By Jason Crane
The Aurora City Council is considering a Resolution to approve a demolition and remediation contract with American Demolition Corporation of Carol Stream Ill., for the former YMCA structures at 460-480 Garfield Avenue.
Consent was given to the Resolution at the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 20 and could be approved at the February 27 full City Council meeting.
City government of Aurora documents show after City condemnation of the former YMCA structure in August 2019, the current owner has failed to remediate violations nor continuously secure the building. As a result, the city pursued a demolition suit with the owner in Circuit Court. Through this court action the City has now been granted the ability to demolish the unsafe and frequently unsecured building.
A request for proposal (RFP) was issued by the City in late December 2023.
That ‘not to exceed’ contract is for $1,482,390.00 and 160 days to complete, the final contract is subject to legal reviews.
Staff members have found cause to open more than 40 violation cases at this property in the past decade. After a fire damaged the electrical and fire safety systems at the building preventing re-occupancy of the building, it was condemned in August 2019. At least seven times since, the building has been found to have been broken into and occupied unsafely, placing emergency responders in danger. After a circuit court order had granted the City of Aurora the ability to demolish the building, City officials authored an RFP for the demolition in December 2023.
At this time, the building’s basements are full of water due to the underground spring that original YMCA construction exposed and has continuously pumped out.
A June 2019 pump failure allowed the basement to fill with water which led to the fire which caused the condemnation of the building. Unfortunately, this standing water and the underground spring precludes the City from the abatement assessment that is required prior to the basement abatement and remediation work occurring. As a result, the RFP contained a $500,000 allowance for the abatement work at the building and the full abatement assessment and its subsequent remediation are part of the required work. Staff members have reviewed the State licensing, credentials, and past work of the proposed sub-contractors of American Demolition and has found them to be satisfactory as well.
Risk Management funding will be used for this unplanned emergency safety project.
The selection was not based entirely upon cost.
American Demolition of Carol Stream is being recommended for the following reasons:
A. The lowest proposal was from a contractor without an apprenticeship program in place at the time of the proposal, therefore, City officials cannot consider this number.
B. The next lowest proposal lacked any unit pricing, which helps us assess and compare costs for the unassessed quantities of remediation spoils. Without such unit prices City officials are exposed to undefined and potentially inflated pricing and as such the second lowest bid has been determined to be incomplete and not favorable for consideration.
C. American proposed the third lowest total cost.
D. Further consideration of speed with not much additional cost led City officials to review the fourth lowest proposal. It had an abnormally high (by a factor of nearly 10 times) water removal cost per 1,000 gallons.
City officials are recommending that a ‘not to exceed’ contract for $1,482,390.00 and 160 days to complete, be approved for American Demolition Corporation with the final contract subject to legal reviews.
Approving this contract with American Demolition Corporation will allow staff members to resolve long standing violations and remove a blighted, unsafe building which poses a hazard to trespassers and emergency responders and staffers alike.
Many individuals asked the City to help with enforcement of reckless driving and noise from cars with loud mufflers. Their comments can be viewed on the city government of Aurora’s YouTube page after the 7 minute mark by clicking here.
The City Council gave consent to the following agenda items likely to be placed on the Tuesday, Feb. 27 full City Council agenda:
•Consent was given to a Resolution approving the reappointments of Charlie Zine and Doug Johnson, and the appointments of Dave Horner and Thad Murillo to the Bicycle, Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Board.
City government of Aurora documents show the nomination brought fourth represents one new candidate and the reappointment of two veteran candidates. Charlie Zine is a resident of Ward 4. Doug Johnson is a resident of Ward 3. Dave Horner is a resident of Ward 5. Thad Murillo is a resident of Ward 9.
•Consent was given to a Resolution approving the reappointment of Charles Baker and Ayo Dahunsi to the Innovation and Technology Advisory Commission.
City government of Aurora documents show January 2022, the City Council approved the establishment of Innovation and Technology Advisory Board to investigate, research, and gather information in relation to significant emerging technologies that may benefit and/or have an impact on the City.
Charles Baker and Ayo Dahunsi are residents of Ward 9 and are seeking to be reappointed for a second term.
•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the 2024 ward neighborhood clean-ups and shred events in all wards in the City of Aurora.
The purpose is to obtain City Council approval of the 2024 ward neighborhood clean-ups and shred events.
City government of Aurora documents show annually, the City of Aurora aldermen and alderwomen decide when neighborhood clean-ups and shred events will be held. Decisions are based on available funds for the current year.
The 2024 neighborhood clean-ups and shred events are proposed for wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Groot and Accurate Document Destruction will be contacted to provide disposal services. The cost is determined by the amount of debris hauled away.
•Consent was given to a Resolution approving the appointment of Jennifer Paprocki and Denise Morgan representing Aurora to the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Board (AACVB).
City government of Aurora documents show in 2013, the City of Aurora entered into a new intergovernmental agreement with the AACVB, which allowed for Aurora to appoint a total of fifty (50%) of the at-large members board. Each participating municipality was also able to appoint a representative. The mayor of Aurora submitted a letter nominating appointees for the at-large positions that represented various entities related to the tourism for a term of one-year, municipal representatives were provided three year terms.
Following the revision in 2013, the AACVB and the City of Aurora re-authorized the agreement in 2015 and again 2016. One of the terms of the revised agreement requested by the Aurora City Council was to formalize the appointment process by the mayor nominating and the Council voting to approve.
The City of Aurora has one municipal representative and 10 at-large appointments on the board. The nominees for the at-large candidates are as follows:
Jennifer Paprocki : At-Large
Denise Morgan: Ward 8.
•Consent was given to a Resolution approving the reappointment of Angie Thomas and the appointment of A. Elizabeth Robinson-Chan to the Civil Service Commission.
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 one veteran candidate and one new candidate.
Angie Thomas is a resident of the fifth Ward.
A. Elizabeth Robinson-Chan is a resident of the fifth Ward.
•Consent was given to a Resolution approving the appointments of Amina Hart, Tonya Majersky, Charmaine Peterson, and Alonso Beckford to the African American Heritage Advisory Board.
