Aurora City Council focus: Wide range of housing approval

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By Jason Crane

At the Aurora city government City Council meeting Tuesday, Council members approved a number of development and improvement projects from traffic signals and parking garage surveillance system upgrades to sidewalks, affordable housing, and planning for higher-end housing.

The 12-minute meeting didn’t have any speakers seeking to use their voices for up to three minutes.

The City Council unanimously approved the following agenda items:

• Approved was a resolution authorizing a development agreement between the city government of Aurora and The Neighbor Project to provide HOME Investment Partnerships funding to acquire 673 S. Lake Street for the purpose of providing affordable housing in the amount of $292,179.45.

City government of Aurora documents show The Neighbor Project (TNP) is proposing to purchase and renovate an existing three-unit multi-family property within the City’s targeted Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) to be used for their “Networked Savings Program,” which will produce ongoing benefits each year in perpetuity by providing increased access to TNP’s savings program that delivers the following programmatic components simultaneously:

Affordable housing: 100% of the units are currently occupied by families under the regional median family income. The goal in the short term is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing, but over the next 30 years provide the tools for current and future tenants to increase their knowledge in financial literacy with the end goal of becoming first-time homebuyers in the City.
Wrap-around programmatic supports: All families can receive optional no-cost financial literacy/education and/or homebuyer education services aimed at assisting families to reduce debt, build credit, and save money.
Homeownership savings & matched savings: Half of the households participating in the Networked Savings Program are actively saving toward homeownership as part of the described 18-24-month program.

Two of the three units will be restricted to tenants that have an initial income that cannot exceed 60% of the median family income while the third unit can accommodate tenants with an initial median family income that cannot exceed 90% of the median family income.

The majority of funds will be used for acquisition with a small percentage of funds (approximately seven percent) to be used for rehabilitation with The Neighbor Project funding all other aspects of the project including long-term care and monitoring. The City’s HOME funds for these expenses are budgeted in the 2021 budget in account 213-1330-801.43-22 with a balance of $597,100.

The Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) provides formula grants to states and localities that communities use, often in partnership with local nonprofit groups to provide funds for a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income households. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. HOME funds are awarded annually as formula grants to participating jurisdictions including Aurora and surrounding counties. The program’s flexibility allows states and local governments to use HOME funds for grants, direct loans, loan guarantees, and other activities.

The HOME Funds to be reallocated for this acquisition are restricted to non-profits that meet the requirements to qualify as a community housing development organization (CHDO). Each recipient of HOME funds must set aside 15% of their annual allocation towards CHDO eligible activities. In order to qualify as a CHDO, an agency must meet the general standards of a grass-roots agency with a defined local service area with a board compromised of at least 1/3 of the members qualifying as low-income, either by their income, block group they live in, or agency they represent. The proposed project is being recommended to reprioritize funding and projects originally identified in the 2016-2021 Action Plans.

Eligibility for this activity must meet HUD’s income requirements and address the City’s 2020-2024 goals and objectives.

Terms of funding – The City will provide $292,179.45 in HOME Investment Partnerships Funding in the form of a 30-year forgivable loan. The Neighbor Project will not be required to make annual payments and if all terms of the agreement are met, the loan will be forgiven in its entirety 30 years from the date of project completion. The loan will be secured by a signed development agreement, mortgage, note, and land use restriction agreement as required by the regulations of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

• Approved was a resolution authorizing the purchase and installation of the Stolp Island Parking Garage Surveillance System from Scientel Solutions, LLC 2021 N. Eola Road Aurora. NTI National Technologies, 5101 Thatcher Rd, Downers Grove, and supporting software licensing from Genetec Software.

City government of Aurora documents show city of Aurora government has requested Scientel to provide procurement and installation of the Stolp Island Parking Garage Surveillance System which will provide improved video coverage for visitors and residents. These cameras would then be integrated into the existing Genetec Video Management System for centralized monitoring and license-plate reading.

The following efforts have been identified to achieve this scope.

Remove the current obsolete ViconNet System, cameras and license plate readers at the entrances and exits of the Stolp Garage.

Install new conduit and cabling infrastructure to support the new installation.

Procure, install, and integrate new cameras and license plate readers into the existing Genetec Video Management System.

The city government is proposing to install new security cameras throughout the Stolp Island Garage. Public safety remains a concern with inside the garage and the current system is no longer adequate. These new surveillance cameras will offer enhanced views throughout the Stolp Island Garage, especially at entrance and exits along with extended views outside perimeter of the building.

