South Beloit approves hiring for EPA Brownfield cleanup oversight at 420 N. Blackhawk Boulevard

The South Beloit City Council approved a professional services agreement to support the city’s EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the property at 420 North Blackhawk Boulevard.

City staff reported the city was awarded a $1,400,000 Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the site and issued a request for proposals to find a qualified professional to manage grant oversight and remediation work. Staff said only one responsive proposal was received; the review committee, which included three evaluators, scored that proposal 43.3 out of 45. The council approved entering into a professional services agreement with the proposer (identified in the staff report and resolution as Grama Engineering and Environmental).

City staff said they extended the proposal period beyond the minimum purchasing policy requirements and followed up with the EPA project manager to confirm the process met EPA rules. Staff recommended acceptance of the single proposal because it met the grant and purchasing requirements. The council approved the resolution authorizing the agreement; recorded votes show multiple affirmative votes.

Staff will proceed under the terms of the Brownfield grant and the selected firm’s proposal and return to the council with project updates and any additional approvals required by the EPA grant terms.