Aurora City Council approves renewal of APD Youth Explorers program

Share this article:

By Jason Crane

The Aurora City Council approved a Resolution at the Tuesday, Jan. 28 Aurora City Council meeting, to authorize the Chief of Police to sign and execute the annual memorandum of understanding with Learning for Life, a District of Columbia non-profit corporation for the Aurora Police Department Youth Explorers Post #8847 program.

City government of Aurora documents show APD Youth Explorers Post #8847 consist of a group of teenagers and young adults aged 13-20 with a strong interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement. The group meets bi-monthly and are given lessons in various aspects of policing by Aurora Police Department (“APD”) Officers.

Explorers participate in real world scenarios, in a safe controlled environment to improve their skills. The training is provided by APD Officers from various units of the police department. Learning for Life provides training, screening, and resources for the post’s leaders.

The program offers opportunities for community service and team building to the City’s youth. In addition, the program promotes personal growth through activities that support character development, respect for the rule of law and physical fitness to name a few.

APD Youth Explorers Post #8847 was establish in 2023 with the guidance of Learning for Life. Seeing the continued interest and success of the first group of Explorers, APD is requesting to continue the program.

Explorers Post allows the City’s youth to gain exposure to various criminal justice careers and to have a positive interaction with law enforcement professionals. The program also provides the youth with leadership opportunities, community service and networking activities.

Funding for the program has been budgeted. In addition, Learning for Life provides primary general liability insurance to cover the participating organization, its officers and employees in their official capacities and individual capacities against personal liability judgements arising from official activities.

APD’s Community Oriented Policing unit officers are assigned to oversee the explorer post and would not impact any other City department.

The meeting with presentations and input from individuals can be viewed on the city government of Aurora’s YouTube page after the 3-minute mark by clicking here.

The City Council approved the following items on the agenda:

Approval was given to a Resolution appointing Steve Kulesza as superintendent of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Kulesza has many certifications and experience from working for the Bartlett, Bolingbrook, Geneva, and Naperville Park Districts.

City government of Aurora documents show his starting date to be the end of January.

Approval was given to a Resolution appointing Glenda Love and the reappointments of Sumera Galvez, Maureen McKane, Penelope Garcia, and Luanne Lo Monte to the Human Relations Commission.

City government of Aurora documents show the nomination brought forth represents one new candidate and four veteran candidates:

Glenda Love, non-resident; aging and disability rights supervisor at AgeGuide NorthEastern Illinois; Sumera Galvez, Ward 4; seeking reappointment for second term; Maureen McKane, Ward 4; seeking reappointment for second term; Penelope Garcia, Ward 6; seeking reappointment for fourth term; Luanne Lo Monte, Ward 9; seeking reappointment for second term.

Approval was given to an Ordinance for the redevelopment of the vacant Galena Hotel at 116 W. Galena Boulevard.

The Petitioner, Fox River House LLC, is requesting the establishment of a Conditional Use Planned Development on the property which includes a plan description to redevelop the building into 21 micro units ranging in size from 260 square feet to 550 square feet.

City government of Aurora documents show the first-floor will have five units and the existing lobby will be converted into a new apartment. The second and third floors will contain 7 units each with an additional two larger units on the fourth floor.

The building was opened as the Fox River House in 1862 and was known as the Huntoon House after its original builder and operator E.D. Huntoon. The building operated as other various hotels from 1862 until present day. The building underwent two extensive remodelings, one around 1872 and another in 1943. The exact extent of the remodelings are unknown but suggest the second floor oriel and attic dormers may have been added later. The interior of the buildings was likely heavily altered in the 1943 remodeling.

The only major change to the building is a rear brick elevator addition and new rear stairwell. The developers worked with City staff members and the State Historic Preservation Office to position these changes to have the least impact on the historic building with the elevator shaft being shorter than the building so as not to be visible from the street. A new metal enclosure will be added around the dumpster and mechanical equipment.

The interior will mostly be reconfigured but the center stairwell corridors, the building’s most significant and intact public spaces, will be restored.

City 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 worked with the developers early on in the process to better understand micro units. Micro units provide affordability for residents desiring to live in urban areas providing convenient access to jobs, public transportation, amenities, and entertainment. Micro-units are being developed as a solution to an affordable housing crisis. Typically they have higher occupancy rates than any other rental apartment type, rent premiums of 25 to 100 percent per square foot compared to larger units, are sustainable, and a large but almost entirely untapped market in the Aurora region, among other advantages.

