Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Committee

Milwaukee Avenue Streetscape Committee MEETING SUMMARY Friday, October 7, 2011 The following persons were present: Chair Chris Hanusiak, Chuck Ostman, Denise McCreery and Steve Vinezeano. Chris Hartke of HR Green joined via a conference call. Bob Pilat was absent. Chair Hanusiak opened the meeting at 10:30 a.m. I. Approve Draft Meeting Summaries: a. The Committee approved the draft summary from September 8, 2011. II. Old Business: a. Milwaukee Avenue Streetscape Update. Akram Chaudhry of HRGreen stated that the bids for phase II were opened on 9/23/11. Martam Construction was the low bidder at $1,954,148.75. There were 10 bidders for this project and the bids ranged from $954,148.75 to $2,616,181.00. The bids were about $100,000 over the estimate or 5.67%. It was explained to Bob Pilat and Scott Jochim that we had to accept this bid or possibly risk funding. IDOT concurred with the reward. It was explained that there were a few scenarios possible to cover the $100k over estimate. A letter was written by Bob Pilat concurring with the awarded contract. Akram reviewed the contractor and stated that they had good references in Streamwood, Des Plaines, and Skokie. Regarding the $100k shortfall, the first ITEP will have funds available for request. Akram will identify what is available, but he thinks there is between $150k and 200k. IDOT will be contacted to have these funds transferred to the new projects. He is confident that it shouldn’t be a problem since the funding is for the same corridor. The bid prices were higher than estimated, but the IDOT will not release the bid information until it is awarded. Akram stated that the funds from ITEP I should be identified within the next few weeks. Akram identified some items that were not originally planned, such as the new curbs at the intersections, trees, and some work by Jerry’s. He stated that some of this could be cut if necessary without impacting the project. Akram explained the 20% match required from all ITEP funds. As it stands, the funds for this project have not been budgeted yet and need to be budgeted for May 2012. Projects for the first ITEP are still being invoiced by the State. The contractor will probably begin working in March or April  2012. Public Services will need to budget the correct amount for the potential increase in grant funding. b. Seasonal Banner Update. Denise McCreery stated that she identified five design firms (two local) and excited to be able to work with Spark Factor, but Village went with GL Media, the low bid company. She laid out some of the initial ideas from GL and Chuck mentioned it was only three colors, so there was a problem. GL is a one man operation. Spark Factor was $4k and low bid was $2,200 and $4k from Dmitri, another local company. The spec states three colors, which is on the specs provided to HR Green. There was discussion about the problem with multi color on canvas versus vinyl. Ostman stated that detail is a problem on canvas. There was discussion that the pictures should tie to something genuine to Niles, unlike an activity like skiing. Incorporating the logos is preferred. The problem with choosing any of the banners shown is that they are not in three colors. Denise stated that she would like to go back to the designer with ideas. There was discussion that dine-in Niles would be good and other statements that relate to the Village. Theme of silhouettes was discussed for continuity. Shop, play, etc. could be used on the banners. The Chair stated that the banners need to draw in businesses and residents. Denise mentioned that there were more designs that didn’t even make it to the group since they were all men playing sports. There was discussion that the logo has three colors of gold, blue and red. Ostman wanted to develop some samples of what are preferred to give a better idea for the design direction to Denise McCreery. Ostman wanted to contact Project Graphics to ask about details available on the banners purchased. There was discussion about the disagreement about payment for installation. Project Graphics currently only agrees to give a $400 credit. McCreery stated the people at Project Graphics were rude and difficult. Payment for installation was stopped via the credit card used to pay for the work. There was discussion about Bob Pilat’s installation companies and what they charge to install banners per pole. Prevailing wage was discussed and Ostman thought Susan and Bob should be asked about it and whether or not it is required for all work. Ostman stated that Public Services should install all the original hardware for the banners the first time and then after that, the ongoing maintenance will be handled through a contractor budgeted by the department. The Chair asked how much will it cost to take a banner down and put one up because that cost will be less then what is being quoted. McCreery will discuss with Bob Pilat to learn future costs. There was brief discussion about the planters on Milwaukee Avenue and how there were no plantings. This must also be budgeted by Public Services next year.  There was discussion about the new Starbucks on Milwaukee and the outdoor area. Also, Fresh Farms has an area on the sidewalk/roadway that seems dangerous. There was discussion about future licensing and insuring of sidewalk use. The landlords of the property are complaining. Vinezeano discussed how he had the shelter company power wash the shelters in the area to keep them looking fresh and clean. III. New Business: a. None IV. Adjournment at 11:24 a.m. Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.