Aurora City Council approves police contract, P.O.W.E.R. group

By Jason Crane

At the Aurora city government City Council meeting Tuesday, March 8, City Hall’s new P.O.W.E.R. Women employee resource group was introduced to the community, where two dozen members received the Mayor’s Proclamation for Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day.

P.O.W.E.R. is an acronym for presenting opportunities where everyone rises. The P.O.W.E.R. Women group launched recently to support women employees at Aurora City Hall with skills training, motivational workshops, group discussions, and community volunteer opportunities.

Mayor Richard Irvin wasn’t at the meeting and Fifth Ward alderman Carl Franco was mayor-pro tem and handed out the awards.

International Women’s Day is a global holiday celebrated annually March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic, achievements of women.

The four women on the Aurora City Council, which is the most in the City’s history, presented the Aurora Women of Influence and Excellence Awards to four women in the community who are helping to move Aurora forward. They are:

Karri Friedenberger, nominated by Ward 8 alderwoman Patty Smith, is a stalwart volunteer for the March of Dimes who got involved after her own twins were born prematurely.

Dr. Sharon Ollee, nominated by Ward 7 alderwoman Scheketa Hart-Burn, is an internal medicine specialist at Dreyer Medical Clinic in Aurora who focuses on women’s health.

Kathy Szeszol, nominated by Ward 10 alderwoman Shweta Baid, is an artist who practices intentional creativity and volunteers to inspire youth and adults through her non-profit, ClaySpace.

Claudia Soto Urrutia, nominated by Ward 2 alderwoman Juany Garza, is a local business owner of multiple downtown businesses who employs dozens of residents and gives back to the community through countless sponsorships and in-kind donations.

• There weren’t any individuals seeking to use their voices for up to three minutes each.

The City Council approved the following agenda items:

A Resolution authorizing execution of labor agreement between the city of Aurora and Association of Professional Police Officers (APPO) from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2024.

City government of Aurora documents show the APPO contract expired December 31, 2019.

Upon completion of a tentative agreement, the Union ratified the contract March 4, 2022.

Highlights of negotiated terms include retroactive to July 1, 2021, employees in this bargaining unit will be paying 16.5% of the monthly premium costs for health insurance, an increase from 15.25% and similar to what other bargaining units are paying.

The ARPA funds gives the City an opportunity to provide two separate enhancements on a one-time basis. First, the City agreed to a hazard pay pool of $2,000 per bargaining unit officer. Since the unit is nearly split 50-50, the City agreed that the Union could allocate that payment between Tier I and Tier II officers. The Union determined to allocate these federal funds by way of a $4,000 hazard pay payment to the older, Tier I officers only.

Hazard pay is an ARPA-designated use limited to public safety employees and provided for in the emergency legislation and will not be paid from local general funds.

A second one-time incentive is for the purpose of retention and aimed at the Tier I officers who become retirement-eligible (that is, having 20 years of creditable pension service) during the next couple of years.

If an officer becomes retirement-eligible in 2022 and stays with the City through 2022, that officer will receive $4,000. If that officer stays for an additional year, he or she will receive another $6,000 for a total incentive of $10,000. If an officer becomes retirement-eligible in 2023 and remains employed through 2023, that officer will receive a $6,000 retention payment.

For 2020 and 2021, the wage increase is 2.5% and 2%, similar to what other bargaining units received in those years. For years 2022 and 2023, the wage increase is 3.5% per year. For 2024, the wage increase is 3%. The City agreed to reduce step movement from 10 to eight which allows for quicker movement through the pay scale and positions the City to be more competitive in this tight labor market.

Within the past year, the City implemented a $20,000 lateral incentive pre-hire program to attract new officers in this very competitive job market. The City included a lateral hire process into the agreement that will replace the need for a pre-employment incentive. This will greatly improve the hiring leverage going forward and puts the City first amongst nearby and traditional comparable communities which should help in attraction and retention of officers along with the bonus money.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Yolanda Stovall to the African American Heritage Advisory Board.

City government of Aurora documents show in June 2021, the City Council approved changes to Chapter 2, which included a sunset provision for all board/commission members. The sunset was included to bring the board/commission terms into compliance with the new dates provided in the ordinance, as well as survey members if they wished to continue to serve or step down.

The nomination brought forth represents a new candidate, a candidate of Ward 9.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the appointment of members to the mayor’s Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board. They are: Adam Kittler, Rahman Khan Vena Mohamed, and Kevin O’Neil.

City government of Aurora documents show the nomination brought forth represents three new candidates, from Ward 7 and 10.

• Approved was an Ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the licensure of retailers engaged in the business of selling certain vapor and alternate tobacco and nicotine products.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose of this amendment is to provide guidance for the city treasurer to issue endorsements to certain tobacco licenses upon the expiration of the six-month moratorium the Council adopted in May.

Under Chapter 13 of the Code of Ordinances, the city treasurer issues a license to sell all tobacco, nicotine, alternative nicotine products or vapor products. Beginning in May, an additional endorsement became required to authorize the sale of alternate tobacco or nicotine or vapor for licenses first issued after May 15. Although the Council required the additional endorsement, it prohibited their issuance until November 15 to allow for additional time to consider what limitations should be placed on new merchants seeking to sell these products.

Staff members were requested by elected officials to look at establishing a distance or setback requirement for vape shops similar to those imposed by the Zoning Ordinance with respect to cannabis dispensaries. If adopted, this ordinance will limit the issuance of new endorsements sell of alternative tobacco or nicotine, or vapor products to locations which are set back a certain distance from other similar business locations. “Similar business” setback requirements also apply to certain financial institutions, pawn shops, and locations offering video gaming.

