By Jason Crane
The Aurora City Council received both a visit from congressman Bill Foster and $2,280,000 in Federal funding for the city of Aurora public safety technology project at the Tuesday, Feb. 14 City Council meeting.
Congressman Foster said, “This funding will help provide holistic upgrades to the police department’s technology infrastructure, including 911 public safety answering point, the camera and recording system in the interview rooms, and the phone system in the City’s 911 Dispatch Center.
“These improvements are essential for streamlining the communication of our first responders, reducing response time, and ultimately, saving lives,” Foster added.
Police Lieutenant Bill Rowley said, “Last year, our emergency dispatchers answered the telephone over 250,000 times. Now that’s 250,000 times divided by less than 20 dispatchers, over the course of one year. Of those 250,000 phone calls, we receive calls for emergency service for police, for fire, for medics, and other City services here in the city of Aurora.
“That small group of people made a huge impact on the City and the emergency services that the City needs on a daily basis.”
Mayor of Aurora, Richard Irvin presented congressman Foster with the Mayor’s Award of Excellence.
The video and presentation can be viewed after the 16 minute mark on the city government of Aurora’s Facebook page by clicking here.
Five individuals used their voices for up to three minutes each:
• Aurora resident Angela Collier from Collier Community Center, thanked the City Council for sponsorship of programs such as Kane County Toys For Tots.
• Aurora resident Adam Pauley expressed support of Joe Sanchez being appointed to the Aurora Airport Advisory Board.
• Aurora resident Dennis Knight expressed thanks on behalf of the residents of Carillon at Stonegate, a 55+ community in Aurora following up on resolution of traffic issues on Indian Trail.
He thanked the mayor and members of the City administration for making the investigation of their concerns.
• Aurora resident Matthew Orr thanked the City Council for the appointment of Joseph Sanchez to the Aurora Airport Advisory Board, adding he appreciates individuals at a young age getting involved to further improve the city of Aurora.
• Aurora resident Curtis Wilson expressed thankfulness for being nominated to the Veterans Advisory Board. Wilson is a non-veteran and decided to serve on the Board to honor his late relatives who served in the military.
The video and comments can be viewed after the 27 minute mark on the city government of Aurora’s Facebook page by clicking here.
The City Council approved the following agenda items:
• Approved was a Resolution approving the appointment of Joseph Sanchez to the Aurora Airport Advisory Board.
City government of Aurora documents show in June 2021, the City Council approved changes to Chapter 2, which included a sunset provision for all board/commission members. The sunset was included to bring the board/commission terms into compliance with the new dates provided in the ordinance, as well as survey members if they wished to continue to serve, or step down.
The nomination brought forth represents a Ward 3 resident, Joseph Sanchez.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Michael Carrasco, David Tellner, Curtis Wilson, Pedro Rodriguez, and re-appointment of Jose Jesus Cervantes and Randy Fisher to the Veterans Advisory Council.
City government of Aurora documents show Michael Carrasco is a retired Marine and a retired APD Officer, David Tellner is a retired Navy and a current employee of the city of Aurora, Curtis Wilson is a Ward 5 resident of Aurora and is very active within the Aurora community, Pedro Rodriguez is a retired Marine, and retired APD Officer, Jose Jesus Cervantes has served two terms on the Veterans Advisory Board, Randy Fisher has served two terms on the Veteran’s Advisory Board.
• Approved was a Resolution approving the 2023 Quality of Life Grants in the amount of $1,050,800.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to approve the 2023 Quality of Life Grants by resolution. This approval is necessary in order to award and process 2023 grants.
The Quality of Life Grant (QOL) application process opened August 25, 2022 and closed September 23, 2022. City government staff members prioritized outreach to prospective applicants in order to provide an opportunity to returning recipients of Quality of Life and prospective applicants to apply for the first time.
In each outreach attempt via E-mail, an estimated 500 notices to representatives from non-profit agencies, elected officials, advisory boards, interested businesses, and residents of Aurora were provided with information regarding the City’s Quality of Life and Community Development Block Grant opportunities.
The 2023 Quality of Life funding round closed September 23, 2022 with 50 applications requesting $1.75 million dollars, which was the highest number of applications and funding request received in the last five years.
City government staff members reviewed each application to focus on the following criteria: Completeness and quality of the application; budget including sources and uses; grant management experience; past performance; ability to operate or carry on project with a reduced amount of funds; performance metrics; duplication of services; and ability to serve Aurora residents.