City government of Aurora documents show in June of 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 four veteran members;
Amina Hart is a resident of the second Ward.
Tonya Majersky is a resident of the fifth Ward.
Charmaine Peterson is a resident of the ninth Ward.
Alonso Beckford is a resident of the tenth Ward.
•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the reappointment of Linda Cole, Warren Barton, Ken Gaul, Dan Hoffman, Geral Lubshina, Judy Durham, and Eric Rodriguez and the appointment of Luma Webster and Karen Christensen as members to the Block Grant Working Committee (BGWC).
City government of Aurora documents show every five years, the City of Aurora develops a long-term strategic plan called the Consolidated Plan, which must be submitted annually to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to receive federal funds.
As a recipient of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other federal funds from HUD, the City of Aurora must follow strict criteria in the creation and implementation of the Consolidated Plan. To comply with the city’s consolidated plan, a resolution “Adopting a Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Aurora Community Development Block Grant Program” was passed, which includes an advisory body known as the Block Grant Working Committee (BGWC). The BGWC serves as an advisory body regarding the city’s use of CDBG funds.
The BGWC is comprised of one member from each ward in the city who is nominated by the alderman of that ward. There are also three members-at-large, appointed by the mayor and each aldermen-at-large. The committee works with the Neighborhood Redevelopment Division (NRD), reviewing applications and providing feedback, advising the NRD regarding fund distribution and providing recommendations for the Annual Action Plan (AAP).
Serving on the BGWC provides residents the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of available programs and address specific areas of concern in their respective wards. Members’ terms coincide with their respective Alderman’s term.
To update committee membership and provide the opportunity for all wards with a vacancy to submit candidates, an email was sent to all aldermen with a vacancy in December 2023. Below are the candidates nominated by ward:
Eric Rodriguez – Ward 1
Linda Cole – Ward 4
Karen Christensen – Ward 5
Warren Barton – Ward 6
Judy Durham – Ward 7
Ken Gaul – Ward 8
Dan Hoffman – At-Large Representative
Luma Webster – At-Large Representative
Gerald Lubshina – At-Large Representative.
•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing approval of the 2024 Historic Preservation Grants and allowing the mayor to enter into historic preservation grant agreements and addendums.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to authorize the execution of Historic Preservation Grant agreements with owners of properties within the historic districts or local landmarks to foster the continued preservation of Aurora’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks.
In 2019, City Council approved a new Historic Preservation Grant Program. The Preservation Grant Program is a reimbursable grant for exterior historic rehabilitation projects. The maximum is $20,000. All grants at or under $10,000 require no cash match. All grants over $10,000 require a dollar-for-dollar cash match for every dollar over $10,000. The final $1,000 of the grant is additional funding for the use of local contractors. Properties must be owner-occupied and designated as historic within the City of Aurora and must meet all other eligibility requirements.
With some previous grants not being completed or completed under budget, the budget authorization for 2024 is $327,000 in account 101-1840-463.50-43.
Staff members received 22 applications representing all four local districts, the National Register district, and Local Landmarks. The work is all exterior ranging from tuckpointing, window repair, siding repair, and painting to gutter replication and porch restorations.
On January 22, 2024, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the 22 applications submitted for the 2024 Historic Preservation Grant Program. Based upon the available funding, the Historic Preservation Commission ranked 14 applications as being deserving for funding and recommends those applications for approval by City Council. The remaining applications were either incomplete, did not adhere to the Historic Preservation Guidelines, or maintenance related projects that the Commission did not consider historic preservation projects. The remaining funds will go towards a second application round, which will allow homeowners who were unable to get cost estimates due to the high demand of contractors specializing in historic buildings another chance to apply.
The following grants are recommended for approval:
1.) 108 N. View Street – Tanner – Porch Repair – $2,951
2.) 116 N. View Street – Tanner – Window Restoration – $6,402
3.) 219 N. Locust Street – Tanner -Siding Repair and Painting – $7,860
4.) 222 N. Chestnut Street – Tanner – Painting, New Handrail, New Gutters – $21,000
5.) 311-313 Grand Avenue – Tanner – Window Repair – $12,930
6.) 332 Plum Street – Tanner – Siding Repair, Painting, and Porch Repair – $12,875
7.) 413 Wilder Street – Tanner – Cornice & Gutter Replication – $17,660
8.) 418 Palace Street – Tanner – Gutter Replacement – $12,600
9.) 424 West Park Avenue – Tanner – Siding Repair and Painting – $18,218
10.) 551 W. Downer Place – Landmark – Gutter Replacement and Soffit/Fascia Repair – $21,000
11.) 625 Oak Avenue – Tanner – Window Restoration and New Wood Storms – $11,759
12.) 730 Grand Avenue – Riddle Highlands – Tuckpointing and Window Lintel and Sill Repair – $15,075
13.) 740 Palace Street – Riddle Highlands – Tuckpointing and Chimney Repair – $16,120
14.) 985 Sheffer Road – Landmark – Gutter Replacement and Soffit/Fascia Repair – $15,000
Policies and guidelines:
The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the City of Aurora Historic Districts and Landmarks Guideline.
•Consent was given to an Ordinance requesting approval of a conditional use for a religious institution use on Lot 2 in West Aurora Plaza, Unit No. 2, at 555 Redwood Drive (Maranatha Hispanic Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ward 5).
City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Illinois Association of Seventh-day Adventists, on behalf of Maranatha Hispanic Seventh-Day Adventist Church, is requesting approval of a Conditional Use for a Religious Institution use on Lot 2 of West Aurora Plaza, Unit No. 2, at 555 Redwood Drive, which includes rehabilitation of the former bank and associated drive-through for a church with enough space for up to 170 members.
The Property is zoned B-2(C), Business District – General Retail with a Conditional Use Planned Development. The Comprehensive Plan designates the property as Commercial and the adjacent block of Redwood Drive as Minor Collector. There are 46 striped parking spaces on the Property. The existing commercial building, which was used in the past as a bank with a drive-through, is one-story and has an area of approximately 4,500 square feet.