Under the Zoning Ordinance, cannabis dispensaries must be no less than 1.5 miles apart from each other, while alternative financial institutions and/or pawn shops are not to be within 2,640 feet from the property line of another alternative financial institution and/or pawn shop. Staff members make no specific recommendation as to the amount of setback that is appropriate between businesses offering alternative tobacco or nicotine or vapor products.

RAP Committee forwarded this legislation with the distance of 2,640 feet from property line of one an alternative nicotine products or vapor product endorsement licensee to another alternative nicotine products or vapor product endorsement licensee.

As was the case since this discussion began, nothing in this ordinance would impact existing tobacco licensees. Tobacco licenses issued prior to May 15, 2021, do not require the holder to obtain an endorsement to sell these alternative products and would not be subject to this Ordinance’s rules governing the issuance of endorsements.

All new applicants will have to establish that they aren’t within the prohibited setback distance of another retailer.

That the Council deliberate on the language of the proposed ordinance and determine the amount of setback at 2,640 feet is deemed appropriate between businesses offering alternative tobacco or nicotine or vapor products.

• Approved was a resolution requesting approval to utilize funds for TinkRworks LLC, 21 W 2nd St #300, Hinsdale, IL 60521, for delivery of top-tier Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) training to 1,600 of Aurora’s underserved youth in the amount not to exceed $300,000.00.

City government of Aurora documents show TinkRworks is a provider of K-8 STEAM projects designed to allow students to foster a love of creating, enhance problem-solving skills, reinforce and expand on concepts and ideas taught in schools, inspire curiosity, and encourage self-expression.

The purpose of this resolution is to continue and expand upon the continued partnership between APS Training Institute (“APS”), City of Aurora and TinkRworks that has enabled the successful implementation of top-tier STEAM curriculum supporting the delivery of highly valuable integrated STEAM experiences to the students of the City of Aurora.

The implementation of leading-edge TinkRworks STEAM learning will allow City of Aurora students to develop and hone core 21st century skillsets while also bringing to life foundational elements of the APS mission of being committed to the highest standards of academic excellence, providing a high-quality education while developing the knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills essential for the unique challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

An expanded program has been outlined for the 2022 calendar year in order to ensure continued engagement with children in the City of Aurora and capitalize on their high interest in the field of STEAM. The goal is also to provide further accessibility to children who have not yet had the opportunity to participate in the STEAM program,

Specifically, to achieve the goal of accessibility and continuity of education, TinkRworks in partnership with APS Training Institute, proposes to expand the City of Aurora’s STEAM Enrichment Program to 1,600 student projects from current scope of 635. This will enable students from Grades K-8 (and potentially even through grade 9) to participate in year-long STEAM programming, held in 4 quarterly sessions (one project per student per session). The program would start in January 2022 with a winter session, and then progress through the spring, summer and fall.

Participation in this programming will help students be able to dive deeply into various aspects of science & technology, and build strong problem solving & critical thinking skills.

Students will have the unique opportunity to register for all four sessions when registration opens or alternatively, students may also register for single courses or a set of multiple courses at the point-at-time of registration. Thus, a single student may register up-front for all four courses available to them or they may instead, perform a “drop in” type of strategy where they may register for courses of interest and availability to them, then skip a session, and then register for another course or any combination thereof. Registration in this manner allows for enhanced planning for all parties involved (TinkRworks, APS, and City of Aurora) and will also provide greater flexibility to both students and parents.

The proposal for the year-long STEAM program will cost $300,000 which covers the cost of the earlier-mentioned 1,600 student kits as well as the implementation packs for each classroom project. These implementation packs contain all classroom supplies & materials needed for facilitators to deliver curriculum and projects to City of Aurora students. This cost does not include any facilitation cost to train APS facilitators; training and support costs are outside of the scope of this document and are handled directly between TinkRworks and APS. Explicitly, City of Aurora does not bear any costs related to facilitation or support.

City of Aurora, TinkRworks, and APS will all be working in concert to provide superlative enrichment opportunities to City of Aurora youth. In doing so, each party has key responsibilities, as outlined below:

1. TinkRworks: Provide leading-edge STEAM programming opportunities to City of Aurora students. To facilitate this, TinkRworks will provide both projects and training around STEAM projects to APS facilitators.
2. APS: Provide superlative facilitation to City of Aurora students with TinkRworks content, both in terms of projects and curriculum. APS will also provide some of the safe venues where City of Aurora students will go to receive STEAM programming.
3. City of Aurora: Provide a base of excited and eager students to receive leading-edge STEAM programming. City of Aurora will also provide marketing efforts, infrastructure (e.g., Wi-Fi), and safe venues where children may receive STEAM programming.

Details related to the implementation plan are provided below, under Deliverables and Implementation Plan.

As part of the selection process, staff members decided not to bid this item. In looking for a suitable STEAM partner, City staff members looked to evaluate potential candidates across six key attributes:

1.Ability and capabilities to provide hands-on experiential learning to reinforce school learning and spark interest in exploring STEAM fields

2. Scalable model, i.e., something that starts with a pilot that can scale to thousands of students
3. Community engagement and facilitation, i.e., allowing qualified Aurora community members to serve as instructors; allowing graduating students to serve as mentors to others
4. Willingness and desire to plug-in with City of Aurora and other partners to provide services and opportunities to members of Aurora’s underserved community
5. Cost-effective price point
6. Desire/willingness to collaboratively measure impact of program

City of Aurora approached several different organizations ranging from coding programs (retail as well as online), STEAM programs, and university organizations in pursuit of candidacy for STEAM partners. However, except for TinkRworks (and APS Training Academy), none of the other potential candidate’s offerings were viable in the delivery of STEAM programming as they either did not have the needed capabilities (e.g., no hands-on experiential learning and/or no scalable facilitation model) or they openly stated they did not have the desire to partner with the city as it was not within their scope of services.

