Aurora City Council: Open Door Health Center celebrates 30 years

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By Jason Crane

Mayor of Aurora, Richard Irvin and the Aurora City Council honored representatives from Open Door Health Center of Illinois for the Aurora facility’s 30 years at the Tuesday, Nov. 28 City Council meeting.

Open Door Health Center of Illinois started in 1975 when the Visiting Nurses Association of Elgin saw the need for sexually-transmitted infection education, testing and treatment, then referred to as venereal disease or VD. They worked with other concerned citizens to develop Open Door, incorporating it as a nonprofit organization in 1976 with offices on Division Street in Elgin.

Executive director of Open Door Health Center of Illinois, Perry Maier, center, and Board member Reynaldo Rodriguez, left, receive a proclamation by Richard Irvin, mayor of Aurora in honor of the Health Center’s Aurora facility being open for more than 30 years and World Aids Day, December 1, 2023. *City of Aurora government Facebook video screenshot*

In 1977, Open Door was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. The facility in Aurora was opened in 1993.

World Aids Day has been designated as December 1 each year since 1988. The event is an international day designated to raising awareness of the AIDs pandemic caused by HIV infection. In addition, the day is to mourn those who died, and commemorating the medical advancements. An estimated 38 Million individuals around the world live with HIV.

The presentations can be viewed on the city government of Aurora’s YouTube page after the 2 minute mark by clicking here.

Four individuals used their voices for various reasons up to three minutes each: Comments can be viewed on the city government of Aurora’s YouTube page after the 1 hour, 8 minute mark by clicking here.

Pastor Dallas Scott from Main Baptist Church in Aurora was honored by mayor Irvin for more than a decade of service. Pastor Scott retired from the Church Sunday, Nov. 26.
Superintendent of West Aurora School District, Jeff Craig, presented mayor Irvin and his chief of staff, Alex Alexandrou with a challenge coin for their partnership and collaboration with the West Aurora School District. In the past, Craig, the chairman of the Aurora Education Commission has presented the challenge coin to Neal Ormond, Kristen Ziman, and Gordie Kerkman.
Representatives from Factor A.K.A. Hello Fresh on Aurora’s West Side gave a presentation about efforts and investment the company is making to address concerns by neighboring residents about light, noise, and odor. The facility is at the corner of Orchard Road and Indian Trail.

The property once was home to retail establishments and was granted special zoning for manufacturing and distribution.

At several City Council meetings for more than a year, residents with properties near the facility complained about noise, light, and air pollution claiming it’s impacting their health, property values, and overall quality of life.

In the presentation it was shown a sound wall has been installed, driveway lighting has been redirected, and driveway repairs have been completed to reduce vibration.

Factor has received the IEPA (Illinois Environmental Protection Agency) ROSS (Registration of Smaller Sources) permit.

Factor recently hired third-party consultant Kimley-Horn to conduct a sound study. Results show: Up to a 17% reduction in sound due to new sound fence; Orchard Road is the primary and loudest noise contributor impacting the neighborhood; sound from Factor South of fence is equivalent to the ambient sound levels in the neighborhood.

Factor has acquired the lease for the former Restore building next door and is moving employees from several offices in the suburbs of Chicago, including Batavia, and making the Aurora facility their corporate campus. The plan is to re-invest in building out class A office space dedicated to salaried employees and training space for staff members.

The next steps listed are:

To implement aroma reduction technology;

Conduct vibration study early 2024;

Ensure ongoing compliance with IEPA and Aurora Zoning & Permitting;

Begin the relocation of the Chicago area headquarters;

Continue dialogue with City to ensure timely and meaningful responses to address issues and concerns as they arise.

The City Council approved the following agenda items:

Approved was a Resolution approving the appointment of Jestin Kolar as director of the Building and Permits Department.

City government of Aurora documents show at this time, Kolar is a mechanical inspector with the city of Aurora.

Approved was a Resolution approving reappointments of Nadia Kanhai, Sunil Patel, Nitin Fuldeore and Anu Krishnamurthy to the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board.

