Lisle passes 'responsible bidding' ordinance for public projects

Contractors and subcontractors will face more scrutiny in the bidding process for publicly funded construction project contracts in Lisle.

Earlier this week, Lisle trustees voted 4 to 2 to pass a responsible bidding ordinance that expands the set of bidder requirements for projects over $25,000. This applies to new construction or renovation of village facilities and village road or utility construction projects.

"It was more like leading by setting an example and expectation at the village level," said Trustee Sara Sadat, the ordinance's main sponsor. "We're setting a safe labor requirement by passing this resolution."

Trustees Thomas Duffy, Mary Jo Mullen and Stephen Winz joined Sadat in passing the ordinance, while Trustees Cathy Cawiezel and Dan Grecco dissented.

"A lot of those functions are maintained at a federal, state and county level," Grecco said before the vote. "I see this as redundant."

Lisle's new ordinance calls for disclosure of the name and address of all subcontractors before they are hired by a contractor.

And all bidders and their subcontractors must participate in active apprenticeship and training programs approved by and registered with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.

Sadat cited Aurora and DuPage County as other government entities that have similar responsible bidding ordinances.

Sadat started crafting the ordinance last year with the support of many unions like the Lisle-based Carpenters Local 1027, Elmhurst-based Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers ADC 1, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 73.

Of particular help to Sadat was the late William "Bill" Habel of the Warrenville-based International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 701.

"(Habel) actually passed away while he was trying to help mentor me," Sadat said. "He was a huge advocate for labor as well as safety standards, and skilled and certified workers. He was also a Lisle resident at one point. So I wanted to make sure that as we progressed, it was being attributed to him in his honor."