Approval was given to a Resolution authorizing the Emergency Management Department coordinator to execute an intergovernmental emergency warning siren donation agreement with the village of Sugar Grove pertaining to the real property at Route 56 and Blackberry Creek in Sugar Grove.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain authorization for the Emergency Management Department coordinator to execute the agreement that will transfer through donation the aforementioned emergency outdoor warning siren to the Village pursuant to the terms and conditions in the Intergovernmental Emergency Warning Siren Donation Agreement.

Aurora and Sugar Grove entered into an agreement for activation of emergency warning sirens in July 1999, and an Emergency Warning Siren Location Agreement in April 2001. Aurora and Sugar Grove previously entered into said agreements because the Village did not have the technology nor capability to test and activate the siren system. The two agreements outlined the location, maintenance, and activation of emergency warning sirens, and included a shared siren location within the boundaries of the Village or Sugar Grove. Under these agreements, Aurora maintained primary responsibility for the activation of sirens within Sugar Grove’s jurisdiction through the Aurora 911 telecommunication center, while Sugar Grove maintained direct responsibility for maintenance of the system.

Sugar Grove now has the capability to independently test and activate their emergency outdoor warning siren system. Aurora and Sugar Grove feel it is in the mutual best interest to terminate all existing agreements and to transfer to ownership through donation all future responsibility for maintenance and activation of the one remaining shared siren, within Sugar Grove’s municipal boundaries. Sugar Grove would like to incorporate the siren into its local siren system.

Impact statement:

The approval of the transfer through donation of the single emergency outdoor warning siren from Aurora to Sugar Grove will greatly improve efficiency and understanding by the public and decrease confusion by Aurora and Sugar Grove municipal representatives during severe weather incidents. The transfer of this single siren will have no impact on the public safety of Aurora residents as coverage of the Aurora emergency outdoor warning siren system is sufficient.

Approval was given to a Resolution authorizing a contract and IEPA PWSLP loan forgiveness agreement with Brandt Excavating, Inc for the Lead Service Replacement Project – Contract 2 for the bid amount of $3,261,380.00, pending approval of on IEPA loan forgiveness loan.

City government of Aurora documents show the City qualifies for a forgivable loan for lead service line replacement and for FY2025 the maximum forgiveness amount is $3,027,000.00. The proposed 2025 budget includes both the expenditure and revenue for this project; the City will front fund the construction and seek reimbursement at the same time as payments are made to the contractor. Processing contractor payments significantly quicker in this manner in lieu of waiting for the receipt of loan funds makes the project more attractive to contractors and most likely results in lower bids.

This resolution will authorize the City to sign the Notice of Intent to Award and to later fully execute the bid documents with the IEPA. City staff members will submit the required bid document paperwork and bidding certification to the IEPA. Upon IEPA approval of this paperwork, the contract will be executed with Brandt Excavating Inc.

This resolution will also grant permission for a loan agreement to be executed with the IEPA for the Public Water Supply Loan Program.

The State of Illinois passed Public Act 102-0613 in August 2021 titled the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act requiring full replacement of lead water service lines when disturbed. More recently, the IEPA has adopted the USEPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements on October 8, 2024, and the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions on October 16, 2024. Both adopted USEPA regulations outline additional lead service replacement requirements and accelerate replacement timeframes in comparison to the previously approved August 2021 Illinois regulations.

The City of Aurora has an estimated 17,000 lead water services connected to the public water system. The Lead Service Line Replacement Project – Contract 2 will include the full replacement of the lead service from the water main to the water meter in the house or the completion of previous partial lead water services to eliminate all sections of lead between the main and meter.

Eight conforming bids were received, opened, and read aloud on December 11, 2024. The lowest responsible bid in the amount of $3,261,380.00 was submitted by Brandt Excavating, Inc. The lead service replacement ($3,261,380.00) will be funded with account 510-4058-511-73-02 (CIP IC080). Anything above the $3,027,000 loan forgiveness will be funded with account 510-4058-511-73-02 with funds transferred from the appropriate water account.

