By Jason Crane
The Aurora City Council presented a special honor and award to 9-year-old-hero, Aria Lamen, for Women’s History Month, at the Tuesday, March 14 City Council meeting.
Aria Lamen, 9, made a lifesaving 911 call when her mom, Caron, passed out at their home. The call likely saved her life.
Thanks to the quick thinking of the Girl Scout, they are both able to share their stories with the community.
A press release from the city government of Aurora stated the following.
• It was a cold Winter afternoon last month when Aria and her mother, Caron, were home alone. As Aria was doing her homework and chatting with her mom, her mother suddenly passed out.
After first calling her dad, Aria quickly called 911 and calmly explained the situation to the dispatcher as she kept a watchful eye on her mom, who was breathing, but unable to communicate.
“She handled herself better than most adults would,” said Aurora 911 dispatcher Traci Whalen, who has served 30 years in Aurora. “It was one of the best calls in my career.”
After being rushed to the hospital, Caron spent 16 days in the hospital and rehab before returning home.
“I’m just so proud of her,” said a grateful mother. “I could not be here today had it not been for her courage and calmness.”
A video of the presentation can be viewed after the 13 minute forty five second mark on the city government of Aurora’s Facebook page by clicking here.
• The Girl Scouts were honored as part of Women’s History Month. A video of the presentation can be viewed after the 6 minute forty five second mark on the city government of Aurora’s Facebook page by clicking here.
Five individuals used their voices for up to three minutes each:
Comments made can be viewed after the 45 minute mark on the city government of Aurora’s Facebook page by clicking here
The City Council approved the following agenda items:
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the reappointment of Hortencia Ramos, Ward 10, Susan Sosa Bachmeier, Ward 5, Ryan Maley, Ward 4, and Ricky Rodgers, Ward 6, and the appointment of Maureen McKane, Ward 4, to the Human Relations Commission.
City government of Aurora documents show the nomination brought forth represents four veteran members and a new candidate, Maureen McKane from Ward 4.
• Approved was a Resolution approving the reappointments of Elana Newkirk, Ward 5, and Sean Williams, non-resident, to the City’s Advisory Commission for Disabilities.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the reappointment of Michael Walker, Kristin Ludwig, Dan Miller, and Justyn Arnold to the Aurora Preservation Commission.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing a development agreement with Leilani Asian Fusion: Leilani Aurora Inc; Buona Italia: River Street Italian Inc; La Ville Lumiere: River Street Bistro Inc, a majority owned affiliate of JH Real Estate Partners LLC (JH) for the purpose of facilitating the development of the vacant first floor and basement for the Leilani redevelopment agreement (RDA) for a full service Asian Fusion, Italian, and French restaurants in the recently-rehabilitated Hobbs and adjacent buildings together at 2-12 South River Street in downtown Aurora.
City government of Aurora documents show JH plans to open three new restaurants in the first and partial basement spaces at the Hobbs. Rather than continuing to solicit several one off operators, all with their own needs, timing and financial wherewithal, JH decided to use its own hospitality expertise and resources to create three partnerships with experienced chefs and front of the house management. The RDA codifies the commitments from JH that trigger City incentives that will be repaid to the City.
• Approved was a Resolution to award monies received for the Corridor Improvements Grant to Scientel Solutions LLC., 2021 N Eola Rd, Aurora, Ill. for an amount not to exceed $1,200,000.00.
City government of Aurora documents show the corridor improvements grant was awarded to the City and accepted via resolution R23-010. These monies will be used to install security cameras and license plate readers on city-owned posts and along city-owned sidewalks.
Following civil unrest on May 31, 2020, the Aurora Police Department and the IT Department identified areas of the city to place additional cameras and upgrade the existing camera inventory. A grant proposal was developed and submitted to the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity under the Rebuild Distressed Communities Grant Program requesting funding to install cameras and license plate readers in the strategically identified locations. The state of Illinois subsequently contracted with LISC to administer the Rebuild Distressed Communities Grant Program. This grant was awarded to the City and was accepted via resolution R23-010.
The new cameras should increase Aurora’s safety and security by providing surveillance coverage to support investigations and prosecutions. In areas with outdated cameras, the new equipment will provide higher-resolution images. The project will be managed by Scientel Solutions with oversight by the IT Department. Scientel Solutions was awarded the contract to maintain and manage Aurora’s security camera network as approved in Resolution 21-135 in June of 2021.
Expenditures under this grant will follow the city’s procurement requirements as well as the bondable requirements set by the Rebuild Illinois Program and all applicable state or federal regulations.