NTI has extensive knowledge of the City’s outside plant and offers competitive rates validated on Kane County Bid 23-018 dated June 12, 2018 for Fiber Optic Support Services.

Scientel Solutions was selected as the City’s Preventive Maintenance and Support vendor for surveillance systems with R21-135.

Here is an itemized summary of all related costs:

Cameras & Network Switches and MM Link $ 91,436.09.

NTI Conduit & Cable to all cameras $109,352.23.

Project Management, Engineering Design, Installation & Testing $73,361.28.

Genetec APLR Software License $68,181.00. Total: $ 342,330.60.

• Approved was a resolution approving the appointments of the members of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

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 nominations brought forth represent two new candidates, six veteran candidates with one remaining vacancy on the commission.

The appointed members are: Donald Pilmer, Shanita Anderson, Ivan Chambers, Yvonne Owusu-Safo, Greg Elsbree, Pedro Gonzalez, Jerry Butler, and Abhijit Choudhury.

• Approved was an ordinance vacating a temporary easement on the property at the southeast corner of Wolf’s Crossing and Eola Road in Will County in Aurora’s 9th Ward.

City government of Aurora documents show the petitioner, Pulte Home Group, is requesting approval of a Final Plat for Lincoln Crossing Subdivision at the southeast corner of Wolf’s Crossing and Eola Road for a 170-lot single-family subdivision).

**Proposed subdivisions of Lincoln Prairie by Del Webb and Lincoln Crossing.** *City government of Aurora document*

The property is approximately 63.9 acres of vacant land which is part of Lincoln Prairie Planned Development District. This property was annexed into the City of Aurora in December 2002 pursuant to an approved annexation agreement. A plan description was approved at the same time which zoned this area for multi-family residential uses. In 2005, a Preliminary Plat and Plan for manorhomes and duplexes was approved and then in 2006, a Final Plat and Plan was approved for Phase 1A of this area. However, this development never came to fruition and the property has sat undeveloped. In February 2021, the City approved the Wolf’s Crossing Subarea Plan which redesignated the future land use for this area as low-density residential use. In April this year, the City Council approved a revision to the Annexation Agreement and Plan Description which zoned this property for single-family residential uses. A Preliminary Plat and Plan Revision for the Lincoln Crossing Subdivision was approved at the same time which consists of 162 traditional detached single-family residential homes.

The petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plat for Lincoln Crossing Subdivision. The details of the Final Plat include subdividing the property into 170 Lots with Lots 1-162 being developed for single-family homes. A neighborhood park is being constructed on Lot 166 and a stormwater detention facility and overflow flood routes will be on Lots 167, 168, and 169. Lots 163, 164, 165, 170 are outlots which will provide a neighborhood border for landscaping. The homeowner association will own and maintain the stormwater detention lots and the neighborhood border lots.

Concurrently with this proposal, the petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan for Lincoln Crossing Subdivision. The proposal is to construct 162 traditional detached single-family residential homes with a gross density is 2.54 dwelling units per acre. The development has a mixture of 55-foot wide lots with a minimum lot size of 7,150 square footage and 65-foot wide lots with a minimum lot size of 8,060 square feet. The petitioner is proposing to construct a 4.16-acre park site which will be donated to the Fox Valley Park District as part their Land Cash obligation.

Access to Lincoln Crossing is being provided via a full access off Wolf’s Crossing Road and a full access off Eola Road. The local street will be 31 feet back to back with sidewalks along both sides. The petitioner will be constructing road improvement which consist of restriping a left-hand turn lane at the entrance in the subdivision along Wolf’s Crossing Road and constructing a left-hand turn lane and a right-hand turn lane at the at the entrance in the subdivision along Eola Road. A stormwater detention facility is being constructed on a 7.14-acre lot at the southwest portion of the development. The petitioner is proposing to construct an additional stormwater detention facility on the adjacent off-site parcel to the south to meet the runoff requirements. This facility will be expanded in the future phases.

The Final Plan proposal includes a full landscape plan consisting of street and lot trees, a variety of landscaping around the stormwater detention facility and a variety of neighborhood border landscaping and berming along Wolf’s Crossing Road, Eola Road and the newly constructed Del Webb Boulevard. A six-foot board on board fence is also being proposed behind Lot 112 and 118 to help buffer from future commercial development.

• Approved was a resolution authorizing the director of Purchasing to execute a contract for the Water Street Mall Extension project in Ward 2 with Semper Fi Landscaping, Inc., Yorkville, in the bid amount of two hundred sixty-one thousand, thirty-two dollars and twenty-eight cents ($261,032.28), and also to purchase equipment and execute future contracts for artwork for the park.

