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Board approves Centennial Park West safety upgrades, declines permanent video walls and opens alcohol sales to local vendors
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Summary
Trustees approved a roughly $302,300 contract (plus contingency) for life‑safety improvements at Centennial Park West, removed permanent video walls from the scope to reduce upfront capital costs, and amended licensing to let local Taste vendors sell alcohol at concerts. Trustees debated long‑term costs and business planning for the venue.
The Orland Park Committee of the Whole voted May 19 to recommend board approval of life‑safety improvements at Centennial Park West and to change policies for alcohol vending at the venue, while removing the previously budgeted permanent video walls from the immediate capital scope.
The decisions were pitched as a near‑term, lower‑cost approach to address life‑safety concerns such as wider access gates for emergency vehicles, power routing for screening and temporary equipment, and concrete access at gates. The contract recommendation to purchase work from DavCom Electric Inc. was presented under a joint purchasing cooperative (Omnia Partners) and included a $25,000 contingency, bringing the proposed not‑to‑exceed contract to $302,300.
Trustee John Lawler moved the contract recommendation and Trustee Jesse Lawrence seconded the motion. After discussion and a roll call, the committee recorded mixed comments but the motion carried. Staff characterized the approved scope as “life safety” work that would ease ambulance access and add power and pedestrian flow improvements, rather than the larger amenity package originally planned.
A related discussion removed permanent video walls from the current capital project. Village staff and vendors estimated renting trailer‑mounted video screens would cost about $15,000 per use for the screens themselves and roughly $20,000 per use when including camera and operational costs. With three concerts per year, rental costs were estimated at about $45,000 annually, and staff noted a 13‑year break‑even comparison against the capital purchase and installation estimate quoted earlier.
Ray (municipal staff) explained that the rental screens are self‑powered and trailer‑mounted and that the per‑use cost “are about $15,000 each use” for the screens and roughly “about $20,000 per use” including cameras and manpower. Trustee Lawrence said the rental option gives the village flexibility during uncertain economic times and “gives us the option for the future.” Trustee Lawler pressed for a business plan, noting the board previously heard that concerts produced an approximate $537,800 annual loss and asking for a financial analysis before additional capital spending. Trustee Belotti (commenting earlier in the record) said the venue was intended as an amenity, not a money‑making enterprise, and argued subsidy levels align with other recreation offerings.
On alcohol sales, trustees approved a separate measure to invite Taste vendors and other qualified local vendors to sell alcoholic beverages at Centennial Park West concerts and to amend the municipal code removing the G‑10 temporary liquor license fee. Staff said licensed local vendors are already trained and certified to sell alcohol and that using them reduces the staffing burden on village employees. The motion passed on a roll call that recorded multiple ayes; Trustee Lawler voted in favor of allowing vendors to sell alcohol at events.
Trustees asked staff to return with final contract documents, updated cost figures, and any additional analysis requested by trustees about the facility’s operations and long‑term business outlook before further capital investments.
The contract recommendation and alcohol licensing change were sent to the full village board for final action.
