By Jason Crane
The Aurora City Council approved Tuesday, an ordinance providing for the issuance of an amount not to exceed $95 Million in general obligation bonds of the city of Aurora, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and Will Counties. The purpose is for the issuance of the Series 2025 C General Obligation (GO) Bonds.
Ward 9 alderman, Edward Bugg and Ward 10 alderwoman Shweta Baid voted against the Ordinance.
City government of Aurora documents show the City’s Capital Improvements Plan and 2025 City Budget call for the financing of various capital projects through the issuance of General Obligation Bonds of the City. The major projects include construction costs for Fire Stations 4, 9, and 13, River Edge Park expansion, Bilter Road improvements, the parking garage on New York Street in the downtown, and the final payments on the City’s recently opened Public Works Facility.
Bonds were sold in January 2025 to accomplish the financing for the first two tranches of funding.
The series of bonds sold in January were intended to finance the entire purchase of the parking garage at 2 W. New York St, which has been completed, and initial funding for the fire station projects (stations 9 and 13 specifically), Farnsworth and Bilter roadway improvements, and the River Edge Park expansion project.
During the budget process for 2025, 3 draws of bonding were anticipated in 2025 and early 2026 to accomplish the financing plan for these improvements. The funding draws were staggered to avoid the accrual of interest expense on funds not immediately needed for construction purposes.
The City is ready for the next phase or tranche of funding so construction of the projects already underway and recently approved may proceed without delay. Staff members recommend the amounts necessary to finish all of the capital projects be bonded at this time so the projects may be completed. The Council was reminded that projects are most efficiently completed when the construction steps occur in their logical order and in accordance with appropriate schedules.
The Ordinance is the first official step in selling bonds to finance these projects. The Ordinance is structured as a “parameters ordinance” and sets forth various conditions under which sale of the bonds is approved, providing the terms of the bonds are within certain parameters as defined in the ordinance.
City officials have structured the ordinance to provide some flexibility to take advantage of the most beneficial bond structure given market conditions at the time of bond sale. City officials will utilize a competitive process of online “bidding” for the sale and placement of the bonds. The winner of the bond sale will be the entity that provides the overall lowest cost of the bonds to the City. This method has been utilized in previous bond sales and has provided very beneficial results.
City officials intend to sell the 2025 GO Bonds in late June 2025 to provide resources and financing for the projects.
Series 2025 C will not exceed $95 million and will be issued as tax exempt. These bonds are typically issued for general infrastructure projects.
Tax exempt financing mechanisms are appropriate for general infrastructure projects and provide the lowest cost of financing for City projects. Staff members anticipate a 20-year life for the bond and the first debt service payment on the bond will be due December 30, 2025 and will be paid by capitalized interest.
It is intended that the debt service payments for the bond will be financed by increasing the debt service portion of the property tax levy. The debt service payment will cost the owner of a property with a $300,000 market value approximately $9 per month.
The amounts noted are preliminary and based on bond market conditions as they exist today. The bond market is dynamic and conditions change daily. The amounts quoted may change slightly as the bond sale is finalized over the next few weeks.
City officials said, if the bonds were not approved, there is the potential for costly and inefficient delays in the various construction projects.
One example is the River Edge Park expansion project due to the planned Christkindlmarket event in November 2025. Undue delays in the progress of construction would increase the ultimate costs of the projects.
• A Resolution was approved to select GNV Urban Art as a consultant to use existing funds for the Lumenaura Festival 2025, the City’s Second Annual Interactive Light and Sound Experience.
City government of Aurora documents show the second annual Lumenaura Light Art Festival invites the public to explore illuminated art installations throughout Downtown Aurora from October 10-26th with a featured weekend of live music, roving performers, and interactive displays October 10-12, 2025. Lumenaura is a premier cultural event celebrating the magic of light art, creativity, and community engagement. The event brings together residents, visitors, and artists for a vibrant, family-friendly experience featuring immersive art, entertainment, and food vendors.
The inaugural Lumenaura Light Festival took place during October 2024 with the main weekend event held between October 11-13, 2024. City staff members estimate that 15,000 visitors attended the main weekend, with many more visiting throughout the month to experience the installations. Throughout the planning and implementation process, City staff members gathered information on the succusses and areas for improvements to the planning process. Additionally, during and after the completion of the event, surveys were conducted to gather feedback from vendors and attendees.
Suggested areas of improvement are: -Enhanced marketing and promotion, and website integration -Recognition of artists -Enhanced wayfinding and signage -Improvements to communication, community, and collaboration -Payment processing procedure. -More food trucks -Increased seating -Larger variety in live entertainment -Bigger event space -More integration with local businesses and community -Increased amenities and infrastructure. -Decentralization of light exhibits -Event merchandise -Enhanced marketing and promotion, and website integration.