City government of Aurora documents show improvements consist of a concrete walkway with brick inlay, brick and concrete patios, a fence with gate, landscaping beds with irrigation, water feature and string lights. These improvements to the park will better match the surrounding aesthetics and beautification in recent years to the Water Street Mall area and nearby Mundy Park. A gate is being installed along the park entrance off Broadway Avenue if the park warrants blocking off pedestrian traffic from Broadway Avenue.

Additional park improvements outside the scope of the Semper Fi contract include park benches, ping pong tables, bean bag toss, chess tables and wall art among other improvements.

The existing park facilities are being updated to match the surrounding Water Street Mall and Mundy Park. The existing stamped hot-mix asphalt walkway running the length of the park is in poor condition. The existing irrigation, electrical outlets, and ground lighting have been damaged.

Numerous options for the park improvements have been analyzed and reviewed by staff members with the help of WBK Engineering to create renderings of each option. This project is the first step in moving towards the final improvements selected for the park.

The City will utilize existing cooperative purchasing programs or informal bid process to obtain the games, tables, benches and misc. items required to furnish the park. Staff members have also begun the Request for Qualification (RFQ) process to obtain the services of artists to provide artwork throughout the mall. The standard art approval process will be followed prior to commencement of those activities and no one contract is anticipated to exceed $25,000, therefore the director of Purchasing will execute those contracts consistent with City’s standard procurement process. The not to exceed total for the smaller contracts is $75,000.

Six total bids were received, opened, and read aloud on June 30, 2021 for a Base Bid + Option 1 and Base Bid + Option 2. Option 1 consists of 2 large brick patio areas on the south half of the project. Option 2 consists of a rustic crushed granite in the 2 large patio areas. We selected Option 1 based on the longevity of the brick pavers and less maintenance costs than the crushed granite. The lowest responsible bid for the Base Bid + Option 1 in the amount of $261,032.28 was submitted by Semper Fi Landscaping, Inc. The project ($261,032.28) will be funded with account 354-4440-451.73-43 (A067) which has a 2021 budget amount of $330,000.00. Also included as Exhibits E, F, G & H are the Advertisement for Bid, Semper Fi Landscaping, Inc. Submitted Bid, Addendum No. 1 and Addendum No. 2. That same account will be utilized to fund the purchase of equipment and for the artwork. Additional funding for the artwork will also come from account 101-1360-450.32-20 which has a current unencumbered balance of $13,000.

This project was subject to the Local Preference Ordinance, however it did not impact the bid.

There will be 4 parallel parking stalls closed on Broadway Avenue and approximately 15 feet of the Water Street Mall closed adjacent to the jobsite. Impacts to traffic and the downtown businesses and residents will be kept to a minimum.

• Approved was a resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 engineering agreement with Stanley Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $268,347.00, and the appropriation of $280,000.00 of Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds for the Indian Trail Signal – Edgelawn to Highland Project.

City government of Aurora documents show this is a resolution to approve the above referenced Engineering Services agreement and to appropriate Rebuild Illinois Bond funds as required by the Illinois Highway Code.

The project will include modernizing the five traffic signals on Indian Trail from Edgelawn Drive to Highland Avenue. The corridor will also be resurfaced with intersection radii improvements as needed and ADA ramp replacement. The funding ratio for these projects is 75/25 (75% federal / 25% local) for Construction and Construction Engineering, up to a maximum amount of $2,500,000. Such resurfacing projects help reduce the burden of funding the City’s yearly resurfacing program with local and motor fuel tax (MFT) funding sources. Much of the traffic signal equipment is old and outdated, and this project will replace all that equipment in the corridor using federal funds.

The City published a qualifications based selection (QBS) for the Phase 1 Engineering services on April 1, 2021. Fifteen firms submitted their qualifications and experiences. Staff members have reviewed the qualifications and determined that Stanley Consultants, Inc. of Chicago, was the most qualified with the top three firm’s scores. Stanley Consultants have completed a number of similar projects and the provided references had positive feedback regarding their past performance.

This followed the Request for Qualifications process and is not subject to the local preference policy. The funding source, Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds, is not subject to the local preference policy.

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. At this time IDOT intends to award and disburse Rebuild Illinois grants twice each year over a period of three years. The City has received two payments in 2020, two payments in 2021, and the remaining two are anticipated to be received in 2022. The City is estimated to receive $13,042,322.82 in total over this three year period. 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 total cost of the agreement is in an amount not to exceed $268,347.00.