Details of the request include an interior remodel of the existing building for worship space with 170 seats, five classrooms for congregation members, and a dedicated Pastor’s office. The Property has 46 striped parking spaces, which exceeds the minimum requirement of 43 spaces. In addition, the building has a drive-through from the previous bank user, which the Petitioner has indicated may be used for member pick-up and drop-off. This proposal does not include any major exterior changes to the building or the site, such as enclosing the drive-through for further office space or meeting rooms.
Staff members have reviewed the Conditional Use 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 feel this conversion from the former Old Second Bank to a church use will act as a nice transition from the more intense commercial uses of West Aurora Shopping Center to the south, and the residential neighborhood to the north.
Public hearing:
Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter.
Findings of fact:
1) Will the establishment, maintenance or operation of the Conditional Use be unreasonably detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare?
Staff members do not believe the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the Conditional Use will be unreasonably detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare. Staff members believe the Religious Institution use at this location will not only offer a benefit to its members, but provide an additional resource to the neighborhood.
2) Will the Conditional Use be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted or substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood; factors including but not limited to lighting, signage and outdoor amplification, hours of operation, refuse disposal areas and architectural compatibility and building orientation?
Staff members do not believe the conditional use will be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted or substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood. Rather, Staff members believe the proposed Religious Institution use, which is to operate from a built-out commercial property, will create any impact on the adjacent residential properties that a commercial user might otherwise create.
3) Will the establishment of the Conditional Use impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district?
Staff members believe the establishment of the conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district. Staff members believe the Religious Institution use will provide a buffer between the commercial center to the west and south, and the residential properties to the north and east.
4) Will the proposal provide for adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, and/or other necessary facilities as part of the Conditional Use?
Staff members believe that, because thebProperty is already built out, the adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, and/or other necessary facilities are available.
5) Does the proposal take adequate measures, or will they be taken to provide ingress and egress so designed to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets?
Staff members believe the proposal takes adequate measures to provide ingress and egress, so designed to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets.
6) Does the Conditional Use in all other respects conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it exists, except as such regulations may in each instance be modified by the City Council pursuant to the recommendations of the commission?
Staff members believe the conditional use does, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it exists.
•Consent was given to an Ordinance and a Resolution approving the Final Plat for 743 McClure Rd, LLC Subdivision, in Aurora, Ill..
City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, 743 McClure Road, LLC, is requesting approval of a Final Plat for 733 and 743 McClure Rd, which includes subdividing the two existing, adjacent properties, to allow for re-configured lot lines to establish a new, two lot subdivision between the adjoining industrial properties.
The Property is zoned M-1, Manufacturing District – Limited. The comprehensive plan designates the Property as industrial. The property at 743 McClure Rd is approximately two acres and consists of a single-story industrial building that is approximately 40,000 square feet in area. The property at 733 McClure Rd is approximately two acres and consists of a single-story industrial building that is approximately 26,000 square feet in area. The properties share a dedicated 24 foot wide ingress/egress easement between the property owners for driveway access and parking. This same ingress/egress easement extends through the middle of the properties from McClure Rd to the eastern property line.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plat for 743 McClure Rd, LLC Subdivision, at 733 and 743 McClure Road. The details of the request include subdividing and consolidating the existing adjacent lots into a new two lot subdivision, which consists of 743 McClure Rd on Lot 1 and 733 McClure Rd on Lot 2. As part of this proposal, Lot 1 is to consolidate the rear portion of Lot 2, which is approximately 29,000 square feet. With approval of this Final Plat, Lot 1’s area is changed to approximately 122,000 square feet, while Lot 2’s area is changed approximately 63,000 square feet. The rear portion of Lot 1 includes a 71 foot wide stormwater control easement. In addition, the Petitioner is dedicating 66 feet of public right-of-way on McClure Road, which, as a result, requires a 10 foot wide sign easement to allow for the existing monument sign to remain in its place, as well as ingress/egress easements to allow for the existing parking lot and sidewalk to be utilized while in the public right-of-way.
Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting approval of a plat of vacation for the portion of the dedicated 24 foot wide ingress/egress easement that runs through the accompanying Final Plat’s newly dedicated Lot 1. The remainder of the existing ingress/egress easement will remain on the property, allowing Lot 1 and Lot 2 to maintain access. The area of the vacated easement is approximately 4,200 square feet.
Staff members have reviewed the Final Plat 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, with the exceptions of the items reflected in the conditions listed in the staff member recommendation below.
Policies and guidelines:
The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
22.1 (2): To achieve appropriate zoning protection for residential areas designated in the land use plan.
41.1 (2): To promote a balanced distribution of industries within the City.
51.1 (3): To actively promote and pursue the retention of businesses and industries within the City of Aurora.
Recommendations:
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended conditional approval of the resolution approving the Final Plat for 743 McClure Rd, LLC Subdivision, at 733 and 743 McClure Road, with the following conditions:
1) That, prior to the Final Plat mylar being printed, the ingress/egress easement provisions and sign easement provisions language be finalized with the Engineering Department.
2) That, prior to final occupancy being issued, the Final Plat mylar be recorded with the Kane County Recorder’s office.
•Consent was given to two Resolutions for an amendment to an engineering agreement for construction phase engineering services with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. for the Phase 2 Airfield Pavement Rehabilitation Project (ARR-4648) at the Aurora Municipal Airport in the amount of $52,900.
A Resolution authorizing the mayor and City clerk to execute a not-to-exceed agreement for Design Phase Engineering and Planning Special Services in the amount of $114,500 for the Rehabilitate Airfield Lighting Vault (ARR-4915) and Replace Vault Generator (ARR-5117) projects at the Aurora Municipal Airport with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc..
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain approval for an amendment to a consultant agreement for construction phase engineering work associated with the Airfield Pavement Rehabilitation Phase 2 Project.
The City of Aurora City Council passed resolution R19-347 in September of 2019, authorizing the mayor and City clerk to enter into a consultant agreement in the not-to-exceed amount of $87,100.