The grant provides 100% of the funding for the project and there is no local cost match involved with the project. The following expense accounts will be used for this grant:
340-1280-419.61-40 – supplies-general/expendable tools/equipment purchases – $1,023,880.
340-1280-419.32-20 – contracted services – $152,690.
340-1280-419.32-80 – consulting fees – $23,430.
The revenue account for this grant will be 340-1280-334.30-02.
Budget amendments will be processed for these line items to account for the revenue and expenses related to the grant.
This grant project will result in improved safety and security for Aurora residents, businesses, and visitors. Equipment installed through this project will supplement and enhance the Aurora Police Department’s existing security surveillance capabilities. Management of the project and maintenance of cameras will be the responsibility of the city’s IT Department.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase II engineering agreement with Baxter and Woodman, Inc., maximum amount of $39,412.00 and appropriating Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Montgomery Road and Kautz Road Traffic Signal Installation project with MFT Section # 22-00353-00-TL.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to execute the Phase II engineering agreement with Baxter and Woodman, Inc., and to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds for MFT Section Number 22-00353-00-TL by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Resolution.
A request from area residents initiated the study by City staff members for making the improvements. The project will help facilitate safe vehicular movement through the intersection and provide safe crossing of the pedestrians/bicyclists across Montgomery Road.
The project will consist of installing new traffic signal at the intersection of Montgomery Road and Kautz Road, updating ADA ramps, striping and other pertinent improvements needed as determined during design phase
Due to the anticipated low Phase 2 contract value, the need to begin the design phase in order to let the project this year (summer) and based on consultant’s availability, Baxter and Woodman, Inc. was selected to conduct phase 2 design engineering for this project. Since Motor Fuel Tax funds are being utilized, IDOT review and approval will be necessary for this project.
The project uses Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds and would need appropriating the funds.
City’s 2023 budget provides funds through the following account:
GC 081 Montgomery Road and Kautz Road 203-4020-417-76-39 $39,412.00
Maintenance and energy costs for proposed traffic signal, approximately $260 per month.
• Approved was a Resolution to allow Aurora Public Art to apply for a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant in an amount not to exceed $80,000.
City government of Aurora documents show the Aurora Public Art Division is seeking a grant from Kane County to assist in the creation of a mobile game app that will create a wayfinding path through downtown Aurora enhanced with augmented reality markers to guide visitors to public art installations, businesses, and other attractions.
The Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant Fund requires applicants to submit a resolution from the governing board authorizing permission to apply for a grant. The city was last awarded a Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant in 2020.
Smart maps regularly assist tourists and residents alike to plan outings. Such maps can improve and enhance the experience of a trip for people who have specific expectations or purpose for their visit, can introduce people to new businesses and attractions, and can help cities better understand foot traffic patterns. This project aims to build upon this concept to create a unique, secure mobile game app that includes a virtual map to create wayfinding paths that encourage people to explore everything that downtown Aurora has to offer and discover its hidden gems, including local businesses. Students will contribute to the creation of artwork that will be incorporated into the augmented reality content of the game.
Between the proliferation of public artworks in Aurora over the past five years and the addition of many new restaurants and business in Aurora’s downtown since the pandemic, the City’s downtown is on the threshold of a substantial renaissance. The Public Art Division aims to help further spur downtown revitalization by creating a map-based game that will guide visitors on routes that expose them to businesses, points of interest, and works of art.
The 2023 Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund grant application proposes that approximately 70% of the project will be funded through the grant. The remainder will be funded through Public Art Division funds allocated to the project in the 2023 budget. The proposed expense account number is 101-1360-450-32-20 and the proposed revenue account is 101-1360-337-30-02
This custom digital map game (virtual board game) of downtown Aurora will increase foot traffic at key locations and improve the city’s ability to understand which downtown locations receive the most visitors and which areas visitors tend to overlook. This virtual game will be unique to Aurora. It will serve as a Public Art installation and a destination feature in itself, as people will only be able to play the game and view the augmented reality art on-site in downtown Aurora.
Recommend the City Council authorize the Aurora Public Art Division to apply for a Kane County Riverboat Grant in an amount not to exceed $80,000 to fund the creation of a digital map game with augmented reality highlighting downtown Aurora’s many attractions.
• Approved was an Ordinance reserving 2023 volume cap in connection with private activity bond issues, and related matters.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of an ordinance that will serve to reserve the city’s 2023 private activity bond (PAB) volume.
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. 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. Currently, municipalities are limited to an amount equal to $120.00 per resident.
