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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jason Bauer, Assistant Director of Public Works/Assistant City Engineer
DATE: September 1, 2023
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute a contract with Hitchcock Design Group for preliminary design services for Millennium Plaza in the amount of $70,000.00 in Ward 2.
PURPOSE:
Work with Hitchcock Design Group to re-envision Millennium Plaza, the largest open space area on Stolp Island.
BACKGROUND:
Currently Millennium Plaza houses the Millennium Tower (which points to the North Star), some stairs, landscaping, a fountain, a gazebo and a performance area. The park is outdated and in need of maintenance and improvement. With the growing number of businesses and residents in this neighborhood, updating the park will activate the space and encourage usage of this currently underutilized area.
Working with Hitchcock Design, the goal is to meet with stakeholders to discuss what the new identity of Millennium Plaza should be. Hitchcock will also develop various concept designs for review and public comment, ultimately providing a final preliminary plan to serve as the basis for the future development of bid documents.
DISCUSSION:
This project was in the 2023 budget for preliminary design, with final design engineering and construction planned for 2024. In order to hire a landscape architect to work on the preliminary design, staff utilized the Qualification Based Selection (QBS) process to select the most qualified firm. Six firms responded to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and those responses were reviewed by a selection committee consisting of three City of Aurora staff members. The most qualified firm was Hitchcock Design Group who submitted a contract which is attached. Also attached is a summary of the results of the QBS.
This project will be funded with account 101-1830-465.32-59.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This preliminary phase of the project will require assistance from other Divisions, including Special Events and Downtown Services. Additionally, public meetings will be held and community groups such as Aurora Downtown and other critical stakeholders will be involved so that Hitchcock can get a better understanding of the overall vision for the plaza.
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 Hitchcock Design Group for preliminary design services for Millennium Plaza in the amount of $70,000.00 in Ward 2.
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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, Millennium Plaza is the largest open space on Stolp Island; and
WHEREAS, the elements in the space are outdated and in need of improvement; and
WHEREAS, the 2023 budget includes the preliminary engineering required for the necessary planning and public work sessions to develop the new plan for the park; and
WHEREAS, staff conducted a Qualification Based Selection (QBS) process, with six firms responding and a contract was requested from the most qualified firm, Hitchcock Design Group; and
WHEREAS, funds for the $70,000 professional services contract are available in account 101-1830-465.32-59; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Director of Purchasing is authorized to execute a contract with Hitchcock Design Group for preliminary design services for Millennium Plaza in the amount of $70,000.00 in Ward 2.