TinkRworks was the one sole vendor who not only had all the capabilities the City of Aurora was seeking, but also did so at a price point lower than any of the other players. Additionally, they had a very strong desire to partner with the city as part of their vision to provide services to every segment of the population, with large emphasis on underserved communities which is something they have previous experience in doing.

City of Aurora selected TinkRworks as a pilot partner for delivery in Summer of 2020 and the outcomes summary from that effort showcased large impact which led to adoption of a fuller curriculum in 2021 spanning 600+ students.

Successful impact results and positive anecdotal evidence continues to showcase very high levels of engagement and efficacy and as a result, staff members are recommending TinkRworks as the partner for city of Aurora for the 2022 STEAM Academy. Overall, a close collaborative partnership has arisen between APS Training Academy, TinkRworks, and city of Aurora government.

To measure the overall success of this summer STEAM-programming effort, pre and post surveys were distributed to children to gain an understanding of attitudes and preferences of students. The survey data was collated by TinkRworks staff members and analyzed to determine overall outcomes.

Outcomes were objectively derived using a formalized methodology.

In accordance with City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Section 2-335 (c), Council may award with a simple majority vote.

Funding for the program will be provided from the City’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Funds have been set aside in the 2022 City Budget for the program. The Fund Account number to be used for this expense is 287-1280-419.50-30.

Outcomes empirically highlight that the ongoing goal of sparking student interest in STEAM activities was both met and exceeded by participants.

• Approved was a Resolution approving the appointment of Hank Artlip to the city’s Administrative Boards including the Building Code Board of Appeals; and the Permanent Building & Fire Code Committee.

City government of Aurora documents show the nominations brought forth represent a new candidate. Members of the Building Code Board of Appeals and the Fire Code of Appeals are automatically selected to be appointed to the Permanent Building and Fire Code Committee.

• Approved was an Ordinance Establishing a Conditional Use Planned Development, approving the Integrated Development II Plan Description and amending Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, by modifying the zoning map to an underlying zoning of R-5A on Lot 2A of the Second Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Subdivision, Unit No. 1, at the northeast corner of Fox Valley Mall, south of New York Street and west of Route 59

City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Integrated Development II, is requesting the establishment of a Conditional Use Planned Development, and to change the underlying zoning district from PDD Planned Development District to R-5A District on Lot 2A of the Second Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Subdivision, Unit No. 1, at the northeast corner of Fox Valley Mall, south of New York Street and west of Route 59 to allow for the construction of a senior housing development.

The property consists of 7.79 acres lying at the northeast corner of the Fox Valley Mall. It currently is a surface parking lot, part of which serves the Fox Valley Mall and part of which served the now demolished Sears building. The property is currently zoned PPD Planned Development District, which is part of the Fox Valley East Planned Development District.

The owner, Centennial Real Estate Company (“Centennial”), purchased the Fox Valley Mall in 2015. Then in 2018, a partnership controlled by Centennial purchased the Sears’ and Carson’s Site after falling into bankruptcy. Since then, Centennial has been making substantial investments essential to the Mall’s revitalization including the remodeling of the mall center. In early 2021, they demolished the Sears building to make way for a future retail and residential development. In 2021, a multi-family residential development was approved by City Council and is now under construction.

Centennial has now teamed up with Integrated Development II to redevelop the property for a luxury senior housing development.

The Petitioner is requesting the Establishment of a Conditional Use Planned Development, and to change the underlying zoning district from PDD Planned Development District to R-5A Multiple Family Dwelling District. The details of the request include modifications to certain rules, building standards, bulk restrictions, parking requirements and building code amendment to allow for the construction of the senior development.

Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plan. The proposal includes the construction of a 5-story senior housing building which is comprised of 108 independent living units, 84 assisted living units, and 22 memory care units. The independent living units will consist of one-bedroom or two-bedroom units, the assisted living units will consist of studios, one-bedroom or two-bedroom units and the memory care units will consist of studios including a few shared units. These units range from 302 sq. ft. to 900 sq. ft. In total, 161 parking spaces are being provided, of which 54 are enclosed spaces underground within the building and 107 spaces are in three off-street surface parking lots.

The senior community will offer concierge living for all residents. There are several amenities within the building including a fitness center, a library, a beauty salon, social areas, different dining venues and roof garden areas. In addition, there will be walking path around the property and outdoor amenities including a pickleball court.

Stormwater management from the original Mall has already been accounted for in Spring Lake west of Commons Drive along McCoy Drive. As a positive, the development will be decreasing the impervious area which will reduce the amount of stormwater runoff.

The Building elevations that are in the packet are conceptual. Building elevations and landscaping will be fully reviewed and approved at the time of Final Plan.

Staff members have reviewed the Conditional Use Planned Development petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.

Staff members have been working collaboratively with the Petitioner on this development to ensure its consistency with the approved Route 59 Corridor Plan for the Fox Valley Sub-Area. The Sub-Area Plan recommends the modernization of the mall from a traditional commercial center into a mixed-use development that would include a diversity of housing options to attract new residential and provide housing opportunities in varying stages of life. This development will help reform this area to create a more walkable mixed-use development and will promote an intergenerational community within the Fox Valley Sub-area.

Staff members have the following comments regarding the findings of facts:

Conditional Use:

1. The project will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare as the development will bring a mixture of residents to the area, improving the overall economics, and strengthen the social fabric of the Fox Valley Mall.
2. The conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity or diminish or impair property values as the senior housing development will help promote the Fox Valley Mall as a regional center and will have a positive impact on local businesses and service providers.
3. The development will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding properties as this phase will complement the retail, restaurants and will help create an intergenerational live, work and play community.
4. There is currently adequate water and sewer capacity to serve the project.
5. The project does provide adequate ingress/egress. The development will be using the existing Fox Valley Center Drive but will also be a newly created private road that will lead closer to the mall.
6. The Conditional Use in all other respects conforms to the applicable regulations of the R-5A zoning district.

