[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6197406,"mediaKeyId","3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd","parentId",3852196,"title","Board authorizes staff to negotiate master agreements with 13 law firms after RFQ; trustees question conflicts and cost transparency","audioSeconds",1008,"startMs",4927000,"endMs",5935000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd&start=4927&end=5935","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd/thumbnail_4927000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6197406/Orland-Park/Cook-County/Illinois/Board-authorizes-staff-to-negotiate-master-agreements-with-13-law-firms-after-RFQ-trustees-question-conflicts-and-cost-transparency","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197406-4da4122609d39d0a934120825f26bf15/orig.mp4?Expires=1771215202&Signature=Lj2Crf-1AR6byvYzxo~rAd4AiNio1lc~h9dRat3JBrYpmv162j~oB6oF-LehF7qVw2dp2uxwP9w5R3huovrhFXLJL7AaPPbopCd42KghoT5K~Cwhau3qJYHafYBs3we4Rukk264kxJNEPbSwQDJS2jCbyzAOBklG3Dykg07tDQU0wnqBt49AA3F1KjsZKSokGND6TwyRT45Rz79HHsXThcrR-HiFQQ53DrkAu-ciT2EpsjCxtYS99JGpHBFQ1v0rEQ6u5GKzfXX9~xmH9k7bxSzAZhFtTONsXLI375-RXmXb2O4de5tSyorzgvyD024IGRiLUnjB3P55XxmAxJ~I1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Orland Park, IL","date","2025-06-17T18:27:55.667Z","article","Orland Park trustees on June 2 voted to authorize staff to negotiate master services agreements with a pool of 13 law firms that responded to a recent request for qualifications for legal services, a process staff said is intended to create prequalified providers for multiple kinds of municipal legal work.

Village manager George (last name not specified) told the board 13 proposals were received and that staff evaluated firms based on specialized municipal experience, firm depth and potential costs. He said the final agreements will be negotiated to confirm insurance coverage, terms and fees. “We are very fortunate that we got such a high qualified pool of applicants for this,” he said.

Several trustees challenged the timing and transparency. Trustee Maloney and Trustee Milani asked why the public did not see fee schedules and why pricing would be withheld during negotiations; staff said final contract pricing and insurance documentation will be posted when agreements are executed. Trustee Milani noted variations in proposed hourly rates across firms and asked that staff negotiate fees to stay within the village’s legal services budget.

Trustee Katsenas raised a potential conflict of interest, observing that a firm the trustee associated with the mayor’s campaign had provided services historically. Trustee Healy and others expressed concern about the appearance of conflicts and asked that the mayor avoid participation if a firm that provided campaign representation is selected for significant work. The village manager said staff would negotiate terms and confirmed there is no guarantee that every firm will reach final agreements; the board vote authorizes negotiations only.

The motion passed on roll call; the transcript records a mix of ayes and two recorded “no” votes during the final board roll call for the related item (Trustees Katsenas and Healy voted no when the item moved forward to formal approval later in the meeting). Staff said they would return final agreements and pricing once negotiations conclude and contracts are signed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","6.16.2025 - Village of Orland Park - Committee of the Whole","oneSentenceSummary","The Committee of the Whole authorized staff to negotiate master services agreements with 13 law firms in response to an RFQ for legal services; trustees raised concerns about perceived conflicts of interest, timing outside the budget cycle and the lack of public pricing while staff negotiates insurance and contract terms.","taxTitle","Orland Park, Cook County, Illinois","taxId",8380,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197409,"Board directs staff to develop comprehensive parkway tree‑pruning plan after debate over enforcement and costs",1305,3631000,4936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd&start=3631&end=4936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd/thumbnail_3631000.jpg","/articles/6197409/Orland-Park/Cook-County/Illinois/Board-directs-staff-to-develop-comprehensive-parkway-treepruning-plan-after-debate-over-enforcement-and-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197409-ab7b0813b31178c5ff532d764951e4a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771215202&Signature=crZZNE17czRk12qqReVs3RsLj9y4wLfmcg8LvrLeb8jxktigo9XonR0egSguuj3d80p0O8oXKZCqpeBJfAaQ1dqKgaMSEJIZLpUD0~5jMrm4mWyH6cD43U2IXGv2kh5WW1-YKS1nMT7Bi-x7kKeZgBkYjj70GwcxKbET40FyIvhUFD1y5md9Pjn-wK72kHD6lNwGn-oJfXUd4~2xXOp651oGMGY8hh5fcjXszRiwDWtRX3eGCzaC6VQ8~9x~-q2LzHy6MjLx2-rTUtQ5VY4lRZvdD6d3fb5f1JUNEx1yfhKaxri~~rAznaszYuGpScyC5RY1CKtBMSOO1P~3YJoNcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Orland Park trustees voted on June 2 to direct staff to develop a comprehensive parkway tree‑pruning program after a lengthy committee discussion about resident responsibilities, code enforcement workload and the condition of the village’s urban forest.

