By Jason Crane
At the Aurora city government City Council meeting Tuesday, mayor Richard Irvin presented West Aurora High School senior, 17-year-old Savannah Crooks with the Mayor’s Award of Excellence for her tenth annual lemonade stand.
The event raised more than $2,500 for the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry (see thevoice.us/lemonade-drive-sets-record).
Crooks, who started the fundraiser at age seven with the help of her mother, thanked both the community for coming together to make this happen and the food pantry because they are the ones feeding those in need.
Aurora Police Officer William Whitfield received the Mayor’s Award of Excellence for his work in the Christmas in July event which received donations of life essential products for residents of Mutual Ground, a shelter for victims of domestic abuse. In addition, $2,000 was raised for Mutual Ground.
Officer Whitfield said, “It’s our job as police officers that are out here every day to do our part beyond the badge. Thank you!”
• There were two speakers who used their voices at the meeting:
Mary Ann Vincent said, “My comments are about the delivery of alcohol. How will delivering alcohol help the citizens of Aurora?
“Why make it easier for drunks to stay sick in their illness?
“Keeping inebriated people home so they can get drunker and possibly unable to go to work. Possibly lose their jobs, possibly be abusive to family members, is not a good plan at all!
“It grieves me that our City Council has made so many decisions that do not protect our youth.
“Alcohol is now sold within one-hundred feet of schools and the sale of recreational marijuana in our City, including children having gummy bears and such with marijuana in it.
“I’m also wondering who’s going to police this? How will I.D.s be checked?
“The under-aged will figure out a way to have alcohol delivered right to them.
“Do you have a friend or loved one who has abused alcohol?
“I think many of us at least know someone.
“I do have and know people whose lives were destroyed by alcohol.
“I know a child whose drunk parent threw him down the stairs.
“I know many adults who suffered with abuse from an alcoholic relative when they were young.
“How will the delivery of alcohol help anyone in Aurora?
“Please stop putting money before what is right to do.
“We care and you should care more about the citizens of Aurora and vote no on this ordinance.
“If you vote yes, you will owe us, your constituents, your explanation on how this will help the citizens of Aurora. Thank you.”
Adam Pauley, a student at Waubonsee Community College said, “I am proud to announce my appointment to the Kane County Regional Board of School Trustees.
“The Regional Board of School Trustees is an elected body with the sole responsibility of action and detachment of annexation regarding boundary changes between school districts in the region.
“During my time on the Board I would like to work towards transparency and openness, explore ways to inform constituents on what the regional school board is and does, and work towards creating bylaws for that organization.
“I am the youngest person in Illinois history to serve on a regional school board.
“Hopefully my appointment will inspire other young people to begin taking the mantle of leadership, placing it square on our shoulders, and continuing the work of those who came before us to create a bright future, not only for ourselves, but those who come after us as well
“I look forward to serving the people of Aurora and Kane County to the very best of my ability.”
Mayor Richard Irvin responded to Pauley by congratulating him on his appointment. It is rare for the mayor or Council to respond to speakers during the Council meetings.
The City Council unanimously approved the following agenda items:
Note: Ward 2 alderwoman Juany Garza was absent.
• Approved was an ordinance for VCA Aurora Animal Hospital at 2600 W. Galena Boulevard with plans that include expanding the existing animal hospital by approximately 15,000 square feet.
City government of Aurora documents show the petitioner, VCA Aurora Animal Hospital is requesting a plan description revision to the conditional use planned development, to change the underlying zoning district for a portion of the property from R-1(C) One family Dwelling District to O(C) Office District west of Hankes Road, south of Galena Boulevard, east of Blackberry Creek, and north of Raven Drive.
The property is zoned R-1(C) or One Family Dwelling District zoning with a Conditional Use Planned Development. The original Planned Development was approved in 2002. A preliminary plan and plat for the property was approved in 2002 as well (R02-453), but never came in for final to build the subdivision.
The petitioner is requesting approval of a revision to the plan description generally at the southwest corner of Galena Boulevard and Hankes Road. The original plan description called for the creation of a small residential subdivision on the southern part of the subject property. Due to the loss of a potential access point along Hankes Road, that planned residential development is no longer feasible. At the time, VCA decided it would rather save the land for future expansion of the facility, rather than develop that portion residentially. The proposed change would remove all residential language from the Plan Description. This action would change the underlying zoning from R-1(C) to O(C), which is more consistent with the current development on the site of the VCA campus.
The petitioner is requesting approval of a final plat. As previously stated, the current property is split into two separate parcels, one being roughly 6.5 acres and the other being roughly 5.2 acres. The building sits in the middle of the property line, therefore a combination of the two lots is necessary. This is going to create one 11.7-acre lot so that the entire campus is on a single lot.
Finally, the petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan at 2600 West Galena Boulevard for an Animal Hospital Use. The VCA Aurora Animal Hospital has operated on this property for 18 years and is seeking an expansion to both the building and the parking lot. The building expansion will be roughly 16,000 square feet and allow for expansions into new services as well as existing amenities.
There are approximately 125 parking spaces on the property. The current parking lot does not hold the current staff members or clients and with the proposed increases in types of services, the parking will need to considerably expand. There are 205 spaces proposed (an increase of 80 spaces), which is 65 more spaces than are required by the City. As a portion of the proposed parking abuts several houses, screening is an important part of the development. There are 24 evergreen trees proposed to fill the 50-foot buffer between the parking lot and the residential. Along with the tree plantings, berming is proposed to run the length of the parking lot. A photometric plan has been submitted as well, showing compliance with zoning standards.
City staff members have reviewed the conditional use petition and have determined that it meets the applicable codes and ordinances.
• Approved was a resolution authorizing payment to Testing for Public Safety, LLC (dba IPSP) as the provider of services for 2021 Fire Department promotional testing process in the amount of $31,050.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain authorization for payment to IPSP for services rendered for the 2021 Fire Department’s promotional testing process to establish a promotional hiring list for Fire Department captain and lieutenant candidates. Seventy-nine candidates went through the testing process amounting to $31,050. IPSP provides exceptional services and continues to be a dependable partner with the City.
