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Forest Park council approves Burke Engineering contract after debate over senior staffing
Summary
After questioning why the firm budgeted a senior "Level 5" engineer for full-time oversight, the Forest Park Village Council voted to approve Burke Engineering's professional services proposal for Stage 3 of the lead service replacement project (Resolution 121-25).
Forest Park, Ill. — The Village Council on Nov. 24 approved a contract with Burke Engineering to provide construction engineering services for Stage 3 of the village's 2025 lead service replacement project after a short debate over staffing levels.
Commissioner Maxim pushed for clearer justification of the consulting firm's staffing plan, asking, "Why do we need a level 5 engineer for 8 hours a day for 760 total hours, instead of, like, let's say, a level 3 engineer?" The commissioner said the question came from a desire to "make sure that we're using our resources as wisely as possible."
Council and staff said the higher staffing level reflects the project's technical complexity and loan oversight requirements from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). A staff speaker who the council identified as Sal explained the difference: "Level 3 is more like an entry level... Level 5 is more of a senior role. You're dealing with people's basements and things that can go wrong with their water source. You can flood basements. ... You need somebody with a lot of experience in this kind of a role." Another staff member said the village has historically used senior engineers on IEPA-linked projects to keep the loan and design process on track.
Council briefly considered tabling the resolution to get further detail from Burke Engineering but members and staff noted the work is grant-funded and that bids for the project do not occur until January; tabling would delay design work but not the bid schedule. After those clarifications, Commissioner Maxim withdrew the motion to table and the council proceeded to a vote.
The resolution authorizing execution of the professional engineering services proposal with Burke Engineering was approved unanimously (recorded as Resolution 121-25). Council members did not amend the staffing terms during the meeting. Staff said they will follow up with Burke if council members request additional details about staffing allocation.
The measure clears the way for the Stage 3 design and subsequent bidding process, which staff said remains on a timeline tied to the village's IEPA loan requirements.