Impact statement:

The City will be utilizing available loan forgiveness funds to construct this project. Once completed, the project will reduce the number of lead services lines requiring replacement in the City of Aurora. During construction, there will be various local roadway and lane closures, and delays are to be expected. Individual residential water outages will be kept to a minimum while the service is being connected at the water main and inside the house.

Approval was given to an Ordinance amending Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, by modifying the zoning map to rezone vacant property at 627 South Lake Street from R-4 Two Family Dwelling District to R-3 One Family Dwelling District.

City government of Aurora documents show the property is owned by the City and is vacant land with R-4 Two Family Dwelling District zoning. This lot is north of the old Lincoln Elementary school.

At this time, the City is working on a project that takes inventory of all City-owned properties and determines course of action. For this parcel, the City is requesting to rezone the vacant property from R-4 Two Family District to R-3 One Family Dwelling District so that the property is able to be sold and turned into a single-family home.

The property does follow lot width and lot area requirements of the R-3 district. The lot is 66’ wide and 10,890 square feet.

Approval was given to an Ordinance changing the name of a portion of Suncrest Drive to Suncrest Court north of Wingpointe Drive in Kane County, Aurora. The City is requesting the street name change.

City government of Aurora documents show the City recorded The Lindens, Unit 3 in 2002. There was a discrepancy between the approved address plat and the recorded plat of subdivision as the plat of subdivision did not distinguish between Suncrest Drive and Suncrest Court.

While the City has been using Suncrest Court for all the residential lot north of Wingpointe Drive, Kane County recently brought to the City’s attention that the original street name on The Lindens, Unit 3 Plat of Subdivision did not properly distinguish between Suncrest Drive and Suncrest Court. Therefore, this street name change will change that portion of Suncrest Drive to Suncrest Court.

The Street Name Change will allow the City to continue to use Suncrest Court.

The street name change will have no impact as the property owners are using Suncrest Court at this time. Without this change it will impact 5 property owners as the address would need to be changed.

Approval was given to an Ordinance changing the name of Elm Street to West Park Avenue between N. Lake Street and N. River Street in Kane County, Aurora.

The city of Aurora is requesting a street name change of Elm Street to West Park Avenue between N. Lake Street and N. River Street in Kane County, Aurora, Illinois.

City government of Aurora documents show in the mid 90’s the City reconfigured the intersection of West Park Avenue and N. Lake Street to align with Elm Street on the east side of N. Lake Street. At that time, the City also changed the name of Elm Street to West Park Avenue. Kane County recently brought to the City’s attention that this street name change was never formally changed with the County. Therefore, this street name change will change that portion of Elm Street to West Park Avenue.

The Street Name Change will allow the City to continue to use West Park Avenue.

The street name change will have no impact as the property owners are using West Park Avenue at this time. Without this change it will impact a large apartment as the address would need to be changed.

Approval was given to an Ordinance amending various sections of Division 2-V-2 of Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to purchase provisions to include the requirements of an E-Procurement Systems.

The purpose is to update portions of the City Code to include processes for the E-Procurement System, electronic bid openings and publications.

City government of Aurora documents show with the recent purchase of an E-procurement and contract system (R24-385), staff members have been working with the City’s Law Department to update the Purchasing section of the code to ensure allowances for the upcoming changes in receiving electronic Bid/RFP documents, how a bid is opened, acceptance of electronic signatures and publication process.

Discussion:

Under Division 2-V-2 of the Chapter 2 of the City Code, current notice requirements state a formal Bid/RFP must be published in the local newspaper. While this was an effective way to communicate opportunities in the past, most vendors/contractors have moved to a digital format. The City will still be required to publish 15 days prior to a bid opening/due date, the publication will be through the City’s website and the new E-Procurement System. As a process, staff members notify vendors/contractors who have previously bid on similar opportunities. The process is very similar to what is done now, but by only publishing in the local newspaper when required by the funding source, the City will save nearly $30,000 each year.

With the E-Procurement System, City officials want to ensure the code reflects the changes that most, if not all, bids will be submitted electronically, have an electronic bid opening and require electronic signatures, etc. As City officials are working through the new process, Purchasing has been in communication with Public Works/Engineering to ensure City officials are aware of any issues with electronic bidding from any funding source (ie. IDOT, IEPA) and will accommodate as needed.