The city government of Aurora has utilized Testing for Public Safety, LLC (dba IPSP) for more than 20 years. IPSP administers the promotional testing process for the City’s public safety departments in order to establish promotional hiring lists.
• Approved was a resolution to extend the agreement between the city government of Aurora and Seize the Future, doing business as Invest Aurora for a period of three months from July 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.
City government of Aurora documents show the city of Aurora (Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (MOED) and Invest Aurora (IA) are working to align activities for the coming years. Due to COVID 19, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and related issues that have brought more data and opportunity for both agencies, an extension of the current agreement will allow a renewal in the coming months that outlines both City and Invest Aurora plans more fully.
Resolution R16-162 provided for the last extension of the relationship between the city government of Aurora and Invest Aurora. This resolution provided for a three-year agreement with two extensions and expired June 30, 2021. The City and Invest Aurora have a mutually beneficial relationship that is recommended to be continued for a similar three-year commitment with extensions.
City government of Aurora documents state the City and Invest Aurora continue to improve the city of Aurora economy through the cooperation on such projects as the Old Copley Hospital renovation and the Stable business relief fund. Moving forward, with further federal funds available and a growing economy MOED and IA are developing new plans and programs.
Unfortunately, the timing of ARPA guidelines has made it difficult to determine eligible funding for economic development activities to meet renewal of the IA agreement.
Given that ARPA funding can be used through the end of 2024, it is quite probable that the City/IA could have programmatic expenses associated with ARPA funding and this has yet to be finalized.
The extension of the City/IA agreement is intended only to provide the quarterly payment to IA for operating purposes which is set at $164,864 for 2021.
• Approved was an ordinance amending provisions of the Aurora Liquor Control Ordinance creating the definition of an E-Commerce Delivery Store, including standards for liquor licensing, and identifying the rules pertaining to the process of E-Commerce Delivery of alcohol.
City government of Aurora documents show there is a business seeking to open an E-Commerce Delivery Store and contacted city government of Aurora staff members regarding their options to sell and deliver beer, wine, and liquor via online or telephone orders only.
Because it is a new concept to the city of Aurora, the current Liquor Control Ordinance does not provide a mechanism for this type of business to obtain a local liquor license to sell beer, wine, and liquor. The proposed modifications define the E-Commerce Delivery Store and provide rules for delivery of alcohol by E-Commerce Delivery Stores. This expansion of the Liquor Control Ordinance will allow businesses offering online and telephone ordering for delivery the opportunity to deliver alcohol.
Although there are currently liquor license options for stores (not primarily dedicated to the sale of alcohol) to obtain a package liquor license, all options currently in the code have historically incorporated the typical storefront model for retail sales with respect to the required square footage and storage of products.
With the increased utilization of home delivery services in the last year, this proposed modification to the Liquor Control Ordinance will enable the city of Aurora to keep up with the changing times and allow new business concepts the ability to obtain a liquor license for delivery only.
The proposed changes will allow delivery-only stores offering a variety of goods for delivery to provide home-delivery of alcohol and a wide variety of other convenience items.
• Approved was a request to obtain bids for the construction of the Phillips Park Golf Course Simulator Addition and purchase of two golf simulators.
City government of Aurora documents show that in order to obtain competitive sealed bids for this project, approval from the Finance Committee is needed, because the project is not in the budget for 2021.
This project consists of modifications to the existing clubhouse and an addition that will house two golf-course simulators. These are becoming quite popular and allow for revenue to be generated at the golf course year-round.
This project was originally budgeted in 2020 but was not constructed when the budget was reduced due to the pandemic. The budget for 2021 was developed in the Fall 2020, at which time the City’s financial status for this calendar year was still unknown. At this time, it has been confirmed that there are various funding mechanisms available to construct the project this year.
The project is being finalized now and staff members will be prepared to seek bids within a month. With the Committee’s approval, staff members will advertise for bids and will return to the Committee with a recommendation for award to the lowest responsible bidder later this year. If the anticipated timelines are followed, the simulators should be available for use by the end of the golf season and revenue will be generated in the Winter.
Once bids have been received, staff members will determine the funds that will be used and will present that information when and recommend the award.
The impact of this project will be minimal, and the clubhouse will remain open to the public during construction. No additional staff members will be required.
• Approved was a resolution authorizing an agreement with Infosend to provide utility invoice production and distribution services for the Water Billing Division.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval to sign the proposed contract with Infosend to provide utility invoicing production, printing and mailing services.
The City government of Aurora outsources the production and distribution services for utility invoices. Their current provider, Infosend, began working with the City October 1, 2011. The current agreement (approved by a resolution in 2016) with Infosend expires September 30, 2021. Based on responses to the request for proposal (RFP) for utility invoice production and distribution, Infosend has provided the most qualified and responsible proposal.
City government of Aurora staff members solicited proposals for the utility invoice production/distribution services for the Water Billing Division. On April 7, 2021 the City received qualified proposals from nine firms. Each company was reviewed and evaluated based on responsiveness to the RFP, experience, attention to internal controls, ease of services, ability to integrate with Central Square, and cost of services.
The 2019 expenses were $179,000 and 2020 expenses were $155,000.
The RFP is not subject to the Local Preference Ordinance.
The City uses Infosend as the utility bill print and distribution provider. Continuing services with Infosend will allow customer service to have no interruptions which often occurs when transferring services to another provider.
• Approved was a resolution to approve payment to Tavarez and Son’s Lawn Care for removal of junk and trash services through code violation for the remainder of 2021.
City government of Aurora documents show City staff members are requesting a $45,000 cap for this vendor in 2021 as they search for additional 2022 vendors and complete a bid process.
The 2021 funds allocated through an open purchase will soon surpass the annual $25,000.00 per vendor threshold. Tavarez & Son’s Lawn Care, an Aurora company, has been a vendor with Property Standards for 15 years and has consistently provided efficient and effective junk and trash removal services. Yearly expenses with this vendor have varied from as high as $46,000 to as low as $13,000 annually.
So far in 2021, the City has paid Tavarez & Sons $15,640.00 with several bills still going through the payment process with additional services required for the remainder of 2021.
