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HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract - Landscape Concepts Management - 2026 Business District Planters & Landscaping (RFP #26-11) $69,576 Memorandum To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council From: Katheryn Boden, Economic Development Coordinator CC: Paul Zalmezak, Economic Development Manager Subject: Resolution 94-R-26 Approval of a Contract with Landscape Concepts Management (3200 S. Kolin Ave., Chicago, IL 60623) for the 2026 Business District Planters and Landscaping (RFP 26-11) Date: May 11, 2026 Motion: Approval of Resolution 94-R-26 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract of up to $69,576 with Landscape Concepts Management (3200 S.Kolin Ave., Chicago, IL 60623) to deliver landscaping services to the business districts. Funding Source: The $21,643.01 funding will come from the Great Merchant Grant account (100.15.5300.62656), and $47,932.99 will come from four different TIF funds. The memo provides a detailed funding table. CARP: Zero Waste Council Action: For Action Summary: Staff issued RFP 26-11 on February 12, 2026, seeking landscaping services for Evanston business districts, specifically for seasonal rotations and watering of planters in non-SSA districts (Howard Street, Noyes, Maple/Foster, Church & Dodge, Ashland Arts, West Village, and West End), landscaping along commercial corridors, and native plantings along the Metra and CTA tracks on Main Street. Staff distributed the RFP through the City's procurement process and distributed the RFP to Evanston-registered landscape contractors. The proposal process yielded three responses from the firms (listed alphabetically below) before the closing date of March 12, 2026. Business District Planters & Landscaping Responses Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Firm Location Total CityEscape Garden & Design Chicago, IL $106,992 Herrera Snow Removal and Landscape Skokie, IL $96,696 Landscape Concepts Management Chicago, IL $69,576 The proposal review team included the following:  Katie Boden, Economic Development Coordinator  Paul Zalmezak, Economic Development Manager  Michael Callahan, Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation  Cheryl Stuart, Purchasing Specialist The table below reflects the scoring of each of the firms based on their proposals: With an average score of 92, the staff is seeking the Council's approval of a contract with Landscape are $69,576, totalingpricing, proposal Their Management. Concepts and attached. The table below summarizes the funding per business district: DETAILED FUNDING INFORMATION District Funding Source G/L Total Noyes, Maple/Foster, Central, West Village Great Merchant Grant 100.15.5300.62656 $21,643.01 Howard Street Howard Ridge TIF 330.99.5860.65515 $17,221.49 Church & Dodge West Evanston TIF 335.99.5870.62490 $6,645.20 West End West Evanston TIF 335.99.5870.62490 $8,638.76 Ashland Arts Five-Fifths TIF 365.99.5900.62490 $9,464.90 Main-Dempster Mile Chicago Main TIF 345.99.3400.62490 $5,962.64 Total $69,576.00 Background Evanston's Great Merchant Grant program is designed to provide small grants to Evanston's small business/merchant associations to pursue projects that address at least one of three Page 2 of 133 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 core areas: Enhancement of Physical Environment, Neighborhood Promotion, and Technical Assistance. Page 3 of 133 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 05/11/2026 94-R-26 A RESOLUTION Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Landscape Concepts Management for $69,576 WHEREAS, the Evanston City Council believes entering into an Agreement with Landscape Concepts Management is in the best interests of the citizens of Evanston, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS: SECTION 1: That the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to sign, and the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to attest on behalf of the City of Evanston, an Agreement between the City and Landscape Concepts Management. SECTION 2: That the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to negotiate any terms of an Agreement as may be determined to be in the best interests of the City. SECTION 3: That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval, and publication in the manner provided by law. _______________________________ Daniel Biss, Mayor Attest: ______________________________ Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk Adopted: __________________, 20__ Approved as to form: ______________________________ Alexandra B. Ruggie, Corporation Counsel Page 1 of 1 May 11 26 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 39 Revised 06 -26 -2025 Exhibit J CITY OF EVANSTON PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT The parties referenced herein desire to enter into an agreement for professional services for City of Evanston Business District Planters and Landscaping Maintenance (“the Project”) RFP Number: 26-11 THIS AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) entered into this _06__ day of _____March___________, 2026, between the City of Evanston, an Illinois municipal corporation with offices located at 909 Davis Street, Evanston Illinois 60201 (hereinafter referred to as the “City”), and [Landscape Concepts Management], with offices located at [3200 S Kolin Ave Chicago, IL 60623], (hereinafter referred to as the “Consultant”). Compensation for all basic Services (“the Services”) provided by the Consultant pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall not exceed $[69,576.00]. I.COMMENCEMENT DATE Consultant shall commence the Services on _04.01.2026_ or no later than three (3)DAYS AFTER City executes and delivers this Agreement to Consultant. II.COMPLETION DATE Consultant shall complete the Services by _11.30.2026___. If this Agreement provides for renewals after an initial term, no renewal shall begin until agreed to in writing by both parties prior to the completion date of this Agreement. III.PAYMENTS City shall pay Consultant those fees as provided here: Payment shall be made upon the completion of each task for a project, as set forth in Exhibit A – Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 40 Revised 06 -26 -2025 Project Milestones and Deliverables. Any expenses in addition to those set forth here must be specifically approved by the City in writing in advance. IV.DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES Consultant shall perform the services (the “Services”) set forth here: Services are those as defined in Exhibit A, the City’s Request for Proposal/Qualifications No. # (Exhibit B) and Consultant’s Response to the Proposal (Exhibit C). Services may include, if any, other documented discussions and agreements regarding scope of work and cost (Exhibit D). V.GENERAL PROVISIONS A.Services. Consultant shall perform the Services in a professional and workmanlike manner. All Services performed and documentation (regardless of format) provided by Consultant shall be in accordance with the standards of reasonable care and skill of the profession, free from errors or omissions, ambiguities, coordination problems, and other defects. Consultant shall take into account any and all applicable plans and/or specifications furnished by City, or by others at City’s direction or request, to Consultant dur ing the term of this Agreement. All materials, buildings, structures, or equipment designed or selected by Consultant shall be workable and fit for the intended use thereof, and will comply with all applicable governmental requirements. Consultant shall require its employees to observe the working hours, rules, security regulations and holiday schedules of City while working and to perform its Services in a manner which does not unreasonably interfere with the City’s business and operations, or the business and operations of other tenants and occupants in the City which may be affected by the work relative to this Agreement. Consultant shall take all necessary precautions to assure the safety of its employees who are engaged in the performance of the Ser vices, all equipment and supplies used in connection therewith, and all property of City or other parties that may be affected in connection therewith. If requested by City, Consultant shall promptly replace any employee or agent performing the Services if, in the opinion of the City, the performance of the employee or agent is unsatisfactory. Consultant is responsible for conforming its final work product to generally accepted professional standards for all work performed pursuant to this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement accords any third-party beneficiary rights whatsoever to any non-party to this Agreement that any non-party may seek to enforce. