Council approves Williams Architects contract after debate over transparency and review time

The Highland Park City Council on Sept. 25 approved a resolution hiring Williams Architects Inc. to provide architectural and engineering services for planning of a new public service center and Fire Station 34.

Council members raised questions about the selection process and timing before the vote. Council member Ross said the full list of firms that responded to the city's April request for qualifications (RFQ) was not shared with council until about 24 hours before the packet was posted. Ross asked for two weeks to a month to review the other applicants and said he might vote "present" rather than "no" if the council were unwilling to delay.

City Manager Eden Newkirk told the council the RFQ was issued in April, 12 firms responded, staff conducted interviews, offered site tours and posted a public Q&A. Newkirk said the project has appeared in the city budget for 2025 and 2026 and that hiring an architect is necessary to develop site plans and firm construction estimates. Newkirk said one important selection criterion was prior experience designing both public works and fire station facilities and working with 24/7 emergency operations.

Fire Chief Joe Shragi, who participated in the interview and selection process, said Williams had worked on Fire Station 32 in Ravinia and that the department and personnel were "super happy" with the result: "The building is operating well. We're not seeing any significant problems, and we have no regrets."

Ross and other council members said they appreciated the staff's work but wanted more time and more visibility into the full list of applicants for a $17.5 million construction-line project that will likely exceed the placeholder budget. After discussion, the council approved the agreement; a roll-call vote recorded five "aye" votes and one council member as "present." The transcript records the roll call as: "Council member Senter: Aye. Council member Brockman: Aye. Council member Ross: Present. Council member Tapia: Aye. Council member Littauer: Aye. Mayor Rotering: Aye." The clerk announced: "5 ayes. No nays. 1 present. Item 12 is approved."

The city manager said staff will proceed with the architect selection and that the next steps include issuing an RFP for a construction manager and convening a project kickoff with a staff project team. Newkirk also offered to provide more regular updates to council during the design process.

The action authorizes Williams Architects to perform planning and design work; construction and final costs will be set later after site planning and a construction manager procurement.

Questions about the RFQ report, the number of respondents, and the timeline for contractor selection remain part of the public record for future council review.