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 $280,000.00. This amount includes a contingency for other expenses that may be incurred.

The 2021 City Budget provides $270,000 for this item in Account 202-4020-418.76-39 (GC083, Indian Trail Signal – Edgelawn to Highland). As this is a multi-year project, any additional funds will be budgeted in future years, if required.

• Approved was a resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 engineering agreement with HR Green, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $616,687.00, and the appropriation of $650,000.00 of MFT Funds for the Galena Boulevard Signal – Constitution to Locust Project.

City government of Aurora documents show this is a resolution to approve the above referenced Engineering Services agreement and to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds as required by the Illinois Highway Code.

The project will include modernizing the 12 traffic signals on Galena Boulevard from Constitution Drive to Locust Street. Bicycle accommodates will be provided from Constitution Drive to Edgelawn Drive. The scope of any roadway improvements will be determined during the Phase 1 Study. The funding ratio for these projects is 75/25 (75% federal / 25% local) for Construction and Construction Engineering, up to a maximum amount of $2,500,000. Much of the traffic signal equipment is old and outdated, and this project will replace all that equipment in the corridor using federal funds.

The City published a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for the Phase 1 Engineering services on April 1, 2021. Fourteen firms submitted their qualifications and experiences. Staff members have reviewed the qualifications and determined that HR Green, Inc. of Aurora, was the most qualified with the top three firm’s scores. HR Green, Inc. has completed a number of similar projects including previous signal work in this exact corridor.

This followed the request for qualifications process and is not subject to the local preference policy. The funding source, MFT Funds, is not subject to the local preference policy.

The total cost of the agreement is in an amount not to exceed $618,687.00.

IDOT requires a resolution to appropriate the MFT funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The resolution for improvement, BLR 09110 to appropriate MFT funds is in the amount of $650,000.00. This amount includes a contingency for other expenses that may be incurred.

The 2021 City Budget provides $300,000 for this item in Account 203-4020-418.76-39 (GC084, Galena Blvd Signal – Constitution to Locust). As this is a multi-year project, any additional funds will be budgeted in future years.

• Approved was a resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 Engineering Agreement with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $347,547.00, and the appropriation of $365,000.00 of MFT Funds for the Sullivan Road – Edgelawn Dr to Golden Oaks Pkwy Project.

City government of Aurora documents show this is a resolution to approve the above referenced Engineering Services Agreement and to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds as required by the Illinois Highway Code.

The City applied for federal funding in the March 2020 Kane-Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM) Call for Projects for 11 different projects. These projects were discussed at the February 27, 2020 Finance Committee meeting as information only (legistar 20-0121). Nine (9) of the City’s 11 submitted projects were selected to be in KKCOM’s 5-year program. In total, $11,355,000 of federal funds were allocated for these 9 City projects. While this project was not selected to be in the KKCOM 5-year program, it is the top ranked project in the Contingency Program. If other projects drop out of the program, contingency projects such as this one can move into the program if they are making progress. Therefore, we are recommending staring the Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering Study at this time so the project can be ready if needed. Another benefit to starting the project now is that during future Call for Projects, the project will receive additional scoring points depending on Phase 1 progress.

The project will include widening Sullivan Road from Edgelawn Drive to West of Randall Road from two to three lanes and enclosing the drainage system. Also included will be intersection improvements at Randall Road with signal modernization, and other resurfacing along Sullivan Road. Additional sidewalk connections will take place, as determined during the Phase 1 Study. The funding ratio for these projects is 75/25 (75% federal / 25% local) for Construction and Construction Engineering, up to a maximum amount of $2,500,000.

The City published a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for the Phase 1 Engineering services on April 1, 2021. Nineteen (19) firms submitted their qualifications and experiences. Staff members have reviewed the qualifications and determined that Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. of Aurora, was the most qualified with the top 3 firm’s scores Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. have completed a number of similar projects and worked on other transportation related project throughout the City.

This followed the request for qualifications process and is not subject to the local preference policy. The funding source, MFT Funds, is not subject to the local preference policy.

The total cost of the agreement is in an amount not to exceed $347,547.00.

IDOT requires a resolution to appropriate the MFT Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The resolution for Improvement – BLR 09110 (Exhibit ‘B’) appropriating MFT Funds is in the amount of $365,000.00. This amount includes a contingency for other expenses that may be incurred.

