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Oak Park council approves Event Hub security, AV contracts, and $253,671 pay application; new manager named
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Summary
Oak Park signed multiple Event Hub contracts — $49,675 for access control and cameras and up to $128,942 for AV equipment — approved a $253,671.44 pay application, and introduced Erin Foley as Event Hub manager as the city prepares to open the venue July 1.
Oak Park’s City Council on April 6 approved several contracts and a monthly payment tied to the city’s Event Hub project, and introduced the venue’s new manager.
The council authorized Interstate Security to install access control and security cameras at the Event Hub for $49,675 and approved a Media Storage Group contract for audiovisual and cablecast systems not to exceed $128,942. The council also approved pay application number 9 for construction work on the Event Hub in the amount of $253,671.44. All three items passed on roll-call votes.
The measures put the Event Hub nearer to its planned July 1 opening and were presented as part of a package of operational and capital work. Deputy City Manager Dave DeCoster explained the camera contract selection, saying the lowest bidder was ruled unqualified because it was not an authorized reseller of the specified access-control hardware; the council approved the second-lowest, certified vendor “because they are warrantied, trained and can install and service the product,” DeCoster said.
Director Kim Maroney and project staff described the AV purchase as the final major systems purchase required to outfit the Event Hub for rentals and broadcasts. Maroney said the configuration is intended as a one-time capital expense with equipment expected to serve the city for years.
City Manager Eric Tongegay and Director Maroney introduced Erin Foley as the Event Hub manager. Foley told council she has worked in the recreation department for about three years and said she is “very excited” to begin programming and bookings when the venue opens.
Council also approved a proposed fee schedule so the Event Hub and an indoor farmers market can begin taking vendor and rental reservations in advance of opening. Staff described a tiered vendor-fee approach (full-season, monthly and daily options) intended to support returning vendors and to grow the market’s footprint; staff said fees were kept comparable to previous seasons to avoid discouraging vendors.
What’s next: staff said permitting, final inspections and remaining contract punch-list items remain before the July opening. The approved pay application covers work through Feb. 28, 2026; additional work and payments may follow as construction continues.
