrons, a change order with R.C. Wegman for the installation of jumbotron supports and paver removal/replacement and a contingency of $50,000 for misc. parts and local support for the final installation of the jumbotrons when they arrive in the spring.
BACKGROUND:
The construction at RiverEdge Park has been ongoing for approximately one year. While the construction will be slowing down during the Chrstkindlmarket this winter, additional purchases for long lead time items is required to ensure that the necessary materials are on-site and ready for installation prior to the 2026 concert season. The original bid did not include two large jumbotrons for the new lawn area to the south of the beverage pavilion. The original intent was to continue to use a temporary trailer mounted screen in the lawn area; however, after careful consideration this does not fit the long-term plan for the park. Two new high quality jumbotrons have been shown in the concept and given the disruption they will require to install, completing this work in advance of the 2026 concert season is desired. This will require the purchase of two new screens from Saco (contract attached) and a change order to the scope for R.C. Wegman to install the foundations and structural steel (R24-253 and R24-401). Additionally, a $50,000 contingency is included to allow for the purchase of the chain hoists and supporting attachment equipment and wiring. This contingency will also be used to obtain the professional services of a local vendor for installation support, should that be required if outside the expertise of ACCA staff.
Additionally, the change order for R.C. Wegman will include an additional $109,264.37 for additional paver replacement in the existing park. There are various areas in disrepair and areas that need to be removed and replaced to better accommodate ADA grades to the northeast of the new beverage pavilion.
DISCUSSION:
The two Saco jumbotrons will cost $534,367.46 and will be the same as the other five jumbotrons in the park, bringing the total to seven. Due to the layout of the park, jumbotrons are necessary to ensure a positive patron experience. This project was not bid, as it is desirable to utilize the same equipment that currently exists in the park. The R.C. Wegman change order will be for $266,972.33 which reflects $157,707.96 for the jumbotron structures (quote attached) and $109,264.37 for the additional paver work (quote attached).
The funds are available in account 358-4440-451.73-43 (A062).
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Completing these improvements while the park is closed and prior to the 2026 concert season is a critical component of the park expansion and will improve the patron experience.
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 contracts and change orders for ongoing work at RiverEdge Park for jumbotron purchases and paver replacement.
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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 expansion of RiverEdge Park is an active project that has been under construction since September of 2024, and
WHEREAS, the installation of new jumbotrons is necessary to ensure a positive patron experience in the expanded area of the park, and
WHEREAS, replacement of deteriorated pavers and pavers that have insufficient grading from an ADA perspective need to be replaced to ensure safety for park patrons, and
WHEREAS, the jumbotrons were not bid out, due to the need to purchase the same equipment from Saco that exists elsewhere in the park and the pavers and jumbotron structure components will be a change order to the R.C. Wegman contract as similar items are already under construction with those trades present at the park
(R24-253 and R24-401), and
WHEREAS, a contingency of $50,000 has been included to allow for the purchase of hoists and local vendor knowledge utilizing a Saco approved vendor, similar to the installation of the previous jumbotrons at the park, and
WHEREAS, funds totaling $851,339.79 are available in account 358-4440-451.73-43 (A062), and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: he Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to execute contracts and change orders for ongoing work at RiverEdge Park for jumbotron purchases and paver replacement.