Riverwoods board weighs $25,000 proposal for Deerfield Road screening and design work

Trustee discussion on a Deerfield Road screening and planning proposal focused on whether to authorize consultant work and how to seek competitive pricing. Director of Community Services Steve Witt presented Tesco’s proposed scope — kickoff and community meetings, updates to the board and production of sketches and concept drawings — and a fee of $25,000 for approximately eight to nine months of work. The board recalled an earlier commitment of up to $250,000 toward improvements related to the roadway project; Trustee Jamerson noted the $25,000 fee is about 10% of that earlier budget and urged careful consideration of total project costs. Trustee Eastman recommended seeking additional bids or negotiating a lower fee. Trustee Graf and Trustee Raff said the village’s long-standing relationship with Tesco and the consultant’s familiarity with Riverwoods’ planning history are important factors. Trustees did not authorize execution of a contract at the meeting. The board instructed Director Witt to seek additional competitive quotes or negotiate terms with Tesco and to return the proposed contract to the board for final approval. The item will remain on a future meeting agenda for formal action.