During construction, the contractor for this project required a significant amount of coordination with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. for pavement mix design issues, multiple submittals and rejections of materials, shop drawing reviews and general on-stie observation.
The total cost for this additional consulting work is $52,900 and is eligible for reimbursement under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The typical 90% Fed., 5% State and 5% Local participation applies leaving the City of Aurora’s cost for this work at $2,645. In order to process the reimbursement, the City of Aurora is required to pay the consultant (CMT) the full amount of $52,900.
This payment will exceed the previously approved not-to-exceed amount by more than $50,000 and therefore requires City Council approval. Work was completed in 2023.
The purpose is to obtain City Council approval to enter into a consultant agreement with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. to provide Design Phase Engineering and Planning Special Services.
Background:
The City of Aurora has been awarded funding for two projects at the Aurora Municipal Airport. The first is the Rehabilitate Airfield Lighting Vault project in which the total cost for this project is $785,000. The City’s Local Share is $39,250. The second project is related to the first project in that it is the replacement of the existing standby generator which provides electrical power to the airfield lighting system in case of a network utility outage. The replacement generator total project cost is $515,000. As a result of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding, the City of Aurora’s share for this project is $25,750.
Discussion:
As indicated above, the City of Aurora’s total share for both of these projects is limited to $65,000. Therefore $49,500 of the total design phase engineering fee will be reimbursed back to the City of Aurora at the completion of these projects. The total cost for both projects has been set aside under CIPs D052 and D057 in accounts 504-4454-433.73-99 and 504-4454-433.63-34 respectively.
•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the execution of real estate contracts to purchase properties and to appropriate REBUILD Illinois Bond Funds required for the Indian Trail Road Signal Modernization and Resurfacing (Edgelawn to Highland) Project in the amount of $9,350.00.
The purpose is to authorize the purchase of right-of-way for the Indian Trail Road Signal Modernization and Resurfacing (Edgelawn to Highland) Project and to appropriate REBUILD Illinois Bond funds as required by the Illinois Highway Code for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Section 21-00339-00-CH.
City government of Aurora documents show a Phase 1 Study has been completed for this project, and the City is in various stages of design and construction for similar projects throughout the Indian Trail Corridor.
The project has secured federal funding to cover up to 80% of Construction and Construction Engineering costs. The funding sources include Surface Transportation Program – Local (STU) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ). A total of $3,800,000.00 in federal funds has been secured for Construction and Construction Engineering on the project.
The project involves modernizing the signalized intersections along Indian Trail between Edgelawn Dr and Highland Ave. Modernization includes replacement of all aging signal equipment, widening of curb radii to meet design vehicle requirement, and improving pedestrian facilities to meet ADA compliance. The intersections will feature new signal heads with 4-face flashing yellow turn arrows, which are in use on Orchard Rd and are proposed in other upcoming projects throughout the City. Additionally, the existing roadway and 8-10 foot wide bike path will be resurfaced as part of this project. Additional general information and exhibits can be found on the project website (https://www.aurora-il.org/2365/Indian-Trl-from-Edgelawn-Dr-to-Highland-).
The City is continuing work with their selected design consultant, Stanley Engineering, on final design plans under a previous City agreement. The plans are 99% complete and the “Initial Final” Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) were submitted to IDOT on November 27, 2023. The project is targeting an April 2024 IDOT letting, pending final land acquisition certification.
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 previously received acceptances from 8 of the 12 owners to the offers made by the City. The City has now received acceptances from 3 additional owners and contracts to purchase said properties have been executed or are in the process of being executed by said owners. The 3 Parcels are numbers 10, 11, and 12. The prices range from $300.00 to $8,750.00 depending on the size and scope of the acquisition. The total amount of those settlements is $9,350.00. A similar resolution will be passed at a later date authorizing execution of the 1 remaining real estate contract.
IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the REBUILD Illinois Bond Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for Improvement – BLR 09110 appropriating REBUILD Illinois Bond Funds is in the amount of $9,350.00.
The REBUILD Illinois Bond Fund is a grant program using proceeds from general obligation (transportation, series A) bonds authorized in the REBUILD Illinois capital program to provide Local Agencies with the funds for transportation improvement projects. The City has received all the funds, $13,042,322.82 in total, over a 3 year period from 2020-2022. The funds can only be used on bridge and major highway projects that provide an average useful life of greater than or equal to 13 years.
The 2024 City Budget provides for sufficient funds in Account 202-4020-418.76-39 (GC083, Indian Trail Signal – Edgelawn to Highland).
•Consent was given to an Ordinance reserving 2024 volume cap in connection with private activity bond issues, and related matters.
The purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of an ordinance that will serve to reserve the city’s 2024 private activity bond (PAB) volume.
City government of Aurora documents show PABs are tax-exempt securities that are issued in the name of a state or local government for a variety of purposes that advance public interests. Classifications of PABs include, but are not limited to, economic development revenue bonds, industrial development revenue bonds (IDRBs), single-family mortgage revenue bonds, and multi-family mortgage revenue bonds. In essence PAB’s are an economic development tool that allows for the issuance and use of tax exempt bonding for qualified private development projects. This lowers the financing costs for the project.
Although PABs are issued under the authority of a state or local government, the government concerned typically has no responsibility for repaying the debt. The development project concerned is usually responsible for repaying. PABs are commonly referred to as “conduit debt.”
The Internal Revenue Code places a “cap” on the dollar amount of certain PABs that a state or local government may issue in a calendar year. Municipalities are limited to an amount equal to $125 per resident per the US Census Bureau population estimate.
The Illinois Private Activity Bond Allocation Act requires that Illinois municipalities declare their intent to use their allocation of volume cap for the current year. Any volume cap that is not “reserved” is automatically ceded to the State of Illinois.
Based upon the City’s estimated population of 177,866 Aurora’s volume cap allocation for 2024 is $22,233,250. Some of the 2024 volume cap may be dedicated to the issuance of IDRBs in support of manufacturing enterprises in the city. Any volume cap not used for IDRBs may instead be used for single-family mortgage revenue bonds and/or mortgage credit certificates.