City government staff members completed good standing checks with the state of Illinois, Internal Revenue Service, and debarment review to ensure each applicant was eligible. Numerous site visits were completed and additional research was conducted to confirm the accuracy of the applicants’ described service areas and outcomes. Lastly, the total number of youth and education applications received was the highest subgroup with 22 applications submitted. City government staff members reviewed each application to determine the location of services to be provided and the impacted schools. In total, 96% of City schools, or 46 schools, were included under the City’s 2023 Quality of Life Grant applications.
After a review of each application, City government staff members organized projects by the requested amount, funding availability, and quality of funding proposal. A total of 43 applications are recommended for 2023 Quality of Life (“QOL”) funding with two projects recommended for a sponsorship. One application has been recommended for Community Development Block Grant funding, and six applications have been recommended for denial. Two applications were received for a new agency expansion opportunity and both were recommended for denial. Each funded agency, with the exception of sponsorships, will be required to submit quarterly reports and sign a contract in order to receive payments. Failure to submit quarterly reports or to demonstrate direct service to Aurora clients will result in a reduction or denial of reimbursement requests.
The 2023 QOL Grant program continues to evolve. City government staff members are continuing to automate the application and reporting process for QOL and anticipates releasing a new reporting system in the first quarter of 2023. In addition to performance outcome metrics, the submittal of success stories will remain a priority and will be required as part of the grantee’s fourth quarter progress report. (In fact, the City’s 2022 QOL report/success story submittals were used by City government staff members to prepare an overview of the accomplishments achieved in 2022.)
In 2023, site visits will remain a priority to complete basic monitoring and when feasible, a tour of the funded programs and facilities. The results of set-up meetings, as well as quarterly progress reports will be further utilized to increase partnerships and to reduce the duplication of services.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the 2023 ward neighborhood clean-up and shred events in all wards in the city of Aurora.
City government of Aurora documents show annually, the city of Aurora aldermen and alderwomen along with their ward committees decide when neighborhood clean-ups and shred events will be held. Decisions are based on available funds for the current year.
The 2023 neighborhood clean-ups and shred events are proposed for Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Groot and Accurate Document Destruction will be contacted to provide disposal services. The cost is determined by the amount of debris hauled away.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a license agreement with RGV Investments, for a portion of the City owned property at 14 W. Galena Boulevard for the construction and use of a dumpster enclosure to support the Aurora Business Center at 31 W. Downer Place in downtown Aurora.
City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, RGV Investments, doing business as Aurora Business Center, is requesting to enter into a license agreement which would allow the petitioner to construct and maintain a dumpster enclosure which will include a retaining wall, concrete pad, fencing and gate on a portion of the City’s property at 31 W. Downer Place, Aurora, Ill..
In 2020, RGV Investments bought the property at 31 W. Downer Place and has greatly improved the building by renovating the interiors, ensuring a higher business retention and reducing vacancy. The 23,120 square foot building covers almost all of the parcel it sits on; it is bounded by the Fox River to the east, Downer Street to the south, Hoyt Place and Waubonsee Community College to the west and the City park at 14 W. Galena Boulevard to the north. The Building immediately abuts the City-owned public open space. Because the Building is on all property lines, there is no private land available. As a result, the dumpster has been on the public walkway/trail that runs along the Fox River. As the vacancies have been filled within the building, the dumpster and waste issue has only become worse.
The property owners and City government staff members have met at the site a number of times of the last few months to identify possible solutions. City government staff members and the property owner are recommending a license agreement which will allow for the construction of a dumpster enclosure and storage area on City’s property since there is no land available on their property.
The Developer, Licensee, at his own expenses will build a retaining wall, a concrete pad for dumpster area, and a fenced enclosure pursuant to the FoxWalk design guidelines; and will maintain it in the same conditions as of the effective date of the agreement until completion of its use.
In City government staff members’ opinions, the area where the retaining wall, concrete pad, and trash enclosure will be added, will not be in the way of any future development.
The license agreement, will be in force from the effective date of this Agreement for a period of 20 years. The Petitioner will construct and maintain future planned improvements that will benefit their business operations at 31 W. Downer.
• Approved was an Ordinance approving a revision to the Butterfield Planned Development District Plan description on approximately 97 acres for property at 2725 and 2815 Bilter Road being south of Bilter Road and west of N. Eola Road.