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 179,266, Aurora’s volume cap allocation for 2023 is $21,511,920. Some of the 2023 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 will be used for single-family mortgage revenue bonds and/or mortgage credit certificates.
• Approved was an Ordinance calling for a public hearing and a Joint Review Board meeting to consider the designation of a redevelopment project area and the approval of a redevelopment plan and project for the city of Aurora River Vine Tax Increment Financing District.
City government of Aurora documents show the Ordinance follows the announcement of the availability of the eligibility study and report, and the redevelopment plan and project for the proposed River Vine TIF District; and would start the process of creating a TIF District for the River Vine site addressed 309 N. River Street, to be known as the River Vine. The Ordinance sets dates for a Joint Review Board meeting and a public hearing and calls for the notices to be given in connection with the meeting and public hearing.
The parcels are within the City’s downtown fringe area, generally bordered on the south by Cedar Street (as extended east to the Fox River), on the east by the shores along the Fox River, on the north by a certain park land owned by the Fox Valley Park District, and on the west by River Street. Parts of the proposed TIF District is within the City’s existing TIF # 5. The area location along the Fox River has been identified by the Downtown Master Plan as a focal point part of the “heart of Downtown” and is part of an area desired as a “vibrant designation with mixed use development, family friendly activities and nightlife entertainment”.
Constructing a new multi-family residential development on the banks of the Fox River in Downtown Aurora, particularly near the Aurora Transportation Center, has been a consistent recommendation of numerous City long-range planning documents for decades. Combined with the recommendations of the Downtown Housing Study (2019), the growing demand for rental housing, the redevelopment of long vacant historic buildings in the Downtown, and the recent completion of the new Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, the time for implementing the City’s vision is here.
An RDA with Windfall Group to construct a new apartment building and various amenities has been approved in 2022.
To establish a TIF district (“Redevelopment Project Area” or “RPA), Illinois municipalities must adopt several documents, including a Redevelopment Plan and an Eligibility Report, hold a Public Hearing and a Joint Review Board meeting.
The creation of a TIF district requires several steps. The first public step is the announcement of the availability of the Eligibility Study and Report, and the Redevelopment Plan and Project for the proposed River Vine TIF District. It is important to note that the actual announcement is done by the full City Council at its March 14, 2023 meeting. Further steps associated with the creation of the TIF will include the provision of mailed notices, public notices, a Joint Review Board meeting and a public hearing. The City’s Corporation Counsel has engaged Elrod Friedman LLP to serve as the City’s Special Counsel to support this TIF formation process.
The Redevelopment Agreement calls for the City to provide financial incentives to the redevelopment project paid out of the creation of a new TIF District.
In order to create the TIF District, the City Council must first approve the Ordinance, which begins the process. Steps in the process of creating the TIF District include:
Adopting the Ordinance
Send notices of the Joint Review Board meeting
Send notices of the availability of the Eligibility Study and Redevelopment Plan and Project for the TIF District
Hold the Joint Review Board meeting
Publish and mail notices of the public hearing
Hold the public hearing
Approve the ordinances creating the TIF DistrictIt is anticipated that the TIF District will be created in June 2023.
Making this announcement will begin the formation process of the proposed River Vine TIF District. Failure to make this announcement will mean that this TIF District will not be created and needed financing for future development will not be created.
Staff members recommend the Committee forward this item to the City Council for formal announcement March 14, 2023.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing approval of a development agreement with JH Real Estate Partners LLC for the rehabilitation of the building at 110 Cross (between River Street and Middle Avenue across from the Jimmy John’s) for conversion of the historic building into 15 market rate apartments and a brewery on the ground floor.
City government of Aurora documents show the RDA will facilitate the development with a 23 year TIF with 70% of the benefit going to the JH plus a forgivable loan of $300,000 to the developer and $75,000 to the first floor microbrewery tenant. The TIF inducement resolution was approved on July 27th, 2021 which permits certain expenses to become eligible for reimbursement after the TIF is approved by the City Council.
110 Cross is a historic building purchased about 4 years ago by JH. Plans to renovate the building have been in the works since then including the recruitment of the well-regarded Foreign Exchange Brewing company. The City government asked JH to table this request until the completion, opening and residential leasing of the Hobbs project including the renting of the retail spaces on the first floor and partial basement. In addition, Foreign Exchange wanted to affirm that they had properly capitalized this new venture as much of the high costs to create the brewery are being borne by Foreign Exchange as part of the overall lease with JH. Along with other parts of the downtown, there is a vibrant interest in the area from Benton south to at least North Avenue. (Council approved a corridor study/master plan in the 2023 budget for this area.)