City government of Aurora documents show the nominations brought forth represent four veteran candidates: Nadia Kanhai is a resident of the 4th Ward, if approved, would be serving a third term. Sunil Patel is a non-resident of Aurora, if approved, would be serving a third term. Nitin Fuldeore is a non-resident of Aurora, if approved, would be serving a second term. Anu Krishnamurthy is a resident of the 10th Ward, if approved, would be serving a second term.

Approved was a Resolution approving the reappointments of Dr. Yolanda Stovall, Keith Wise, Sandra Harrison and Glenda Blakemore to the African American Heritage Advisory Board.

City government of Aurora documents show the nomination brought forth represents four veteran members; Dr. Yolanda Stovall, a Ward 9 resident to serve a second term. Keith Wise, a Ward 9 resident to serve a second term. Sandra Harrison, a Ward 8 resident to serve a third term. Glenda Blakemore, a Ward 4 resident to serve a third term.

Approved was a Resolution approving the appointment of Jersey Kimbrough to the Aurora Youth Council.

City government of Aurora documents show Kimbrough, the new candidate, is a resident of the 6th Ward and a junior at West Aurora High School.

Approved was a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Megan Paul and Shannon Gutierrez to the FoxWalk Overlay District Design Review Committee.

City government of Aurora documents show the nomination brought forth represents two new candidates: Megan Paul, a resident of the Fourth Ward and founder of Vara Design, Shannon Gutierrez, a resident of the Fifth Ward and owner of Wyckwood House Boutique + Bar.

Approved was a Resolution approving the reappointments of Sherrill Dodson-Lewis, Meloyne Wimbley and the appointment of Gabriel Robinson to the Aurora Housing Authority Board.

City government of Aurora documents show the Aurora Housing Authority (AHA) Board was not subject to the Chapter 2 revisions because they exist due to a State statute. The nomination brought forth represents two veteran candidates and one new appointment. Sherrill Dodson-Lewis, a Ward 9 resident to serve a third term; Meloyne Wimbley, a Ward 6 resident, to serve a fourth term; Gabriel Robinson, a Ward 7 resident to serve a first term.

Approved was a Resolution adopting unit price bids for the on-call full replacement of disturbed lead water service lines in 2024 within the City.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to assist city of Aurora water customers impacted by water distribution system maintenance with the full replacement of their disturbed lead water service lines.

In accordance with the State’s Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, the City will be required to replace every lead service line within the City starting in 2027. The same act also prohibits the disturbance or partial replacement of any existing lead service lines. To comply with these regulations, the City modified the lead service line replacement policy in 2021, wherein the city replaces any such service line at no cost to the property owner. Due to the volume of replacements completed annually, the City hires outside contractors to complete this work. In general, these replacements are the result of leaking service lines and/or service lines without a proper functioning shut-off valve.

The 2024 On-call Lead Service Line Replacement Contract was publicly advertised for bids. Contractors were invited to submit unit price bids for the on-call replacement of full lead service lines within the City. The bids were received on October 11, 2023. The five qualified bids are tabulated in the order left to right that they are to be contacted when work is needed. The unit prices from each bid were inserted into an example service replacement job to determine a ranking and call order. Two bidders had nearly identical rankings based on variations of the example job. Replacement requests will be distributed to those two bidders based on response time, quality of work, availability and anticipated variabilities of the individual services to be replaced. The bid tabulation shows the bids received in alphabetical order. The location and timing of these services will be based on future need and they will be offered to the contractors based on the order listed in the bid tabulation. This contract will go into affect on December 1, 2023 and these unit prices will be valid through December 31, 2024.

Based on the average number of water services replaced under this contract over the past several years, the engineering division anticipates a total contract need of $2,150,000.00. $150,000.00 from this contract is anticipated to be completed in December 2023 and funds have been allocated in account 510-4058-511-73-01(IC022). The proposed 2024 budget provides funding for this expense within the Water and Sewer Fund in account 510-4058-511.73-02 (IC080) which has an anticipated budget of $3,000,000. The remaining $2,000,000 from this contract will be completed in 2024. This contract was subject to the local vendor preference ordinance and two local qualified bidders submitted. However, the local bidders were not within 5% of the next lowest bid and therefore did not impact the bid results.

Adopting this resolution will provide an efficient means for the City to contract for the replacement of lead water service lines within the City and comply with all applicable state regulations.

