Poor economy benefits Lake Co. forest preserves

For at least one project, the poor economy could translate to substantial savings for the Lake County Forest Preserve District.

Whether the lower-than-expected bids for landscape work will come with a different price remains to be seen, however.

The district has completed several aspects and is proceeding with other work as part of a $2.6 million habitat restoration in the northern portion of the Lakewood Forest Preserve, east of Fairfield Road near Wauconda.

The next step at the McLean Habitat Restoration Area is to plant more than 3,700 trees and native shrubs. District staff estimated that portion to cost about $237,500, which is considered a large project for the district.

Bids were advertised in late February. More than two dozen potential bidders picked up information packages and 10 were returned with prices ranging from about $141,000 to $582,000.

The response is indicative of tough going and increased competition in the landscape industry, says Mike Fenelon, the district's director of planning, conservation and development.

During a discussion of the bid Monday at a forest district committee meeting, Fenelon explained that the February advertisement actually was the second time the project was bid.

After the first, the Illinois Department of Labor changed a classification so that landscape laborers are considered construction laborers, which ups the pay scale, he said.

"We wanted to make sure all of the bidders were aware of the change," Fenelon said.

That didn't diminish interest, but some commissioners said the fact that many companies are new to government bidding was something to watch.

"This puts us in a tough position," said Pat Carey, a member of the planning and restoration committee. "You wonder if they know what they're talking about."

Jim Anderson, the district's natural resources manager, said companies somehow are managing to cut costs.

"It seems like this might require some baby sitting service," said Carol Calabresa, who chairs the committee.

The low bidder, Copenhaver Construction, withdrew its bid, leaving Woodland Landscape Contractors & Nursery Inc. of Mundelein as the lowest responsible bidder at about $160,000.

Owner Chuck Whitesell said the company has been in business since 1992. Gross sales were down about 30 percent last year but profit "wasn't that far off," he added.

A few people were laid off, he said, and other budget-tightening measures taken. His bid reflects certain aspects of being in business awhile, such as having equipment that can do the job more quickly.

The district's finance, administrative and revenue facilities committee will consider the bids Thursday in advance of a full forest preserve vote on April 13.