Board directs public works to expand Oakey Park parking; Paragon selected for base and future paving

The village board voted to use parks impact fees to expand Oakey Park parking and instructed Public Works to contract with Paragon Excavating to complete the work as quoted. Staff said roughly $60,000 was available in parks impact fees and described two bids that differed in area, subgrade preparation and long‑term durability.

Why it matters: The expansion addresses parking shortages during large events and near the skate park, and it ties to how impact fees are eligible to be used (new park facilities rather than maintenance). Board members weighed a slightly higher initial cost for a stronger subbase against a larger area at lower initial cost.

Public works staff outlined the options: one bid offered a larger area with less subgrade removal; the other (Paragon) proposed a stronger subbase (8 inches of classified base and 3 inches of blacktop in a future phase). Staff recommended selecting the contractor whose work better matched a long‑term investment strategy. A board member argued the village should dig deeper now to improve longevity rather than face early failures.

After discussion, a motion to direct Public Works to engage Paragon as quoted carried with a recorded vote of 5–1. The agenda item included an estimate that paving would cost roughly $40,000 in a later phase; staff indicated they would aim to coordinate the paving with November street work to obtain competitive pricing and stay within the ~60k impact‑fee budget.

Next steps: Public Works will sign the Paragon contract and begin the dirt‑work phase; staff will plan for paving in November and report back on schedule and final costs.