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that should Consultant or its sub-consultants provide false information, or fail to be or remain in compliance with this Agreement; the City may void this Agree ment. The Consultant warrants and states that it has read the Contract Documents, and agrees to be bound thereby, including all performance guarantees as respects Consultant’s work and all indemnity and insurance requirements. Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 41 Revised 06 -26 -2025 The Consultant shall obtain prior approval from the City prior to sub -contracting with any entity or person to perform any of the work required under this Agreement. If the Consultant sub-contracts any of the services to be performed under this Agreement, the sub-consultant agreement shall provide that the services to be performed under any such agreement shall not be sublet, sold, transferred, assigned or otherwise disposed of to another entity or person without the City’s prior written consent. The Consultant shall be responsible for the accuracy and quality of any sub-consultant’s work. All sub-consultant agreements shall include verbatim or by reference the provisions in this Agreement binding upon Consultant as to all Services provided by this Agreement, such that it is binding upon each and every sub - consultant that does work or provides Services under this Agreement. The Consultant shall cooperate fully with the City, other City contractors, other municipalities and local government officials, public utility companies, and others, as may be directed by the City. This shall include attendance at meetings, discussions and hearings as requested by the City. This cooperation shall extend to any investigation, hearings or meetings convened or instituted by the City, any of its departments, and/or OSHA relative to this Project, as necessary. Consultant shall cooperate with the City in scheduling and performing its Work to avoid conflict, delay in or interference with the work of others, if any, at the Project. Except as otherwise provided herein, the nature and scope of Services specified in this Agreement may only be modified by a writing approved by both parties. This Agreement may be modified or amended from time to time provided, however, that no such amendment or modification shall be effective unless reduced to writing and duly authorized and signed by the authorized representatives of the parties. B.Representation and Warranties. Consultant represents and warrants that: (1) Consultant possesses and will keep in force all required licenses to perform the Services; (2) the employees of Consultant performing the Services are fully qualified, licensed as required, and skilled to perform the Services. C.Breach/Default. Any one of the following events shall be deemed an event of default hereunder by Consultant, subject to Consultant’s right to cure: 1.Failure to perform the Services as defined in Paragraph A above and contained within Exhibit A; 2.Failure to comply with any other of the General Provisions contained within this contract. Consultant, within thirty (30) days, shall have the right to cure any default herein listed at its own expense, including completion of Services or the replacement or termination of any agent, employee, or sub-contractor as a result of any Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 42 Revised 06 -26 -2025 violation of the General Provisions contained herein. D.Remedy. City does not waive any right to exercise any option to cure any breach or default on the part of contractor, including but not limited to injunctive relief, an action in law or equity or termination of this Agreement as outlined in Paragraph E of this section. E.Termination. City may, at any time, with or without cause, terminate this Agreement upon seven (7) days written notice to Consultant. If the City terminates this agreement, the City will make payment to Consultant for Services performed prior to termination. Payments made by the City pursuant to this Agreement are subject to sufficient appropriations made by the City of Evanston City Council. In the event of termination resulting from non - appropriation or insufficient appropriation by the City Council, the City’s obligations hereunder shall cease and there shall be no penalty or further payment required. In the event of an emergency or threat to the life, safety or welfare of the citizens of the City, the City shall have the right terminate this Agreement without prior written notice. Within thirty (30) days of termination of this Agreement, the Consultant shall turn over to the City any documents, drafts, and materials, including but not limited to, outstanding work product, data, studies, test results, source documents, AutoCAD Version 2007, PDF, ARTView, Word, Excel spreadsheets, technical specifications and calculations, and any other such items specifically identified by the City related to the Services herein. F.Independent Consultant. Consultant’s status shall be that of an independent Consultant and not that of a servant, agent, or employee of City. Consultant shall not hold Consultant out, nor claim to be acting, as a servant, agent or employee of City. Consultant is not authorized to, and shall not, make or undertake any agreement, understanding, waiver or representation on behalf of City. Consultant shall at its own expense comply with all applicable workers compensation, unemployment insurance, employer’s liability, tax withholdi ng, minimum wage and hour, and other federal, state, county and municipal laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders. Consultant shall require its employees to observe the working hours, rules, security regulations and holiday schedules of City, including but not limited to all policies and work rules applicable to City employees while on City property such as the Workplace Harassment Policy; COVID-19 Vaccination Policy; and Drug and Alcohol Policy. Consultant agrees to abide by the Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1970 (OSHA), and as the same may be amended from time to time, applicable state and municipal safety and health laws and all regulations pursuant thereto. Consultant shall certify that its agents, employees and subcontractors are in com pliance with City work rules applicable to City employees while on City property. Failure to certify or violation of work rules is subject to the Default provisions of Paragraph C. G.Conflict of Interest. Consultant represents and warrants that no prior or present services provided by Consultant to third parties conflict with the Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 43 Revised 06 -26 -2025 interests of City in respect to the Services being provided hereunder except as shall have been expressly disclosed in writing by Consultant to City and consented to in writing to City. H.Ownership of Documents and Other Materials. All originals, duplicates and negatives of all plans, drawings, reports, photographs, charts, programs, models, specimens, specifications, AutoCAD