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Lisle committee to seek consultant study of private utility system, Hansen quoted $56,865
Summary
At a July 20 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Village of Lisle discussed hiring Hansen Professional Services Inc. to evaluate a private utility system serving some residents, with staff noting the firm quoted $56,865 and funds are in the FY26–27 budget; the board asked for expanded scope on ownership and resident outreach and signaled consensus to proceed.
At its July 20, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Village of Lisle heard a presentation on hiring outside consultants to evaluate the private utility system that serves some residents and signaled consensus to pursue a contract with Hansen Professional Services Inc., which provided a scope estimate of $56,865.
Village Manager Cook said staff issued a request for qualifications earlier in the year and that only one firm — Hansen Professional Services Inc., which has an Illinois office in Lisle — submitted qualifications for the specialized valuation and legal-review work the village requested. "This item is before the board this evening for discussion," Cook said, describing a scope that would combine regulatory, legal and financial considerations and produce a structured framework for the board's decision-making.
The proposal estimates the work would take several months once funded and that the quoted fee of $56,865 is included in the fiscal year 2026–27 budget. Cook cautioned that the quoted scope may not include extensive community outreach or a deep legal ownership review and said staff would ask the consultant to expand the scope if the board desires.
In public comment, resident Susan Sorell urged the village to direct the consultant to identify who actually owns the Oakview infrastructure, not just who operates or bills for it. "If ownership cannot be documented, that does matter," Sorell said, asking that the review include historical legal documents, Illinois Supreme Court rulings, subdivision records and materials residents have gathered. She also urged that Oakview residents be allowed to provide documents and information directly to the consultant.
Committee members spoke in support of hiring outside experts to move the matter forward and to secure a definitive answer about ownership. Several members said they wanted realistic alternatives evaluated — including whether the village can serve that area directly, whether infrastructure could be acquired, and whether new or modified agreements are possible — and noted the other side to any valuation would likely commission its own appraisal.
Village Manager Cook said staff would work with the village attorney and Hansen to finalize a scope and negotiate a contract; the negotiated scope could be higher than the original estimate if it includes additional legal research or outreach. The next step is for staff to return to the board with contract terms and a resolution for formal approval.
The committee did not take a final contract vote at the meeting; members signaled support to proceed with negotiations and to return the item for formal action.
