Once again, no competitive bidding process was used, and no effort was made to explore whether local firms or alternative providers could deliver the same work at a better price.

The scope of the work includes construction layout, contract management, site observation, and material testing for four mill-and-overlay street projects:

• South Hance Drive (Meadows Dr. to West South St.)

• West Cleveland Avenue (South Burchard Ave. to South Locust Ave.)

• North Greenfield Drive (West Stephenson St. to West Laurel St.)

• West Stephenson Street (North Greenfield Dr. to North Sunset Ave.)

City staff noted that these streets—except Carroll Avenue—are expected to be paved by Freeport’s own Public Works crews, pending resolution of a still-unsettled AFSCME union contract. Yet the city is outsourcing nearly a quarter million dollars in oversight to a private firm without explanation.

In the lone moment of dialogue, Alderwoman-at-Large Joy Sellers frantically searched her phone for the street list and finally asked for it to be read aloud. “I have it in my notes, but so they [residents] can see the streets they are going to be working on,” she said. That brief moment of confusion was the only pause before a unanimous vote.

Taxpayer Dollars, No Accountability

The $255,000 contract includes $240,000 for engineering services and an estimated $15,000 in material testing. Fehr Graham will handle staking, shop drawing reviews, pay estimates, ADA compliance checks, QA/QC documentation, and subcontract testing through a third-party lab.

But with no cost comparisons, no evaluation of Fehr Graham’s past performance, and no discussion of alternatives, residents are left to wonder how the city ensures it’s spending wisely.

Fehr Graham’s recent work—particularly downtown—has already drawn public criticism. From slippery, slanted sidewalks to poor grading that’s resulted in dangerous walkways, causing a number of hospital visits. Some residents now sarcastically refer to their projects as “Freeport Funhouse Engineering.”

And yet, here we are again—another contract awarded without oversight.

Silence Speaks Volumes

There was no mention of how this contract aligns with the city’s long-term financial plan, no discussion on the benefits of hiring in-house engineers to perform portions of the work, and no effort to even justify the price tag. Just a vote—and the next agenda item.

The City’s strategic plan might call for “Strong, Reliable Infrastructure,” but strong leadership demands transparency and accountability—neither of which were present in this decision.

If city leaders won’t ask the questions, the public must:
How many more no-bid deals will Freeport hand out before someone finally says enough is enough?

— Fighting4Freeport