Rezoning:

1. Staff members have noted the physical development policies that the proposal meets.
2. The proposal does represent the logical establishment of the requested classification in considering the existing area as it allows for the residential development.
3. The proposal is consistent with a desirable trend of development in the area as the Route 59 Corridor Plan envisioned this area as a more walkable mixed-use development where residents can utilize the local businesses, service providers and entertainment services in the area.
4. The rezoning will allow uses that are more suitable than the existing PPD zoning classification as it is the City’s vison to create a regional center that continues to attract residents, visitors, and businesses.
5. The rezoning is consistent with the existing area as it will not only complement the residential development to the south but also help achieve the mall’s full potential as a thriving destination to shop and eat but also a sustainable place to live, work and play.

Policies and guidelines:

The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following physical development policies:

10.0 To provide for the orderly, balanced and efficient growth and redevelopment of the City through the positive integration of land use patterns, functions, and circulation systems. To protect and enhance those assets and values that establishes the desirable quality and general livability of the City. To promote the City’s position as a regional center.

11.1(3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.

11.1(5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.

12.1(3) To encourage residential development in close proximity to places of work, shopping and recreation.

13.1(4) To provide for the location of high density residential, commercial, and industrial centers close to or along transportation routes designed to accommodate the movement of people and goods to and from such centers.

13.1(7) To promote mass transit stations and intensive land uses, including high-density residential complexes, to locate in relative proximity to one another so as to stimulate transit use.

• Approved was a Resolution for a Preliminary Plan for Lot 2A of the Second Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Subdivision, Unit No. 1 on property at the northeast corner of Fox Valley Mall, south of New York Street and west of Route 59 (Integrated Development II – 21-1032 / NA21/4-21.362-CUPD/PD/R/Ppn – TV – Ward 10)

City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Integrated Development II, is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plan for Lot 2A of the Second Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Subdivision, Unit No. 1 to allow for the construction of a senior development.

The property consists of 7.79 acres lying at the northeast corner of the Fox Valley Mall. It currently is a surface parking lot, part of which serves the Fox Valley Mall and part of which served the now demolished Sears building. The property is currently zoned PPD Planned Development District, which is part of the Fox Valley East Planned Development District.

The owner, Centennial Real Estate Company (“Centennial”), purchased the Fox Valley Mall in 2015. Then in 2018, a partnership controlled by Centennial purchased the Sears’ and Carson’s Site after falling into bankruptcy. Since then, Centennial has been making substantial investments essential to the Mall’s revitalization including the remodeling of the mall center. In early 2021, they demolished the Sears building to make way for a future retail and residential development. In 2021, a multi-family residential development was approved by City Council and is now under construction.

Centennial has now teamed up with Integrated Development II to redevelop the property for a luxury senior housing development.

The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plan. The proposal includes the construction of a 5-story senior housing building which is comprised of 108 independent living units, 84 assisted living units, and 22 memory care units. The independent living units will consist of one-bedroom or two-bedroom units, the assisted living units will consist of studios, one-bedroom or two-bedroom units and the memory care units will consist of studios including a few shared units. These units range from 302 sq. ft. to 900 sq. ft. In total, 161 parking spaces are being provided, of which 54 are enclosed spaces underground within the building and 107 spaces are in three off-street surface parking lots.

The senior community will offer concierge living for all residents. There are several amenities within the building including a fitness center, a library, a beauty salon, social areas, different dining venues and roof garden areas. In addition, there will be walking path around the property and outdoor amenities including a pickleball court.

Stormwater management from the original Mall has already been accounted for in Spring Lake west of Commons Drive along McCoy Drive. As a positive, the development will be decreasing the impervious area which will reduce the amount of stormwater runoff.

The Building elevations that are in the packet are conceptual. Building elevations and landscaping will be fully reviewed and approved at the time of Final Plan.

Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting the Establishment of a Conditional Use Planned Development, and to change the underlying zoning district from PDD Planned Development District to R-5A Multiple Family Dwelling District. The details of the request include modifications to certain rules, building standards, bulk restrictions, parking requirements and building code amendment to allow for the construction of the senior development.

Staff members have reviewed the Preliminary Plan petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.

Staff members have been working collaboratively with the Petitioner on this development to ensure it consistency with the approved Route 59 Corridor Plan for the Fox Valley Sub-Area. The Sub-Area Plan recommends the modernization of the mall from a traditional commercial center into a mixed-use development that would include a diversity of housing options to attract new residential and provide housing opportunities in varying stages of life. This development will help reform this area to create a more walkable mixed-use development and will promote an intergenerational community within the Fox Valley Sub-area.

Policies and guidelines:

The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following physical development policies:

10.0 To provide for the orderly, balanced and efficient growth and redevelopment of the City through the positive integration of land use patterns, functions, and circulation systems. To protect and enhance those assets and values that establishes the desirable quality and general livability of the City. To promote the City’s position as a regional center.

11.1(3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.

11.1(5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.

12.1(3) To encourage residential development in close proximity to places of work, shopping and recreation.

13.1(4) To provide for the location of high density residential, commercial, and industrial centers close to or along transportation routes designed to accommodate the movement of people and goods to and from such centers.

13.1(7) To promote mass transit stations and intensive land uses, including high-density residential complexes, to locate in relative proximity to one another so as to stimulate transit use.