Approval was given to a Resolution authorizing the City to accept a grant award of $39,981.00 from the Department of Homeland Security for the Fiscal Year 2023 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program to update existing building codes and handbooks to help reduce potential losses to buildings and contents due to floods, tornado winds, and other natural disasters.

The purpose is to obtain City Council approval of a grant to update building codes and handbooks.

City government of Aurora documents show the Department of Homeland Security in coordination with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offered a competitive funding opportunity to provide funding to support communities as they work to reduce their hazard risk. Project and programs can take many forms, and the city elected to pursue funding for necessary code updates, handbooks, and implementing corresponding digital and software updates to ensure compliance with newly adopted codes. Following issuance of the appended grant agreement, a legal review has also been completed with no identified issue in accepting the award as outlined.

This grant will provide $39,981.00 in federal funding to support the adoption of updated codes, purchase of updated handbooks, and costs associated with corresponding digital updates (Municode Codification, etc.). As a result of this project and pending council approval, the city will have adopted the most recent and comprehensive codes available in the interest of preserving and protecting public health and safety and reducing overall risk. In accepting this award, the city also agrees to cover $13,327.00 in matching funds from non-federal sources. The accounts identified to cover matching funds include 101-1820-424.42-01 (Education / Training), 101-1820-424.42-03 (Travel / Professional Development), 101-1820-424.45-01 (Other Services & Charges / Dues), and 101-1820-424.61-10 (Supplies-General / Books/Periodicals / Videos).

Impact statement:

This resolution must be approved and signed to begin implementing the project and incurring costs. This grant-funded project will be implemented collaboratively by the Development Services Administration and the Aurora Emergency Management Agency.

Approval was given to a Resolution requesting implementation of a privacy readiness review by Class-LLC, Atlanta, GA for a total amount not to exceed $100,000.00.

The purpose is to obtain City Council approval to award a contract to Connelly Electric Company (Connelly), Addison, Ill., for the electrical improvements necessary to upsize the pumping capacity of High Pressure Pump #1 at the City of Aurora Water Treatment Plant.

City government of Aurora documents show high pressure pump #1 is one of three pumps used to distribute finished water from the treatment plant to the high pressure zone of the city’s water distribution system. Trending of water demand indicates a need to proactively increase pumping capacity to the high pressure zone as future water demand increases. The proposed upsizing of this pump will provide an additional 500,000 gallons per day of pumping capacity to the high pressure zone. The purchase of the new pump and motor was previously approved by City Council via resolution R24-342.

The project to perform the electrical improvements work was publicly advertised on November 10, 2024 (Bid No. 24-118) and bids were opened on December 11, 2024. Two bids were received.

The lowest base bid including allowances is $53,500.00 submitted by Connelly and the second base bid was submitted by Volt Electric, Inc. for $66,810.00. The engineer’s estimate of probable construction cost is $64,613 provided by Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT). Therefore, Connelly submitted the lowest, responsive, responsible bid.

Funds are available in the 2025 City Budget from a previously approved decision package. In addition, a grant was secured in the amount of $101,790.00 to support this project (R24-275).

The local vendor preference policy did apply to this bid but did not impact the final bid results.

Approval was given to a Resolution to award a contract to Connelly Electric Company in an amount not-to-exceed of $53,500.00 for the Water Production Division (WPD).

The purpose is to obtain City Council approval to award a contract to Connelly Electric Company (Connelly), Addison, IL, for the electrical improvements necessary to upsize the pumping capacity of High Pressure Pump #1 at the City of Aurora Water Treatment Plant.

City government of Aurora documents show high pressure pump #1 is one of three pumps used to distribute finished water from the treatment plant to the high pressure zone of the city’s water distribution system. Trending of water demand indicates a need to proactively increase pumping capacity to the high pressure zone as future water demand increases. The proposed upsizing of this pump will provide an additional 500,000 gallons per day of pumping capacity to the high pressure zone. The purchase of the new pump and motor was previously approved by City Council via resolution R24-342.

The project to perform the electrical improvements work was publicly advertised on November 10, 2024 and bids were opened on December 11, 2024. Two bids were received.

The lowest base bid including allowances is $53,500.00 submitted by Connelly and the second base bid was submitted by Volt Electric, Inc. for $66,810.00. The engineer’s estimate of probable construction cost is $64,613 provided by Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT). Therefore, Connelly submitted the lowest, responsive, responsible bid.