Version 2007, Excel spreadsheets, PDF, and other documents or materials required to be furnished by Consultant hereunder, including drafts and reproduction copies thereof, shall be and remain the exclusive property of City, and City shall have the unlimited right to publish and use all or any part of the same without payment of any additional royalty, charge, or other compensation to Consultant. Upon the termination of this Agreement, or upon request of City, during any stage of the Services, Consultant shall promptly deliver all such materials to City. Consultant shall not publish, transfer, license or, except in connection with carrying out obligations under this Agreement, use or reuse all or any part of such reports and other documents, including working pages, without the prior written approval of City, provided, however, that Consultant may retain copies of the same for Consultant’s own general reference. I.Payment. Invoices for payment shall be submitted by Consultant to City at the address set forth above, together with reasonable supporting documentation, City may require such additional supporting documentation as City reasonably deems necessary or desirable. Payment shall be made in accordance with the Illinois Local Government Prompt Payment Act, after City’s receipt of an invoice and all such supporting documentation. J.Right to Audit. Consultant shall for a period of three years following performance of the Services, keep and make available for the inspection, examination and audit by City or City’s authorized employees, agents or representatives, at all reasonable time, all records respecting the services and expenses incurred by Consultant, including without limitation, all book, accounts, memoranda, receipts, ledgers, canceled checks, and any other documents indicating, documenting, verifying or substantiating the cost and appropriateness of any and all expenses. If any invoice submitted by Consultant is found to have been overstated, Consultant shall provide City an immediate refund of the overpayment together with interest at the highest rate permitted by applicable law, and shall reimburse all of City’s expenses for and in connection with the audit respecting such invoice. K.Indemnity. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City and its officers, elected and appointed officials, agents, and employees from any and all liability, losses, or damages as a result of claims, demands, suits, actions, or proceedings of any kind or nature, including but not limited to costs, and fees, including attorney’s fees, judgments or settlements, resulting from or arising out of any negligent or willful act or omission on the part of the Consultant or Consultant’s sub-contractors, employees, agents or sub-contractors during the performance of this Agreement. Such indemnification shall not be limited by Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 44 Revised 06 -26 -2025 reason of the enumeration of any insurance coverage herein provided. This provision shall survive completion, expiration, or termination of this Agreement. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting the City, or its officers, agents, or employees, from defending through the selection and use of their own agents, attorneys, and experts, any claims, actions or suits brought against them. The Consultant shall be liable for the costs, fees, and expenses incurred in the defense of any such claims, actions, or suits. Nothing herein shall be construed as a limitation or waiver of defenses available to the City and employees and agents, including but not limited to the Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, 745 ILCS 10/1 - 101 et seq. At the City Corporation Counsel’s option, Consultant must defend all suits brought upon all such Losses and must pay all costs and expenses incidental to them, but the City has the right, at its option, to participate, at its own cost, in the defense of any suit, without relieving Consultant of any of its obligations under this Agreement. Any settlement of any claim or suit related to this Agreement by Consultant must be made only with the prior written consent of the City Corporation Counsel, if the settlement requires any action on the part of the City. To the extent permissible by law, Consultant waives any limits to the amount of its obligations to indemnify, defend, or contribute to any sums due under any Losses, including any claim by any employee of Consultant that may be subject to the Illinois Work ers Compensation Act, 820 ILCS 305/1 et seq. or any other related law or judicial decision, including but not limited to, Kotecki v. Cyclops Welding Corporation, 146 Ill. 2d 155 (1991). The City, however, does not waive any limitations it may have on its liability under the Illinois Workers Compensation Act, the Illinois Pension Code or any other statute. Consultant shall be responsible for any losses and costs to repair or remedy work performed under this Agreement resulting from or arising out of any act or omission, neglect, or misconduct in the performance of its Work or its sub - consultants’ work. Acceptance of the work by the City will not relieve the Consultant of the responsibility for subsequent correction of any such error, omissions and/or negligent acts or of its liability for loss or damage resulting therefrom. All provisions of this Section shall survive completion, expiration, or termination of this Agreement. L.Insurance. Consultant shall carry and maintain at its own cost with such companies as are reasonably acceptable to City all necessary liability insurance (which shall include as a minimum the requirements set forth below) during the term of this Agreement, for damages caused or contributed to by Consultant, and insuring Consultant against claims which may arise out of or result from Consultant’s performance or failure to perform the Services hereunder: (1) worker’s compensation in statutory limits and employer’s liability insurance in the amount of at least $500,000, (2) comprehensive general liability coverage, and designating City as additional insured for not less than $3,000,000 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 45 Revised 06 -26 -2025 combined single limit for bodily injury, death and property damage, per occurrence, (3) comprehensive automobile liability insurance covering owned, non-owned and leased vehicles for not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit for bodily injury, death or property damage, per occurrence, and (4) errors and omissions or professional liability insurance respecting any insurable professional services hereunder in the amount of at least $1,000,000. Consultant shall give to the City certificates of insurance for all Services done pursuant to this Agreement before Consultant performs any Services, and, if requested by City, certified copies of the policies of insurance evidencing the coverage and amounts set forth in this Section. The City may also require Consultant to provide copies of the Additional Insured Endorsement to said policy (ies) which name the City as an Additional Insured for all of Consultant’s Services and work under this Agreement. Any limitations or modification on the certificate of insuranc e issued to the City in compliance with this Section that conflict with the provisions of this Section shall have no force and effect. Consultant’s certificate of insurance shall contain a provision that the coverage afforded under the policy(s) will not be canceled or reduced without thirty (30) days prior written notice (hand delivered or registered mail) to City. Consultant understands that the acceptance of certificates, policies and any other documents by the City in no way releases the Consultant an d its sub-contractors from the requirements set forth herein. Consultant expressly agrees to waive its rights, benefits and entitlements under the “Other Insurance” clause of its commercial general liability insurance policy as respects the City. In the e vent Consultant fails to purchase or procure insurance as required above, the parties expressly agree that Consultant shall be in default under this Agreement, and that the City may recover all losses, attorney’s fees and costs expended in pursuing a remedy or reimbursement, at law or in equity, against Consultant. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that if it fails to comply with all requirements of this Section, that the City may void this Agreement. M.Confidentiality. In connection with this Agreement, City may provide Consultant with information to enable Consultant to render the Services hereunder, or Consultant may develop confidential information for City. Consultant agrees (i) to treat, and to obligate Consultant’s employees to treat, as secret and confidential all such information whether or not identified by City as confidential, (ii) not to disclose any such information or make available any reports, recommendations and /or conclusions which Consultant may make for City to any person, firm or corporation or use the same in any manner whatsoever without first obtaining City’s written approval, and (iii) not to disclose to City any information obtained by Consultant on a confidential basis from any third party unless Consultant shall have first received written permission from such third party to disclose such information. Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/7(2), records in the possession of others whom the City has contracted with to perform a governmental function are covered by the Act and subject to disclosure within limited statutory timeframes (five (5) working days with a possible five (5) working day extension). Upon notification from the City that it has received a Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 46 Revised 06 -26 -2025 Freedom of Information Act request that calls for records within the Consultant’s control, the Consultant shall promptly provide all requested records to the City so that the City may comply with the request within the required timeframe. The City and the Consultant shall cooperate to determine what records are subject to such a request and whether or not any exemption to the disclosure of such records or part thereof is applicable. Vendor shall indemnify and defend the City from and against all claims arising from the City’s exceptions to disclosing certain records which Vendor may designate as proprietary or confidential. Compliance by the City with an opinion or a directive from the Illinois Public Access Counselor or the Attorney General under FOIA, or with a decision or order of Court with jurisdiction over the City, shall not be a violation of this Section. N.Use of City’s Name or Picture of Property. Consultant shall not in the course of performance of this Agreement or thereafter use or permit the use of City’s name nor the name of any affiliate of City, nor any picture of or reference to its Services in any advertising, promotional or other materials prepared by or on behalf of Consultant, nor disclose or transmit the same to any other party. O.No Assignments or Sub-contracts. Consultant shall not assign or sub- contract all or any part or its rights or obligations hereunder without City’s express prior written approval. Any attempt to do so without the City’s prior consent shall, at City’s option, be null and void and of no force or effect whatsoever. Consultant shall not employ, contract with, or use the services of any other architect, interior designer, engineer, consultant, special contractor, or other third party in connection with the performance of the Services without the prior written consent of City. P.Compliance with Applicable Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations. In performing the Services, Consultant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and municipal statutes, ordinances and regulations, at Consultant’s sole cost and expense, except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary herein. Whenever the City deems it reasonably necessary for security reasons, the City may conduct at its own expense, criminal and driver history background checks of Consultant’s officers, employees, sub - contractors, or agents. Consultant shall immediately reassign any such individual who in the opinion of the City does not pass the background check. Q.Liens and Encumbrances. Consultant, for itself, and on behalf of all sub- contractors, suppliers, materialmen and others claiming by, through or under Consultant, hereby waives and releases any and all statutory or common law mechanics’ materialmen’s’ or other such lien claims, or rights to place a lien upon City property or any improvements thereon in connection with any Services performed under or in connection with this Agreement. Consultant further agrees, as and to the extent of payment made hereunder, to execute a sworn affidavit respecting the payment and lien releases of all sub-contractors, suppliers and materialmen, and a release of lien respecting the Services at such time or times and in such form as may be reasonably requested by City. Consultant shall protect City fr om all liens for labor performed, material supplied Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 47 Revised 06 -26 -2025 or used by Consultant and/or any other person in connection with the Services undertaken by consultant hereunder, and shall not at any time suffer or permit any lien or attachment or encumbrance to be imposed by any sub -consultant, supplier or materialmen, or other person, firm or corporation, upon City property or any improvements thereon, by reason or any claim or demand against Consultant or otherwise in connection with the Services. R.Notices. Every notice or other communication to be given by either party to the other with respect to this Agreement, shall be in writing and shall not be effective for any purpose unless the same shall be served personally or by United States certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed if to City as follows: City of Evanston, 909 Davis Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201, Attention: Purchasing Division and to Consultant at the address first above set forth, or at such other address or addresses as City or Consultant may from time to time designate by notice given as above provided. S.Attorney’s Fees. In the event that the City commences any action, suit, or other proceeding to remedy, prevent, or obtain relief from a breach of this Agreement by Consultant, or arising out of a breach of this Agreement by Consultant, the City shall recover from the Consultant as part of the judgment against Consultant, its attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in each and every such action, suit, or other proceeding. T.Waiver. Any failure or delay by City to enforce the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way constitute a waiver by City of any contractual right hereunder, unless such waiver is in writing and signed by City. U.Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement should be held void, or unenforceable, the remaining portions hereof shall remain in full force and effect. V.Choice of Law. The rights and duties arising under this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. Venue for any action arising out or due to this Agreement shall be in Cook County, Illinois. The City shall not enter into binding arbitration to resolve any dispute under this Agreement. The City does not waive tort immunity by entering into this Agreement. W.Time. Consultant agrees all time limits provided in this Agreement and any Addenda or Exhibits hereto are of essence to this Agreement. Consultant shall continue to perform its obligations while any dispute concerning the Agreement is being resolved, unless otherwise directed by the City. X.Survival. Except as expressly provided to the contrary herein, all provisions of this Agreement shall survive all performances hereunder including the termination of the Consultant. VI.