City government of Aurora documents show the petitioner, Seefried Properties is requesting approval of an amendment to the Plan description for the Butterfield Planned Development District for the property at 2725 and 2815 Bilter Road being south of Bilter Road and west of N. Eola Road which includes revisions that would allow one additional use while prohibiting other permitted uses.
The Property is vacant with PDD Planned Development District zoning, which is part of the Butterfield Planned Development District.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of an amendment to the Plan description for the Butterfield Planned Development District for the lot east of the I-88 tollway ramp and west of the I-88 tollway ramp. The details of the request include removing all the current uses permitted in the Butterfield Planned Development Plan Description and replacing them with the following.
Both Parcels A and B could be developed with any uses permitted under the B-2: Business District – General Retail. Some conditional uses under the B-2 would be permitted by right, including hotels and special purpose recreation. The only other use permitted on Parcel A would be a 3300 Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services in the form of a data center only. All other 3300 Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services would be prohibited on Parcel A. Parcel B could also be developed with ORI: Office, Research, Light Industrial category uses, excluding the following: Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services (3300); Vehicle Terminals and Vehicle Storage Yards, major (3310); Vehicle Storage Yards, minor (3311); Heavy Industrial (3400); Truck and Freight Transportation Services (4140); Transportation Services (4100); and Commercial relocators (towing services).
Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plan and Plat for Butterfield Phase II Unit 5A subdivision at 2815 Bilter Road (Parcel A) for a Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services (3300) use in the form of a data center complex. The details of the request include a phase development of three electronic data center buildings consisting of two 209,967 square foot buildings and one 415,934 square foot building. An electrical substation will be constructed to support the electrical requirements of the data centers, which substation will also provide stability to the area electrical grid. In addition, a passenger vehicle electric charging area will be made available and will be abutting Bilter Road. An area beside the electric charging station will be available for future retail use.
The data center will be accessed from a full entrance on Bilter Road across from the main entrance of the church and a right-in/ right-out on Bilter Road across from the right-in/right-out access of the church. A left turn lane will be installed on Bilter Road at the full entrance. A landscaped median will be inserted along much of the roadway of Bilter Road. Additional stacking will be added to the right turn lane on Bilter Road at Eola Road. A fire access only entrance will be on Eola Road at Prospect Drive. The developers are installing a bike path along Bilter Road along their frontage and along the detention pond to connect the Prairie Path at the I-88 tollway ramp to Eola Road. Seefried will also build a sidewalk on Eola Road from Bilter Road to the bridge.
While not being approved until Final Plan and Plat, a draft Landscape Plan and Elevations are provided. Views of the buildings and substation are heavily buffered by berms and trees. A three-to-four-foot berm will be installed on Bilter Road in front of the building and the charging station. The substation will be buffered by a ten-foot masonry wall and a five-foot berm. Adjacent to the Prairie Path will be a four-foot berm and the detention pond. Each berm and pond are landscaped with a mixture of evergreen and canopy trees with additional trees included in front of the substation and along the path. Shrub beds are at the entrances and along Bilter Road to creative attractive viewsheds.
City government staff members and developers worked to create more attractive elevations than a standard data center by adding architectural features like height variations, large expanses of spandrel glass on the front and sides, and larger glassed office space on the front. The equipment yards and substations will be enclosed by stone molded walls.
City government staff members have reviewed the petition and have sent comments back to the Petitioner on those submittals. The Petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents, and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.
Previously, the City government worked with the owners of both Parcel A and B to obtain a Tollway exit at this location and to allow business and retail uses. Then in 2015, the City government worked to bury the overhead electric lines around these properties. At that time, the owners agreed to restrict certain uses seen as more industrial and heavy truck traffic, including Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services (3300) use. Since then, the business and retail market has substantially changed reducing the market demand. City government staff members felt a data center would not be a heavy traffic use and would be very little truck traffic compared to other warehouse uses. City government staff members believe the Plan description revision to allow a data center on Parcel A would still adhere to the goal of the 2000s revisions to restrict more industrial and heavy truck use while encouraging retail, business, and light industrial uses on Parcel B through the additional restrictions of uses outlined above. City government staff members worked with the developers to provide heavy buffering to the project through berms, masonry walls, and heavy landscaping. The traffic study provided concluded that the development would have little to no effect upon the operations of the roadways. Additional roadways improvements are being proposed to alleviate and improve traffic including a right-in/right-out access for the eastern most access, no access to Eola Road, raised median and turn lanes on Bilter.
