R2024-256 Resolution Approving Bid with Henson Robinson for HVAC at 1170 Orchard Street

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- Paint tile, handrails, doors/windows frames for asbestos abatement — Jones and Sullivan Enterprises, Inc. bid price is $20,330. - Install Fire Suppression System and Water Supply—Superior Fire Protection Systems bid price is $119,400. - Installation of New HVAC Unit—Henson Robinson bid price is $504,900. - TOTAL RENOVATION COST-$732,839 The closing of the former Wee Folks childcare facility during the pandemic left a significant gap in the childcare ecosystem in the urban core. Renovation of this facility is critical to the workforce development initiative for Decatur-Macon County and will immediately provide an additional 250 childcare openings per shift (operator is proposing to ultimately run three shifts by the end of the first 12 months of operation) and help eliminate barriers currently preventing residents from entering the workforce. According to the Workforce Development Systems Assessment, Strategy, and Implementation roadmap commissioned by Decatur and Macon County, more than 6,900 family households in the urban core have children under the age of 18 and 3,222 of those are single-parent households. Overall, more than 12,000 children under the age of 14 live within or near the urban core. In addition, according to the Birth to Five Illinois Early Childhood Regional Needs assessment, "Region 39 is home to 9,034 children aged five and under. There are 3,894 Early Childhood Education and Care (ECSC) slots in publicly and privately funded programs, leaving 5,140 children without ECEC opportunity." This amplifies the need for childcare in the urban core. This project is a direct implementation of City Council's Priority Goal #2: Grow, Enhance and Better Prepare the Local Workforce to Meet Current and Future Demands Without access to non-traditional childcare opportunities in the urban core, it will be difficult to prepare our residents for the current and future demands of workforce opportunities. The Jasper Great Streets Great Neighborhoods Roadmap, approved by the City Council in September 2023,identifies this facility as a possible catalyst project. The realignment of this entire area will ensure that the city is a partner in a project that includes the parcels west of Jasper and south of Condit, including the Boys and Girls Club of Decatur, and Hope Academy. The Boys and Girls Club of Decatur brings children from across Decatur and provides important enrichment opportunities. The Hope Academy is a kindergarten through eighth grade school. Prior to the closing of the former Wee Folks, provided before and after workday care services for The Hope Academy and the Boys and Girls Club during summer months. An investment in this facility will once again ensure that children have a safe place to go before and after school. Planning efforts are currently underway to create a campus-like feel. Together this project could be a catalyst in one of the most challenged neighborhoods in Decatur. Love Learning and Laughter Daycare(LLLD)is owned and operated by Cherri Johnson,a Decatur resident who has worked in every aspect of the childcare industry. LLLD has been a State of Illinois licensed daycare since January 2019. Mrs. Johnson has worked in the daycare industry for over 19 years. She has worked as a school-age Teacher and Assistant Director at the Wee Folks location from March 2013 until May 2017. She was responsible for ensuring the ratios of the classrooms were in accordance with licensing standards, assisted with the student enrollment process, conducted staff and childcare orientations, managed employee onboarding, conducted parent/teacher conferences, and lesson planning for children ages 6-12. Since engaging Mrs. Johnson in January 2023, she has consistently shown her commitment to this project and for