Funds are available in the 2025 City Budget from a previously approved decision package. In addition, a grant was secured in the amount of $101,790.00 to support this project.

The local vendor preference policy did apply to this bid but did not impact the final bid results.

Approval was given to a Resolution authorizing the purchase of replacement and additional vehicles for the City of Aurora fleet, for an amount not to exceed $1,570,000.00.

The purpose is to ensure that City divisions have adequate vehicles to perform their missions safely and effectively.

City government of Aurora documents show the Fleet Maintenance Division has recommended various fleet assets for replacement along with several additional assets that are authorized for procurement in the City’s 2025 budget.

The City has procured high-efficiency vehicles such as electric vehicles (EV), which are powered solely by a rechargeable battery and hybrid vehicles, which are powered by fuel and battery supplied electricity that significantly increases fuel economy. The City will continue to expand the fleet inventory of high-efficiency vehicles where operationally optimal and products are readily available.

In recent years and in response to ongoing global supply and labor resource shortages, automotive manufacturers have continued to limit production. The lower supply combined with national high demand has resulted in longer lead times and limited procurement opportunities.

To improve the City’s chance of successful procurements, the Fleet Maintenance Division is requesting authorization to procure or place vehicle orders as opportunities arise through approved purchasing cooperatives or from area dealership new and used inventories.

Approval was given to a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign and execute the Water Main Easement Agreement with Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) as part of the Middlebury Drive to LaJolla Court Water Main Installation.

The signed easement agreement is necessary in obtaining the ComEd easement and permit for the Middlebury Drive to LaJolla Court Water Main Installation project.

City government of Aurora documents show water main installation has been deemed necessary from Middlebury Drive to LaJolla Court to increase system capacity. The City’s engineering consultant modeled the water distribution system in anticipation of the Lincoln Prairie development in the southeast area end of the system and identified two necessary water main extensions to serve potential commercial development at that location. This is the last of those two locations. As part of the development agreement, the Pulte Group will be reimbursing the city for the cost of this project including all City of Aurora engineering division efforts to design, permit and manage the construction of this project. The proposed route of the 12” high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe water main crosses ComEd property via directional drilling. The one time fee of $3,000 will also be reimbursed by the Pulte Group. This project fee is budgeted for in 2025 within account 510-4058-511-73-01 (IC062) which has a 2025 budget amount of $600,000.

Approval was given to a Resolution authorizing the execution of permits with the State of Illinois for maintenance and construction on State highways.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to authorize the execution of permits with the State of Illinois for maintenance and construction on State Highways. Illinois State Statues require that any entity desiring to do work within any State of Illinois maintained right-of-way first obtain a written permit from the Illinois Department of Transportation. A surety bond is normally required with each permit application to ensure that the work is done in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and that the right-of-way is properly restored. This resolution is acceptable in lieu of the surety bond for work to be performed by city of Aurora staff members.

This is a recurring requirement by the State of Illinois and will be in effect for a period of two years.

The Illinois Department of Transportation allows municipalities to pass an appropriate resolution in lieu of the surety bond for permit work to be performed by municipal employees.

This resolution does not relieve contractors employed by the municipality from bonding requirements.

This resolution does not relieve the municipality of the obligation to secure permits from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Impact statement:

This resolution will reduce the time, effort, and expense for obtaining permits to perform work within the Illinois Department of Transportation right of way by city of Aurora staff members.

Approval was given to a Resolution authorizing a rehabilitation project of six finished water distribution pumps for the Water Production Division in an amount not-to-exceed of $402,000.

The purpose is to obtain City Council authorization for Layne Christensen Company (Layne), 721 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora, to perform rehabilitation services of six finished water distribution pumps to restore rated pumping capacity.

City government of Aurora documents show the pumps are utilized to distribute finished water from the City’s water treatment plant to the normal pressure zone of the city’s water distribution system. Rehabilitation of finished water pumps is required periodically to ensure continued reliability and to guard against mechanical failures. Furthermore, pump rehabilitation restores the rated capacity of individual pumps and reoptimizes efficient operation of pumps with respect to energy consumption. Normal pressure pumps #1, #2, #4, and #5 were upsized with new pumps during 2008 – 2009. Normal pressure pump #3 was upsized more recently in 2017. Normal pressure pump #6 has not been upsized and last received maintenance work in 2004. Rehabilitation of the six pumps is expected to occur over a two-year period, with one pump out of service at any given time.