City government staff members have the following comments regarding the findings of facts:
• The project will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare as a vacant property will be developed with a use similar to the existing uses to the east and what the properties to the north are zoned and will have minimal impact on traffic or utilities. An electronic vehicle charging lot will be an asset to the community while being designed to not create additional truck traffic. The project is ecologically friendly and according to the developers will use zero water for cooling, will produce solar energy, and remain carbon neutral.
• The conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity or diminish or impair property values as the use is similar to surrounding uses. A data center use is a lighter industrial use with less traffic than other industrial uses. Berming, masonry walls, and heavy landscaping was used to buffer the views from surrounding roads and properties. Effort was made to elevate the elevations from a standard industrial building. The PDD revision will further restrict more heavy industrial uses on both lots.
• The development will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding properties as it is a similar use, it does not create heavy traffic, and is consistent with the trend to create a high-tech corridor.
• The proposal will provide adequate utilities, drainage, etc. as the proposed development will integrate well into the existing infrastructure, will bring additional power supply to the property, and will bolster the area fiber optic network.
• The project does provide adequate ingress/egress. Ingress and egress will align with the ingress and egress of the property to the north, will add a landscape median to better regulate traffic, and the traffic study shows that the roadway can handle the minimal traffic the project will produce.
• The Conditional Use in all other respects conforms to the applicable regulations of the Butterfield PDD.
Public Input: Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter. As of the date of this memo, City government staff members received public inquiries requesting additional information on this petition.
Policies and guidelines:
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
10.0 To provide for the orderly, balanced and efficient growth and redevelopment of the City through the positive integration of land use patterns, functions, and circulation systems. To protect and enhance those assets and values that establishes the desirable quality and general livability of the City. To promote the City’s position as a regional center.
11.1 (5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.
12.0 To plan and provide for the growth of the city through the integration of land use patterns and functions that promotes complementary interactions between different land use components.
40.1 (1) To attract and encourage industrial, office and office-research development to planned sites where requisite public facilities are either present or proposed.
40.1 (5) To plan and promote the extension of the office and office-research corridor along the tollway in the City of Aurora.
40.1 (6) To promote attractive, well-maintained industrial and office-research areas through landscaping and site design.
Recommendations:
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of An Ordinance approving a revision to the Butterfield Planned Development District Plan description on approximately 97 acres for property at 2725 and 2815 Bilter Road being south of Bilter Road and west of N. Eola Road.
• Approved was an Ordinance annexing property, being vacant land, at 955 Schomer Road to the city government of Aurora.
City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioners, Alfredo and Maribel Gutierrez, are requesting the Annexation of .589 acres at 955 Schomer Road, allowing the property to be incorporated to Aurora as R-1, One Family Dwelling District.
The Property is in unincorporated Kane County. The Property is approximately .6 acres and is presently vacant. The Comprehensive Plan designates the property as Low Density Residential. The Property is contiguous to incorporated Aurora on its west and south property lines.
Per the annexation process, the property is incorporated to the R-1, One Family Dwelling District. The Property is legally conforming per the R-1 zoning district’s standards. The lot has a width of 75 feet, which is the minimum lot width requirement, per the R-1 zoning district. The lot has an area of approximately twenty-four thousand, eight hundred square feet, which exceeds the R-1 zoning district’s minimum area requirement of 10,000 square feet.
Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioners are requesting approval of a Plat of Dedication, which will include dedication of public right-of-way to match the property to the west, as well as the dedication of a 15 foot wide City easement along the Schomer Road frontage.
City government staff members have reviewed the Annexation petition and have sent comments back to the Petitioner on those submittals. The Petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.
• Approved was a Resolution approving a Preliminary Plan and Plat for Butterfield Phase II Unit 5A subdivision on vacant land at 2815 Bilter Road being south of Bilter Road and west of N. Eola Road.
City government of Aurora documents show the petitioner, Seefried Properties is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plan and Plat for Butterfield Phase II Unit 5A Subdivision at 2815 Bilter Road being south of Bilter Road and west of N. Eola Road for a Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services (3300) use in the form of a data center complex which includes the development of a three-building data center complex.
Background:
The Property is vacant with PDD Planned Development District zoning, which is part of the Butterfield Planned Development.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plan and Plat for Lots 1-6 of Butterfield Phase II Unit 5A Subdivision for a Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services (3300) use in the form of a data center complex. The details of the request include a phased development of three electronic data center buildings consisting of two 209,967 square foot buildings and one 415,934 square foot building. An electrical substation will be constructed to support the electrical requirements of the data centers, which substation will also provide stability to the area electrical grid. In addition, a passenger vehicle electric charging area will be made available and will be abutting Bilter Road. An area beside the electric charging station will be available for future retail use.
