Title
Legal Services for Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO)
History
RFQ #25-034 - Legal Services closed on May 27, 2025, resulting in the receipt and review of thirteen (13) proposals. At the June 16, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting, several law firms were selected to provide various legal services that meet the Village’s needs. Each firm executed a contract, which is available to the public on the Village’s website under the June 16, 2025, Agendas and Minutes option. Of the thirteen (13) approved, one (1) firm, Peterson Johnson & Murray, dissolved; therefore, no contract exists.
On September 2, 2025, the Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO) was formally approved by the Board of Trustees. The RBO strengthens the Village’s procurement process by adding an additional layer of protection to ensure the selection of highly qualified bidders. This is achieved, in part, through requirements that contractors participate in a formal apprenticeship program that has graduated at least five apprentices in each of the past five years for each applicable construction craft. These standards promote efficiency, quality workmanship, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
Because some project scopes fall into “borderline” categories regarding the applicability of the RBO, the Village determined that additional legal guidance was necessary to ensure proper document review and compliance. This includes accurately analyzing scopes of work and verifying whether RBO requirements apply to certain projects, thereby reducing the risk of non-compliance.
The Village has engaged attorney Christina K. Wernick, of Laner Muchin, Ltd., who brings substantial experience with the RBO process. Christina has been instrumental in strengthening communication between the Village and key apprenticeship program contacts. She works closely with the Purchasing/Contract Administrator to ensure proper enforcement of the ordinance and provides ongoing support and expertise.
Financial Impact
Legal Services are budgeted in the current fiscal year budget.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the approval and execution of a legal services contract with Christina K. Wernick, of Laner Muchin, Ltd., for Responsible Bidder Ordinance Legal services as outlined in her engagement letter dated November 12, 2025, as well as Legal Services on an “as-needed” basis;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to execute all related contracts, subject to Village Attorney review.