The 2021 budget for account 101-1827-424.36-20 began at $45,000.00, sufficient funding is available in the amount of $24,000.00 to satisfy payments to Tavarez & Sons. DSC staff members are working with Purchasing Division staff members to consolidate this work along with property maintenance expenses for weeds and other landscaping related work and preparing a bid for 2022.
Per City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Article 5, Section 2-355 (a) (6), any municipal work or public improvement, when the expense thereof will exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), may be undertaken or constructed by contract or agreement without advertising for bids if authorized by a vote of three-fifths (3/5) of the members of the city council then holding office.
The vendor has no outstanding debt with the City.
Failure to approve this ratification will result in reduced cleanup efforts for the remainder for 2021.
Ruthy Harris, Property Standards-management assistant requested approval for the contractor to continue services for the remainder of this year at a not-to-exceed cost of $45,000.
• Approved was a request to accept a 2021 Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant, in the amount of $15,000, for the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center.
City government of Aurora documents show the Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant will be used to cover part of the salary of a new financial counselor position. In just its first year of operation, the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center has served so many low- and moderate-income Aurora families and more counselors are needed.
The FEC is a cooperative service provided by the city of Aurora and The Neighbor Project.
The FEC opened in Spring 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, works to improve the financial stability and awareness of low- and moderate-income Aurora households. The FEC provides families with free, professional, one-on-one financial guidance in areas such as debt reduction, budgeting, savings plans and credit repair, all necessary to lead to economic success for Aurora families.
The Aurora Financial Empowerment Center is the first and only financial counseling program of its kind in Illinois. First piloted by New York City in 2008, the FEC is now a national model that has been replicated in 23 cities across the country.
Providing free, one-on-one professional financial coaching to greater Aurora residents age 18 and older, the Aurora FEC has served almost 400 clients in its first year of operation. Clients have increased their savings by more than $110,000, and reduced their debt by more than $300,000; and these numbers keep rising by the day. Services provided by the Aurora FEC include:
• Banking: They help clients with opening or transitioning to safe and affordable checking and savings accounts.
• Credit: They educate clients on how credit works, and the importance of establishing and raising credit scores.
• Savings: They help individuals and families develop budgets and set aside savings for various goals, such as creating an emergency fund, planning for a vacation, or working toward buying their dream home.
• Debt reduction: They help clients with reducing debt and delinquent accounts.
Access to public support services: They refer clients to emergency support services, such as food pantries, rental assistance, utility assistance, and a host of other resources to help stabilize their lives.
Of the hundreds of clients the FEC has served to date, 62% are female and 67% are Latinx. The racial demographics are 40% White, 34% are Multiracial, 15% Black, 5% Asian, and 5% Other.
Many clients are bilingual in English and Spanish, but they have a growing list of clients whose primary language is neither in English nor Spanish. While all four of their Certified Financial Counselors are bilingual in English and Spanish, they can serve clients who speak any of the 250 world languages, through United Language Group’s on-demand phone interpretation service, effectively removing the barrier of language accessibility.
About 20% of Aurora’s residents, nearly 40,000 people, have incomes of less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
With these financially struggling families in mind, the City government established the Financial Empowerment Center. The FEC works to improve the financial stability and awareness of low- and moderate-income Aurora households. The FEC provides families with free, professional, one-on-one financial guidance in areas such as debt reduction, budgeting, savings plans and credit repair, all necessary to lead to economic success for Aurora families.
The demand for services in its first year of operation has shown the more Financial Counselors are needed at the FEC. This grant from the Kane County Riverboat Fund will help to provide an additional badly needed counselor.
• Approved was a resolution authorizing the purchase and construction of the supporting infrastructure, as previously mentioned in R20-249, for the body worn camera inventory and operating requirements as defined by the Aurora Police Department.
City government of Aurora documents show the Aurora Police Department requests the City Council authorize the purchase of materials and labor to construct a digital equipment storage room which will support the body worn camera inventory, accessories and operational requirements to FH Paschen in the amount not to exceed $61,883.17, Scientel Solutions in the amount $6,520.66 and CTS in the amount not to exceed $30,000 for a total aggregate amount not to exceed $96,000.00.
On October 27th, 2020 resolution R20-249 was approved by the City Council for the purchase of body-worn cameras and the supporting software for officers at the Police Department in the amount of $2,150,920.00.
The body-worn camera resolution was a voluntary response to community discussions about increasing transparency in police enforcement.
At the time of the resolution there was not a State mandate requiring all law enforcement officers to wear a body-worn camera. However, on February 22nd, 2021 JB Pritzker, governor of Illinois signed the Bill, now known as the “Safe-T-Act” into law.
The Safe-T-Act mandates all police department must implement body-worn cameras for all officers.
On June 15th, 2021 the Committee of the Whole forwarded the request for authorization to purchase of additional cameras to satisfy the new state mandate and the supporting software in the amount of $2,828,107.00. In the initial Resolution R20-249 it was mentioned that a supporting infrastructure and staff members would be required in order to manage inventory, support integration of existing legacy systems and meet the department’s operational requirements once the body worn camera system was chosen.
Consistent with the initial scope of the project and in response to the discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 15th, 2021, an assessment of the facility’s capabilities was completed, and a need was identified for the construction of a digital equipment room.
APD officials researched storage locations, along with charging and download requirements and quickly realized they needed something much more than an empty office or small closet.
APD officials found that they needed a location with enough storage space to store up to 350 body worn cameras for expected organizational growth, but also accommodate an officer’s daily workflow.
APD officials wanted this location to be accessible to all officers in the department as well as having 24/7 oversight and security. They also learned that they would need an uninterrupted power source (UPS) and data lines to download video from the cameras.
Due to the need for ample storage space, oversight and access to data, they chose the patrol sergeants office on the first floor of the Police Department. All employees can easily access this space, sergeants work every day of the week (24 hours a day) in this office and the location within the office is approximately 100 feet from a data closet. This would mean that while they still have to run data cables, it is easily done, without major obstructions.
Additionally, all patrol, COP and Traffic officers walk in or by this office everyday they work. All other officers are near this space and typically walk by as they exit the building to go to the squad garage.
In the end and with respect to storage, there are no other locations in the police building that can accommodate such a large footprint, easy access to data connections and have the 24/7 oversight they desire.