Public works staff described the current municipal code (3‑6‑9) that places responsibility for parkway tree maintenance on property owners and said many residents misunderstand that duty. Joel (presenter; last name not specified) said outreach has included newsletters, a website and a list of prequalified contractors, but code enforcement still gets high volumes of requests and violation complaints. “We've done...newsletter updates...but, yes, we do own the trees. They do have to maintain it just like they've been maintaining the grass,” Joel said.

Staff proposed changing the municipal code to authorize the village to bid a seven‑year cyclical pruning contract and to perform the work by zone; staff said the program would address safety and long‑term tree health and reduce code‑enforcement conflicts. Joel said the village could reallocate funds from a previously scoped line item (screening) to seed an initial cycle but that trustees would ultimately need detailed cost estimates for budget review.

Trustees raised process and fiscal concerns. Trustee Gutierrez and Trustee Malani said the idea is appropriate but requested that the program be advanced through the regular budget process with explicit cost estimates. Trustee Healy asked whether the change was urgent; staff replied the program would reduce repeated enforcement workload and improve tree care. Trustee Lawler asked about liability: the village attorney said if the village knew of an unsafe condition the village could be named a defendant in related claims; trustees cited sidewalk replacement as a precedent for the village taking broader responsibility for infrastructure maintenance.

The motion to direct staff to develop a comprehensive annual parkway plan passed on a roll call; trustees indicated they want a future Committee of the Whole presentation with zone maps, cost estimates, and an outreach plan.

Next steps: Staff will prepare a detailed program proposal including a seven‑zone map, contractor cost estimates, communication materials for residents and a recommended budget timeline to present at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.","Trustees directed staff to prepare a comprehensive plan for cyclical parkway tree pruning after staff described code responsibilities, outreach efforts and a proposed seven‑year zone cycle; trustees asked staff to return with costs and a budget plan.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197414,"Village debates ‘no‑mow’ median pilot; staff reports 39‑year simple payback, board asks for IDOT and native‑grass options",206,2562000,2768000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd&start=2562&end=2768","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd/thumbnail_2562000.jpg","/articles/6197414/Orland-Park/Cook-County/Illinois/Village-debates-nomow-median-pilot-staff-reports-39year-simple-payback-board-asks-for-IDOT-and-nativegrass-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197414-08afbdf0a20de2d742a4a56f27740b93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771215202&Signature=F2SEIfheAHKX6UK6IZzY-eO4UjaCerQVWLkljOINUmowIqAxpi1u4WvzOW2c9-RuNJO-5eY4UROQUCDmxFeNlL9Q9YhWDR81TXOS7xosoQ7R-g27pQVDLE02tfPQGPMbdM3LanYgcIFR7EjsRbbw3QJaz-7jJ5S85xkKwQ8PfWAlGpYmWiV4hq0zGwKEDp~irO0Ubv0BEePEnJQNDdSWfdBPuWhP-ejt42kBQcO7SFV5DyU8wQUo9QHCg9FX2GOFbd1TRGZktzfJ2TMQrZ8SdpFdbS0G14jEBXqntb6BeejFgQJiQ5WgCwD198aZv5Zq9hBmucUTlqnUCXXQz1dQ-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Village public works staff presented an update on June 2 about a 2023 pilot to convert LaGrange Road medians from turfgrass to a low‑maintenance, “no‑mow” tall‑fescue approach and sought trustees’ direction on continuing, expanding or abandoning the project.

Joel (presenter; last name not specified) summarized the pilot area and costs and said a simple payback analysis for converting the entire LaGrange Road median shows about a 39‑year payback on the village’s current assumptions. “Bottom line is I just put real quick payback analysis. It'd be about 39 years, when you just run the numbers based on the cost,” Joel said.

Board members raised aesthetics, safety and cost concerns. Trustee Katsenas noted that only the pilot section was seeded and asked why surrounding medians had not been kept at the same mowing cadence; staff said weekly mowing should have continued outside the test area and said they would adjust the contractor schedule. Trustees discussed safety for crews working adjacent to high‑speed traffic and whether the reduced mowing frequency would cut risk.