Approved was an Ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the licensure of retailers authorized to sell all tobacco, nicotine, alternative nicotine products or vape products.

City government of Aurora documents show City officials are requesting approval of amendments to Chapter 13 Tobacco and Related Products specifically, Chapter 13-1 Definitions and Chapter 13-9 Licenses and Endorsements to prohibit the sale, delivery or distribution of any product which contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or any synthetic cannabinoid.

While the State of Illinois has established strict guidelines, standards and regulations for most products which contain THC, products such as cookies, gummies, and vape cannabis products that contain certain quantities of THC or synthetic cannabinoids can be sold by non-regulated facilities and businesses. Furthermore, THC products sold have not been evaluated or approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safe use and may be marketed in ways that put the public health at risk.

2018 Farm Bill legislation legalized hemp, which is defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3 percent delta 9 THC or less. However, the bill does not address delta 8-THC levels. This omission makes it legal for vendors to sell the compound with no oversight and unregulated at federal level. In recent months, multiple states and municipalities have enacted legislation prohibiting the sale of delta 8 products due to lack of research into the compound’s psychoactive effects. The City of Aurora has been approached by businesses seeking building permits for the sale of such THC products. In addition, Aurora Police Department’s officers have found similar THC products including cookies, bars, gummies and other edible products sold at tobacco shops, vape shops and gas stations in the City.

Prohibition of products that contain THC or other synthetic cannabinoids will protect the community from products that are not regulated or tested by any federal or state agency. At this time, the products may be produced and distributed from out of state facilities with no way for the consumer to be certain that the compounds used to prepare the final product sold is safe. In 2021, the National Institute of Health and Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a CDH Health Advisory opinion that warned health care professionals, first responders, poison control centers and the public as to the potential adverse effects of products containing THC including lethargy, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate and coma. The CDC noted that the health effects of delta-8 THC have not been researched extensively. In addition, the packaging of these products may cause consumer confusion. There are no required warnings or labels to clearly indicate to the consumer what is contained in the product other than it contains .03 percent delta 8.

Amending Chapter 13 will prohibit the sale, distribution and possession of THC or synthetic cannabinoid product in establishments that are licensed to sell tobacco, nicotine, alternative nicotine products or vapor products. This prohibition will protect the community at least until there are state and/or federal standards and regulations in place to ensure that the products are safe. Furthermore, it will protect the community, especially minors, from accidentally ingesting such products. Not only is the product accessible to minors, at gas stations, but since there is no limit on how much can be sold, there is no limit on the amount that may consumed which could lead to serious health risks.

City officials recommend that the Council deliberate the language of the proposed amendments to Chapter 13 including prohibiting the sale, delivery or distribution of any product which contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or any synthetic cannabinoid.

Approved was a Resolution authorizing Presence Behavioral Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP) from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026.

The purpose is to obtain approval to renew the service agreement with Presence Behavioral Health to provide an Employee Assistance Program for all City of Aurora employees.

City government of Aurora documents show for more than twenty-five years, the city of Aurora government has offered employees the benefit of using the Presence Behavioral Health’s Employee Assistance Program. The program offers a mechanism to assist, counsel and support employees who have personal concerns that may or may not, affect their job performance. Based on the budgeted annual expenditure of $33,000, City Council approval is being requested.

The agreement expires December 31, 2023, with Presence Behavioral Health to provide an Employee Assistance Program. The proposed agreement is effective January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026, which includes two one-year automatic renewal provisions. Approval is needed to compensate Presence Behavioral Health for their ongoing EAP services through December 31, 2026. EAP continues to be a solid partner in providing exceptional service to the City of Aurora.

Approved was a Resolution approving the purchase of bulk rock salt in the amounts of $70.15 and $70.72. per ton from Morton Salt Inc., Chicago, for the Division of Street Maintenance under the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Agreement Bid for the 2023-2024 winter season.

The purpose is to obtain City Council approval for the purchase of bulk rock salt in the amounts of $70.15 and $70.72 per ton from Morton Salt Inc. under the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Agreement Bid for the 2023-2024 winter season.