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 48 Revised 06 -26 -2025 In the event of the Consultant’s noncompliance with any provision of Section 1 -12-5 of the Evanston City Code, the Illinois Human Rights Act or any other applicable law, the Consultant may be declared non-responsible and therefore ineligible for future contracts or sub-contracts with the City, and the contract may be cancelled or voided in whole or in part, and such other sanctions or penalties may be imposed or remedies invoked as provided by statute or regulation. During the performance of the contract, the Consultant agrees as follows: A.That it will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, or age or physical or mental disabilities that do not impair ability to work, and further that it will examine all job classifications to determine if minority persons or women are underutilized and will take appropriate affirmative action to rectify any such underutilization. Consultant shall comply with all requirements of City of Evanston Code Section 1-12-5. B.That, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by it on its behalf, it will state that all applicants will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, or disability. VII.SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY The Consultant certifies pursuant to the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/2105 et. seq.), that it has a written sexual harassment policy that includes, at a minimum, the following information: A.The illegality of sexual harassment; B.The definition of sexual harassment under State law; C.A description of sexual harassment utilizing examples; D.The Consultant’s internal complaint process including penalties; E.Legal recourse, investigation and complaint process available through the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission, and directions on how to contact both; and F.Protection against retaliation as provided to the Department of Human Rights. VIII.CONSULTANT CERTIFICATIONS A.Consultant acknowledges and agrees that should Consultant or its sub - consultant provide false information, or fails to be or remain in compliance with the Agreement, the City may void this Agreement. Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 49 Revised 06 -26 -2025 B.Consultant certifies that it and its employees will comply with applicable provisions of the U.S. Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Section 1201 et seq.) and applicable rules in performance under this Agreement. C.If Consultant, or any officer, director, partner, or other managerial agent of Consultant, has been convicted of a felony under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or a Class 3 or Class 2 felony under the Illinois Securities Law of 1953, Consultant certifies at least five years have passed since the date of the conviction. D.Consultant certifies that it has not been convicted of the offense of bid rigging or bid rotating or any similar offense of any State in the U.S., nor made any admission of guilt of such conduct that is a matter of record. (720 ILCS 5/33 E -3, E-4). E.In accordance with the Steel Products Procurement Act, Consultant certifies steel products used or supplied in the performance of a contract for public works shall be manufactured or produced in the U.S. unless the City grants an exemption. F.Consultant certifies that it is properly formed and existing legal entity, and as applicable, has obtained an assumed name certificate from the appropriate authority, or has registered to conduct business in Illinois and is in good standing with the Illi nois Secretary of State. G.If more favorable terms are granted by Consultant to any similar governmental entity in any state in a contemporaneous agreement let under the same or similar financial terms and circumstances for comparable supplies or services, the more favorable terms shall be applicable under this Agreement. H.Consultant certifies that it is not delinquent in the payment of any fees, fines, damages, or debts to the City of Evanston. IX.INTEGRATION This Agreement, together with Exhibits A, B, C, and D sets forth all the covenants, conditions and promises between the parties with regard to the subject matter set forth herein. There are no covenants, promises, agreements, conditions or understandings between the parties, either oral or written, other than those contained in this Agreement. This Agreement has been negotiated and entered into by each party with the opportunity to consult with its counsel regarding the terms therein. No portion of the Agreement shall be construed against a party due to the fact that one party drafted that particular portion as the rule of contra proferentem shall not apply. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement, and any Exhibits, this Agreement shall control over the Exhibits. In no event shall any proposal or contract form submitted by Consultant be part of this Agreement unless agreed to in a writing signed by both parties and attached and referred to herein as an Addendum, and in such event, only the portions of such proposal or contract form consistent with this Agreement and Exhibits hereto shall be part hereof. Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 50 Revised 06 -26 -2025 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have each approved and executed this Agreement on the day, month and year first above written. CITY OF EVANSTON 909 Davis Street EVANSTON, IL 60201 By:________________________ Luke Stowe Its: City Manager Date: _______________________ CONSULTANT: Landscape Concepts Management By: Tessa Cecchin Its: Business Development Manager FEIN Number: 43-6003859 Date: 03.06.2026 ____________ 06 / 08 / 2026 06 / 03 / 2026 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 51 Revised 06 -26 -2025 EXHIBIT A – Project Milestones and Deliverables This EXHIBIT A to that certain Consulting Agreement dated _______ between the City of Evanston, 909 Davis Street, Evanston, Illinois, 60201(“City”) and _______________ (“Consultant”) sets forth the Commencement and Completion Date, Services, Fees, and Reimbursable Expenses as follows: I.COMMENCEMENT DATE: _04.01.2026___________________ II.COMPLETION DATE: ___11.30.2026_____________________ III.FEES: $69, 576.00 IV.SERVICES/SCOPE OF WORK: As defined in RFP/Q #26-11________ (Exhibit B) and Consultants Response to Proposal (Exhibit C) Dated: __03.06.2026__ Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 CITY OF EVANSTON BUSINESS DISTRICT PLANTERS AND LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE Prepared For Cheryl Stuart Purchasing Specialist City of Evanston Prepared By Tessa Cecchin tcecchin@landscapeconcepts.com 847-946-7119 3200 S Kolin Ave Chicago, IL 60623 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 THE LCM DIFFERENCE Landscape Concepts Management has built a reputation as the premier landscape maintenance provider for the Chicagoland area. We aim to be more than a vendor. Our goal is to be a true partner in your business and in the investment of the property. Our single focus and dedication to commercial grounds maintenance has allowed us to set the bar for performance and quality standards in the market. Our clients come to us because they desire better communication and the proactive service that we’re known for. As much as they focus on quality horticultural care, our Account Managers focus on maintaining consistent communication throughout the growing season. We’ve developed communication tools to help provide the information you need to make your job easier, including our 30-60-90 day transition plan, which you'll find in this proposal. We truly value our clients, not only because they help make us successful, but because as true partners