The total estimated cost for the work is $402,000 or $67,000 per pump.

The City entered into a five-year professional services agreement (PSA) with Layne in 2020 under Resolution No. R20-083, which provides a 5% discount on all labor and field services and a 10% discount on specialized services performed by Layne. Layne will perform all work on a time and material basis and will only be compensated for the actual work performed per the terms and conditions of the PSA. In addition, Layne is the sole regional factory authorized source for repair and replacement of Flowserve-Byron Jackson pumps utilized by the Water Production Division.

Funds are available in the 2025 City Budget in Account No. 510-4058-511-38-01. Funding for this project was approved as a 2025 Decision Package.

The local vendor preference policy does not apply per Section 2-409 as this is a noncompetitive situation.

Approval was given to a resolution authorizing the director of the Purchasing Department to adopt unit prices submitted by Core and Main for the purchase of Sensus Water Meters and accessories.

The purpose is to provide a means for purchasing Sensus Water Meters and accessories. These water meters will be used in new development applications and replacements for worn out meters in use.

City government of Aurora documents show Section 48-16 of the city of Aurora Code of Ordinances states that the City, owns and maintains the water meters. For new developments, the permittee pays a fee for the new water meter. When existing meters must be replaced due to normal wear, the customer is not charged for the new water meter.

Several years ago, the City decided to exclusively use Sensus brand water meters. The decision to use one brand of meter was based on the desire to standardize installation and maintenance. When the Sensus brand water meters were chosen by Aurora, the City also decided to implement the Sensus Flex Net Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. The AMI system transmits data from each water meter via radio transmission to Aurora’s Water Billing Division. In 2013 the City of Aurora began a program to change out existing water meters that are one inch in diameter or less.

The Water Meter Maintenance Division continues working on replacing older inaccurate water meters and meters not functioning properly in coordination with the Engineering Division. Core and Main is the sole source provider for Sensus water meters in this region.

The quantity of water meters needed during any given year is based on demand from private developments as well as the need to replace worn or non-functioning existing meters. Due to the inability to predict exact quantities for the various size meters, it is recommended that an open purchase order be prepared that establishes unit prices for these meters. The unit prices are based on a quote provided by Core and Main and is valid through January 1st. 2026. Funds for these purchases are included in the 2025 budget in account 510-4062-511.65-50 in the amount of $900,000 (Water and Sewer Fund).

Core and Main is the sole source provider of Sensus brand water meters.

Impact statement:

This resolution is needed in order to continue providing new water meters for newly constructed buildings as well as the replacement of worn out existing meters.

Approval was given to a Resolution authorizing the director of the Purchasing Department to execute Change Order Number 1 to the Contract with Hoerr Construction Inc. for the 2024 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Lining project in the amount of $84,825.00.

The purpose is to rehabilitate an existing brick storm sewer on E. Galena Boulevard using the spray in place pipe lining method. Lining of this storm sewer would prevent future pipe failures that would likely result in much costlier dig repairs or property damage.

City government of Aurora documents show in early November, the City had a contractor lined up to repair the brick crosswalk on E. Galena Boulevard at the Water Street mall pedestrian crossing just east of the Fox River due to settlement of the crosswalk. During the removal process, a massive void was discovered under the brick crosswalk. This void was caused by a 2’x2’ failure in the brick storm sewer pipe approximately 12’ deep.

E. Galena Boulevard was immediately closed to traffic and an emergency repair was performed over the next several days. While this repair addressed the immediate area of the failure, additional rehabilitation is desired to address the rest of the pipe and reinforce the repair made. The City contacted the contractor that completed the 2024 cured in place pipe lining contract which was Hoerr Construction Inc. Hoerr Construction recently provided an estimate to perform spray in place pipe lining on the brick pipe when the weather is above freezing for a few days. The Spray in Place pipe lining method is proposed in lieu of the cured in place pipe lining method because the brick storm sewer is not circular but rectangular with an arched top. The engineering division believes the $84,825.00 Hoerr proposal to be a fair price due to the size/shape of the pipe and the limited access to the pipe ends.

The engineering division is planning on bidding the 2025 CIPP sewer lining contract late January or early February. If this extra work were to be included in that next contract, it would delay the rehabilitation of the brick pipe by a minimum of two months.