The 2021 City Budget provides $140,000 for this item in Account 203-4460-431.79-99 (GB052, Sullivan Road – Edgelawn Dr. to Golden Oaks Pkwy. Project). As this is a multi-year project, any additional funds will be budgeted in future years.

• Approved was a resolution to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) from Municipal Emergency Services of Deer Creek, IL, at a cost of $1,046,835.00.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to acquire new SCBA equipment for the Aurora Fire Department (AFD).

The current SCBAs were purchased with the help of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant in 2010. The equipment included a ten-year warranty on all parts, which has since expired. SCBA standards are updated every five years, meaning the department’s current air packs are two generations of standards behind current guidelines. The AFD, with the assistance of a grant writer, was awarded a FEMA grant for up to $975,000.00 to assist in the purchase of new SCBA equipment. The AFD submitted a decision package for 2020 in the amount of $820,000.00 for new SCBAs, which was approved. Due to COVID-19, and waiting for an announcement on the grant request, this decision package was carried over to 2021.

The SBCA is one of the most important pieces of equipment firefighters use. It allows them to enter into hazardous areas otherwise not accessible to human beings due to toxic and high-heat areas, where they can save lives and property.

The SCBA the department uses included a ten-year warranty which has since expired, resulting in higher repair costs when a piece breaks or malfunctions. A decision package was approved for 2021 for $45,000.00 for the department to buy parts necessary for repair. A large cost savings results from factory approved SCBA technicians being on the staff members of the AFD.

On February 23, 2021, the three major manufacturers of SCBA were invited to make a presentation to the some of the fire department administrative staff members and personnel about their products. These three manufacturers make the SCBA for most fire departments in the United States. No fire department contacted by AFD staff members used any product other than these three. On February 24, 2021, twelve members of the AFD conducted wear and function tests on all three SCBA brands. The firefighters went through a series of exercises and scenarios that they would be subjected to in real life situations at fire scenes. Each firefighter completed a detailed evaluation of each SCBA after the wear tests were completed. These evaluations were compiled and scored together. This average score for each manufacturer was used as 50% of the total score towards the final tabulation.

Other scoring criteria for the SCBA were: Responsiveness to requests, warranty and ongoing costs of ownership, cost of product.

With Purchasing’s assistance, the three firms were contacted to provide services, warranty, and cost information.

When these areas were individually scored and tabulated, the best overall value for the City and the AFD was Scott SCBAs purchased from MES.

The reasons for the total package cost being higher than the original $820,000.00 include the annual price increases from when the decision package was originally submitted in 2019, along with the fact the FEMA grant includes SCBA packs for every riding position on every apparatus the department owns. The original decision package only included enough SCBA for front-line ambulances, along with front-line and reserve engines and ladder trucks. Due to the FEMA grant award, the City of Aurora is only responsible for approximately $95,167.00, as the city is only responsible for $1 for every $10 the grant provides, or 1/11 of the total cost.

The city council approved acceptance of the award at its meeting on September 8, 2020 (Resolution #20-0520).

Funding is available in account 255-3033-422.61-52 (Supplies-General/Fire Fighting Equipment).

Purchasing new SCBA for the AFD will help ensure the department has the critical equipment needed to help perform effectively in dangerous environments. Personnel will be protected from hot and toxic gases while saving lives and property. While there is an upfront investment by the City, ongoing costs of ownership will be much lower due to new equipment being under warranty for the life of the product.

That the city council approve the purchase of new SCBA equipment from Municipal Emergency Services of Deer Creek, IL, in the amount of $1,046,835.00. The FEMA grant will reimburse the City for approximately 91% of the purchase.

• Approved was an Ordinance amending Chapter 6, Sec. 6-2 of the Aurora Liquor Control Ordinance pertaining to Complimentary Beer or Wine Service.

The Complimentary Beer or Wine Service license provides for the limited service of complimentary beer or wine to patrons who are present purchasing goods or services offered by the business. The proposed modifications to the original Complimentary Service definition will remove the BYOB option for this license type. BYOB is currently only an option for licensees holding an on-site consumption license and is only allowable in conjunction with the purchase of a meal. The proposed modifications also include operational limitations to clearly differentiate between businesses holding a complimentary beer or wine service license and establishments holding a full on-site consumption license.

The proposed amendments clarify the requirements to obtain this license. While many inquiries have been made by local businesses regarding this license concept, no businesses have applied for a Complimentary Service license since this license type became available in 2020. Staff members hope that the proposed changes will further clarify the requirements for businesses to qualify for this license and subsequently attract eligible businesses to apply.