Trustee Lawrence asked about IDOT review and whether other municipalities use similar plantings; Joel said staff had early conversations and that IDOT has reviewed comparable approaches elsewhere, though permitting required additional time. Lawrence also asked whether tall fescue is native; staff said the chosen tall fescue has high salt tolerance and that the village worked with Hay Associates on selections. “I would be interested in hearing the experience of other areas,” Lawrence said, and asked staff to report on native alternatives.

Trustee Healy noted the 39‑year calculation did not include inflation and said the payback would shorten once inflation or escalation is applied; Lawrence estimated a payback near 27 years at 2.5 percent inflation. Several trustees said they prefer to continue the pilot through the season while staff gathers additional information on IDOT approvals, alternative grasses and public outreach.

Next steps: Staff will continue with the planned limited mowing schedule for the pilot area, pursue IDOT guidance, report on alternative native‑grass species and provide a more detailed cost estimate and timeline for consideration during the budget cycle.","Public works staff updated trustees on a pilot converting LaGrange Road medians from weekly mowing to a tall‑fescue no‑mow approach, reported a roughly 39‑year simple payback for full conversion, and the board asked staff to seek IDOT review and explore native‑grass alternatives before expanding the program.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197419,"Officials briefed on Centennial Park West costs; awarded construction below budget, staff summarizes contingency use",155,206000,361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd&start=206&end=361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd/thumbnail_206000.jpg","/articles/6197419/Orland-Park/Cook-County/Illinois/Officials-briefed-on-Centennial-Park-West-costs-awarded-construction-below-budget-staff-summarizes-contingency-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197419-205782aa70b9be918fe53af11485452e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771215202&Signature=EhbVEMdVfU5iwCb9t~GultusJTjDQhLwJUpWmpIpr2lQD-Ibz1UIrpXB137L9rRrF89A5k3Nz-xea9h908PVwjaP46Gb3ETT5o3zo1PTX7p60Q70j0NGxZrUvJo1AIoIYA-Y0I6AYVHxTQpTO3uUqNub0Y288WPg8dunXtQm6iG3nA~NgqrEhPdbFPS3AiiIond7gClcPJAeu3AQVjwrrcC-akFgGj40WCP84eSY3vFnlZfhpPRV2oMQlWySjzShCm-rczsCA5AwkRthR7uTAwwZCej6MihRObxqXwLcjn2ZlPkVS64i5EbHhEABE-jqpaLxO501fuZ3ZN4iGKNP9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Village staff briefed the Orland Park Village Board on June 2 about final costs and contingency use for the Centennial Park West project and said the construction contract was awarded below the initial budget.

Joel (presenter; last name not specified in the transcript) reviewed the budget and procurement history. “As you can see, the budget amounts and the cost, roughly about 12,000,000 was the goal. We awarded the project for a little short of 11,000,000,” he said, and added that the contingency was reduced during closeout to about $9.97 million on the slide. Joel also described scope changes: 89 requests to use contingency funds, of which 26 were negotiated at no cost to the village; the project recorded seven credits to the village, 14 design changes and 28 construction changes.

Joel said owner costs were separated from contingency and included construction testing, utility fees, low-voltage systems and furniture. He noted the village held a VIP event in 2024 and included catering and giveaways in the budget; some items were not carried into 2025 budgets. When asked by Mayor Dodge about ongoing maintenance needs, Joel said the facility’s maintenance demands would be “very low” beyond routine lawn care and periodic preventive maintenance on HVAC and electrical systems.

