CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the award of Bid 26-079, Fire Station #4 Improvements, to Kandu Construction, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,898,000 plus a 3% contingency
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DEPARTMENT: Fire Department
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Puknaitis, Chief
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The current Fire Academy facilities, including the Fire Station #4 basement, are inadequate to meet the needs of both candidates and instructors.
Currently, candidates use the basement for classroom work and as a locker room changing area, which can only accommodate 15 people.
Female cadets use an electrical closet, and male recruits use a corner of the classroom.
Additionally, there are no shower facilities.
As part of Capital Improvement Project (CIP) MB228, facility renovations at Station #4 have been identified as a priority. The project includes necessary upgrades to restroom and shower facilities to better support current operational needs and address gender equality considerations consistent with recommendations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Accreditation Team.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers a grant program designed for capital improvements as defined within the annual appropriation bill (Public Act 100-0586). The City was awarded two grants totaling $475,000 to contract with a qualified vendor for the demolition, renovation, and construction of Fire Station #4.
DISCUSSION:
In March 2026, the Department of Public Works - Public Building Operations issued Bid 26-079, Fire Station #4 Improvements, to solicit bids for the upgrade of the Fire Academy restrooms, showers, and locker facilities. Work also includes the construction of a new academy training center at the rear of the station.
Bids were received from the following vendors:
Vendor Name
Proposed Cost
Kandu Construction, Inc.
$2,898,000
Engineers Estimate
$2,945,801
Construction Inc.
$2,968,000
Tyler La...
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