Additionally, during debrief meetings with City staff members, several ideas were discussed to improve the planning and implementation of the next light fest. These included allowing lead time for art installation, consolidating several subcontracts into a single contract, and revising the festival map to better accommodate different sites across the downtown area.
Based on feedback and City staff member experience, a new procurement process was developed for 2025 to streamline artist selection, planning, contract management, payments, and communication through a single vendor and single point of contact for the majority of art installations.
To find a partner capable of elevating the festival’s offerings and solidifying Aurora’s “City of Lights” reputation, a request for proposal opportunity (RFP) was launched on March 4,2025. The selected company will be responsible for coordinating specific aspects of the event, including creative concept development, logistical planning, production, and execution, all while maintaining a focus on quality, safety, and community involvement.
A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting was held on March 12, 2025, and final submittals were due on March 26, 2025. A total of 9 proposals were received, one did not meet the requirements and was disqualified. These were reviewed on a 100-point scale across five categories: Creativity and concept, Experience and expertise. Budget alignment. Community engagement. Operational excellence.
The submitted proposals ranged from small-scale interactive art installations during the main weekend to comprehensive solutions that included larger art installations, marketing, and logistics and installation/deinstallation support. A panel of City staff members reviewed and scored each proposal. GNV Urban Art (GNV) received the highest average score.
City staff members met with the selected vendor to refine deliverables, incorporating feedback from the 2024 festival and elements from other proposals. They also conducted reference checks on GRV’s planning team, as outlined in the RFP. Based upon the meeting discussion, City staff members are recommending the following elements as part of this contract*:
-Pixel Starscape – Water Street Mall
-Project Mapping (GAR Military Museum)
-Interactive Light Sculpture Garden (Mundy Park)
-LED Bonfire (Across from Post Office)
-Laser Show (Leland Tower)
-The Last Ocean (Site to be determined)
-Interactive Dance Projection (Leland Tower)
-Barrel Boys (Site to be determined)
-David L Pierce Gallery Activation
-Roving performers
*All site locations final designs are tentative and will be finalized during summer 2025.
City staff members are requesting that an additional $50,000 in Lumenaura contingency funds be available for consideration as part of a modified contract approved by the director of the Purchasing Department. This will not increase the estimated cost of the event, and allow further flexibility for the selected vendor and city to hire artists, purchase materials, and better manage tracking and payment processing.
• A Resolution was approved to authorize the city government of Aurora’s Emergency Management coordinator to sign the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network Agreement (IPWMAN).
City government of Aurora documents show IPWMAN is one of the few organizations of its kind in the U.S., created to support public works agencies during disasters, which often exceed local response capabilities. After 9/11, public works personnel were recognized as first responders, playing a vital role from the onset of an emergency through long-term recovery. Disasters can damage local equipment and impact staff members emotionally and physically, limiting their ability to respond effectively. Relying solely on neighboring communities is risky, as they may also be affected. Meanwhile, essential services like must continue. IPWMAN enables mutual aid by connecting agencies of all sizes, recognizing that even small contributions-like one truck and one person-can make a difference. The diversity of its membership ensures a wide range of equipment and expertise is available when needed. The City of Aurora has been a participating member of IPWMAN since 2009.
Being a member of the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) provides significant benefits to both public works departments and the communities they serve. IPWMAN gives members access to a statewide network of trained personnel and specialized equipment, allowing for faster, more effective response when local resources are overwhelmed during emergencies. This support helps ensure continuity or quick restoration of vital services such as debris removal, road clearing, water and wastewater operations, and infrastructure repairs.
For the community, membership enhances resilience by minimizing service disruptions and accelerating recovery efforts. It also ensures access to coordinated assistance beyond neighboring jurisdictions-particularly important when those nearby may also be impacted. IPWMAN promotes statewide collaboration and reinforces the principle that no community is too large to need help or too small to provide it.
The annual membership due is $500 -a nominal cost compared to the potentially high expense of securing emergency assistance independently. Public Works Streets Division pays the annual dues. This small investment gives the City 24/7 access to mutual aid resources, making it a cost-effective and essential tool for emergency preparedness and response.
In 2024, IPWMAN members approved updates to the intergovernmental agreement and bylaws. These changes do not alter the core mutual aid operations but improve clarity and efficiency. Key revisions include:
Expanded Scope of Mutual Aid – The agreement now formally authorizes non-emergency, day-to-day support between members, reflecting existing practice.
Organizational Restructure – IPWMAN will no longer operate as a not-for-profit corporation. Governance will be managed directly through the intergovernmental agency, simplifying administration and legal considerations.
Revised Amendment Process – A new process allows any member to propose changes. If approved by the Board, proposed amendments will be reviewed and voted on by the full membership with clear timelines and thresholds for adoption.
These updates strengthen IPWMAN’s structure while preserving its core mission of providing reliable, cooperative support across Illinois.