The data center will be accessed from a full entrance on Bilter Road across from the main entrance of the church and a right-in/ right-out on Bilter Road across from the right-in/right-out access of the church. A left turn lane will be installed on Bilter Road at the full entrance. A landscaped median will be inserted along much of the roadway of Bilter Road. Additional stacking will be added to the right turn lane on Bilter Road at Eola Road. A fire access only entrance will be on Eola Road at Prospect Drive. The developers are installing a bike path along Bilter Road along their frontage and along the detention pond to connect the Prairie Path at the Tollway Ramp to Eola Road. Seefried will also build a sidewalk on Eola Road from Bilter Road to the bridge.
While not being approved until Final Plan and Plat, a draft Landscape Plan and Elevations are provided. Views of the buildings and substation are heavily buffered by berms and trees. A three-to-four-foot berm will be installed on Bilter Road in front of the building and the charging station. The substation will be buffered by a ten-foot masonry wall and a five-foot berm. Adjacent to the Prairie Path will be a four-foot berm and the detention pond. Each berm and pond are landscaped with a mixture of evergreen and canopy trees with additional trees included in front of the substation and along the path. Shrub beds are at the entrances and along Bilter Road to creative attractive viewsheds.
City government staff members and developers worked to create more attractive elevations than a standard data center by adding architectural features like height variations, large expanses of spandrel glass on the front and sides, and larger glassed office space on the front. The equipment yards and substations will be enclosed by stone molded walls.
Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting approval of an amendment to the Plan Description for the Butterfield Planned Development District for the lot east of the Tollway ramp and west of the Tollway ramp. The details of the request include removing all the current uses permitted in the Butterfield Planned Development Plan Description and replacing them with the following.
Both Parcel A and B could be developed with any uses permitted under the B-2: Business District – General Retail. Some conditional uses under the B-2 would be permitted by right, including hotels and special purpose recreation. The only other use permitted on Parcel A would be a 3300 Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services in the form of a data center only. All other 3300 Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services would be prohibited on Parcel A. Parcel B could also be developed with ORI: Office, Research, Light Industrial category uses, excluding the following: Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services (3300); Vehicle Terminals and Vehicle Storage Yards, major (3310); Vehicle Storage Yards, minor (3311); Heavy Industrial (3400); Truck and Freight Transportation Services (4140); Transportation Services (4100); and Commercial relocators (towing services).
City government staff members have reviewed the petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents, and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.
Previously, the City worked with the owners of both Parcel A and B to obtain a Tollway exit at this location and to allow business and retail uses. Then in 2015, the City worked to bury the overhead electric lines around these properties. At that time, the owners agreed to restrict certain uses seen as more industrial and heavy truck traffic, including Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services (3300) use. Since then, the business and retail market has substantially changed reducing the market demand.
City government staff members felt that a data center would not be a heavy traffic use and would be very little truck traffic compared to other warehouse uses.
City government staff members believe the Plan Description revision to allow a data center on Parcel A would still adhere to the goal of the 2000s revisions to restrict more industrial and heavy truck use while encouraging retail, business, and light industrial uses on Parcel B through the additional restrictions of uses outlined above.
City government staff members worked with the developers to provide heavy buffering to the project through berms, masonry walls, and heavy landscaping. The traffic study provided concluded that the development would have little to no effect upon the operations of the roadways. Additional roadway improvements are being proposed to alleviate and improve traffic including a right-in/right-out access for the eastern most access, no access to Eola Road, raised landscaped median and turn lanes on Bilter.
Policies and guidelines:
The City government staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
10.0 To provide for the orderly, balanced and efficient growth and redevelopment of the City through the positive integration of land use patterns, functions, and circulation systems. To protect and enhance those assets and values that establishes the desirable quality and general livability of the City. To promote the City’s position as a regional center.
11.1 (5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.
12.0 To plan and provide for the growth of the city through the integration of land use patterns and functions that promotes complementary interactions between different land use components.
40.1 (1) To attract and encourage industrial, office and office-research development to planned sites where requisite public facilities are either present or proposed.
40.1 (5) To plan and promote the extension of the office and office-research corridor along the tollway in the City of Aurora.
40.1 (6) To promote attractive, well-maintained industrial and office-research areas through landscaping and site design.