• Approved was a Resolution for a Revision to the Final Plat for Lot 1, Lot 3 and Lot 4 of The First Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Subdivision, Unit No. 1 at northeast corner of Fox Valley Mall, south of New York Street, west of Route 59 and establishing The Second Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Subdivision, Unit No. 1 (Integrated Development II – 21-1033 / NA21/4-21.363-Fsd/R – TV – Ward 10)

City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Integrated Development II, is requesting approval of a revision to the Final Plat which includes reconfiguring Lots 1, 3 and 4 of The First Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Subdivision, Unit No. 1.

The property is part of the Fox Valley Mall with PDD Planned Development District zoning, which is part of the Fox Valley East Planned Development District.

The Petitioner is requesting approval of a revision to the Final Plat. The details of the request include reconfiguring Lots 1, 3, and 4 of the First Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Subdivision, Unit No. 1 and establishing Lots 1A, 2A, 3A of the Second Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Subdivision, Unit No. 1. Lot 1A consists of the Fox Valley Mall building, except for JC Penny and Macy’s, associated parking, and a portion of the Fox Valley Center Drive. Lot 2A will be for future residential development and 3A will be for future retail development.

Staff members have reviewed the final plat petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.

This Final Plat Revision is being completed to prepare for the redevelopment of the next phase at the Fox Valley Mall.

Policies and guidelines:

10.0 To provide for the orderly, balanced and efficient growth and redevelopment of the City through the positive integration of land use patterns, functions, and circulation systems. To protect and enhance those assets and values that establishes the desirable quality and general livability of the City. To promote the City’s position as a regional center.

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.

• Approved was a Resolution approving a Revision to the Final Plan on Lots 1A, 2A, and 3A of The Second Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Unit No. 1, at northeast corner of Fox Valley Mall, S. of New York Street and W. of Route 59 (Centennial Real Estate Company – Ward 10)

City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Centennial Real Estate Company, is requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision for Lots 1A, 2A, and 3A of the Second Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Unit No. 1 to construct a new private road extension from Entrance #6 and to reconfigure the parking lot.

The property is at the northeast corner of the Fox Valley Mall, across from Entrance #6. It currently is a surface parking lot, part of which serves the Fox Valley Mall and part of which served the now demolished Sears building. The property is currently zoned PPD Planned Development District, which is part of the Fox Valley East Planned Development District.

The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision. The details of the request include the construction of a new private road extension from Entrance #6 and the reconfiguration of the existing parking lots. The private road extension will serve the future redevelopment of this area. In addition, the petitioner will be constructing a northbound right-hand turn lane leaving the Entrance#6 on to New York Street.

Staff members have reviewed the final plan resolution petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.

Policies and guidelines:

The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following physical development policies:

10.0 To provide for the orderly, balanced and efficient growth and redevelopment of the City through the positive integration of land use patterns, functions, and circulation systems. To protect and enhance those assets and values that establishes the desirable quality and general livability of the City. To promote the City’s position as a regional center.

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:

Planning and Zoning Commission recommended conditional approval of the Resolution approving a Revision to the Final Plan on Lots 1A, 2A, and 3A of The Second Resubdivision of Fox Valley East Region I Unit No. 1, at northeast corner of Fox Valley Mall, S. of New York Street and W. of Route 59, with the following conditions:

1) That the Final Plan approval be contingent upon Final Engineering approval.

2) That the Petitioner submit to the City for review and approval of the surface treatment on the retaining wall prior to building permit issuance.

3) That the Final Plan be revised prior to Final Engineering approval as follows:

a) That a crosswalk be provided at the intersection of Private Road A and Fox Valley Center Drive across the west and south legs of the intersection. Said crosswalk should be a minimum of 10’ wide and shall be defined with a different material.

b) That the streetlight within the median of Entrance #6 be changed to a decorative light pole.

4) That Final Engineering Plans be revised to include the following:

a) Traffic signal modification at Entrance # 6 and E. New York Street, associated with the proposed northbound right turn lane. The modification shall consist of installation of a near side post mounted 5-section signal head, a far side mast arm mounted 5-section signal heard (with turn arrows), and installation of additional hardware and re-programming of the traffic signal controller.

b) A pedestrian signals & pedestrian push buttons at the north/south crosswalk on the west leg intersection of Entrance # 6 and E. New York Street.

• Approved was an Ordinance making minor amendments to the Redevelopment Plan and Project for the City of Aurora 75th Street and Ogden Avenue Tax Increment Financing District.

City government of Aurora documents show this Ordinance will amend the Redevelopment Plan and Project in the 75th Street and Ogden Avenue Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District by reducing the term of the District from 23 years to 15 years per the Intergovernmental Agreement with School District 204.

During the negotiations and creation of the Cedarwood development, the City and School District 204 had lengthy negotiations regarding the need for a TIF at this site. As a result of these negotiations the City agreed to limit the length of TIF Districts in the Route 59 Corridor to 15 years instead of 23 years in an Intergovernmental Agreement with School District 204. Unfortunately, due to the timing and calendar for the approval of the 75th Street and Ogden Avenue TIF District, it was created with a 23 year duration, before the Intergovernmental Agreement was completed.

In order to make an administrative amendment to a TIF District Redevelopment Plan and Project, such an amendment must be deemed to be minor in nature as defined in the TIF Act. Klein Thorpe and Jenkins (KTJ) and Kane McKenna & Associates (KMA) have provided counsel on the creation of all of the City Micro TIFs and has also provided counsel in this matter. KTJ and KMA have agreed that the changing of the TIF duration from 23 years to 15 years can be done administratively by the City Council through the minor amendment process.

The Ordinance provides for the amendment of the initial ordinance adopting the 75th Street and Ogden Avenue TIF. The City will also take the following steps to complete this amendment process.

Within 10 days after approval of the ordinance, the City must complete and have the notice published in a local newspaper.