City government of Aurora documents show the bulk rock salt is used during snow operations to melt snow and ice from City streets. The Street Department will divide salt purchases between the DuPage County DOT and the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Agreements. By dividing road salt orders between the two agencies it gives Streets the possibility for multiple suppliers and different pricing for the winter season.

The City anticipates purchasing from Morton Salt Inc. Approximately 7,500 tons (50% of the City’s annual order) of bulk rock slat for the 2023-2024 winter season.

Local preference does not apply since the City is participating in a Joint Bid through the State of Illinois.

$650,000 has been budgeted for this expense in the 2023 using account 203-4060-431.65-32. Street Dept. does not anticipate going over budget with this approval.

Road salt assists in the improvement of driving conditions for vehicular traffic when winter weather conditions become substandard. A City Council denial for purchases would result in an increase of vehicular accidents and the lack of response time for emergency vehicles.

Approved was a Resolution authorizing the City to accept a donation of real property owned by H. Linden & Sons Development, Inc. on South Spencer St., Aurora.

The purpose is to accept a donation of approximately 1.03 acres of land behind the homes in the 1000 block of Bangs St. comprising seven total parcels of land from Linden & Sons.

City government of Aurora documents show over the years the City has purchased or acquired some of the adjoining properties, and at this time, the City owns land totaling approximately 11 acres immediately to the west of the parcels to be donated. In addition to being adjacent to City owned land, this area is less than a quarter mile west of the Phillips Park. The parcels are vacant and due to being land locked, cannot be used as is.

The City, however, has increasingly viewed vacant and underutilized properties as opportunities for productive reuse, and with acceptance of this donated land in conjunction with the land already owned, this increases options for development of additional opportunities.

In addition to providing greater flexibility for long term planning, acquisition of this vacant land will also provide consistent maintenance to these parcels which will improve aesthetics and quality of life for the adjacent homes whose properties back up to this vacant land.

Under this agenda item, City officials are recommending the acceptance of seven separate properties as noted below Tax Pins:

1) 15-34-230-002, 2) 15-34-230-003, 3) 15-34-230-004, 4) 15-34-230-005,

5) 15-34-230-006, 6) 15-34-230-007, 7) 15-34-230-008.

The City continues to make long-term decisions to bolster its acquisition of land throughout City limits in order to maximize the potential for development of recreational, entertainment, commercial and residential developments. Most, if not all of the development agreements approved in the past several years have involved the purchase, donation or swap of land to support the given development. Maintenance costs will be minimal and will be easily absorbed into the current operational maintenance of the adjacent city owned land.

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) has been completed and has identified past uses and conditions, consistent with the past use of the property.

The acquisition of land will provide the City additional flexibility in the long term planning of that area.

Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase II Supplemental Engineering Agreement with Baxter and Woodman, Inc., and appropriating Motor Fuel Tax Funds in the amount of $18,833 for the Montgomery Road and Kautz Road Traffic Signal Installation project.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to execute the Phase II Supplemental Engineering Agreement with Baxter and Woodman, Inc., and to approve Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds for MFT Section Number 22-00353-00-TL by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Resolution

The project will consist of installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of Montgomery Road and Kautz Road, updating ADA ramps, striping and other pertinent improvements. The Council had approved the original contract for phase II engineering on March 14, 2023 (R23-073) to Baxter and Woodman, Inc, maximum amount of $39,412.00.

During the design it was determined that the intersection warrants a right turn lane (westbound right turn heading north on Kautz Road). The IDOT/State review team asked that City officials conduct an Intersection Design Study (IDS) and an Environmental survey, both of which were not part of the original contract with the consultant. City officials need the consultant’s assistance for coordinating with Fox Valley Park District for a possible IGA, since the adjacent property belongs to FVPD and adding the right turn lane will move the curb line and bike path further north into their property. FVPD has been notified and they are willing to work with the city on this said improvement.

Since Motor Fuel Tax funds are being utilized, IDOT review and approval will be necessary for this project.

The city’s 2023-2024 budget provides funds through the following account:

GC 081 Montgomery Rd and Kautz Rd 203-4020-417-76-39 $18,833.00

Maintenance and energy costs for proposed traffic signal, would be approximately $308 per month.

