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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Daniel Anderson, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation
DATE: January 30, 2018
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing the approval of a contract to provide a Mastodon Interactive Exhibit with Taylor Studios, Inc. to complete the OSLAD project at Phillips Park as designed.
PURPOSE:
To obtain the City Council's approval to sign the proposed contract with Taylor Studios, Inc for the Mastodon Interactive Exhibit to complete the OSLAD Mastodon Island Interpretive Adventure Area project for the Park and Recreation Division.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks Division of the City of Aurora was awarded an OSLAD grant in early 2015 but the grant was frozen by the State of Illinois until August of 2016, the grant awarded is a $400,000 matching funds grant. The original design was for a $900,000 project but due to the States delays and plan changes including additional amenities the project is expected to cost close to $1,200,000. Additional funds were asked for during the 2018 budget/CIP process along with during the Council approval of the project construction company and playground equipment in December, 2017 (R 17-44). The Finance Committee and COW were in support of adding the additional funds from the City's 2017 GO Bond to complete the project as designed. A Budget Amendment will be required. RFP 18-01 was completed on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 and Taylor Studios, Inc was found to be the lowest responsible proposal based on price, product, experience and being able to meet the strict construction deadline for the Exhibit.
DISCUSSION:
This is a unique opportunity to invest in Phillips Park by touting the legacy of the Mastodon. Most of the unearthed Mastodon bones are on display at the Phillips Park Stover Visitor Center. The new Interactive Mastodon feature will only enhance this legacy and the prestige of Phillips Park, already known for being the crown jewel of parks in the City of Aurora. The City should seize the opportunity prov...
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