While the market downtown is moving to more self-sufficiency, reducing the magnitude of incentives needed to fill the “gaps’ between the costs to complete a project and the value of that project at completion, there is still a negative spread in most downtown deals because (escalating) costs are still higher than end product valuations. The Aurora market has been in a footrace between skyrocketing costs not only in Aurora but nationally and internationally and increasing commercial and residential rents. The City is working both in the affordable markets in an attempt to ameliorate rents for those who need assistance and the market rate market.
City officials have discussed and will continue to provide more detail to Council as how these gaps are calculated and even after these gaps are “filled ” with City support- economic returns to these developers are modest at best. 110 Cross is no different. Even with the benefit of State and Federal Historic Tax incentives and working to prelease to a proven tenant on the first floor the end product valuations are still less than total turnkey costs.
While gaps are analyzed and ultimately calculated on a project-by-project basis using details and nuances of each proposed development, the City compares what incentives on a “per unit basis” have been given. The gaps have induced incentive that have ranged from $27,000 to $50,000 per unit or an average of $38,000 This amount has been reduced to $20,000 per unit or $300,000 for 15 units, or about 50% lower.
The remaining $75,000 equates to about 10.5% of the $712,000 budget to put Foreign Exchange at 100 Cross. The company has not received any prior support from the City government. Because JH is the master developer of the entire building these funds will be channeled through JH to Foreign Exchange through a title company.
The City government is expected to receive about $32,000 per year in sales and food and beverage taxes from Foreign Exchange retail sales. In addition, they have a significant wholesale component.
The estimated Tax Increment from a TIF for the project is $69,000.00 and per the proposed RDA this will be split 70%/30% between the Developer/City as projected. This results in $20,000.00 in property taxes to the City within the new TIF and $49,000.00 to the Developer. This results in an estimated payback period of under 13 years for the $375,000 grant.
Policies and guidelines / impact statement:
The approval of this RDA will bring another vacant building back to productive use, creating jobs, sales tax revenue and increased taxes over the long run. It will help raise values in the vicinity and will be a catalyst for increase development in this River Street south corridor. New residential units will be created and this brewery has an ardent following likely attracting visitors. The City government will be reimbursed for this investment.
• Approved was a Resolution to approve the purchase of 70 Avon Protection First Responder Med Kit (gas masks) and 180 CBRN gas mask filters from MES/Lawmen Supply of Deer Creek, Ill. through the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract #032620-MES in the amount of $53,044.50.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to purchase replacement gas masks and associated CBRN gas mask filters for the Aurora Police Department. These gas masks and filters are essential for the protection of first responding police officers and are being purchased to replace outdated and end-of-life.
The 2023 budget included a decision package from the Aurora Police Department to replace outdated gas masks and restore depleted stock of gas mask filters. The current stock of gas masks are either reaching or are at the end of their useful recommended life, and the current stock of associated gas masks are either expired or have been used by the police department since their initial purchase.
During the budget cycle, City officials noted that a significant number of gas masks were showing signs of deterioration and rubber failing. A determination was made that the current stock of gas masks are reaching or have reached the end of their useful life. Further, it was noted that the supply of gas mask filters, which are a single-use CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) filter adapted for public safety use was depleted due to deployment or expiration. City officials developed a multi-year plan to replace the aging supply on a rotation, with an initial cost of immediate replenishment of these CBRN masks.
City 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 are able to meet the public safety needs of the police department and will provide these needed gas masks and filters through this turnover period.
Funding is available in the 2023 budget in account 101-3536-421.61-40.
Local preference does not apply when using a cooperative purchase program.
The purchase is vital for the protection of police responding to the threat of contamination when chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear exposure is present. This exposure can occur through the deployment CBRN weapons, an industrial accident, or natural disaster where APD’s first responders must be present, and must be protected.
• Approved was a Resolution to use NTI National Technologies, Downers Grove, Ill., as the primary fiber vendor and EX2 Technology, LLC of Omaha, NE as the secondary vendor for 2023 City fiber optic projects for $1,781,554.00 plus a 11% contingency. Total not to exceed $2,000,000.
City government of Aurora documents show since 2018, NTI has performed successfully as the City’s prime and strategic partner, carrying out a full audit of the fiber optic network for asset management, preventive maintenance, remediation, and emergency repair.
NTI has extensive knowledge of the City’s outside plant and offers competitive rates validated on Kane County Resolution 22-170 dated June 2, 2022 for Fiber Optic Support Services.