The purpose of this license classification is to provide additional opportunities for businesses to attract customers by offering complementary beer or wine. The proposed changes clarify the requirements for the license to allow patrons to shop or receive services in local stores and salons while enjoying a glass of beer or wine. Local businesses have expressed the desire to provide alcohol for their patrons in a cost-effective manner to increase foot traffic through their businesses and to subsequently increase sales.

• Approved was an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 2-VI-4 of the Code of Ordinances to add sections 2-520, 2-525, 2-530, and 2-535 (Codifying the Indian American, African American, and Hispanic Heritage Boards, and the updating the GAR Memorial Commission)

City government of Aurora documents show the City has numerous boards and commissions which have all been established over the years at different times, with different resolutions or ordinances. This new article will codify all the Cultural and Historical Heritage Advisory Boards together.

Not all of the Cultural and Historical Heritage Advisory Boards are currently codified.

This portion of the revised ordinance will codify the African American Advisory Board, Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Commission, Hispanic Heritage Board, and Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board. The remaining sections of boards and commissions will be forthcoming.

This amended portion will codify all the Cultural and Historical Heritage Advisory Boards together.

• Approved was a resolution authorizing the director of Purchasing to execute a change order to the existing contract with HR Green, Aurora, IL for supplemental construction administration services related to paving and sidewalk replacement throughout the City in an amount not to exceed $71,112.12.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to ensure that construction is completed in compliance with the plans and specifications developed by the City, construction inspection is required. This inspection is completed on various projects utilizing City staff members and also with the assistance from consulting engineering firms.

The original contract with HR Green was executed by the City on April 27, 2021 (R21-094) and was for the full-time assistance of one engineer. At the time of the original contract execution and scoping, only one engineer was anticipated but now a second engineering is required. This supplemental engineer will take over the duties that were previously assigned to technicians within the Engineering Division that are no longer with the City. In addition to providing supplemental inspection on the Citywide Resurfacing Program, this engineer will also provide similar services on the recently awarded Citywide Sidewalk Replacement Program.

Execution of this contract amendment will benefit the community by ensuring that work is completed properly and that contractor payments reflect the work performed. A transfer from account 340-4460-814.04-81 (Overlay Landscape Restoration) to account 340-4460-431.73-91 (Capital Outlay – Neighborhood Street Improvement) in the amount of $71,112.12 will be required to fund this expenditure. Both accounts are dedicated funding sources for the Citywide Resurfacing Program.

• Approved was a resolution awarding the 2021 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Lining contract to Visu-Sewer of Illinois, LLC, 9014 S. Thomas Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455 in the amount of nine hundred twenty-four thousand, two hundred and ten dollars and five cents ($924,210.05).

City government of Aurora documents show the City of Aurora Engineering Division has identified sewer repairs that can be addressed with cured in place pipe lining.

Televising a portion of the City’s sewers is the first part of the annual sewer maintenance program conducted by the City. Each year, sewers are cleaned and televised if they are known to have potential issues or are under roadways that will be rehabilitated in the near future. This televising provides useful information to the Engineering and Water & Sewer Divisions that cannot be seen when inspecting sewers from within manholes or other entry points. While reviewing the televising results, issues are identified and the proper solution is designed and implemented. Repair of the sewers with trenchless methods such as cured in place pipe lining (CIPP) are preferred due to the cost savings and minimal impacts to residents. The sewers included in this contracted have been identified as having deficiencies with severity ratings of either 4 or 5 with 5 being the worst rating possible. If these deficiencies are not lined in the near future, the conditions will worsen and a dig repair will be required which is much costlier than lining the deficiency.

Visu-Sewer of Illinois, LLC’s bid of nine hundred twenty-four thousand, two hundred and ten dollars and five cents ($924,210.05) was the lowest responsible bid of three (3) bids received. The low bidder, Visu-Sewer of Illinois, LLC, 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 2021 Budget includes funding for sewer evaluation and rehabilitation within account No.510-4063-511-73-14 with a 2021 budget of $5,513,443.00. This account currently has $1,268,774.08 committed so if this lining contract is approved, $3,320,458.87 will remain unencumbered in the account.

Sewer service will not be interrupted during the rehabilitation of these sewers. Traffic impacts will be minimal. A couple of the locations will require lane closures or detour routes to be utilized for the day.

• Approved was a resolution authorizing the director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement with KR Tech Group LLC, 1371 Industrial Drive, Unit O, Itasca, IL 60143 for downtown riverwalk tuck pointing in the amount of $32,000.00.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to improve the aesthetics and safety of a stone/masonry wall by awarding a tuck pointing contract to KR Tech Group LLC in the amount of $32,000.00.