in business, we are able to contribute to the growth of their investment. In the following pages, you’ll find more than information on price. I hope this gives you insight into what it’s like to work with LCM. Again, thank you for the opportunity to present our solutions. I look forward to the potential to work with you in the coming years. Sincerely, Tessa Cecchin Tessa Cecchin Proposal for City of Evanston |1 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 COMPREHENSIVE IN-HOUSE SERVICES By offering all exterior landscaping services, such as tree care, hardscaping, irrigation, and design, under one roof, clients benefit from better quality, faster response times, and greater accountability. SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT Clients enjoy consistent, personalized service through dedicated Account Managers who are experts in their field, providing tailored, proactive solutions that simplify landscape management and enhance property value. LONG-TERM, COST-SAVING SOLUTIONS Landscape Concepts Management focuses on delivering strategies that not only improve aesthetics but also provide long-term value, reducing maintenance costs and saving clients time. ABOUT US Proposal for City of Evanston |2 OUR FIRM DOES MORE THAN MAINTAIN LANDSCAPES—WE PROVIDE LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS THAT “CREATE LANDSCAPES FOR LIFE”. Landscape Concepts Management’s culture empowers our team to make decisions and take ownership of customer solutions. Our people are experts in their field, with a strong commitment to quality work—if our names are on it, we want it to be award-winning.  Click to play video in browser Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 SCOPE OF WORK GENERAL SERVICES - Clean up (policing) of landscape grounds to remove incremental and miscellaneous debris, branches, etc., will be done bi-weekly during the period of the maintenance contract. - SPECIFIC SERVICES – All turf areas adjoining hard surfaces, and obstructions shall be kept neat by edging and/or trimming if in scope. Clippings and debris generated from mowing and edging will be cleared from all sidewalks, streets, and site entrances prior to completion of daily activities. LCM shall mulch grass clippings whenever possible. Additional or excessive clippings shall be removed off site only upon approval from the Managing Agent at a pre-approved cost. - To mutually protect LCM and the client from potential damage during the performance of these contracted services, the following shall apply: Note: For areas where turf abuts foundations, buildings, fences, siding, light poles, decks, signage, air conditioning units, lamp posts, and similar structures, LCM can provide a proposal to create a “buffer” area consisting of mulched or planting bed space. These improvements will greatly reduce the potential for damage to equipment and structures during regular performance of the contracted services. LCM will not be held liable for damage of aforementioned structures in relation to design flaws, i.e., turf abutting structures. It must also be noted that any cables, wires, all irrigation components, etc. not buried to specification (at least 6") will be the responsibility of the managing agent/property owner in the event damage occurs while LCM is carrying out contracted services selected by client such as edging of beds, edging of walks, cultivation, etc. Proposal for City of Evanston |3 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 - Complete edging of grass adjacent to all sidewalks shall be performed during the season at the contracted number of occurrences. Edging operations, if contracted, may begin in March and will continue at intervals through the season. Landscape beds and tree rings that have been previously edged will be edged in the Spring, if contracted, and maintained throughout the season. Only mulched landscape beds and tree rings will be cultivated as required per agreement. - Spot weeding of mulched and non-mulched plant beds shall be done during bi-weekly services through hand pulling or chemical treatments. This is a continuous process that will target specific areas each week to ensure monthly weed management as contracted. - Groundcover & Perennials will be cleaned of debris as part of Spring clean-up. Applicable groundcover and perennials will be maintained as required throughout the growing season to keep a presentable appearance. Annual planting beds will be weeded and cultivated as above. - Note: LCM will not be held liable for damage done to personal items such as solar lights, decorative items, and the like in areas where service equipment access is needed (line trimmers, mowers, hedge trimmers, etc.). This also includes improperly buried cables, wires, gas lines, irrigation lines, etc. These items should be buried a minimum of 6” below grade, or to code where applicable. •Maintenance included at: (6) planting beds along the Chicago Ave. streetscape, perennial beds at West Village Garden (1400 Greenleaf St.), Hill Arts Memorial Garden, commercial streetscapes at Howard St., Main St., Chicago Ave SPRING CLEAN-UP Spring clean-up is to be completed as soon as weather and ground conditions permit and no later than 45 days from the start of the contract. Spring cleanup to include the following activities: - Remove leaves and debris from planting beds and landscaped areas. - Blow debris from walkways and parking areas. - Ornamental grass and perennial material left from fall will be cut back to horticultural standard. - Debris to be removed off site. Surrounding natural and wild areas will not be used for disposal. FALL CLEAN-UP Clean up operations will be completed by the end of the contract, weather permitting. This service may take multiple visits to complete and shall include: - Collect fallen leaves and miscellaneous debris around site. - Blow debris from walkways and parking areas. - Applicable perennials will be cut and removed at the plant crown. - All debris to be removed off site. Surrounding natural and wild areas will not be used for disposal. - Additional clean-up can be completed on a time and material basis after contract expires, if required or requested. SHRUB TRIMMING - ROUND 1 Shrubs and Hedges Up to 6 Feet in Height A. Deciduous plant material under 6’ shall be pruned after flowering occurs (this varies season to season and by plant variety). Proposal for City of Evanston |4 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 - Pruning will achieve removal of broken or otherwise injured wood, eliminate branches which are rubbing against structures and maintain the plants natural form and symmetry to the existing material. Once underway, the shrub pruning service may happen over an extended period of time. - Evergreen and deciduous shrubs and hedges shall be trimmed. Note:Dormant and/or rejuvenation pruning can be done at an additional charge during the winter months. Shrubs exhibiting dieback of 40% or more will not be trimmed as rejuvenation pruning or removal of declining shrub will be recommended. Large shrubs and ornamentals over 6' in height may be trimmed at an additional charge. SHRUB TRIMMING - ROUND 2 Shrubs and Hedges Up to 6 Feet in Height A. Deciduous plant material under 6’ shall be pruned after flowering occurs (this varies season to season and by plant variety). - Pruning will achieve removal of broken or otherwise injured wood, eliminate branches which are rubbing against structures and maintain the plants natural form and symmetry to the existing material. Once underway, the shrub pruning service may happen over an extended period of time. - Evergreen and deciduous shrubs edges shall be trimmed. Note:Dormant and/or rejuvenation pruning can be done at an additional charge during the winter months. Shrubs exhibiting dieback of 40% or more will not be trimmed as rejuvenation pruning or removal of declining shrub will be recommended. Large shrubs and ornamentals