Within 10 days after approval of the ordinance, the City must complete and send certified mail with the notice to all the affected taxing districts and send by regular mail to all people / entities on the City’s TIF Interested Parties Registry.

After ordinance approval, the City needs to file the ordinance with the DuPage County Clerk.

Approval of this Ordinance will bring the City into compliance with the intergovernmental agreement with School District 204.

• Approved was a Resolution with respect to the potential reimbursement of eligible costs in a possible tax increment finance district (TIF) and to Induce Development Interest on a portion of currently City-Owned land on the west bank of the Fox River north of Downtown Aurora called the River and Vine TIF, and as authorized under the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, 65 ILCS 5/11-74-.4-1 and 65ILCS 5/11-74.4-3(q).

City government of Aurora documents show adoption of a reimbursement resolution will allow initial expenses to be reimbursed by a TIF if formed.

For nearly 30 years the property being considered for a TIF has been a surface parking lot. However, because of increased developer interest as a result of a combination of factors including: the opening of the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge; the economic development activity in the downtown; and the increasing interest in living Downtown, a developer (Windfall Group, LLC) is interested in acquiring the property to construct new market-rate housing. Windfall Group, LLC is the same company redeveloping Pacifica Square shopping center on the city’s far East Side.

City Council approved a Redevelopment Agreement (an RDA) with Windfall group on February 2, 2022 to develop this property as a new residential project that is to include 140 rental apartment units and 20 townhouses.

This resolution does not commit the City to adopting a TIF.

The redevelopment of the city-owned land on the west bank of the Fox River north of Downtown (approximately 9 acres) has long been envisioned for redevelopment. For decades the nine acres has been shown as future large mixed-use redevelopment projects including a mix of residential and commercial. Three master plans’ in particular have shown this area being redeveloped:

Seize the Future: A Master Plan for Downtown Aurora, Illinois (2005)

Aurora Riverfront Vision: Design Guidelines For Aurora and the Fox River (2006).

RiverEdge Park Master Plan (2007).

The proposed development on this most northern 3 acres will be the beginning of an exciting wave of implementation in this area. An extension of the Downtown, but also offering the opportunity for a new distinctive neighborhood.

This potential TIF is necessary to redevelop the first phase of the City’s nine acres as new residential and is stated in the recently approved Redevelopment Agreement (RDA) between the City of Aurora and the developer Windfall Group, LLC as a requirement to bring the project to fruition.

Adopting this resolution will allow for initial costs incurred during the setup of the new TIF (if adopted) to be reimbursed by TIF revenues at a later date.

• Approved was a resolution requesting to approve the purchase of additional licenses of VETRO FiberMap from VETRO, Inc., Portland, Maine 04101, for an amount not to exceed $82,716 for a two-year term.

City government of Aurora documents show in 2021, the City purchased a license of the VETRO fiber management software (“VETRO”) for the purpose of managing fiber optic assets and sharing files consistently with Kane County. This resolution is requesting additional licenses as put forth in the quote..

The City of Aurora IT Department manages fiber network assets through the VETRO FiberMap product and does so in conjunction with Kane County to provide business continuity and disaster recovery planning as well as sharing of files between agencies. The initial investment in 2021 has proved successful as all City fiber assets are now fully-mapped and managed through the VETRO product. By extending these licenses, more employees in the IT Department and City will have access to view and maintain City Fiber assets.

City staff members are requesting two new editor licenses with an annual cost breakdown as shown below:

Year 1: $40,775

Year 2: $41,941

Total: $82,716

The additional analyst and viewer licenses that are shown on the quote are included in the cost of the two editor licenses.

In accordance with City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Section 2-335 (a) (3), the product or service desired is provided by only one (1) source

Funds are available in 101-1280-419.38-11 COMPUTER-SOFTWARE.

This software purchase will facilitate the IT Division’s goal of bringing all the necessary fiber related information into one location across the City of Aurora and Kane County broadband networks for business continuity and disaster recovery planning.

This software makes identification of fiber assets, related connectivity, and equipment locations easier.

• Approved was a resolution requesting to approve the purchase of additional licenses of VETRO FiberMap from VETRO, Inc., Portland, Maine 04101, for an amount not to exceed $82,716 for a two-year term.

City government of Aurora documents show in 2021, the City purchased a license of the VETRO fiber management software (“VETRO”) for the purpose of managing fiber optic assets and sharing files consistently with Kane County. This resolution is requesting additional licenses as put forth in the quote.

The City of Aurora IT Department manages fiber network assets through the VETRO FiberMap product and does so in conjunction with Kane County to provide business continuity and disaster recovery planning as well as sharing of files between agencies. The initial investment in 2021 has proved successful as all City fiber assets are now fully-mapped and managed through the VETRO product. By extending these licenses, more employees in the IT Department and City will have access to view and maintain City Fiber assets.

City staff members are requesting two new editor licenses with an annual cost breakdown as shown below:

Year 1: $40,775

Year 2: $41,941

Total: $82,716

The additional Analyst and Viewer licenses that are shown on the quote are included in the cost of the 2 Editor licenses.

In accordance with City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Section 2-335 (a) (3), the product or service desired is provided by only one (1) source

Funds are available in 101-1280-419.38-11 computer-software.

This software purchase will facilitate the IT Division’s goal of bringing all the necessary fiber related information into one location across the City of Aurora and Kane County broadband networks for business continuity and disaster recovery planning.

This software makes identification of fiber assets, related connectivity, and equipment locations easier.

• Approved was a resolution requesting approval of a three-year agreement with NetMotion Software, Inc., Seattle, for virtual private network software for an amount not to exceed $307,645.00

City government of Aurora documents show that with the increasing number remote workers requiring access City network services when outside of City buildings, there is a need for a robust VPN solution that provides consistent connectivity and in-depth diagnostic reporting.