Approved was a Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from Muchacho Alegre, LLC at 1941 W. Galena Boulevard, Aurora). [Ward 5]

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to increase the number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. A business that is new to the City of Aurora, Muchacho Alegre, LLC, is opening a restaurant at 1941 W Galena Blvd. and has submitted a liquor license application.

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

Muchacho Alegre, LLC has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption in their full-service restaurant. If approved, this liquor license will allow the sale of alcohol during business hours. Muchacho Alegre, LLC will offer a full menu.

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

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

Approved was a Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from Nori Aurora, LLC d/b/a Nori Sushi and Grill at 2933 Kirk Rd, Aurora). [Ward 1]

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to increase the number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. A business that is new to the City of Aurora, Nori Aurora, LLC d/b/a Nori Sushi and Grill, is opening a restaurant at 2933 Kirk Rd., Aurora and has submitted a liquor license application.

Nori Aurora, LLC d/b/a Nori Sushi and Grill has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption in a full-service restaurant. If approved, this liquor license will allow the sale of alcohol during business hours. Nori Sushi and Grill will offer a full menu.

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

Approved was a Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class A: Package Sales/Gas Station Beer and Wine Only liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from Shiva Aurora, Inc. d/b/a Shiva Aurora at 300 W Galena, Aurora). [Ward 2]

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to maintain the number of Class A: Package Sales/Gas Station Beer and Wine Only liquor licenses. A new business, Shiva Aurora, Inc. is purchasing 100% of the gas station at 300 W Galena and has submitted a liquor license application.

Shiva Aurora, Inc. d/b/a Shiva Aurora has submitted a liquor license application to offer beer and wine for sale for off-site consumption at their gas station. If approved, this liquor license will allow the sale of packaged beer and wine during business hours.

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

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

Approved was a Resolution Awarding Contracts to Supply Process Chemicals for the Water Production Division (WPD) to Kemira Water Solutions, Rowell Chemical Corporation, Pencco Inc., Norit Americas Inc., Mississippi Lime Company, Airgas Specialty Products, Inc., Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., and Polydyne Inc.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council approval for the execution of contracts with suppliers of various process chemicals for the Water Production Division.

Each year the Water Production Division solicits bids for process chemicals to be used at the Water Treatment Plant, bid No. 23-86. These chemicals are essential and necessary to the operations of the various treatment processes such as softening, disinfection, clarification, filtration, fluoridation, and taste and odor control, as well as regulatory compliance with drinking water standards. Sealed bids for this purpose were opened October 18, 2023.

The recommended contracts to be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidders are for a one-year period commencing on January 1, 2024.

The following suppliers are submitted as the lowest responsive, responsible bidders:

Airgas Specialty Products, Inc. – Anhydrous Ammonia

Pencco Inc. – Fluorosilicic Acid

Rowell Chemical Corp. – Sodium Hypochlorite

Polydyne Inc. – Cationic Polymer

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. – Carbon Dioxide

Kemira Water Solutions – Ferric Chloride

A one-year extension with no price increase was agreed to with Norit Americas Inc. Norit Americas Inc. supplies powdered activated carbon for taste and odor control. The specific product purchased is recognized within the industry for providing cost-effective performance in water treatment. Mississippi Lime Company (MLC) is a major supplier of calcium oxide and is considered a prime vendor to the WPD, supplying the highest quality calcium oxide that is available regionally, and more importantly this calcium oxide delivers the best performance within the water treatment plant based on long-term use. A one-year extension was agreed to with MLC for $314.44/ton delivered, an increase of 11.8% over 2023 pricing.

Funds have been requested in the 2024 City Budget in Account No. 510-4058-511-65-36 in the amount of $3,415,440. The proposed budget amount is based upon the estimated usage for all process chemicals including those recommended herein. The City of Aurora Local Preference Ordinance did apply to this bid but did not impact the awards..

Approved was a Resolution authorizing a Two-Year Instrumentation Service Agreement with the HACH Company for $161,678.51 for the Water Production Division.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain authorization for a two-year Instrumentation Service Agreement with the HACH Company (HACH), Loveland, CO, for routine and emergency maintenance services for existing HACH continuous monitoring/on-line and laboratory water quality testing instrumentation utilized by the Water Production Division (WPD), at a cost of $161,678.51 ($79,254.17 for 2024 and $82,424.34 for 2025).