over 6' in height may be trimmed at an additional charge. MULCH Mulch is an excellent landscape management practice used not only for its esthetic value but also its horticultural benefits. Mulching with a quality product aids in soil water retention by shading the soils from the sun, as well as protect soils from desiccating winds. Mulch also moderates soil temperatures by keeping soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Mulch can also reduce competition from weeds. Mulch breaks down and adds organic material to the soil while increasing the microbial activity. Mulch helps to create a beneficial medium in which plants and trees can excel. •2" Depth of Mulch included: (6) planting beds along the Chicago Ave. streetscape, perennial beds at West Village Garden (1400 Greenleaf St.), Hill Arts Memorial Garden, commercial streetscapes at Howard St., Main St., Chicago Ave SEASONAL COLOR AMENDMENTS Amending your annual beds is a necessary step to improve growing conditions and create an ideal environment in which your seasonal color annuals can thrive. Our potting soil contains a mixture of peat moss, pine fines, compost and sand.It is an excellent mixture necessary for creating a growing environment that will benefit the annuals growing in containers. Potting soil is also added to containers from season to season because soil levels lower as annual rotations are changed out. It is especially important to keep soil levels at a maximum height in order to display and achieve optimal visual impact. Proposal for City of Evanston |5 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 SPRING COLOR INSTALLATION Spring flowering plants are installed in annual beds and/or containers and are a welcome sign after a long winter.These annuals can be mixed in beds with bulbs or planted in annual beds by themselves. Customized spring containers are a mixture of annuals and accent items and are designed specifically to each property. Color Preference (Subject to Availability)__________________________________________ •West End ◦(13) 30” diameter concrete planters •West Village ◦(11) 30” diameter concrete planters ◦(4) 18” diameter concrete planters •Howard Street ◦(14) 20” diameter concrete planters ◦(7) 26” diameter concrete planters •Ashland Arts ◦(12) 30” diameter concrete planters •Church & Dodge ◦(10) 30” diameter plastic planters •Noyes Street ◦(8) 30” diameter plastic planters •Maple / Foster ◦(14) 20” diameter plastic planters •Central Street ◦(4) 20" planters SUMMER COLOR INSTALLATION Summer color is a mixture of continuous blooming annual and tropical foliage plants.Annuals are planted in beds, raised planters and containers.Summer color is the best way to create high visual impact in key focal areas throughout the property.It is LCM's goal to create a unique customized planting, adding a personal touch to your summer landscape. Color Preference (Subject to Availability)__________________________________________ •West End ◦(13) 30” diameter concrete planters •West Village ◦(11) 30” diameter concrete planters ◦(4) 18” diameter concrete planters Proposal for City of Evanston |6 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 •Howard Street ◦(14) 20” diameter concrete planters ◦(7) 26” diameter concrete planters •Ashland Arts ◦(12) 30” diameter concrete planters •Church & Dodge ◦(10) 30” diameter plastic planters •Noyes Street ◦(8) 30” diameter plastic planters •Maple / Foster ◦(14) 20” diameter plastic planters •Central Street ◦(4) 20" planters FALL COLOR INSTALLATION Fall displays accent the changing seasons and autumn foliage.Warm, fall colored annuals are installed in the flower beds as summer annuals begin to fade.Containers include accent annuals such as mums, grasses, cabbage, kale, pansies, peppers and seasonal accents.These plantings create instant impact on your property throughout the fall season. Color Preference (Subject to Availability)__________________________________________ •West End ◦(13) 30” diameter concrete planters •West Village ◦(11) 30” diameter concrete planters ◦(4) 18” diameter concrete planters •Howard Street ◦(14) 20” diameter concrete planters ◦(7) 26” diameter concrete planters •Ashland Arts ◦(12) 30” diameter concrete planters •Church & Dodge ◦(10) 30” diameter plastic planters •Noyes Street ◦(8) 30” diameter plastic planters •Maple / Foster Proposal for City of Evanston |7 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 ◦(14) 20” diameter plastic planters •Central Street ◦(4) 20" planters WINTER COLOR INSTALLATION Winter color is a mixture of evergreen boughs installed in annual beds where the previous seasonal annuals have been removed.Along with evergreen boughs, specialty beds contain berries, branches and displays of mixed greens to add pops of seasonal color and provide added winter interest in key focal areas.Accent items such as glittered and painted branches, colored eucalyptus, specialty winter accents, and berries have been added to our product line.The sky is the limit when it comes to creating unique specialty displays for both beds and containers. Color Preference (Subject to Availability)__________________________________________ •West End ◦(13) 30” diameter concrete planters •West Village ◦(11) 30” diameter concrete planters ◦(4) 18” diameter concrete planters •Howard Street ◦(14) 20” diameter concrete planters ◦(7) 26” diameter concrete planters •Ashland Arts ◦(12) 30” diameter concrete planters •Church & Dodge ◦(10) 30” diameter plastic planters •Noyes Street ◦(8) 30” diameter plastic planters •Maple / Foster ◦(14) 20” diameter plastic planters •Central Street ◦(4) 20" planters TRUCK WATERING All plant life requires adequate moisture for survival and at times, it may be challenging for ownership/ management to keep up with their hydration needs. LCM shall provide truck watering services with our fleet of 500-1000 gallon water tanks, to ensure proper hydration levels are maintained to align with the below service requirements. Proposal for City of Evanston |8 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 1. Scope (Trees/Shrubs/Perennials/Turf/Annuals/Etc.) - (97) Planters throughout the City of Evanston boundaries 2. Weekly Frequency - 2-3x weekly weather dependent 3. Start & End Dates - Spring Install (April) to Fall Removal (October) 4. Site Specific Details (Key Codes/Parking/Access/Etc.) - TBD Proposal for City of Evanston |9 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Proposal for City of Evanston |10 EXAMPLES OF OUR WORK Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 11 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Please Note:Landscape maintenance schedules vary from year to year depending on the weather. This is a representation of when we predict these services will occur. Some of these services may be beyond the scope of your contract.Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Proposal for City of Evanston |12 NED FLEMING,CHICAGO BRANCH MANAGER With over 15 years in the landscape industry, including 12 years at LCM, Ned utilizes his Landscape Architecture degree to lead the Chicago Branch. His horticulture and management expertise ensure top-notch service, while he takes pride in being a Midwest native, husband, and father. efleming@landscapeconcepts.com | 847.812.1689 TESSA CECCHIN,BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER tcecchin@landscapeconcepts.com | 847.946.7119 Tessa,from Elmhurst,IL ,earned her B.S.in Environmental Science and Sustainability from the University of Missouri.She began with LCM as an intern and now leads business development in Chicago.Passionate about her work, Tessa brings her enthusiasm for sustainability to the role. MARIAH BLACKBURN,ACCOUNT MANAGER Mariah, an Iowa State alumnus, brings a passion for design and horticulture to her role as Account Manager at LCM. She loves sharing her artistic vision with clients and helping them enhance their properties, combining creativity with practical landscape solutions.She currently manages SSA #25 & #34 and the Village of La Grange accounts. mblackburn@landscapeconcepts.com | 224-456-9894 PAULA FIGUEROA,SEASONAL COLOR PRODUCTION MANAGER Paula manages seasonal color production for LCM's Chicago Branch, focusing on flower selection and installation to enhance the city's beauty. She believes that her love for her work and listening to ideas drives greater productivity and better results. pfigueroa@landscapeconcepts.com | 847-508-9527 OUR TEAM Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Proposal for City of Evanston |13 WEEKLY COMMUNICATION Weekly updates from LCM's Account Manager will ensure proactive solutions through clear expectations and next actions to define success year over year. This frequency or layout is customizable to LVECC's preferences. Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Proposal for City of Evanston |14 RESIDE LIVING 150 North Michigan Ave.Suite 2700, Chicago, IL 60601 30+ Property Portfolio with Services Including:Landscape Maintenance, Seasonal Color, Irrigation Management, Enhancements & General Cleanup Service Dates: 2013-Present Mindy Bruscemi,SVP of Residential Property Management mbruscemi@resideliving.com | 312-265-9950 Carly Gronow, VP of Residential Property Management | cgronow@resideliving.com | 312-265-9950 CITY COMMONS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION 641 W Willow St.Chicago, IL 60614 Services Include:Landscape Maintenance, Seasonal Color, Irrigation Management, Snow Removal, & Enhancements Service Dates: 2011-Present Ana Herring,Previous Board President & Head of Landscape Committee annherring.usa@gmail.com | 847-910-1420 NORTH RIVERSIDE MALL 7501 Cermak Road, North Riverside, IL 60546 Services Include: Landscape Maintenance, Seasonal Color, Irrigation Maintenance, Snow Removal, & Enhancements Service Dates: 2003 - present Glenn Lindholm, General Manager North Riverside Park Mall | Glindholm@feil.com | 708-442-7605 REFERENCES Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Proposal for City of Evanston |15 SSA #34 - Uptown United •7 days per week Sidewalk Maintenance & Litter Abatement services •Summer & Winter Seasonal Color rotations •Truck watering •Snow Removal & Salting services •Mulch •Weekly updates from Account Manager Justin Weidl, Director of Neighborhood Services | justin@exploreuptown.org | (773) 878-1064 SSA #25 - Little Village •Spring, Summer, Winter Seasonal Color Rotations •Truck Watering •Holiday tree decoration & lighting •Weekly updates from Account Manager •Community Engagement events ◦Annual Toy Drive ◦Membership meetings ◦Mexican Independence Day Parade Blanca Soto, Chief Operating Officer | blanca@littlevillagechamber.org | 773-521-5387 MUNICIPAL CLIENTS/ REFERENCES Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Proposal for City of Evanston |16 Municipal Clients across LCM -City of Evanston Tree Work (2021- Present ~ $112,500 of Tree/Stump Removals) - Sharon Johnson -shjohnson@cityofevanston.org -Village of La Grange Seasonal Color and Maintenance (2021- Present) - John Jandak -foreman@lagrangepark.org 708-352-2922 -City of Wheaton Seasonal Color & Maintenance (2021- Present) -Jason Ackerland - Jackerlund@wheaton.il.us 630-260-2122 -City of Warrenville Tree Work & Maintenance (2021- 2024) -Phil Kuchler - pkuchler@warrenville.il.us -City of Lake Forest Maintenance (2021-2024) -John Gulledge - gulledgj@cityoflakeforest.com 847-810-4650 -Village of Schaumburg Irrigation (2021- Present) -Chadd Devries - cdevries@schaumburg.com -Village of Grayslake Tree Work & Snow Removal (2020- Present) -Will Jacobson - wjacobson@villageofgrayslake.com -City of Des Plaines Tree Work (2022- Present) -Tom Bueser - tbueser@desplaines.org 847-391-5470 -City of Kenosha Tree Work (2021- Present) -Dirk Nelson - dnelson@kenosha.org 262-2873658 -City of Park Ridge Tree Work (2021- Present) -Brandon Naser bnaser@parkridge.us Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Proposal for City of Evanston |17 Request for M/W/D/EBE Participation Waiver Landscape Concepts Management respectfully submits this request for a waiver from the City of Evanston’s goal of subcontracting no less than 25% of the awarded contract to Minority, Women, Disadvantaged, and Evanston Business Enterprises. LCM fully supports the intent and value of this initiative. We recognize the importance of expanding contracting opportunities for minority-, women-, disadvantaged-, and locally owned businesses, and we share the City’s commitment to strengthening diverse participation in the green industry. However, in this instance, meeting the 25% subcontracting goal would be impractical without negatively impacting project efficiency, cost structure, and service quality. LCM performs the entirety of its landscape maintenance services in-house through a highly trained and established team. More than half of our field labor and management staff come from minority backgrounds. Our Chicago branch is located in Little Village — a historically Hispanic and immigrant community — and many of our team members live in and proudly represent this neighborhood. In addition, LCM participates in the federally regulated H-2B visa program, which provides seasonal employment opportunities for international workers who live and work in the United States as part of our team. These team members are fully integrated into our operations and are essential to delivering consistent, high-quality service. Because our workforce already reflects significant minority participation internally, subcontracting additional labor solely to meet a percentage threshold would require replacing or duplicating services we are already structured to self-perform. This would create operational inefficiencies, reduce quality control, and inflate project costs due to added administrative coordination, layered supervision, and markup from third-party firms. For these reasons, we respectfully request consideration of this waiver. While subcontracting additional labor is impractical for this contract, LCM remains committed to diversity, equity, and opportunity within our workforce and the communities we serve. We value the City of Evanston’s leadership in this area and look forward to delivering exceptional landscape services aligned with these shared principles. Thank you for your consideration. Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Proposal for City of Evanston |18 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Proposal for City of Evanston |19 Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU. Tessa Cecchin, tcecchin@landscapeconcepts.com |847-946-7119 LANDSCAPECONCEPTS.COM Doc ID: 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 Contract with Landscape Concepts Management 2026 Business... memo.pdf and 3 others 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 MM / DD / YYYY Signed 06 / 03 / 2026 09:32:53 UTC-5 Sent for signature to Tessa Cecchin (tcecchin@landscapeconcepts.com), Alexandra Ruggie (aruggie@cityofevanston.org) and Luke Stowe (lstowe@cityofevanston.org) from lthomas@cityofevanston.org IP: 50.171.242.186 06 / 03 / 2026 09:34:44 UTC-5 Viewed by Tessa Cecchin (tcecchin@landscapeconcepts.com) IP: 99.122.249.100 06 / 03 / 2026 09:36:47 UTC-5 Signed by Tessa Cecchin (tcecchin@landscapeconcepts.com) IP: 99.122.249.100 06 / 03 / 2026 11:34:36 UTC-5 Viewed by Alexandra Ruggie (aruggie@cityofevanston.org) IP: 24.13.226.57 06 / 03 / 2026 11:34:48 UTC-5 Signed by Alexandra Ruggie (aruggie@cityofevanston.org) IP: 24.13.226.57 06 / 08 / 2026 15:53:14 UTC-5 Viewed by Luke Stowe (lstowe@cityofevanston.org) IP: 50.171.242.186 06 / 08 / 2026 15:53:48 UTC-5 Signed by Luke Stowe (lstowe@cityofevanston.org) IP: 50.171.242.186 The document has been completed.06 / 08 / 2026 15:53:48 UTC-5 Contract with Landscape Concepts Management 2026 Business... memo.pdf and 3 others 027f01a60365bee342e7adcecb68ca9bf21699d4 MM / DD / YYYY Signed