To date, the City IT Department has provided VPN solutions – most recently the CheckPoint VPN solution – that were provided as cost-free add-ons to network firewall hardware. As such, the feature sets needed to effectively manage remote connectivity and diagnose staff member device issues were non-existent.

Therefore, city staff members engaged the services of Marketplace.City and began the RFP process to select a new VPN solution.

Marketplace.City created an initial Market Landscape with 30 companies.

The RFP was posted on 11/29/21 and closed 12/17/21

Based on the Market Landscape and City Stakeholder review, the City publicly posted and distributed the Opportunity and Scope Document to vendors to complete in order to be included in the reporting and selection process.

Six companies responded by the deadline.

Upon group discussion, one vendor was removed from the review for not meeting criteria.

Aurora stakeholders scored the solutions from the five remaining vendors and returned this data to Marketplace.city on 1/7/22.

Compiled scoring indicated Netmotion as the clear choice.

After vendor selection, City staff members spent January, 2022 piloting the NetMotion solution with several employees throughout the City. This further proved NetMotion to be the correct choice as IT staff members were able to determine the root cause of connectivity-related problems, whether on a mobile device, GPS unit, network servers, or across any of the private or public networks being used by city staff members. These capabilities dramatically reduce the resolution time of issues with remote devices to ensure mobile staff members stay productive.

Pricing for the NetMotion solution is shown below and is broken out in detail in

• Year 1 Pricing: $111,805.00
• Costs are broken down in Exhibit A – Quote for First Year Services
• Year 2 Pricing: $97,920.00
• Year 3 Pricing: $97,920.00

Total Price: $307,645

This purchase will be made from 101-1280-419.38-11 computer software.

Without a robust VPN solution in place, personnel in City vehicles (including Public Safety vehicles) and field staff members on remote City facilities and job sites would not be able to access the City network. Additionally, IT staff members have struggled to diagnose connectivity issues with remote staff members without the type of diagnostic reporting the NetMotion solution provides.

• Approved was a Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from Night Market Group, LLC d/b/a 9 Bar at 1330 N Orchard Rd #108, Aurora). [Ward 5]

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to increase the number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. A business that is new to the City of Aurora, Night Market Group, LLC d/b/a 9 Bar, is opening a restaurant at 1330 N Orchard Rd #108, Aurora and has submitted a liquor license application.

This request is presented in accordance with the 2011 amendment to the City’s Liquor Ordinance, specifically Section 6-9(a), which charges the City Council with the authority to determine the number of licenses available in each classification.

Night Market Group, LLC d/b/a 9 Bar has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption in a full-service restaurant. If approved, this liquor license will allow the sale of alcohol during business hours. 9 Bar will include a menu of Teas & Smoothies, Noodles, Appetizers, Rice Bowls and bottled beer.

If approved, this resolution will increase the number of allowable liquor licenses as indicated in the accompanying Exhibit A to allow for the issuance of the license by the Liquor Commissioner. City staff members have been working closely with the business owner to ensure that all requirements for a liquor license, as set forth in Chapter 6 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, are met.

The proposed resolution presents an opportunity to further the City of Aurora’s economic development and to bring additional business and people to the city of Aurora government.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing approval of the 2022 Annual Action Plan and Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendments (2022-#1) to the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Annual Action Plan Funding Recommendations.

City government of Aurora documents show staff members request approval of its proposed funding recommendations for the City’s 2022 Annual Action Plan for Federal Funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Annually, the City of Aurora receives approximately $1.5 million dollars in CDBG and $700,000 in HOME funds that are used to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing and provide services and projects to low-to-moderate income persons (defined as earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, or approximately $74,550 for a family of four in 2021). Staff members also request approval of its recommended Substantial Amendment 2022- #1 funding recommendations.

The city of Aurora, as a direct recipient of CDBG and HOME funds, must plan for how these funds will benefit the Aurora community. Additionally, the City must also modify its 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Annual Action Plans identified as Substantial Amendment 2022-#1 to reallocate CDBG and CDBG-CV funding to new and existing projects.

The City released an application round soliciting 2022 CDBG proposals on October 12, 2021 with a deadline of November 15, 2021. The results of staff member analysis of the applications and their ability to meet the goals and objectives established by the City’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan formed the recommendations for the City’s 2022 Annual Action Plan and Substantial Amendment 2022-#1. City staff members also considered alternative funding such as the City’s 2022 Quality of Life (QoL) funding if the applicant applied for CDBG and QoL opportunities or if a proposed activity was a better fit for either funding program.

The 2022 Annual Action Plan stresses the following 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan’s goals and objectives:

1. Expand and maintain the affordable housing stock (affordability for the purpose of providing decent housing).
2. Strengthen Homeownership among Low- and Moderate-Income Households (Affordability for the purpose of providing decent housing).
3. Public Service Assistance Including the Prevention and Reduction of Homelessness (Accessibility for the purpose of providing a suitable living environment).
4. Enhance and Improve Access to the Number of Community Amenities in Low- and Moderate Income Communities (Accessibility for the purpose of creating a suitable living environment).

All funding recommendations in the Annual Action Plans must correspond to an objective listed in the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan.

2022 Funding Recommendations

The recommendations reflect an estimate of funding levels for CDBG and HOME based on prior year allocations ($1,497,494 and $752,348) and anticipated prior year resources from program income as well as projects that came in under budget. Future Congressional action could result in changes to anticipated funding levels. Any additional CDBG funding received through program income, an increase in the City’s funding, or completed 2021 and prior year projects that end up under budget will be placed in the Neighborhood Revitalization Activity. The Community Development Division (CDD) is also recommending a total of 6 activities to be placed in the City’s 2020 and 2021 Annual Action Plans (via Substantial Amendment 2022-#1) to assist in increasing spending timeliness ratio and allow applicants to access funding more quickly. In addition to regular CDBG funds, Substantial Amendment 2022-#1 recommendations also reflect supplemental CDBG-CV funds in the amount of $309,795. All projects that utilize CDBG-CV funds need to prepare, prevent, and respond to the coronavirus and must also be placed in the 2020 Annual Action Plan.