The WPD utilizes approximately 85 HACH on-line and laboratory instruments for water quality monitoring, process control, and to ensure regulatory compliance. These instruments analyze parameters such as turbidity, pH, chlorine residual, ammonia, and fluoride residual, all on a continuous basis.

Under the proposed agreement, which the WPD has maintained with HACH since 2005, HACH provides regularly scheduled preventive maintenance and calibration service to all instruments covered, prioritized repair service and parts, and loaner instrumentation when needed.

The agreement is advantageous, in that the WPD is assured of high-quality, factory authorized maintenance and repair services and is relieved of the cost of carrying its own inventory of all spare parts. Perhaps more importantly, service is prioritized by HACH, which can prevent regulatory excursions when instruments for regulated parameters are involved. Because the parts and meter components are manufactured by HACH, this maintenance agreement is available exclusively through HACH (sole-source).

Due to discussions with the Purchasing Division which began in 2017, the WPD negotiated a two-year agreement with HACH with separate payments to be made at the beginning of each term year. This agreement renewal would be in effect for the period of January 20, 2024 – January 19, 2025, and a second year from January 20, 2025 – January 19, 2026. Both the Purchasing Division and the WPD believe a negotiated two-year agreement is financially beneficial to the city over the duration of the two-year agreement.

The cost of the proposed two-year HACH service agreement is $161,678.51 ($79,254.17 for year 1 and $82,424.34 for year 2). This represents an increase of $12,657.51 from the 2022 – 2023 two-year agreement or 8.49%, which includes a “locked-in” increase of 4.00% for the second year. The previous two-year increase was 12.8%. The WPD recently upgraded 15 regulatory compliance turbidimeters which resulted in a smaller increase as the newer instrumentation is more cost effective to maintain.

Funds have been requested in the 2024 City Budget in Account No. 510-4058-511-38-01, and funds will be requested in the 2025 budget similarly. A notarized affidavit is provided indicating the sole source status of the services provided.

Approved was a Resolution awarding the 2024 Sanitary Sewer Televising contract to Pipe View, LLC DBA Pipe View America in the amount of five hundred seventeen thousand, seventy-five dollars and fifty cents ($517,075.50).

City government of Aurora documents show the city of Aurora annually hires a contractor to televise specific sanitary sewers to detect any needed repairs prior to a roadway being resurfaced. In addition to the televising, a light cleaning of the sewers is done. This contract will be throughout the city of Aurora but will primarily be utilized on the older clay sanitary sewers.

Televising the City 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 and 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. Solutions such as sewer lining projects, sewer replacement or spot repairs are performed depending on the issues that are found during the televising. Depending on the scope of the work, these repairs are completed by the Water and Sewer Division or are completed by contractors hired using the City’s procurement process. This contract will also be utilized to televise and final inspect the storm sewer installed last year. This proposed contract will televise the sewers under the 2024 and 2025 preliminary roadway overlay lists.

This project was formally bid according to the standard City of Aurora procedures. Pipe View LLC’s bid of five hundred seventeen thousand, seventy-five dollars and fifty cents ($517,075.50) was the lowest responsible bid of four bids received. The low bidder, Pipe View LLC’s, has successfully completed similar projects in the Chicagoland area in the past. Pipe View was originally started in the Chicagoland area and still has crews based locally. I spoke with several of their references and am confident they will complete the requested inspections.

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 2024 proposed Budget includes funding for sewer evaluation and rehabilitation within account No.510-4063-511-73-14 (IB018) with a requested amount of $2,500,000.

The televising and cleaning of the sewers will have minimal traffic impacts on the citizens of Aurora.

Approved was a Resolution to renew a 12-month agreement with AT&T in the amount of $172,440.00 for intrastate services on the City’s Sonet ring. This contract establishes costs to provide intrastate calling rates for inbound and outbound calls at City locations.

City government of Aurora documents show City intrastate telephony services are provided by circuits from AT&T that terminate at APD, City Hall and two AT&T locations within the Aurora city limits. These circuits provide access to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) .