Not entering into the IPWMAN agreement could significantly limit the City’s ability to respond effectively to large-scale emergencies or natural disasters. Without access to the statewide mutual aid network, the City would have to rely solely on its own staff members and equipment, which may become damaged, insufficient, or overwhelmed during a major event. This could result in delayed response times, extended service outages, and slower recovery efforts-potentially putting public safety and community well-being at risk.
Additionally, assistance from neighboring municipalities may not be guaranteed, especially if they are dealing with the same disaster and unable to spare resources. Without IPWMAN, the City would also lose the opportunity to receive or provide coordinated support through a structured and well-established system and may face significantly higher costs for outside contracting in emergency situations.
Ultimately, opting out of IPWMAN reduces the City’s operational resilience and places a greater financial and logistical burden on local resources during a time when rapid, organized response is most critical.
• An Ordinance was approved to vacate a portion of dedicated public right of way for High Street, north of E. Indian Trail in Kane County, Aurora, Ill.
City government of Aurora documents show the City of Aurora is requesting approval of a Plat of Vacation of Right of Way for High Street, north of E. Indian Trail in Kane County, Aurora, Illinois.
In 2003, as part of an Annexation Agreement, the Aurora Turners Club dedicated right-of-way for a potential extension of High Street. This right-of-way extended from E. Indian Trail to the northern edge of their property and bisected the site. This dedication was made in anticipation of a future connection of High Street to Mitchell Road. However, this planned extension was never implemented. Due to recent development activity in unincorporated Kane County, this has led the City of Aurora to determined that the extension is no longer feasible or necessary.
The City of Aurora is therefore requesting to vacate a portion of the High Street right-of-way north of E. Indian Trail. Upon vacation, the land will be conveyed back to the Aurora Turners Club in accordance with standard regulations.
Staff members reviewed the Plat of Vacation and it meets the applicable codes and ordinances.
Policies and guidelines:
The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
11.1 (5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.
11.1 (3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.
Recommendations:
Staff members recommend conditional approval of the Ordinance vacating a portion of dedicated public right of way for High Street, north of E. Indian Trail in Kane County, Aurora, Ill
• A motion was approved to authorize and direct the Human Resources Office to execute a settlement agreement on behalf of the City in Worker’s Compensation Claim # 21Q05I559122.
• A motion was approved to authorize and direct the Human Resources Office to execute a settlement agreement on behalf of the City in Worker’s Compensation Claim #24Q05M342495
• An Ordinance was approved to amend the annual Budget For The Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2025 (Amendment #2 For The 2025 Fiscal Year).
• Placed on hold for two weeks is two Ordinances and a Resolution that involve annexing property at 1231 Mitchell Road to the city of Aurora, Ill.
The Petitioner, Aurora Turners Club, is requesting the annexation of 0.3 acres at 1231 Mitchell Road.
City government of Aurora documents show the property, at 1231 Mitchell Road, is situated in unincorporated Kane County and is zoned F Farming District. The Aurora Turner Club owns several parcels within this area including 1215 Mitchell Road and 500 E. Indian Trail.
There are four related petitions under review and being processed concurrently through separate actions:
1) Annexation – This petition pertains exclusively to the property at 1231 Mitchell Road.
2) Rezoning and Conditional Use Planned Development – This action is also specific to 1231 Mitchell Road.
3) Plat of Vacation – This applies to a portion of High Street, situated north of E. Indian Trail.
4) Final Plat – This petition encompasses 1231 Mitchell Road, 1215 Mitchell Road, and 500 E. Indian Trail.
The Petitioner is requesting annexation of the 0.3 acre property into the City of Aurora for 1231 Mitchell Road. The site contains a single-family residence and is proposed to be annexed with R-1 One Family Dwelling District zoning.
Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting a Rezoning and Conditional Use Planned Development. The details of the proposal include incorporating 1231 Mitchell Road into the existing Aurora Turners Conditional Use Planned Development and rezoning the property from underlying R-1 One Family Dwelling District to B-2 Business District, General Retail.
Along with this proposal, the City of Aurora is requesting to vacate a portion of the High Street right-of-way north of E. Indian Trail. Due to recent development activity in unincorporated Kane County, this has led the City of Aurora to determined that the extension is no longer feasible or necessary. Upon vacation, the land will be conveyed back to the Aurora Turners Club in accordance with standard regulations.
Lastly, the Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plat for the properties at 1231 Mitchell Road, 1251 Mitchell Road, and 500 E. Indian Trail. The request includes the consolidation of the vacated portion of High Street and four existing lots into two new lots. Lot 1 will consist of the property with the existing house, which is proposed to be demolished, the vacant parcel at 1215 Mitchell Road, and the western half of the vacated High Street. This lot is intended to be sold for future commercial development. Lot 2 will include the eastern half of the vacated High Street and 500 E. Indian Trail, which is utilized by the Aurora Turner Club for recreational purposes.