Roscoe trustees approve RFQ solicitation to seek proposals for development of village property

The Village of Roscoe Board of Trustees voted on Jan. 21 to authorize staff to solicit proposals for the commercial development of a village parcel identified in the meeting materials, moving toward a public RFQ (request for qualifications) process and associated marketing efforts.

Trustees discussed whether to issue an RFQ (broader solicitation of developer concepts) or a more prescriptive RFP (request for proposals specifying detailed project requirements). Christina, a board member who presented the item, said a developer who has been in discussion with staff and who spoke with trustees earlier in the month is prepared to move more quickly than the board’s longer timeline would allow and that delaying solicitation could result in the village sitting another year with the site undeveloped. Christina said the developer “said he could put something together” sooner than the board’s standard schedule and that marketing and signs could be placed to draw additional interest while the solicitation is active.

Staff and trustees described the solicitation as an opportunity to collect competitive concepts: an RFQ would invite developers to present concept proposals and qualifications, while an RFP would require more prescriptive design and scope information. Several trustees favored an RFQ to keep the solicitation broad and to allow multiple ideas to surface.

Motion and vote: the board approved a motion to direct staff to proceed with a public solicitation (RFQ) for development of the listed village parcel with a target opening date of March 1, subject to final paperwork and formal placement on the board agenda. The motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote. Trustees who voted “yes” during the roll call included Platt, Patty, Velacote and Saima (roll‑call recorded in meeting minutes). Staff said the developer who has been working with the village will present a proposal to the board at a subsequent meeting so trustees can review a specific submission before the solicitation window opens.

Why this matters: the parcel under discussion has been vacant and under village consideration for some time. Trustees emphasized that beginning the solicitation earlier in the year — and making project attachments and expectations available through ClearGov and public postings — would increase the likelihood of securing a development this construction season. The board also discussed dedicating staff time to produce a concise solicitation and coordinating marketing (including an on‑site sign) to attract proposals.

Next steps: staff will prepare the formal solicitation materials and place the matter on the next board agenda for final authorization. A trustee suggested the developer provide a preliminary packet to the board at the next meeting so trustees can see a concrete submission while the RFQ is posted.

No formal land sale or purchase was approved at the Jan. 21 meeting; trustees later moved to go into closed session to discuss land purchase/sale negotiations.