In addition to the body worn camera inventory this storage room will also provide a central storage location for additional police equipment, such as Tasers, AED’s, GETAC laptops, etc which are currently scattered throughout the building.
Low voltage CAT 6A cabling costs including material, equipment and labor is estimated at $27,986 (based on the original CTS quote) with a 10% contingency therefore requesting a “Not to Exceed” amount of $30,000. These costs are based on historical data with current City vendors for similar statements of work over the past 4 years.
Two Axis cameras including installation and associated mounting in the Utility Rooms and setup services costs total $3,520.66. The vendor will incorporate all of these cameras into the existing Aurora Video Managed Services Contract.
F.H. Paschen has proposed to construct the complete digital equipment storage area(s) along with all the necessary electrical and data infrastructure, through the City’s Job Order Contracting (JOC) program for $56,257.43. The quoted price includes a $4,234.43 (7%) credit as prescribed by the JOC. The JOC program was approved by Resolution R20-221 in September 22, 2020.
A ten percent (10%) contingency of $5,625.74 is also requested in the event unforeseen circumstances arise. If the contingency is used, the total construction price will not exceed $61,883.17.
A budget amendment will be submitted prior to City Council approval.
Approval of this resolution will provide the necessary infrastructure to support the body worn camera inventory and operational requirements of the Aurora Police Department.
• Approved was a resolution authorizing the purchase and installation of 150 fleet dash camera systems not to exceed $1,684,800.00 and the purchase of 150 Taser 7 Conducted Energy Weapons not to exceed $313,350 from Axon Enterprise, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ.
City government of Aurora documents show the Aurora Police Department (APD) requests the City Council authorize the purchase of a fleet dash camera system and Taser 7 equipment which will integrate with the Axon 3 body worn camera system and update their current equipment which is beyond the service life.
On October 27th, 2020 resolution R20-0249 was approved by the City Council for the purchase of body-worn cameras and the supporting software for officers at the Police Department in the amount of $2,150,920.00. The body-worn camera resolution was a voluntary response to community discussions about increasing transparency in police enforcement. At the time of the resolution there was not a state mandate requiring all law enforcement officers to wear a body-worn camera. However on February 22nd, 2021 JB Pritzker, governor of Illinois signed the Bill, now known as the “Safe-T-Act” into law. The Safe-T-Act mandates all police departments must implement body-worn cameras for all officers.
On June 15th, 2021 the Committee of the Whole move forward the authorization to purchase additional cameras to satisfy the new state mandate and the supporting software in the amount of $2,828,107.00. In the initial Resolution R20-0249 it was mentioned that current fleet dash camera system was beyond the service life and would present many integration challenges once the body-worn camera system is deployed. Consistent with the initial discussion highlighted in R20-249 and in response to the recommendations made at the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 15th, 2021, an executive summary was drafted outlining the cost to replace 150 vehicles in the APD fleet with a fully integrated dash camera system which meets operational requirements.
In addition to the fleet dash camera system a future need was identified to increase the APD taser inventory. Tasers have proven to be the most effective less-lethal use of force option available to the Aurora Police Department and Axon remains the only proprietary manufacturer of the Taser Conducted Energy Weapon. The APD Training Division did an initial needs assessment and determined the APD would benefit from increasing inventory to 50 Tasers. It appears the APD would see a greater operational and financial return on investment if the APD increased their inventory to 150 tasers. The newest taser available is the Taser 7 and it is fully integrated with Axon BWC and Evidence.com software. There were a number of reporting mandates included in the Safe-T-Act and one of those is a monthly use of force report to both the State and Federal government as stated in 50 ILCS 709 5/11 and 12. The use of Tasers as a means of force could fall under that reporting mandate. The Taser 7 will automatically generate the mandated usage report for complete transparency and accountability.
The Axon Fleet 3 camera system has been demoed by the Police Department as a replacement for the current system of in-squad cameras, which is beyond the service life and support. The Axon Fleet 3 dash is the only fully integrated dash camera system for the approved Axon BWC system and Evidence.com software. This provides a significant cost savings opportunity for the purchase of the dash cameras as well as an overall reduction in operating expenses for video evidence management. Axon offers a significant product “bundle” savings if the dash cameras are purchased at the time the BWC contract is negotiated. The Axon Fleet 3 uploads video via LTE cellular signal from anywhere in the city, as opposed to the current system where video uploads can only be completed at the station. The current operating cost for the digital evidence download and management process is roughly 8,000 labor hours and $8,000 a year. The Evidence.com software and LTE upload capability would significantly reduce that expense, while providing more public safety coverage in the community as officers spend less time downloading evidence and more time on the street.
The Axon Fleet 3 features a forward-facing camera and interior camera. The officer’s BWC is the microphone for the front camera, and the interior camera has a built-in microphone. The main expense for the current dash camera system is the microphone repair and replacement. This expense would be eliminated with the authorization of the Fleet 3 system. The video quality is significantly clearer than the current system and provides a wider field of view. An easy-to-use app on the officer’s computer is used to interface with the camera and view footage, and it can also be paired with the officer’s BWC for the same uses. This removes the need for the current viewscreen which is large enough to obstruct officers’ view when driving and still small enough to be difficult to manipulate and view. Like current cameras, this new camera system can be set to activate upon certain conditions such as the activation of emergency lights or surpassing a preset speed, and it allows the retrieval of video within 24 hours of an incident even if the camera was not recording.
Much of the same software that is used in BWC’s is included in this package as well, such as the ability to live stream video, auto-tag videos based on dispatch information, and utilize artificial intelligence to assist with the redaction of videos. According to APD research and the Department of Justice’s Guide to implementing a body worn camera program, the auto-tagging feature is a vital component to the success of the Department’s program. Finally, the Axon Fleet 3 includes an optional Automated License Plate Reader software. The Automated License Plate Reader, or ALPR, automatically reads license plates and provides real time audible and visible alerts to officers for vehicles that are listed as stolen or listed in a particular public notification system, such as an Amber alert or a Silver alert for missing endangered individuals. Currently, officers must manually run license plates through the state database by typing it into their computer or requesting it from dispatchers. The ALPR system automatically does this, allowing officers to concentrate on driving safely. The ALPR system also reads all plates and does not discriminate based on gender, race, or economic status. The COA currently has this ALPR software with parking enforcement.
