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TO: Mayor Richard Irvin
FROM: Brian Witkowski, P.E. CFM, Professional Engineer II
DATE: January 27, 2023
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 Engineering Agreement with HR Green, Inc. for the Farnsworth Ave Bilter Rd roadway improvements.
PURPOSE:
To execute the Phase 1 agreement with HR Green, Inc. The purpose of the project is to improve roadway capacity and facilitate access to the casino development along Farnsworth Avenue, Bilter Road, Church Road and Corporate Blvd. This project will set the standards for cross-sections and intersection improvements that will ensure the traffic generated by the new development will not impact local traffic.
BACKGROUND:
The Hollywood Casino intends to relocate from downtown Aurora to the area bounded by Farnsworth Ave, Church Rd, Bilter Rd, and Corporate Blvd. This project will perform services that will include but not be limited to data collection, survey, geometric studies, environmental coordination, drainage design, preliminary roadway designs/plans, public involvement and an abbreviated Project Development Report.
This contract is for Phase 1, an additional contract for Phase 2 that will generate construction plans will be proposed later.
The complete scope with broken down costs and location exhibits is attached as Exhibit A.
DISCUSSION:
Exhibit A is a proposal from HR Green, Inc. to provide the above explained services. HR Green is uniquely qualified for this project as they were awarded a qualifications based selection to perform these exact services on Bilter Rd from the Illinois Prairie Path to Premium Outlet Blvd which will match up with the eastern limits of this project.
This selection was in November 2021 where HR Green was selected by a three (3) person panel from the Engineering Division. The City issued a Request for Qualifications for the Bilter Road design engineering services on August 12, 2021 to over 300 vendors in the Professional Services category. Statements of Qualifications were received from thirteen (13) firms on September 2, 2021.
A qualifications based selection for this project should be waived because:
- HR Green has already completed a portion of the Phase 1 work on this section as natural spill over the limits of any project is required in order to do a complete and thorough job.
- HR Green has background knowledge of this area that no other firm has. Selecting another firm would require the City to spend additional resources to allow another firm to obtain that knowledge. Essentially paying for work to be repeated by another firm.
- A qualifications based selection would require other firms to spend additional resources to compile a proposal for a project and location where another firm is already providing the exact same services at that exact same location.
- Engineering Staff has a great working relationship with HR Green.
Project GB 164 was budgeted in account 340-4060-431.73-99 in the amount of $950,000.00 for 2023.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The services provided under this purchase order will have no impact on the public.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed resolution.
cc: infrastructure and technology
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution approving a professional services agreement with HR Green, Inc in the amount of $470,770.25 for the Farnsworth Avenue Improvements Phase 1- Preliminary Engineering.
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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 project will investigate what roadway improvements are required to provide access to a new commercial development and decrease traffic congestion; and
WHEREAS, the findings will lay the groundwork to develop construction plans for these roadway improvements that are required in the development agreement with Penn Entertainment; and
WHEREAS, HR Green Inc of 2363 Sequoia Dive, Suite 101, Aurora IL was selected as the most qualified firm due to their existing qualifications based selection for a Phase 1- Engineering contract on Bilter Road directly to the east of these project limits; and
WHEREAS, account 340-4060-431.73-99 (GB164) has sufficient funds for this project that will be completed this year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: a professional services agreement with HR Green, Inc in the amount of $470,770.25 for the Farnsworth Avenue Improvements Phase 1- Preliminary Engineering is hereby approved, and the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to enter into such a contract on behalf of the City.