This sewer to be rehabilitated is a dedicated storm sewer. Therefore, City officials are requesting account 280-1852-512-81-23 (B037) be used for this rehabilitation which has an approved 2025 budget of $1,500,000.00.

Impact statement:

Failure to act quickly may lead to another section of the pipe failing which would likely result in a sinkhole along a busy section of E. Galena Boulevard downtown near the east bank of the Fox River.

Approval was given to a Resolution to endorse the Legislative Action Program of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference for the 2025 Legislative Session.

This resolution endorses the Legislative Action Program (LAP) of the DuPage Mayor’s and Manager’s (DMMC) allows the City of Aurora to publicly support the organization’s legislative priorities along with other member communities in DuPage County.

City government of Aurora documents show the City is a member and active participant of the DMMC, with staff members serving on the Board of Directors, Mayor’s and Manager’s Committee and the Legislative Committee. The organization works to align member municipalities on issues deemed as important so they speak with one voice when communicating with the State of Illinois. There are 35 member municipalities in the DMMC, representing over one million Illinois residents.

The city of Aurora endorsing the LAP provides a way for the Council to stay informed on the legislative positions of some member organizations and communicate that information to their residents. Additionally, when working with the State of Illinois on specific issues, it provides both the city and the DMMC a comprehensive platform on legislative issues to protect and benefit specific local interests. The 2025 LAP focuses on:

•Municipal Revenues and Unfunded Mandates

      o Protection of local revenue, support of increased Local Government Distributive Funds (LGDF) and working against unfunded mandates/pre-emption of local control.

•Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA)

      o Common sense changes to FOIA, specifically adopting the federal definition of commercial requests, preserve transparency and mitigate the abuse of FOIA for entertainment and profit.

•Sustainable Public Pension Systems

      o Protect public pensions and the taxpayers that fund them.

•Transportation and Infrastructure

      o Preserve municipal representation in transit governance to strengthen and align regional decision-making.

Impact statement:

Endorsement of the LAP will benefit the city of Aurora by providing the Council and residents’ information on the legislative activities of the City and how officials work to protect the interests of resident at all levels.

Approval was given to a Resolution authorizing the execution of real estate contracts to purchase properties required for the Farnsworth Bilter Church Roadway Widening Project, in the amount of $356,347.00.

The purpose is to authorize the purchase of right-of-way and temporary easements for the Farnsworth Bilter Church Roadway Expansion Project.

City government of Aurora documents show this project has been planned for many years as the ultimate build-out of Farnsworth Avenue and Bilter Road for the sections covered in this contract. The project is on Farnsworth Avenue from I-88 interchange to the lane drop approximately 700 feet south of Butterfield Road, Bilter Road from Church Road intersection to the west leg of Premium Outlets Blvd and Church Road from approximately 220 feet north of the Bilter Rd intersection to approximately 800 feet south of the Bilter Intersection in the City of Aurora, Kane County. The gross and net length is 9,134 ft (1.73 miles).

The work consists of roadway widening and resurfacing of approximately 1.73 miles. Farnsworth Ave is widening from a 4-lane section to a 6-lane section consistent with the cross section found north of Butterfield Road. Bilter Road is generally widening from a 2-lane cross section to a 4-lane cross section and Church Road is widening from a 2-lane cross section to a 3-lane cross section. The work will generally include the removal and replacement of existing pavement, installation of new watermain, storm sewer, sidewalk, ADA ramps, bike path, lighting and traffic signals along with work including signing, intersection radii widening, pavement marking, landscaping, and all other collateral work necessary to complete the project in accordance with the plans.

This resolution will provide authorization to proceed with the acquisition of temporary easement and Right of Way. The Corporation Counsel, City Engineer and respective designees shall represent the City in the acquisition of these parcels. The City has received acceptances from 6 of the 15 owners to the offers made by the City and Contracts to Purchase said properties have been executed or are in the process of being executed by said owners. The 5 Parcels are numbers 006, 009, 0011, 0014, 0016, and 0017. The prices range from $5,000.00 to $145,404.00 depending on the size and scope of the acquisition. The total amount of those settlements is $356,347.00. The plat of highways is included in the Exhibits for each parcel as well as an overall map of the parcels.

Leave a reply

  • Default Comments (0)
  • Facebook Comments