The second bundle cost savings opportunity at the time the BWC contract is negotiated is to increase and update the taser inventory. Current equipment is nearly half-way through its five year service life. More than ten years ago the taser program began and the inventory has remained the same at 26 tasers. Since that time staffing levels have increased and so too has the interest from officers wishing to carry a taser as a less-lethal option. APD has approximately 100 officers who are certified to carry a taser, so they have to share from a pool of 26. As global policing tactics have evolved and focused more on less-lethal force options, voluntary compliance strategies and de-escalation techniques, the department too has evolved. In order to align with the change initiative in policing APD identified an area for improvement by significantly increasing inventory of the most effective less-lethal option available, the taser conducted energy weapon.
After demoing the Taser 7, APD learned the current technology of the Taser 7 has conceptually aligned with voluntary compliance-based policing philosophy as well. The Taser 7 has a new de-escalation feature which has produced an 85% compliance rate when used with verbal commands. The warning arc feature displays a visible and audible warning upon arming. Additionally there are several improvements to the accuracy and effectiveness of the Taser, which improves overall safety and operability. There is a brighter flashlight which emits 200 lumens. This was added to increase visibility and provide a greater tactical advantage. The conductive wire is now spooled within the body of the probe which reduces the amount of excess wiring for safer apprehension. There is dual laser technology for more precise deployment. The cartridge configuration was also redesigned to be more accurate in close quarter deployments.
Taser 7 is fully integrated with Axon Evidence to provide use of force reports for the new reporting requirements included in the SAFE-T Act. Currently the Taser x26P has to be removed from service in order for the training division to manually download the metadata after usage. With the Taser 7 technology the battery cartridge stores the data and is automatically uploaded when the battery is changed. Therefore none of the tasers ever have to be removed from service.
Finally the highest operating expenses for the Taser program are related to training. In 2020 94 officers completed the Taser training class. This total does not include instructors who are authorized to carry but only have to recertify every two years because they are instructors. Each year every user must fire two cartridges as part of their recertification class, at approx. $32.00 a cartridge. APD also use 2-4 training cartridges for scenario-based training at a cost of approximately $31.00 a cartridge. Total training cost just for cartridges is approximately $6,000-$14,000 each calendar year. In 2021 APD will need to recertify each of them along with the new hires. Year-to date in 2021, APD will have added 20 new users. With the minimum purchase of 150 Tasers we are considered at “full deployment”. A full deployment makes us eligible for free unlimited instructor training, free unlimited training cartridges, free unlimited duty cartridges, and free spare weapons.
Taking the total expenses for body cameras, dash cameras, and tasers, the total project being bundled, resulted in an additional savings to the body camera project of $282,810.70 or approximately 10%.
The Body Worn Camera project will make a first payment of $720,528, however, dash cam/taser payment of $402,230 will not be due until 2022. This being said, both amounts will be included in a second budget amendment to the 2021 budget amendment regarding Capital and other projects funded through ARPA.
Per city of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Article 5, Section 2-355 (a) (3), The City Council may, by resolution, authorize a purchase or award a contract, without complying with the provisions of this division provided that, while in public session, it has received competent information, data and sworn testimony or a written affidavit filed with the director of purchasing by the applicable city authority, and substantiated as required by the City Council, supporting the fact that the product or service desired is provided by only one person or that failure to act promptly hereunder may likely result in a substantial increase in cost thereof to be borne by the City.
Approval of this resolution for the purchase of a fleet dash camera system and the Taser 7 Conducted Energy Weapons will improve integration with approved BWC system and improve compliance with the newly adopted Safe-T-Act and all the reporting requirements set forth in the law. Additionally, it will provide greater transparency and accountability, further strengthening public trust and the legitimacy of the Police Department.
• Approved was an ordinance amending the annual budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 (Amendment #1 For The 2021 Fiscal Year).
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed amendment to the 2021 City budget.
The proposed General Fund budget will result in the General Fund going from $193,770,617 to $197,304,655, which is a percentage increase of 1.82%.
If the proposed budget amendment is approved, budgeted expenditures in the 2021 budget will increase from $444,587,612 to $450,798,719, which is a percentage increase of 1.4%.
Pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.1 through 9.10, the City of Aurora operates under the budget system of government finance. The City Council adopted the 2021 budget on December 8, 2020 through the passage of Ordinance No. O20-106.
While the City government of Aurora attempts to anticipate all potential expenditures for a fiscal year when that year’s budget is developed, circumstances occasionally arise that require expenditures that were not contemplated in the original financial plan.
During the 2021 budget adoption process in the midst of the COVID 19 Pandemic, government officials discussed the clear hope that they would be able to amend the budget in reflection of coming out of the pandemic, better revenues and a return to normal City operations.
65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.6 permits a municipality operating under the budget system to amend its annual budget by a two third’s vote of its governing body.
The proposed ordinance would provide for certain changes in the 2021 City Budget. This will not be the only budget amendment for 2021, with this amendment focusing on personnel changes, new programs, receipt of federal funds, and previously approved expense items that require a budget amendment. Government officials anticipate a second amendment later this Summer to account for capital projects, economic development, and other budget amendments once all data is available. Below is an explanation for each change. The item numbers discussed below correspond to the item numbers assigned to each change detailed in Exhibit A.
Items 1 and 143: Grants/Other, General Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $5,000). These items adjust the budget to account for Public Arts receiving a grant from the Burlington Northern Foundation for a mural on the New York St. viaduct.
Items 2 and 137: Community Services, General Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $341,000). These items adjust the budget to account for a grant from the DCEO for the Northern Lights and Aurora Housing Authority Youth and Community Center. The grant will assist with the renovation of the facility.
Items 3 and 254: Phillips Park Zoo, General Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $50,000). These items adjust the budget to account for a grant received from the DeMoon family for the construction of an education area to be installed on the grounds of the Phillips Park Zoo.
Items 4: ARPA Fund (Revenue Increase Totaling $17,610,100). This item adjusts the budget for the first installment of ARPA funding the city received.