Recommendations:
That the City Council approve the ordinance that will serve to reserve the City’s 2024 PAB volume cap.
•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the execution of a lease agreement with Mark Radina & Archetype Stained Glass for the lease of office space and art studio of a City-owned Building at 7 South Broadway in Aurora.
The purpose of this request is to fill a partially vacant building owned by the City of Aurora.
City government of Aurora documents show Mark Radina & Archetype Stained Glass was a sub-tenant for 3-plus years of the City’s previous tenant, Gary Brown. Since Gary Brown terminated his lease with the City, Mark Radina & Archetype Stained Glass have been a holdover tenant. This lease solidifies the good working relationship the City has with Mr. Radina & Archetype Stained Glass.
The proposed lease has a month-to-month term and affords the City and Mark Radina & Archetype Stained Glass the desired flexibility. Rent will be $400 per month, along with Special Service Area contributions and real estate taxes.
Approval of this resolution should provide a modest source of revenue and have the ancillary benefit of creating a positive impact on the downtown and community by bringing new businesses, people and opportunities.
•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the execution of a service agreement between the City of Aurora, and Family Services Association of Elgin Illinois in support of the Aurora Police Department Crisis Intervention Unit for the period of January of 2024 through June of 2025.
The purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed resolution that would authorize the director of the City’s Purchasing Department to enter into a service agreement with the Family Services Association of Elgin (FSA) for contracted social worker services needed as part of the Aurora Police Department Crisis Intervention Unit.
City government of Aurora documents show the Aurora Police Department understands that many police interactions with citizens in crisis include a substantial mental health component which must be addressed for the safety of the police officer and the citizen. In addition, the Aurora Police Department knows that incidents often occur where a citizen in crisis may display behaviors otherwise considered criminal in nature, but for which an enforcement intervention is not the proper strategy. For these and other reasons, the Aurora Police Department endeavored to adopt a police/social worker co-response model wherein highly trained police officers are paired with highly trained mental healthcare providers to provide crisis intervention in a safe and meaningful way.
The Aurora Police Department has been working in partnership with the FSA for several years, and has constructed a Crisis Intervention Unit which focuses on in-progress and post-incident care for the citizens of Aurora who find themselves in a mental health crisis and also often interact with police. This model provides safety for the citizen, the social worker, and the officer, while utilizing approaches to mental health interventions aimed at the care of the citizen-patient versus traditional police enforcement tactics.
An agreement was previously approved for 2022-2023 between FSA and the City of Aurora, Resolution #23-217
The Aurora Police Department intends enter into a service agreement with the FSA to continue a partnership in crisis intervention in the City of Aurora with an eye toward outreach and expansion of services.
The Aurora Police Department has obtained partial funding for this program through a Department of Justice Grant which was previously reviewed and accepted by the City Council (Resolution R23-184) and through operational funding approved in the 2024 budget.
Funding for this service agreement will be paid out of accounts 101-3536-421.50-50 and 215-3536-421.50-50.
The FSA and Aurora Police Department partnership in this co-response model has been a tremendous success. Continued funding through this service agreement is necessary to continue this relationship and to begin working toward the enhancement and expansion of this program.
•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County; the participation in the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, and the use of the City of Aurora’s portion toward the Aurora Police Department toward the purchase of water rescue kits.
The purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed resolution that would authorize the following:
The execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County.
The participation in the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program; and
The use of the City of Aurora’s portion toward the Aurora Police Department’s purchase of water rescue kits.
City government of Aurora documents show the FY 2023 Edward Byrne memorial Local JAG program was awarded on September 22, 2023. This year’s award, as determined by a Department of Justice allocation formula includes a total award of $73,248 and is intended to be shared between the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County. Specifically, $50,758 was allocated to the City of Aurora and $22,490 to the City of Elgin. Kane County was categorized as an agency that did not submit the level of violent crime data sufficient to qualify for a direct award and as a result is listed as a disparate agency. Historically, Aurora and Elgin have both shared their portions of this award with Kane County.
Each year, Aurora and Elgin share 30% of their award with Kane County. Using this formula, the 2023 JAG grant would indicate that Aurora will ultimately receive a total of $33,641, Elgin will receive a total of $15,743, and Kane County will receive a total of $23,864.
In order to comply with the requirements of this grant, the City of Aurora will not make payments to Kane County or the City of Elgin prior to receiving proof that those agencies spent funds in accordance with the grant requirements. The City of Aurora will reimburse those agencies and in turn will be reimbursed by the Department of Justice in accordance with the JAG grant guidelines.
The City of Aurora Police Department intends to use the award to fund the purchase of water rescue kits which will be deployed by first-responding uniformed patrol officers. At present, approximately eighty-five squad cars are equipped with water rescue kits. This funding will allow the purchase of at least another fifty water rescue kits and replacement parts as appropriate for this program.
Over the past several years, the Aurora Police Department has actively participated in the rescue of near-drowning events within the city. While the Aurora Fire Department maintains exceptional water rescue equipment, in most cases, Aurora Police Officers are first on scene and are often required to take immediate lifesaving actions. These water rescue kits allow first responding police officers to safely and effectively provide rescue efforts to those who need immediate help.
Aurora Police Officers have utilized these kits in water rescues, and seek to have one in every marked squad car to ensure no delay in future rescues.
•Consent was given to a Resolution to approve the purchase of 31 United Shield Brand Ballistic Shields and accessories from MES/Lawmen Supply of Deer Creek, Ill., in the amount of $64,725.00.
The purpose is to purchase replacement ballistic shields for the Aurora Police Department. These ballistic shields are essential for the protection of first responding police officers and are being purchased to replace outdated and end-of-life shields.
City government of Aurora documents show the 2024 budget includes a decision package from the Aurora Police Department to replace ballistic shields over a multi-year phased replacement program. The existing ballistic shields are either reaching or are at the end of their useful recommended life, and a replacement is warranted.
During the budget cycle, it was noted that ballistic shields used in the patrol division and Special Response Team were approaching or have reached the end of their warrantied life. Officials developed a multi-year plan to replace the aging supply on a rotation. This request for purchase is part of that multi-year replacement program cycle.