Under Substantial Amendment 2022-#1, the Community Development Division (CDD) is also recommending the cancellation of a 2018 activity and a 2019 activity. The recaptured funds will be reallocated to new projects in order to assist in increasing the City’s spending timeliness ratio and allow applicants to access funding more quickly.

Of note, funds are programmed as “administration” as well as “public service” activities based upon HUD’s regulatory caps. The CDBG cap is 20% and the HOME cap is 10%. Administration funds are used for staff member salaries, overhead, and training opportunities. Administration funds that are not used can then be reprogrammed for additional eligible activities by future amendments. The City received a total of 17 applications, with 14 projects recommended for CDBG/CDBGCV funding. Three projects were not recommended for funding.

Public Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements:

One application was recommended for CDBG funding in the total amount of $500,000. Funding will assist the City’s Engineering Department as part of the annual scattered site street resurfacing program in CDBG eligible areas. Funding will not replace, but instead will increase the budget for street resurfacing in eligible areas.

Public Services:

The CDBG public services cap is 15% and cannot exceed approximately $225,000, except for projects utilizing CDBG-CV funds to prepare for, prevent, and respond to the corona virus. Public service funds are used to support an agency’s operations costs (staff member time, materials, etc.) specific to a particular CDBG program. Please note that with the exception of corona virus related projects, general CDBG public service activity funds must be expended during the City’s program year and cannot be carried over into another year.

CDD is recommending CDBG and CDBG-CV funding to 8 agencies in the amount of $345,000. Services include activities to assist senior services, homelessness assistance, youth education, domestic violence survivors, housing legal services, job training opportunities, and additional case management. The CDD is also recommending CDBG-CV funding to the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center in the amount of $100,000. Should actual funding be less than anticipated for projects that are not responding directly to the corona virus, these projects would take an across the board percentage reduction based on the amount of public service funds actually available.

Housing:

Four housing activities have been recommended for CDBG funding in the amount of $475,000. Activities include rehabilitation of an affordable multifamily senior housing development in the amount of $400,000. The terms of this deal will be presented for approval as a Redevelopment Agreement approximately in August 2022.

CDD staff members are also recommending funding to continue the City’s first-time homebuyer Choose Aurora Down Payment Assistance Program and a pilot program requested by The Neighbor Project to extend their successful Matched Savings Program to create first time homebuyers. Additional funding is being recommended for a second phase of a comprehensive housing rehab planning study to be performed by the Center of Neighborhood Technology. Lastly funding for The Neighbor Project and Rebuilding Together Aurora for their respective single-family rehabilitation programs was not recommended because each program maintains a healthy balance of prior funding for the next calendar year based on annual average expenditures over the last 3 years.

HOME Funds:

As has been past practice by the City, CDD staff members recommend that the City’s 2022 HOME funds be allocated as per HUD’s regulatory caps as follows: program administration is 10%, direct project activities is 75% and Community Housing Development Organizations is 15%. The City of Aurora has an open Notification of Funding Availability for HOME projects and approximately $3 million dollars is available when factoring in anticipated 2022 funding and previously received HOME-ARP funds received by the city as part of the American Rescue Plan. Once the CDD receives direct and CHDO activity proposals, CDD staff members will provide specific recommendations to the Block Grant Working Committee and then City Council at a later date. Projects will then move through the City’s Substantial Amendment process for HOME funding approval.

2022 Annual Action Plan Calendar

Staff members have prepared the draft 2022 Action Plan and Substantial Amendment 2022-#1 which will amend the City’s 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Action Plans for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD has advised that the City government should not submit the 2022 Annual Action Plan until actual amounts are received. Currently, a continuing resolution has been passed by Congress and more details on 2022 funding should be outlined by the end of February 2022. The City will finalize its 2022 Annual Action Plan and be ready to move forward with the City’s funding recommendations once the HUD submittal deadline is known.

On February 4, 2022, the BGWC members reviewed and voted unanimously to approve staff members’ preliminary 2022 AAP and Substantial Amendment 2022-1 recommendations.

In accordance with the City of Aurora’s Citizen Participation Plan and the requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department, the 30-day notices for the 2022 Annual Action Plan and Substantial Amendment (2022-#1) was posted in the Beacon News on February 6, 2022. Each document was also made available on the City’s website. A public hearing will be held on February 22, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the 2022 Annual Action Plan and Substantial Amendment 2022- #1 (A summary of any received public comments together with the public hearing minutes will be included with the Committee of the Whole meeting).

The City anticipates a surplus of approximately $300,000 in CDBG funds and approximately $40,000 in CDBG-CV funds to be allocated later in 2022 with a focus on local neighborhood investment and meeting unmet goals of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. City staff member plans to meet with each department and release a 2nd call for projects to partner with key nonprofit agencies to meet these goals. Project recommendations will be presented to City Council for approval in late spring of 2022.

Since its inception in 1974, the CDBG program has invested over $52 million dollars in the City of Aurora. These funds have supported streets and infrastructure, housing development, job training, youth development, homeless services, historic preservation, and senior services among others. Since becoming an entitlement community under the HOME program 10 years ago, the City has allocated approximately $5.5 million in HOME funds to rehabilitate its aging housing stock, create affordable rental housing units, and explore additional uses of HOME funds to further expand affordable housing throughout the City.