A nearly $13,000 over budget contract for the evaluation of existing and the creation of new designs for entrance and roadway signs in Niles was narrowly approved by the village’s trustees during a board meeting Tuesday night.
The trustees voted 4-3 to approve a nearly $38,000 contract with the Lakota Group, an urban planning and design firm. Mayor Andrew Przybylo cast the tie breaking vote. The purpose of the project, which is included as a component of the village’s comprehensive longterm plan, is to produce designs for signage that both reflect best practices and the village’s new logo and brand, according to village documents.
Several trustees questioned why the village would approve the contract when the budget for the project was set at $25,000.
Przybylo and Trustee Denise McCreery said the subcommittee in charge of reviewing the responses to the village’s request for proposals believed Lakota offered more options for customization and generally a more unique design.
“I think gateway signage and roadway signs are critical, but I’m not going to vote for this because at some point in time we have to stop approving over budget items,” said Trustee Joe LoVerde.
Trustee George Alpogianis questioned why the cost was so high given that the Lakota Group is already working on a land use plan for the village’s Touhy Avenue corridor. The cost of that contract totals about $47,000, said Ross Klicker, the economic development coordinator for the village.
Klicker said the scope of the work involved in the signage project is substantially different than the Touhy Avenue land use plan the firm is charged with creating.
Under the signage project, Lakota is tasked with producing “a consistent message of branding, marketing and image across the entire community,” he said.
When asked by Trustee Danette Matyas whether or not a better deal could be negotiated with Lakota, Klicker said the issue hadn’t been discussed with the company.
“I’ve worked with Lakota on many projects throughout my career, and I can tell you I’ve never worked with them on a project that exceeded budget and most of the time their projects have come in under budget,” he said.
Comparing the project to plastic surgery, Przybylo said Niles’ roadway and entrance signs serve “as the face of the village” and the right company should be chosen to do the work, even if it costs more than what the trustees originally anticipated spending.
“There is artistry involved here and you have to do the best job you can,” he said. “This is going to be out there for 25 or 30 years, perhaps.”
Despite the importance of the project, LoVerde said an over budget expenditure flouts fiscal responsibility.
“With all due respect, the finance has to be managed like it’s our own checkbook, like it’s our own money, and we’re spending a lot of money in the village of Niles,” he said.
LoVerde, Alpogianis and Matyas voted against approval of the contract. Przybylo was joined in voting for it by McCreery and Trustees Dean Strzlecki and John Jekot.
Lee V. Gaines is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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