County OKs new vending contract and plans staffed coffee kiosk at administrative building

Lake County's Financial Services Committee approved a contract award to Nutrier Vending of Hillside, Ill., to provide updated vending machines, a new micro‑market and a staffed coffee kiosk at county facilities.

Yvette Oberon, purchasing manager, said the current micro‑market and vending contract expires Feb. 7 and the county conducted a competitive procurement that produced two proposals; Nutrier was selected following interviews and RFP evaluation. The contract covers roughly 20 locations across the county and will introduce a micro‑market with vegan and frozen options.

The vendor plans a staffed coffee kiosk to be placed in the same lobby area that previously held a farmer's‑fridge unit; Oberon told the committee the micro‑market will be installed after board approval and the coffee kiosk is a custom build that staff is targeting for a February rollout. "We're gonna kind of do a phase implementation," Oberon said, listing a phased swap-out of vending machines and a later delivery window for the custom coffee cart.

Members asked about compliance with the county's single‑use plastics policy and whether the vendor will supply compostable products. Oberon said Nutrier will partner with World Centric for paper and service products "to ensure that we're in compliance with our single use plastic policies as well." Later in the meeting county staff followed up that the vendor confirmed an ability to compost coffee grounds and will offer lattes and a full line of espresso drinks.

Member Peterson asked whether the kiosk will serve specialty beverages; staff said the vendor expects to provide more than "just black coffee" but a final menu will be confirmed with the vendor.

The committee approved the contract by voice vote.