Westmont board selects construction manager for new fire headquarters, approves infrastructure spending and several contracts

The Westmont Village Board on Oct. 16 approved a slate of construction, infrastructure and administrative measures, including the selection of Leo Pardo Construction Inc. as the construction manager at risk for a new fire department headquarters and a change order of up to $200,000 for resurfacing and related work on Washington and Traube streets.

Public Works Director Amy Reese said the board previously authorized design work and that the selection follows a formal procurement process: “On August 12, we released the RFQ… Eight firms responded and five were shortlisted for interview,” Reese said, summarizing the review and scoring criteria. The board approved authorizing a construction contract with a guaranteed maximum price to be determined during preconstruction; staff said it will return to the board to amend the contract with that GMP.

Why it matters: The vote advances a major public‑safety facility and several capital projects that involve multi‑year planning and public dollars. The board also committed a portion of convention and tourism (hotel‑motel) funds for infrastructure, a move staff says will expand sidewalk work planned for 2026.

Board actions and key details

- Construction manager at risk for fire department headquarters: The board approved the selection of Leo Pardo Construction Inc. to serve as construction manager at risk for the fire department headquarters project (RFQ 25‑01). Staff said eight firms responded to the RFQ, five were interviewed and firms were scored on capacity, approach and on‑time/on‑budget performance. The contract uses a standard AIA form with edits staff will finalize; a guaranteed maximum price will be brought back to the board for approval.

- Washington and Traube infrastructure change order: The board approved Change Order No. 1 to add milling and resurfacing of Washington Street (Naperville Road to Ogden Avenue) and associated structure adjustments, not to exceed $200,000. Staff noted the existing roadway is largely open ditch and that curb/gutter or storm sewer reconstruction would not occur until the pavement reaches the end of its useful life (estimated 15–20 years).

- Village Hall break room remodel: The board approved a proposal and addendum with Albright Building Incorporated to remodel the Village Hall break room into a kitchen, including appliances. Staff said the work brings Village Hall amenities in line with other municipal facilities and that past work by the contractor had come in under other estimates.

- Appointment to Fire and Police Commission: The board confirmed the appointment of Brian Sibyl to the Fire and Police Commission. Staff said Sibyl is a Westmont resident and a former firefighter who currently works part time in fire prevention in Hinsdale.

- Temporary liquor license fee waiver: The board amended the municipal code so the local liquor commissioner (the mayor) may waive certain temporary liquor license fees to streamline approvals for community events and local businesses providing services at events such as the FMC Natatorium meet.

- Commitment of convention and tourism funds: The board adopted an ordinance committing a portion of the convention and tourism fund balance for infrastructure purposes (staff said the fund balance remains strong, above $2 million). Finance Director Alec Altick noted a 2019 legislative change allows non‑home rule municipalities to use up to 25% of hotel‑motel tax proceeds for economic development and infrastructure if they belong to a convention and visitors bureau; staff said only a small portion of that allowance had been used to date and that the committed funds would support sidewalk projects in 2026.

- Consent agenda and finance ordinances: The board approved the consent agenda, which included the September 18 meeting minutes, Finance Ordinances 20 and 21 and multiple purchase orders. Assistant Village Manager Spencer Parker read a combined total for the two finance ordinances of $5,583,197.52 and additional purchase orders (including sidewalk work, tree planting and road salt) that brought the total of the consent agenda items to $5,660,417.52.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (includes Finance Ordinances 20 & 21; total $5,660,417.52): Motion to approve — moved by Trustee Linda Little; second Bob Plowman. Outcome: approved (roll call in favor).

- Appointment of Brian Sibyl to Fire and Police Commission: Motion to approve — outcome: approved (roll call in favor).

- Selection of Leo Pardo Construction Inc., CMAR for fire department headquarters and approval to execute contract with final staff edits (GMP to follow): Motion to approve — moved by Trustee Johanna Guzzo; second Trustee Linda Little. Outcome: approved (roll call in favor).

- Village Hall break room remodel with Albright Building Incorporated: Motion to approve — moved by Trustee Bruce Barker; second Trustee Linda Little. Outcome: approved (roll call in favor).

- Washington & Traube infrastructure improvement change order No.1 (resurfacing; not to exceed $200,000): Motion to approve — moved by Trustee Matt Scales. Outcome: approved (roll call in favor).

- Ordinance amending Chapter 10 (alcoholic beverages) to allow the local liquor commissioner to waive temporary liquor license fees: Motion to approve — moved by Trustee Bob Plowman; second Trustee Linda Little. Outcome: approved (roll call in favor).

- Ordinance committing a portion of convention and tourism funds for infrastructure: Motion to approve — moved by Trustee Matt Scales; second Trustee Bob Plowman. Outcome: approved (roll call in favor).

Discussion and next steps

Public Works Director Amy Reese and other staff emphasized the next procedural step for major construction: the preconstruction phase and the later presentation of a guaranteed maximum price for the fire station contract. Attorney edits to the AIA contract will be completed by staff; if substantive issues arise the board will be asked to reconsider the contract.

Finance Director Alec Altick told the board the convention and tourism fund balance would remain above $2 million after the commitment and that the funds would be used to expand sidewalk projects currently planned for 2026.

Several trustees and the mayor praised staff for project management and outreach to residents. The board also reviewed meeting schedules and announced upcoming community events, including pumpkin‑smash and Wicked West Fest activities.

The board adjourned without going into executive session; the next regular meetings were announced with schedule adjustments around the November/December holidays.