Officials found MES/Lawmen Supply Company, who participates in the Sourcewell Cooperative agreement, and is a vendor who has provided reliable service to the Aurora Police Department in the past. MES/Lawmen Supply Company demonstrated that they can meet the public safety needs of the police department and will provide the needed ballistic shields through this turnover period.
Funding is available in the 2024 budget in account 255-3536-421.61-40.
Local preference does not apply when using a cooperative purchase program.
This purchase is vital to the protection of police first responders during times where the threat of deadly force against responding officers is present. One of these shields is a rifle-rated shield intended to outfit first-responding patrol supervisors, and thirty of these shields are pistol-rated, and will be utilized by first responding patrol officers.
In addition, accessories related to the purchase of these shields will be purchased, including POLICE stencils, and padded shield carry bags.
•Consent was given to a Resolution approving of third-party administrative services for Cities in Schools Aurora (formally Communities in Schools) to administer the 2024 Summer Programs in the amount not to exceed $183,000.00 for the Youth Services Subdivision.
City government of Aurora documents show since 2010, the City has utilized Cities in Schools Aurora (CISA) as a Third Party Administrator (TPA) for summer and youth development programs. CISA has strong partnerships with School Districts 131, 129, 308, and 204, as well as many youth-based organizations. These relationships serve CISA well with respect to managing these programs. The agreement with CISA needs to be extended in order to continue with the planning process to be able to provide summer camps and programs by the start of summer break. This agreement is for one additional year.
The cost for proposed services is $183,000.00. The proposed agreement is the similar to the 2023 summer. The 2024 proposal includes 4 educational summer camps, 1 drama camp, and field trips for all summer camps. The locations of these sites have been determined in conjunction with the school districts. Cities in Schools Aurora continues to provide quality service, conduct satisfaction surveys with parents and stakeholders, make necessary changes to their programs based on responses from the community, as well as provide an informative annual report to the City of Aurora.
This proposal can be beneficial for the City, at a time where the Youth Services department does not have the staff members, resources, and budget to provide this service in-house. The City continues to evaluate the mix of in-house staff member support/administration with the $183,000 budgeted for contractual administration. For additional enrichment programs, supplies/curriculum, trips, staff members, longer/full-day camps, and students, City officials will continue to pursue grants and donations to provide additional funding for third party contracts to sustain Aurora’s summer programs. Youth Services will contract directly with program providers for the enrichment component for the summer programs, and will also be monitored by the Youth Services Manager. Site visits will be made to all program sites. CISA will provide a report at the end of the season.
This service was not formally bid. City of Aurora documents show CISA has been a strong partner and the only organization that has been able to provide the comprehensive services the City needs to run these camps.
The 2024 budget account number 101-1370-440.32-20 has $183,000 for these services
No impact on the public, other departments/divisions, or technology. Since there programs have been outsourced to CISA, the City has not been involved in the hiring process, payroll function, logistics, staff member training, and other functions. This change has reduced the amount of time required by payroll and human resources staff members.
•Consent was given to a Resolution to adopt unit prices provided by four respondents for 2024 electrical supplies for the electrical division.
The purpose is to obtain approval to adopt unit prices provided by Crescent Electric Supply, JP Simons & Company, Oxie Valley Electric Supply, and Revere Electric for 2024 Electrical Supplies for the Electrical Division.
City government of Aurora documents show the City recently published an invitation to bid (ITB) for annual pricing of Electrical Division supplies. The intent of this is to freeze commonly fluctuating unit prices. The previous pricing expired on December 31, 2023 and this year’s invitation will establish unit prices for 2024 (with options to renew in 2025 and 2026) for materials and supplies used by the Electrical Division during routine and ongoing maintenance of City infrastructure.
The ITB for 2024 Electrical Supplies was advertised in the newspaper and sent directly to several suppliers. Unit prices were received from five respondents and are summarized in the bid tabulation. The unit prices recommended for acceptance provided the lowest price for specific items highlighted in yellow. The lowest price per item will be used unless delivery time or cost becomes an issue, at which point the item would be purchased from the respondent with the next lowest price and necessary availability for that item.
By accepting prices from multiple respondents and establishing open purchase orders as necessary, the Electrical Division is able to readily pick up materials as needed rather than waiting to obtain individual quotes and a separate purchase order each time something is needed.
This bid was subject to local preference, which was only a factor for item 7 shown on the bid tabulation. As a result, Oxie Valley Electric Supply is identified as having provided the lowest pricing for this item.
Funding for materials, supplies, and LED light fixtures is budgeted in Supplies-Repairs/Maintenance/Street Lighting accounts 340-4020-418.65-07, 235-4020-418.65-07, 236-4020-418.65-07, and may be supplemented with other accounts to be determined
This contract should minimize the turnaround time for the City’s Electrical Division to respond to issues and return City-owned lighting and electrical infrastructure to a safe and operable condition.
•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing Altorfer CAT to perform the recommended repairs and component replacements to fleet unit #63-149 for $65,716.60, plus a five percent (5%) contingency of $3,285.83.
The purpose is to repair and restore unit #63-149 to fully operational condition.
City government of Aurora documents show fleet unit # 63-149 is a 2022 CAT 926M wheel loader assigned to the Water & Sewer Maintenance Division. During snow removal operations January 12, 2024, the machine sustained heavy damage to the loading apparatus, rendering it inoperable.
Given the extent of the damage and possible effect on underlying critical components, the Fleet Maintenance Division retained Altorfer CAT, an authorized CAT service center in Mokena, Ill., to assess the machine.
Following the disassembly of several key components, Altorfer technicians determined that the bucket is salvageable, but the bucket connection coupler, lift arm, pivot pins, and associated peripheral components are damaged and require replacement.
Altorfer CAT has proposed to perform the recommended repairs and replacements to restore the machine to full operable condition for $65,716.60. A five percent repair contingency of $3,285.83 is requested for the repairs.
•Consent was given to a Resolution to award the 5th Street Water Main Extension project in Ward 2 to Brandt Excavating, Inc. in the bid amount of $263,383.45.