Items 5 through 12: Mayor’s Office, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $85,084). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Add back the Deputy Mayor that was part of the decrement and add a Confidential Secretary.
Items 13 through 15: City Clerk, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $19,200). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Change the Part-Time Confidential Secretary to a Full-Time Administrative Aide.
Items 16 through 68: Human Resources, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $164,352). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: The current Human Resources Director to the newly created Chief Human Resource Officer position. Upgrade an Assistant Director of Human Resources to the Director of Human Resources. Upgrade the other Assistant Director of Human Resources to a newly created Director of Training & Development position. Create a Training Coordinator. Upgrade an HR Generalist to a newly created Recruitment and Retention Coordinator position. Upgrade an HR Generalist to a newly created HR Benefit Coordinator position. Convert the previously approved contractual HR Analyst position to a full-time employee. Create two HR Generalist position one for Sworn and one for non- sworn. Add an Executive Secretary. Add new Administrative Aide for Civil Service and Workers Comp.
Items 69 through 99: Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $190,224). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Upgrade the Director of Communications information to the newly created Chief Communications and Equity Officer position. Create a new Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position, Add an Administrative Aide position, Create a new Freelance Writer position. Upgrade the Confidential Secretary to a Translation Specialist position. Create a Communication Specialist which will be split between Community Affairs and Innovation and Core Services. Create a new Communications Specialist to support Aldermen’s Office.
Items 100 through 109: Special Events, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $41,467). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Upgrade the Part-Time Special Events Coordinator to a Full-Time and add a Full-Time Special Events Assistant.
Items 110: Special Events, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $10,000). This item is to adjust the budget for the mass vaccination events and Pop-up sites.
Items 111 through 114: Law, General Fund (Expenditure Increase Totaling $27,603). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021. Change the Part-Time Corporate Counsel to a Full-Time position.
Items 115 through 118: Innovation & Core Services Admin, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $64,016). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Add back the Director of Innovation & Strategy which was previously decremented.
Items 119 through 136: Community Services, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $160,353). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Create a new Community Engagement Manager position. Create a Communication Specialist which will be split with the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs. The Senior & Disabilities Services Coordinator was decremented for 2021, add the position back and make it a full-time employee. Convert the two contractual Outreach Specialist to Full-Time employees.
Items 138 through 142: Thrive/FEC, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $26,233). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Create an Administrative Aide position to assist with the Thrive/FEC center.
Items 144 through 147: Information Technologies, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $3,302). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Upgrade the Director of Cyber Technology.
Item 148 through 160: Development Services Admin., General Fund (Expenditure Increase Totaling $55,735). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021. Create a Director of Development Services. Add one additional Management Assistant and one Confidential Secretary.
Item 161 through 164: Building and Permits, General Fund (Expenditure Increase Totaling $30,857). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021. Create a General Inspector.
Items 165 through 203: Economic Development, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $153,479 for Economic development). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Create an Assistant Director of Economic Development and an Economic Development Specialist. Add one Part-Time Economic Development Specialist. Create a Project Manager position for economic development. Create a new Environmental Manager position which will be split with the Engineering division. Add a Confidential Secretary. Upgrade the Planner to a Senior Planner. Add additional Planner. Add new Economic Development Coordinator.
Item 204: Economic Development, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $1,200,000). This item provides for the CERF Business Grants.
Item 205 through 213: Finance, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $138,542). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021. Change the part-time CFO to a full-time CFO. Change the part-time Administrative Aide to a full-time Administrative Aide. Create a new contractual position for a Grant Administrator.
Items 214 through 217: Fire, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $26,032). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021. Create a Confidential Secretary position.
Items 218 through 231: Police. General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $162,734). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021. Change the Part-Time Executive Secretary to a Full-Time Executive Secretary. Add three Records Clerks positions. Create a Digital Evidence Manager positions. Create three Digital Evidence Custodians positions.
Item 232: Police, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $157,560). This item is to provide for basic training of new police officers that is no longer provided for by the State of Illinois.
Items 233 through 236: Central Services, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $39,443). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021. Create a new Central Services Supervisor position.
Items 237 through 241: Engineering, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $28,645). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Create a new Environmental Manager position which will be split with the Economic Development division.
Items 242 through 249: Downtown Services, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $55,707). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Add a Horticulturist I and add a Maintenance Worker I.
Items 250 through 253: Parks and Recreation, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $40,295). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Add a Labor Supervisor.
Items 255 through 262: Streets, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $185,384). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021: Add 2 Maintenance Worker I positions, which were previously decremented for the 2021 budget, and create an Assistant Superintendent of Streets.
Items 263 through 266: Equipment Services, Equipment Services Fund (Expenditure Increase of $29,430). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021. Add one Equipment Services Worker.
Item 267: Equipment Services, Equipment Services Fund (Expenditure Increase of $33,200). This item is to account for the purchase of rugged laptops that are used to perform diagnostic services on city vehicles.
Item 268: Police, State Asset Forfeiture Fund (Expenditure Increase of $22,000). This item is to account for the purchase software for investigative purposes.
Item 269: Police, State Equitable Sharing Justice Fund (Expenditure Increase of $20,000). This item is to account for the replenishment of SOG investigations.
Item 270: Police, State Equitable Sharing Justice Fund (Expenditure Increase of $69,000). This item is to account for the purchase of an Apex Officer training simulator which was previously authorized by Legistar item 21-0216.
Item 271: Police, State Equitable Sharing Justice Fund (Expenditure Increase of $33,600). This item is to account for the purchase of storage shelving and installation services to complete a storage expansion project for the long-term evidence storage facility which was previously authorized by Legistar item 20-0828.
Item 272 and 274: Police, State Equitable Sharing Treasury Fund (Expenditure Increase of $122,400). This item is to account for the purchase of the 3D laser Scanner Kit with accessories previously authorized by Legistar item 20-0827.
Item 273; 275 through 276: Police, State Equitable Sharing Treasury Fund (Expenditure Increase of $699,000). This item is to modernize existing office space to a new Real-Time Crime Center (Critical Intelligence Incident Center) authorized by Legistar item 21-0081.