The stone/masonry wall along the west shore of the branch of the Fox River which runs on the east side of Stolp Island in Downtown Aurora between Downer Place and Benton Street is approximately 375 feet long and ranges in height from approximately 6 to 12 feet. This wall is showing signs of deterioration, including popping out of large stones from within the wall.

In order to address both the aesthetic and safety concerns this presents, the City requested bids to perform repairs on the southern half of this wall in 2020. The lowest of the two qualified, sealed bids received was from KR Tech Group LLC in the amount $24,500.

The repairs along the remaining northern section, which were identified during last year’s repair effort at the request of the City, shall be performed under this contract. To obtain pricing for the remaining repairs this year, the City requested bids to perform approximately 225 square feet of stone replacement (stone and mortar) and 100 square feet of tuck pointing (mortar at cracks) on the wall. Although no tuck pointing was specified in the recommendations provided for the remaining portion last year, the City is requested pricing for 100 square feet as an allowance for any new areas identified by the contractor (subject to pre-approval by the City). By requesting this additional cost, the City has established both a unit cost to perform any necessary tuck pointing and a contingency fund to pay for it and/or any additional stone replacement deemed necessary.

Bids for the downtown riverwalk tuck pointing 2021 were received from two contractors. The low bidder was KR Tech Group LLC, 1371 Industrial Drive, Unit O, Itasca, IL 60143 in the amount of $32,000.00. This contract will be funded using account 280-1852-512.81-90 (CIP B049).

City officials are encouraged by the fact that the contractor that provided these services last year, KR Tech Group LLC, was once again the low bidder. This continuity should ensure an excellent understanding of the project and provide repairs consistent with the high quality provided last year.

Local preference does apply, however there was not a local vendor who submitted a bid.

The tuckpointing of this stone/masonry wall will improve safety for pedestrians using the sidewalk above as well as the overall aesthetics of the wall and downtown.

• Approved was a resolution authorizing a contract with Performance Construction & Engineering, LLC, 217 W. John Street, Plano, in the amount of nine hundred eighty-seven thousand, nine hundred eighty-one dollars and zero cents ($987,981.00) for the Kensington Place and Marseillaise Place Sewer Separation project in Ward 4.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to install new storm sewer removing stormwater from the combined sewer system along Kensington Place & Marseillaise Place. There have been several basement back-ups during storm events in this neighborhood.

A new storm sewer will be installed to remove these surface drainage flows from the combined sewer system. This project will help satisfy the requirements associated with the City’s Long Term Control Plan and the City’s Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Combined Sewer System Overflow.

The proposed improvements have been publicly advertised and bid in conformance with City procedures. Eight conforming bids were received, publicly opened and read aloud on July 21, 2021. The low bidder, Performance Construction & Engineering, LLC, 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 total project amount of $987,981.00 is budgeted for in 2021 within account 281-1856-512-73-09 (B031, $4,300,000.00 LTCP sewer separation.

Traffic will be detoured to adjacent blocks, but the increase in traffic on the adjacent neighboring blocks will be temporary and negligible. Construction adjacent to Aurora University is to be completed efficiently to limit the disturbance to the students. Water and sanitary service will not be interrupted during construction of this project.

• Approved was a resolution authorizing Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment 2021-#1 to reallocate prior year resources and current year resources and updates to the Citizen Participation Plan.

City government of Aurora documents show staff members request authorization of Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment 2021-#1 to reallocate prior and current year resources and updates to the Citizen Participation Plan.

The City’s 2020 and 2021 Annual Action Plans were approved by City Council on February 9, 2021, R21-022. This proposed Substantial Amendment is required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reallocate prior and current year resources as well as updates to the Citizen Participation Plan. This proposed Substantial Amendment’s prior and current year resources as well as the City’s Citizen Participation Plan were previously approved by City Council as follows: April 28, 2020, R20-091, August 11, 2020, R20-162, and February 9, 2021, R21-022. In accordance with HUD requirements, a 30-day public comment period was established for 6/27/2021 to 7/27/2021 and a public hearing is scheduled for 7/15/2021.

Staff members requests authorization of Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment 2021-#1 to provide HOME Program funding for the projects listed below. Substantial Amendment 2020-#1 will result in amending the City’s 2016-2021 HOME funding allocations. HOME Funds to be reallocated are restricted to non–profits that meet the requirements to qualify as a community housing development organization (CHDO). In order to qualify as a CHDO, an agency must meet the general standards of a grass roots agency with a defined local service area with a board compromised of at least 1/3 of the members qualifying as low-income, either by their income, block group they live in, or agency they represent. Proposed projects are recommended to reprioritize funding and projects originally identified in the 2016-2021 Action Plans.