City government of Aurora documents show water main installation has been deemed necessary on 5th Street between Clark Street and Benton Street to improve water quality and system capacity. An 8” ductile iron water main is being installed where there is no water main.
Closures of entrances to the business will be kept to a minimum during construction. Lead water services within the project corridor will be replaced with the approval of each homeowner.
The proposed improvements have been publicly advertised and bid in conformance with City procedures. Eight conforming bids were received, publicly opened and read aloud January 31, 2024. The low bidder, Brandt Excavating, Inc., has successfully completed similar projects for the City in the past.
This contract is subject to the local vendor preference ordinance. However, none of the contractors submitting bids were eligible according to the requirements listed in the ordinance.
The project amount ($263,383.45) is budgeted for in 2024 within account 510-4058-511-73-02 (IC076 & IC080) which has a 2024 budget amount of $5,000,000.
Traffic will be detoured to adjacent blocks, but the increase in traffic on the adjacent neighboring blocks will be temporary and negligible. Water and sanitary service interruptions will be kept to a minimum during construction of this project.
•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the director of the City’s Purchasing Department to enter into an agreement with Chicago Paving Contractors, Inc., Lake Zurich, Ill., in the amount of $699,950.00 for 2024 citywide pavement patching for water and sewer maintenance.
City government of Aurora documents show this is an annual project that is required to patch pavement in the public right of way that was damaged in relation to utility repairs such as water main breaks and sanitary sewer repairs.
This project was bid publicly, with an advertisement in the Aurora Beacon News January 14, 2024. Bids were received, opened, and read aloud publicly on January 31, 2024. Five bids were received. The lowest responsible bid was from Chicago Paving Contractors, Inc., Lake Zurich, Ill., in the amount of $699,950.00. The lowest bid came in approximately 26.1% below the engineer’s estimate. It is anticipated a small portion of this contract will be used to address individual utility repairs performed by contractors to take advantage of better restoration prices.
This bid is required to follow the City’s Local Preference Ordinance, however, there was only one bid received from a certified local vender, Geneva Construction, Co. of Aurora, Ill., in the amount of $1,078,500.00, 18.2% higher than the lowest bid which is outside the percentage which would allow them to match the lowest bid.
This Citywide project will benefit the entire community, as it is the only contract that will be in place to repair the roadways that are damaged throughout the year due to utility repairs. This work is budgeted on an annual basis. This contract shall have a maximum value of $699,950.00 budgeted in 2024 with funds coming from the entire amount budgeted in Account Number 510-4063-511-38-38 ($694,750.00), $ 5,200.00 from Account Number 510-4063-511-73-14 (Sanitary Sewer Evaluation and Repair, IB018).
Construction is expected to begin in mid-March and will continue throughout the construction season depending on the number of utility repairs that are completed. Impacts to the public will be minimal, though will consist of short-term lane closures associated with the pavement repairs and in certain cases, loss of driveway access to allow adequate time for a concrete apron or curb to cure (when applicable).
•Consent was given to a Resolution establishing the application fees for special events permits issued under Chapter 41.5 of the Code of Ordinances.
The purpose is to establish the application fees for special event permits.
City government of Aurora documents show consideration by the Committee of the Whole as “New Business” is proper under Sec. 2-122 (c)(3) [subject matter involves the jurisdiction of two committees (Finance and RAP)] and (c)(4) [consideration is urgent due to passage of revisions of special events ordinance/approaching special events season].
In 2018, the City Council created Chapter 41.5 of the Code of Ordinances which established the modern framework for how the City manages the permitting of special events. Chapter 41.5 provided that the City Council shall determine the amount of the special event application fees by resolution. The last time the Council addressed these fees was in 2019.
On February 13, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance O24-013 which made significant changes to the application review processes. Among the changes adopted by the City Council, which the Law Department concluded was necessary given established First Amendment precedent in the Seventh Circuit was a significant shortening of the application period and review time that the Division of Special Events, and other departments have, to process applications. Now, an applicant may apply to host a complex Tier 1 event as little as thirty (30) days in advance of the proposed date and the City must ordinarily grant or deny the application (if it is complete) within ten (10) business days of application. The Ordinance does, however, permit the City and the applicant to negotiate more generous time periods for review and expressly contemplates the City offering discounted rates for applicants who submit their application sooner rather than later.
Though City officials believe it is unlikely a serious event organizer would wait until the last minute to apply for a permit to be host to a complex special event, such as a parade (given the logistics the applicant, rather than the City, is responsible for), the Division wants to encourage applicants to apply for their events as soon as possible. This will help ensure that both the City and the applicant have ample time to prepare for and work through the myriad of issues associated with staging a successful event. Further, the incentive is designed to help afford the City additional time to recruit its own personnel to run the event when the nature of the duties require the participation by City employees.
The current special event application fee is $25. The previous application deadlines under the ordinance were 90 days for a Tier 1 event, 60 days for Tier 2 and Tier 3 events, 45 days for Tier 4 events, and 30 days for Tier 5 events. The application deadline for a Tier 6 event was and remains seven days.
The proposed resolution maintains the $25 application fee if an application is submitted 1) in accordance with the previous deadlines or 2) the applicant and the City agree to a longer review and approval period than set forth in the ordinance.
The Police Department and the Division of Special Events estimates that EACH will spend the following amount of time reviewing an application.
- For Tier 1 (except circuses and carnivals): 2 hours
- For Tier 1 (circuses and carnivals): 1 hour
- For Tier 2: 90 minutes
- For Tier 3: 60 minutes
- For Tier 4: 30 minutes
- For Tier 5: 30 minutes
- For Tier 6: Nominal
In each instance, the fee is based on the hourly salary of the staff members primarily responsible for the review multiplied by the average number of hours required to conduct the review. Review of most applications are conducted by a sergeant in the Police Department and by the director of Community Events. In 2024, the base salary of a sergeant is $62.12 per hour. The 2024 midpoint salary (Step 7) of the director of Community Events, graded at E16, is $51.85.