Item 277: Economic Development, ARPA Fund (Expenditure Increase of $1,500,000). This item is for the ARPA funding grant the city is giving to ACCA paramount.
Items 278: Central Services, Capital Fund (Expenditure Increase of $89,000). This item is to modernize existing office space to a new Real-Time Crime Center (Critical Intelligence Incident Center) authorized by Legistar item 21-0081.
Item 279 through 286: Water and Sewer Maintenance, Water and Sewer Fund (Expenditure Increase of $59,439). These items are to adjust the budget for salary changes being made in 2021. Add 2 Maintenance Worker is and convert 2 Water Meter Repairer to Maintenance Worker III’s.
• Approved was a request for authorization to advertise for bids for the purchase of a new replacement wheel loader for the Water and Sewer Maintenance Division.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose for this request is to obtain authorization to advertise for the non-budgeted purchase of a new wheel loader to replace Water and Sewer Maintenance’s existing 2002 wheel loader.
The Water and Sewer Maintenance Division’s day to day operations involve the use of a wheel loader to load gravel and excavated spoils into dump trucks. Occasionally the wheel loader is used to install and repair water and sewer infrastructure. The existing wheel loader’s engine is inoperable and not repairable. The body and frame of the wheel loader is badly corroded and not repairable as well.
The City’s Equipment Services Division is recommending that the existing wheel loader be replaced.
The City’s Equipment Services Division obtained a quote for a Caterpillar 926M wheel loader from the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative in the amount of $145,170.00. This price includes a trade in value of $5,500.00 for the existing wheel loader. To ensure that the Sourcewell bid price is in the City’s best interested, the Water and Sewer Maintenance Division recommends that additional bids be obtained through the City’s formal bidding process.
This request is limited to a request for authorization to advertise since it is a non-budgeted purchase. A separate authorization to purchase and a budget amendment will be presented to the Finance Committee after bids are obtained.
• Approved was a resolution to reject all bids for the Wilder Park Restroom and Concessions Facility project.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council approval to reject all bids for the Wilder Park Restroom and Concessions Facility project.
Wilder Park is at the previous site of the Aurora Police Station which is bound by N. River Street, Vine Street, West Park Avenue and Lake Street (IL Rte 31). The City previously submitted and was approved for a $365,000 OSLAD grant in 2019 that needs to be spent in 2021. A project total of $870,000 (including the grant funds) was budgeted for this project in the approved 2021 Capital Improvement Plan as project A053. The project is to include a playground close to the Lake Street and West Park Avenue corner of the property, a pedestrian promenade along N. River Street between Vine Street and West Park Avenue and a concession building adjacent to the elevated cell tower pad. The construction of the site improvements was bid separately and will be addressed in a separate Legistar approval item but will be funded within the same project. The playground will include a small shelter and several bags courts.
This block of N. River Street will be permanently closed to vehicular traffic as a result of this project creating a pedestrian promenade. The pedestrian promenade will include various landscape islands, brick pavers and concrete walkways, several seating areas, and lighting elements.
The as bid floor plan of the concession building shows a proposed footprint of 1,499 square feet.
The contract to construct the facility was advertised on May 16, 2021 and bids were opened on June 2, 2021. Six bids were received. The lowest bid received was for $513,230.00 from Integral Construction Inc. which was approximately double the budgeted cost.
The site improvement contract was bid concurrently with the low bidder amount coming in at $543,708.50 which was below the engineer’s estimate. With the addition of some small site improvements not included in the site improvement bid such as the playground equipment installation, the desirable restroom and concession facility cost is within the $250,000-$300,000 range. Building material costs have increased significantly over the last six months which resulted in the higher than anticipated bids for the facility. The footprint and complexity of the facility are currently being redesigned so that it can be rebid in the near future in the hope of obtaining bids in the desirable range.
The City and architectural consultant will continue to revise the design the facility so that it can be re-bid and constructed prior to the deadline of the grant.
• Approved was a resolution to award the contract for the San Souci Water Main Improvements project located in Ward 5 to Gerardi Sewer & Water Co., 1785 W. Armitage Court, Addison, IL 60101 in the amount of one million, six hundred thirty thousand, two hundred sixty-two dollars and eighty cents ($1,630,262.80).
City government of Aurora documents show that to replace the 8” water main along Coach & Surrey Lane, Lake View Drive, Lake View Court, Surrey Court, Wyckwood Court, North Queensbury Court and Middle Queensbury Court.
All of these sections of water main have numerous breaks in the past several years. Closures of residential driveways will be kept to a minimum during construction.
Seven total bids were received, opened, and read aloud on June 9, 2021 for a base bid and alternate bid. However, one bid was non-compliant and was omitted from the bid tab. The lowest responsible bid for the Base Bid in the amount of $1,630,262.80 was submitted by Gerardi Sewer & Water Co. The water main improvements ($1,630,262.80) will be funded with account 510-4058-511-73-02 (IC076) which has a 2021 budget amount of $5,343,444.00. Also included as Exhibits C, D, E & F are the Advertisement for Bid, Gerardi Sewer & Water Co. Submitted Bid, Addendum No. 1 and Addendum No. 2.
This project was subject to the Local Preference Ordinance, however no local contractors submitted.
There will be lane closures on Coach & Surrey Lane, Lake View Drive, Lake View Court, Surrey Court, Wyckwood Court, North Queensbury Court, Middle Queensbury Court, Ashby Street and Maplewood Lane during the duration of the project. Water shutdowns during the project will be planned and coordinated with the local businesses and residences to minimize impact. Impacts to traffic and local residents will be kept to a minimum.
• Approved was the 2021 Ward 9 Block Party Assistance Program to support block parties being held in Ward 9.
The applicant must have an approved City of Aurora Block party permit, Park District permit or signed contract with a Ward 9 Non-Profit Venue for the Community Gathering. All stipulations of the permit or Contract must be followed.
A block party or community gathering eligible for the Ward 9 grant program consists of a group of neighbors wishing to block of their street or area for a “get-together” party. The event may not be a personal, family, or political event i.e. birthday parties, weddings, fundraisers or exclude specific people.
The City of Aurora Alderman’s office must be notified in writing prior to the event that the entity plans to file for the assistance program and all 2021 Ward 9 block party applications filed in June will be eligible.