Eligibility for the activities must meet HUD’s income guidelines and also address the City’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan’s Goals and Objective. HOME Revised Funding Recommendations – HOME-2020-02 – Community Contacts – Project Acquisition / Rehab / Resale Activity

To date, this project’s developer does not have an acquisition project. As a result and in an effort to accommodate The Neighbor Project’s proposed acquisition of 673 S. Lake St. time schedule sensitivities as well as the City’s CHDO program year expenditure timeline, this request will provide for adjustments to apply the City’s older funds to The Neighbor Project’s activity.

HOME Revised Funding Recommendations – HOME-2020-03 – The Neighbor Project Acquisition of 673 S. Lake St.

The Neighbor Project (TNP) is proposing to purchase and renovate an existing 3 unit multi-family property within the City’s targeted Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) to be used for their “Networked Savings Program,” which will produce ongoing benefits each year in perpetuity by providing increased access to TNP’s savings program that delivers the following programmatic components simultaneously:

1 – Affordable Housing: 100% of the units are currently occupied by families under the regional median family income. The goal in the short term is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing, but over the next 30 years provide the tools for current and future tenants to increase their knowledge in financial literacy with the end goal of becoming first time homebuyers in the city.

2 – Wrap-Around Programmatic Supports: All families can receive optional financial literacy/education and/or homebuyer education services aimed at assisting families to reduce debt, build credit, and save money.

3 – Homeownership Savings & Matched Savings: Half of the households participating in the Networked Savings Program are actively saving toward homeownership as part of the described 18-24 month program.

The majority of funds will be used for acquisition with a small percentage of funds (approximately 7%) to be used for rehabilitation with The Neighbor Project funding all other aspects of the project including long term care and monitoring. The HOME funds to be for these expenses are budgeted in the 2021 budget in account 213-1330-801.43-22 with a balance of $597,100.

Amendments to the Citizen Participation Plan –

In response to additional training and consultation with HUD regarding the Uniform Relocation Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act (URA) of 1970. (Among several objectives, the URA includes protections for residents who may be temporarily or permanently displaced by a federally funded acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition project.) City staff members have incorporated these recommendations into the Citizen Participation Plan (Exhibit B) and will be prepared to make future adjustments as additional guidelines become available.

This action will have a positive impact on the City’s community development efforts to preserve and provide safe, decent, and sanitary affordable housing.

City staff members are closely monitoring additional federal funding that may be distributed both at the state and federal level. Any additional funding received would be subject to another substantial amendment and City Council approval.

City staff members recommend approval of the proposed resolution authorizing Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment 2021-#1 to reflect funding allocations for the HOME Program and updates to the Citizen Participation Plan. Staff members request authorization for the City’s mayor, chief Community Services Officer, Community Development manager, or their designees to execute any contracts as well as any other documents associated with Substantial Amendment 2021-#1 including but not limited to HUD’s program administration requirements.

• Approved was a resolution authorizing an agreement with Kane McKenna and Associates for the analysis and review of the East River Bank Area and the Cross Street area for the creation of two Tax Increment Finance Districts using the services of Kane McKenna for $67,000.00.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to analyze the possibility of creating a Tax Increment Finance District in the area of the East Fox River Bank across from the Transit Center and a District at the corner of Cross and Middle St.

The City has recently approved a Redevelopment Agreement (RDA) with DAC Development LLC for the development of a 246 unit rental apartment structure along the east bank of the Fox River, west of the Transit Center. As shown in the RDA the creation of a TIF is necessary for the execution of the agreement.

The City is also in negotiations to create a redevelopment of retail and rental units at the Corner of Cross and Middle Street.

Kane McKenna has provided previous TIF District and other development tool analysis for the City in previous agreements throughout the City.

Kane McKenna has provided TIF consulting work on all of the current active TIFs for the City. The firm provides timely responses, flexible scheduling and is an accepted expert in the field of TIF eligibility analyses throughout Illinois. Kane McKenna will provide complete advisory services and work closely with the City’s outside counsel, Klein Thorpe and Jenkins on the total TIF approval process. This contract will initially be charged to account 215-1830-415.32-80, but eventually can be reimbursed from the TIF funds once set up.

This analysis will allow the City to move forward with a critical development project improving the Downtown.

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