Title
Resolution authorizing a professional services agreement with Romaine Empire, Inc., “Farmer’s Fridge”, Chicago, Illinois, to host a trial for placement and operation of self-service prepared food fridges in Lake County in an amount not to exceed $96,000 annually with yearly renewal options.
Staff Summary
• On January 1st, 2023, the Prohibition on Single Use Plastics went into effect for Lake County, ceasing single use plastics from being purchased, sold, or distributed within Lake County government operations.
• Multiple vending machines containing single use plastic-wrapped items have been removed from County facilities, reducing the availability for staff and members of the public to purchase more calorie dense meal options such as sandwiches, pastas, or pizzas.
• There are no other entities in Lake County that provide self-service prepared food fridges with reusable and recyclable packaging, have a service area that includes County facilities, and smart technology for efficient refilling and recycled container collections.
• Pursuant to Section 33.066 of Lake County’s Purchasing Ordinance, the Purchasing Agent consulted with an ad hoc review group that approved a bid exemption on the basis of trial use or testing...
• The contract provides for a subsidy for unused product. Staff will evaluate the estimated amount of subsidy required to maintain the equipment on an ongoing basis. In addition, staff will provide options for self-service prepared food fridges with reusable and recyclable packaging for a planned procurement for the cafeteria scheduled to be released in Fall of 2023.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, On January 1st, 2023, the Prohibition on Single Use Plastics went into effect for Lake County, ceasing single use plastics from being purchased, sold, or distributed within Lake County government operations; and
WHEREAS, Multiple vending machines containing single use plastic-wrapped items have been removed from County facilities, reducing the availability for staff and members of the public to purchase more calorie dense meal options such as sandwiches, pastas, or pizzas; and
WHEREAS, the professional agreement provides for a one-year agreement; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 33.066 of the Lake County Purchasing Ordinance, the Purchasing Agent consulted with an ad hoc review group that approved a bid exemption on the basis of trial use or testing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the County Board Chair is authorized to enter into a professional service agreement with Romaine Empire, Inc., “Farmer’s Fridge” to host a trial for placement and operation of self-service prepared food fridges in Lake County in an amount not to exceed $96,000 annually with yearly renewal options.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on February 21, 2022.