Based on these estimations, and without consideration of the time spent by other departments in conducting their own review of applications when necessary, the proposed fee schedule for 2024 is as follows when the calculations are rounded up to the next $5 increment: - For Tier 1 (except circuses and carnivals): $245
- For Tier 1 (circuses and carnivals): $125
- For Tier 2: $185
- For Tier 3: $125
- For Tier 4: $65
- For Tier 5: $65
- For Tier 6: $0
The Resolution authorizes and directs director of Community Events to adjust these rates every January to reflect changes to these hourly salaries, rounding up to the nearest $5 increment. This fee cannot and is not intended to be revenue generating for the City, and in establishing it, the City recognizes that it still not recouping all of its costs associated with application review. Rather, the fees set by this schedule are intended to incentivize advance planning and collaboration with City staff members – two things which are strong indicators of successful special events.
Since the Division wants to encourage a collaborative approach to special event planning with ample time for both the City and the applicant to do the things required to make each event successful, the Division hopes and expects that there will be little financial impact to the City or event applicants as a result of this Resolution. The higher rates authorized by this Resolution will only impact applicants which submit their applications close in time to the event and who are unwilling to work with the City on a modified review schedule.
•Final approval for items on the Committee of the Whole consent agenda are set to be made at the February 27 Aurora City Council meeting.
•Placed on Unfinished Business was a Resolution appointing alderman Ron Woerman and alderman Brandon Tolliver to the Aquatics Administrative Board.
The Fox Valley Park District and the City of Aurora established a five-member volunteer board to oversee the Aquatic Centers (Phillips Park Aquatic Center and Splash County Aquatic Center) in Aurora. The original agreement was established in 1989, amended in 1991 and restated in 2009.
City government of Aurora documents show the five-member board is comprised of two representatives appointed by the Fox Valley Park District, two members appointed by the Aurora City Council, with the fifth “rotating Board member” appointed on an annual basis by either the city or the park district. The agreement stipulates the Park District has the majority of the board in even years, and the City has the majority in odd years. This being an even year, two appointees are being nominated to represent the City.
•Placed on Unfinished Business was a Resolution authorizing the purchase of replacement and additional vehicles for the City of Aurora fleet.
The purpose is to procure replacement and additional vehicles 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 monitors the number, condition, and usage of the City’s fleet assets, recommending adjustments or replacements where warranted. Inventory levels and divisional assignment of fleet assets are occasionally adjusted to accommodate staff member levels or divisional duty modifications. An asset is typically recommended for replacement when it can no longer perform its intended function(s) safely and efficiently. Assets may also be recommended for replacement if replacement parts have become obsolete or if newer technologies are available that would result in enhanced operational efficiencies, operator safety, or reduced environmental impact. Assets that are recommended and approved for replacement are either reassigned to lesser roles, traded, or sold.
Many of the City’s fleet assets are procured through cooperative purchasing programs such as Sourcewell (formerly known as the National Joint Purchasing Cooperative), the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC), and BidBuy (Illinois State e-Procurement Program). These programs bid vehicles for purchase, which allows the City to satisfy its own bidding process with less effort, and use greater purchasing power to get lower prices. In the event a fleet asset is not available through a cooperative, if availability is significantly delayed, or if a better value can be realized, local sources may be utilized.
Multiple fleet asset replacements and additions have been approved in the City’s 2024 budget; however, due to the ongoing material supply and labor shortages, increasing emissions standards, and electrification initiatives, automotive manufacturers have drastically reduced and delayed vehicle production. Shortened model year production periods, minimal notice on order acceptance, product rationing, and high demand result in build slots filling quickly. These lower production schedules have inhibited the establishment of cooperative contracts.
Manufacturers are accepting limited orders for select 2024 vehicles and preparing specifications to accept orders for 2025 model year vehicles. Sourcewell and the SPC have indicated that they will establish cooperative contracts and accept orders as manufacturer specifications are released. To capitalize on limited ordering opportunities, the Fleet Maintenance Division is requesting authorization to place vehicle and equipment orders as opportunities arise, including procurement from local sources.
Where available and feasible with City operations, electric and/or high efficiency vehicles will be procured.
•No action was needed for a Resolution approving a revision to the Final Plan on Lot 1B of Meridian Business Campus, Phase II, Unit 4, for a retail sales or services use.
The Petitioner, Mid-America Asset Management, is requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision, which includes development of a new retail building near the northwest corner of Rte. 59 and Liberty Street.
City government of Aurora documents show the Property is zoned B-2(C), Business District – General Retail with a Conditional Use Planned Development, and is within the Meridian Business Campus. The Comprehensive Plan designates the Property as commercial. The Property is a new outlot, Lot 1B of Meridian Business Campus, Phase II, Unit 4, which was approved per PDFNL23-018, on September 13, 2023. The Property is approximately one acre. Prior to being subdivided into its own lot, the Property was utilized as vehicle parking for the retail center directly to the west.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision. The details of the request include construction of a new retail building that will be approximately three thousand, eight hundred (3,800) square feet. The Final Plan Revision indicates 36 striped parking spaces, which exceeds the minimum parking requirement of 12 spaces. The Petitioner has provided building elevations that indicate a tastefully designed building with fiber cement and masonry siding, which will be highly visible to passing vehicles on Rte. 59. The Final Plan Revision also indicates the Property will be accessible from the parking lot of the property directly to the west.
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:
14.1 (5): To provide visual enhancement of the City through attractive landscaping, quality signage and diverse building design and arrangement.
31.1 (1): To promote the concept of a hierarchy of commercial development consisting of regional, community and neighborhood commercial centers supported by requisite population levels, which influence to location, scale and type of commercial development and redevelopment.
51.1 (6): To promote the location and expansion of commercial activities within the City consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Recommendations:
Staff members would recommend conditional approval of the resolution approving a revision to the Final Plan on Lot 1B of Meridian Business Campus, Phase II, Unit 4, for a Retail Sales or Services use, with the following conditions:
1) That, prior to final occupancy being issued, the Final Plat be recorded with the DuPage County Recorder’s office.