Riverwoods trustees approve Gaywalt Hamilton agreement using 2025 rates

The Village of Riverwoods Board of Trustees approved a professional services agreement with Gaywalt Hamilton and Associates on a motion by Trustee Clayton, with the board substituting the 2025 schedule of hourly rates into the contract.

Trustee Clayton moved to approve the agreement as presented; the board then voted to amend the motion so the agreement would use the 2025 hourly rates rather than 2026 rates. The amendment passed on a roll-call vote. After the amendment carried, the board approved the agreement with that substitution by roll-call vote.

The approval followed discussion about fee increases and negotiating terms. Trustee Smith urged the village to continue negotiating with Gaywalt Hamilton on fees and to consider market testing; Trustee Jamerson suggested asking staff to examine other firms that provide similar services and, if necessary, prepare a request for proposals or qualifications. The board agreed to have staff return with options if negotiations do not yield acceptable terms.

The action was procedural and did not create new programs beyond the contracted services. Trustees did not specify a separate effective date in the discussion. The board recorded the vote by roll call; trustees voting aye on the final approval included Trustee Jamieson, Trustee Raff, Trustee Smith, Trustee Giovino, Trustee Clayton and Trustee Eastman.

The board also directed staff to pursue negotiations and to prepare alternatives if the contract terms cannot be adjusted to the village's satisfaction. The board did not identify a timeline for those follow-up steps during the meeting.