This is not a change to services, but a change to the rates provided by AT&T. This represents a 49% increase to the rates supplied in the previous contract signed in 2022 (R22-232). Staff members are requesting this one-year extension to allow for moving to more cost-effective Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) solution.

Funds are available in 101-1280-419.44-01 – Telephone – for this purchase.

Without agreeing to this contract and fees, the City would fall to retail rates for these services which are more than double the rates being quoted at this time.

Approved was an Ordinance amending Chapter 47 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances entitled “Trees, Shrubs and Weeds”.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to update the section of the code that governs trees, shrubs and weeds.

The city of Aurora’s grant writer found a grant opportunity through the 2023 Inflation Reduction Act for Urban and Community Forestry Grants in April of 2023. The grant outlined several areas the city as well as the city’s Tree Board had identified as future priorities including:

Tree inventory

Increase equitable access to urban tree canopy and associated health, environmental and economic benefits

Broaden community engagement in local urban forest planning

Improve tree resilience

The specific requirements of the grant application highlighted a number of deficiencies in the city’s code governing trees as well as an outdated and underutilized Arboricultural Specification Guide. The Tree Board convened and agreed to support the grant application, which would include updating the code and manual and the eventual creation of an Urban Forest Management Plan.

The first two, the code as well as the manual existed, but were outdated. Members of the Tree Board volunteered to work on updates, which were then taken to the board for review. The draft Chapter 47 before the Council at this time, is the result of months of work by these volunteer members as well as the Law Department and Mayor’s Office. Following the approval of the Chapter 47 updates as well as the Arboricultural Manual, the Tree Board will work on the creation of an Urban Forest Management Plan.

The passage of these ordinance updates will have a positive impact on the city.

Approved was a Resolution approving the Arboricultural Specification Manual for the City of Aurora.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council approval of the City’s “Arboricultural Specification Manual” as referenced in Chapter 47 of the Code of Ordinances.

This document accompanies Legistar File 23-0872, the proposed updates to Chapter 47. In the process of updating Chapter 47 entitled “Trees, Shrubs and Weeds”, there were a number of references to the “Arboricultural Specifications Manual”. A document from 2008 that does not appear to have been approved by the City Council was found and updated in concert with the proposed changes to Chapter 47.

The updates to the document followed the updates to Chapter 47. Involved in the review process were:

A sub-group of the Tree Board, all certified arborists:

o Cathy Hayen

o Bill Chinetti

o Nick Day

The Tree Board

Public Works/Engineering

Streets

The changes proposed are in concert with the proposed updates to Chapter 47. Upon approval, this document will be made available on the Tree Board section of the city website, along with other resources the board has created for the public. This document will also be used by City staff members in terms of the guidelines provided.

Approval of this document is proposed to have a positive impact on City operations and information available to the public.

Approved was an Ordinance amending Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the licensure of retailers authorized to sell alcoholic liquor.

City government of Aurora documents show City officials are requesting approval of Amendments to Chapter 6 Alcoholic Liquor specifically, Chapter 6-2 Definitions and Chapter 6-27 Prohibited Products to prohibit the sale, delivery or distribution of any product which contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or any synthetic cannabinoid.

Amending Chapter 6 will prohibit the sale, distribution and possession of THC or synthetic cannabinoid product in establishments that are licensed to sell alcoholic liquor. This prohibition will protect the community at least until there are state and/or federal standards and regulations in place to ensure that the products are safe. Furthermore, it will protect the community, especially minors, from accidentally ingesting such products. Not only is the product accessible to minors, at gas stations, but since there is no limit on how much can be sold, there is no limit on the amount that may consumed which could lead to serious health risks.

Approved was a Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class D: Downtown Core On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from Little Piano NY at 33 W. New York Street). [Ward 6]

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to increase the number of Class D: Downtown Core On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. A new business, Little Piano NY, at 33 W. New York St. would like to offer alcohol for on-site consumption. Little Piano NY has submitted a liquor license application for review.

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

Little Piano NY has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption in their piano bar. If approved, this liquor license will allow the sale of alcohol during business hours. Little Piano NY plans to offer a variety of snack food with their bar menu.

The owners of Little Piano NY are also the owners of Amore Mio, at 31 W. New York St., upstairs from Little Piano NY.

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

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

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