On financing, the director of finance confirmed the village issued bonds in 2023 and used those proceeds to pay for the project. When trustees asked for the long-term cost of bonding, the finance director did not have a current amortization on hand; trustees requested a breakdown of interest over the chosen 20‑year bond term and the village agreed to supply the calculation.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about contingency use, owner-cost line items available in backup documentation, and long-term maintenance budgeting. Joel said a detailed line‑item breakout was available in backup sheets.","Staff told the Village Board the Centennial Park West construction contract was awarded below the original budget and described contingency requests, design changes and owner's costs; bonds issued in 2023 paid project costs and trustees asked finance staff for long-term bond cost calculations.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197426,"Dick’s Sporting Goods pitches $40M-plus “House of Sport” for Orland Park Mall",1857,688000,2545000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd&start=688&end=2545","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3852196-85041c5969d82a1f1921b4f1a433ffbd/thumbnail_688000.jpg","/articles/6197426/Orland-Park/Cook-County/Illinois/Dicks-Sporting-Goods-pitches-40M-plus-House-of-Sport-for-Orland-Park-Mall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197426-d7e82328456ff9e8a4af82b05821fe4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771215202&Signature=eN~E2eVil5Vtd4sHpM~3Y~-Fsea513eWUVQUOZkfRenMls0WAOsoO73nUYhOjp5e3ua8ApDTLg7gKrFl5mmFa57kZvUXizXfthTzbpeiOg-6HXiByOMlO73z-4hx1dFlN-c2EZusgF5xhLZWoj6XPN1A~kCZOtfGnYYGY1tpufuBwcaujv-pKt6hdJmSUdhZssNG-HqUHzGXc-34NdiAN-ogCeZGLFd1d83XxmEPpLtvJ4L6r1LM1Y4c6fe9wd2m44UV5igicGQIPlnKSjFGqDsnIKltC-AMWl8lzp4LNYvcpXDctfxnFF7c6kM5nDLEOnjuT-nT91a7KbVxfM0WVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dick’s Sporting Goods representatives told the Orland Park Village Board on June 2 they want to buy the vacant Sears parcel at Orland Park Mall and build a large-format “House of Sport” store and experiential field that the company says would bring more mall traffic and higher sales for surrounding retailers.

Vince Corno, senior vice president of real estate for Dick’s Sporting Goods, said the company is proposing a store built to its new prototype, which can range from about 100,000 to 120,000 square feet, plus an outdoor “field” for demonstrations and programming. “These are not inexpensive outlays. The one that you’re looking at there approximated $40,000,000 just in construction costs,” Corno said. He estimated total investment including real estate could approach $50 million.

The pitch: fill a roughly 200,000-square-foot Sears box on two levels that has sat vacant about six years. Corno said CubeWorks currently controls the parcel and Dick’s is negotiating a purchase and sale agreement. He described two store scenarios under study: a single-level roughly 100,000-square-foot layout, or a larger one-level or short‑sheeted two-level design to reach the chain’s 140,000-foot prototype. He said Simon Property Group, the mall owner, supports the proposal and other national retailers have discussed interest in co‑tenancy.

Why it matters: Corno argued an anchor investment would restore foot traffic to a mall wing that “has suffered” while the anchor remained dark. He said Dick’s data from other House of Sport locations show increased mall foot traffic, higher sales per square foot and secondary leasing activity for small shops.

City officials asked operational and financial questions. Joel (last name not specified in the transcript) and the village finance director confirmed the project would require detention upgrades and that the village previously issued bonds to fund Centennial Park West (discussed separately). The board asked the company whether it would move from its existing store at Orland Park Place; Corno said Dick’s would continue operating the current store if the mall deal did not proceed.

On public participation and incentives, Corno said some recent House of Sport openings received community contributions. “In that particular case, really, in very short order, we got a $5,000,000 contribution toward that particular build out,” he said, referring to a store in Arlington, Texas. He added that the company asks local governments whether they want to participate financially before committing to this scale of build.

Board reaction: Trustees and the mayor asked for follow-up information on stormwater detention around the mall, construction timing (Corno said about “417 days after we take delivery”), store programming, and potential community impacts. Trustee Malani described Orland Park’s mall as “our most important economic asset” and said the concept could be a “tremendous” traffic and sales driver. Multiple trustees expressed interest in reviewing the firm’s plans and in working with staff on infrastructure requirements.

Next steps: Village staff said they would work with the company and the mall owner on technical issues including detention and permitting. Corno and his team offered to provide more detailed materials and to continue meetings with village staff and trustees.","Dick’s Sporting Goods representatives told the Orland Park Village Board they want to buy the vacant Sears parcel at Orland Park Mall and build a large-format “House of Sport” store and outdoor experiential field, but asked whether the village would consider financial participation to make the project viable.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board authorizes staff to negotiate master agreements with 13 law firms after RFQ; trustees question conflicts and cost transparency

Board directs staff to develop comprehensive parkway tree‑pruning plan after debate over enforcement and costs

Village debates ‘no‑mow’ median pilot; staff reports 39‑year simple payback, board asks for IDOT and native‑grass options

Officials briefed on Centennial Park West costs; awarded construction below budget, staff summarizes contingency use

Dick’s Sporting Goods pitches $40M-plus “House of Sport” for Orland Park Mall