As previously written, NTI has worked consistently and above expectations for the city of Aurora since 2018. NTI performed the fiber optic audit on the city of Aurora’s fiber optic network in 2018. This has given NTI extensive field knowledge of the City’s fiber optic network. The audit also provided the splicing information that City officials are in the process of adding to Aurora’s GIS ArcMap and Vetro Fiber Map software which provides the City with a comprehensive fiber map or visual representation showing the physical placement of the fiber-optic network. These maps may showcase specific cables, fiber lit buildings, telecom carriers, and more within the telecommunications infrastructure.
NTI has done extensive fiber work for the City of Aurora. NTI has provided quality service for the City of Aurora and provided competitive pricing based on the Kane County Resolution 22-170 dated June 2, 2022 for Fiber Optic Support Services.
Additionally, City staff members can request comparative pricing from EX2 Technology, LLC of Omaha, Nebraska if pricing submitted by NTI does not conform to the Kane County Resolution.
Prioritized Proposed Fiber Projects for 2023 are listed below:
New Public Works Campus Phase 2 – $398,338.00
Yearly open purchase order for fiber maintenance/field repairs – $120,000.00
Handhold / Fiber Distribution Point Audit – $$281,400.00
Fiber to Well 23 (3290 Jericho Road) – $324,256.00
Fiber to Well 119 (119 South Constitution Drive) – $61,436.00
Fiber to Well 19 (2201 Prairie Street) – $32,581.00
Fiber to Well 115 (1435 Southlawn Place) – $224,313.00
Fiber to Lift Station Linden Estates (3112 Moraine Drive) – $82,531.00
Fiber to Lift Station Butterfield East (2550 Frieder Lane) – $256,699.00Total cost for the above mentioned projects = $1,781,554.00 (adding 11% contingency = $218,446.00). Total not to exceed $2,000,000.
Funds are available in account 287-1280-419.73-86 (C104) ($2,000,000.00)
Local preference does not apply, as this resolution is piggybacking on the Kane County Resolution.
By approving this resolution, it will ensure fiber projects start by Spring and will get completed before frozen ground in the Fall. This request will have a positive impact as the City of Aurora will get the most competitive pricing for any fiber work that is done in the City of Aurora.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing Engineering Enterprises, Inc. to provide professional engineering services to the Water Production Division for a Water Treatment Plant Coatings Rehabilitation project, in the not-to-exceed amount of $99,000.00.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council authorization to enter into an agreement for professional engineering services with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (EEI), Sugar Grove, IL, for the design and construction engineering for the Water Treatment Plant Coatings Rehabilitation project for the Water Production Division (WPD).
The City of Aurora Water Treatment Plant (WTP) underwent a plant expansion in 2002. New treatment units were added in the form of a Claricone clarifier, a recarbonation vessel/tank, and vertical pipe gallery which directs water to downstream filters. All of these steel vessels are now in need of coating (paint) rehabilitation. Periodic recoating of steel treatment infrastructure protects against metal loss (corrosion) and maintains the infrastructure integrity for long-term service life.
Due to the complexity and scope of such a project, a professional engineering consultant is required to provide design, bidding administration, and construction observation services to assure all project aspects are properly completed.
EEI has a substantial resume of experience in water tank recoating and rehabilitation projects for the WPD, including the Indian Trail Elevated Water Tank in 2013/14 and more recently the Fox Valley East Ground Storage Tanks in 2022, delivering excellent performance on both projects. In addition, EEI was selected for the Fox Valley East project via a QBS process. The proposed project is substantially similar to both previous projects in the expertise required in design and construction management. EEI excels in the technical aspects of coatings selection, bidding specifications and construction observation, including National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) certified inspections. EEI understands the possible impacts of projects of this type on operations and will work to facilitate smooth coordination between the City and the contractor. EEI is approximately 10 miles from the project site at the WTP. Specific duties and responsibilities are documented in the Agreement for Professional Engineering Services.
In consideration of EEI’s past performance and project specific experience with the WPD, it is recommended the agreement be approved per City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Division 2, Section 2-336 Contracts Exempt or Excluded From Formal Bidding: (a) The city may award a written contract for professional services, which shall include architectural, engineering, surveying, construction management, accounting, auditing, safety and security risk assessment, computer and data assessment and services, legal and other financial services, without complying with the other provisions of this division.
• Approved was a motion authorizing and directing the chief Human Resources officer to execute a settlement agreement on behalf of the City in Workers Compensation Claim #189549271-001..