A Ward 9 homeowners association/townhome owners association (HOA/TOA) or other nonprofit can seek reimbursement of up to $600 for food, beverage (non-alcoholic), activities (bounce house, etc.) or entertainment.
An individual or group that is not part of a nonprofit that is approved for a block party may seek reimbursement of up to $250 for food, beverage (non-alcoholic), activities (bounce house, etc.) or entertainment. No more than two streets/blocks in a specific existing HOA/TOA will be eligible for the assistance program. No more than five streets/blocks that are not in an existing HOA/TOA will be eligible for the assistance program.
Only submitted receipts from city of Aurora businesses within the City limits will be eligible for reimbursement.
• Approved was an ordinance amending Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to planning and zoning procedures.
City government of Aurora documents show this is to refine language originally adopted in late 2020 to Chapter 34 and to standardize its provisions governing the approval of conditional uses and conditional use planned developments.
In the fall of 2020, the Zoning and Planning Division and the Law Department began a comprehensive revision of the procedures contained in Ordinance 3100, which was commonly known as the Aurora Zoning Ordinance and which constituted an uncodified Chapter 49 of the Code. Originally enacted in the late 1950s, the organization of Ordinance 3100 substantially differed from the remainder of the Code of Ordinances. Six decades of amendments, including those that introduced new zoning concepts and procedures, made Ordinance 3100 in its 2020 form very unwieldy.
As part of the revisions, the procedural components of Ordinance 3100 – that is those that governed the process by which amendments to zoning districts and regulations, special uses, and variances were proposed, considered, and approved – were removed, reorganized and restated as part of an entirely new Chapter 34. These revisions became effective on January 1, 2021 pursuant to O20-087.
Over the course of the past several months, staff members have continued their review of the procedures set forth in the new Chapter 34 and have proposed a series of revisions that bring further consistency to similar processes and correct minor drafting error that retained duplicative language.
Prior to the adoption of O20-087, Ordinance 3100 contained similar, but not identical processes for the consideration and approval of special uses and special use planned developments. Staff intended for these processes (now referred to as “conditional uses”) to mirror themselves as much as possible in the new Chapter 34, but subtle differences (including in initiating the process by “petition” or by “application”) remained — as well as duplicative criteria for their approvals. While some differences must still remain, those which are unnecessary have been removed. Significantly, both processes clearly require the concurrence of a majority of the City Council for approval.
Currently, Chapter 34 contains language requiring a super majority vote by the City Council in order to approve conditional uses or conditional use planned developments in certain circumstances. Consistent with the City Council’s obligation to approve or deny a proposed conditional use (or conditional use planned development) based its finding that the proposed use complies (or fails to comply) with objective criteria set forth in the City Code, these requirements. Though superficially intended to protect the City from developments that may not be advantageous to the community, decisions of the City Council, including those that deny proposed uses, are subject to judicial review. In circumstances where a proposed use objectively meets the criteria for approval, but fails to achieve an extraordinary vote threshold, the City is not likely to prevail in litigation.
• Approved was a resolution amending and expanding the Line of Credit (LOC) with Fifth Third Bank from $10.0 million to $15.0 million for the purposes of short term financing related to economic development activities.
City government of Aurora documents show this it to approve the renewal and expansion of the $10.0 million Line of Credit (LOC) to $15.0 million with Fifth Third Bank for one year.
The city government of Aurora initially approved LOCs with Old Second Bank and Fifth Third Bank in 2019 for $10.0 million. The renewal of the LOC for Old Second was due in June however the LOC for Fifth Third is due now. Presently the City has $6.0 million in funds drawn on the LOC with Fifth Third Bank, however, future development projects could involve a larger draw. Specific projects could involve:
1)The development along the Fox River just north of the Downtown on both sides of the river.
2)The development of the Farnsworth and Bilter Road areas.
3)The redevelopment of the Fox Valley Mall.
4)The continued support of downtown redevelopment
5)Potential development of Orchard Road area.
Certain draws in the future could be changed between Old Second and Fifth Third banks, as well as projected payoffs of the respective LOCs.
The renewal LOC at $15.0 million, has slightly different interest rate terms due to the London Interbank Loan Rate (LIBOR) being an adjustable rate. The rates actually incurred during 20-21 are projected to be at or below those in 2021-22 as total interest rates rise over the next year.
Approval of this resolution will renew this ongoing line of credit, which is necessary for the City’s continued economic development project financing.
• Approved was an ordinance amending Chapter 49 of the Code of Ordinances, city of Aurora, by modifying the zoning map thereto by rezoning the property at 632 South Ohio Street.
The petitioner, Vernon LaVia, is requesting approval of a rezoning petition for the property located at 632 South Ohio Street to be rezoned from B-3, Business and Wholesale zoning district to R-2, One Family Dwelling district.
City government of Aurora documents show the property is zoned B-3, Business and Wholesale District. The property is approximately .619 acres. The Aurora Comprehensive Plan designates the property as commercial, although the South Ohio Street right of way is designated for low density residential. The structure was built as a single-family home in 1900. The property was designated for Residential on the city-wide 1929 zoning map and R-2, One Family Dwelling District on the 1957 city-wide zoning map. The zoning for the property was also changed at some point after the 1957 zoning map was established to the current B-3 zoning.
The interior was converted in the 1970s to include a second accessory dwelling unit for family members.
City staff members have reviewed the rezoning petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner based on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.
As the noted in the petitioner’s qualifying statement, this rezoning request is being made to bring the subject property into compliance with the R-2 zoning district standards of the adjacent residential properties. The adjacent residential properties share access onto South Ohio Street, while the adjacent commercial properties all maintain primary access onto Hill Avenue. Therefore, this Rezoning request will maintain the existing residential zoning and residential nature of this block of South Ohio Street. The petitioner intends for the structure’s primary unit and the accessory unit to both be occupied by direct family members.
Public Input: Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter. As of the date of this memo, City staff members have not received public inquiries regarding this petition.
It was proposed that the structure’s existing accessory dwelling unit may continue to be utilized as an in-law suite and shall not be rented to any individual other than a family member.