Recommendations:
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended conditional approval of the A Resolution approving a Preliminary Plan and Plat for Butterfield Phase II Unit 5A Subdivision on vacant land at 2815 Bilter Road being south of Bilter Road and west of N. Eola Road, with the following conditions:
1.) That at least five electronic vehicle charging stations be installed prior to the Certificate of Occupancy for the last building. The entirety of the vehicle charging station to be completed in conjunction with the development of the commercial area on Lot 2 and in accordance with market demands and conjunction with the end user for the commercial lot.
2.) That the street trees along N. Eola Road and Bilter Road, the street trees in the landscaped medians, and the berm be installed with Building 1. Landscaping in front of the future substation shall be installed as soon as weather permits after construction plans for the substation are finalized and construction of the future substation has progressed to a point that landscaping in front of the future substation can be completed without risk of damage or potential replanting to landscaping.
3.) That the developers and owners work with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development to market the area identified as future commercial on Lot 2.
4.) That the documents be revised to incorporate the Engineering Department staff members’ comments prior to final plan and plat.
5.) That the developers extend the multi-use path across the property with the detention pond at the southwest corner of Bilter Road and N. Eola Road.
6.) That the developers install raised medians on Bilter Road as required by the Engineering Division.
7.) That for final engineering, the proposed detention pond be analyzed for routing the existing tollway ramp culverts through the pond. This should include the possible lowering of the pond overflow weir and extending the pond to the north to make up the lost volume.
8.) That for final engineering, the existing ponds on the northwest and southwest corners of Bilter Road and N. Eola Rd be included in both the existing and proposed stormwater analyses.
9.) That the documents be revised to incorporate the Fire Prevention Bureau staff members’ comments and that the fire department connection (FDC) and the supply hydrant be moved to be facing Bilter Road with no obstructions from the FDC to the fire lane.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing a Limited Operator Agreement with Northrop Aviation Dispatch Academy, LLC at the Aurora Municipal Airport for one year.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council approval of a limited operator agreement between the city government of Aurora and Northrop Aviation Dispatch Academy, LLC.
John David Northrop approached the Aurora Municipal Airport in December of 2022 requesting to operate his newly formed aviation dispatch school at the City’s airport.
Northrop’s dispatch school is in the final stages of licensing under the FAA’s 14 CFR Part 65 for certifying aircraft dispatcher courses.
This operator agreement is for a term of one year and allows for four successive one year extensions under the same terms. The agreement guarantees a minimum rent amount of $300 per month or $3,600 per year.
The approval of this operator agreement will be beneficial to the city of Aurora by allowing the City to collect rent from this business. This agreement will also expand the aviation related training programs offered at the Aurora Municipal Airport.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase II Engineering Agreement with HR Green, Inc., maximum amount of $39,700.00 and appropriating Motor Fuel Tax Funds for McCoy Drive at Cheshire Drive Traffic Signal Installation project with MFT section number 23-00361-00-TL.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to execute the Phase II Engineering agreement with HR Green, Inc., and to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds for MFT Section Number 23-00361-00-TL by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Resolution.
The project will consist of installing new traffic signal at the intersection of McCoy Drive and Cheshire Drive, updating ADA ramps, striping and other pertinent improvements needed as determined during design phase.
The project will help facilitate safe vehicular movement through the intersection and provide safe crossing of the pedestrians/bicyclists across McCoy Drive.
The project uses Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds and would need appropriating the funds.
The City’s 2023 budget provides funds through the following account:
GC 082 McCoy Dr & Cheshire Dr 203-4020-418-76-39 $39,700.00
Maintenance and energy costs for proposed traffic signal, approximately $260 per month.
• Approved was a Resolution to accept Mettle Sports for the purchase of a portable, soccer field & transportation/maintenance services for the Youth Services Division in the amount not to exceed $61,000.
City government of Aurora documents show the Youth Violence Prevention Program Grant will be used to cover the cost of providing after-school/summer enrichment and soccer programs. This aspect of the grant will cover the purchase of a portable, soccer field and the transportation of this structure to various locations throughout the City. This will help increase quality programs for low-income neighborhoods.
The Youth Services Division, in partnership with Cities in Schools Aurora, Aurora school districts, and the Fox Valley Park District have collaborated to provide quality after-school programs for Aurora students, focusing on at-risk youth. The programs provided assist all families, regardless of income level, in receiving quality programming for the academic, social, & emotional growth of all youth in Aurora.
The Youth Services Division continues to work with community partners to engage youth and their families and provide programs that fits their needs. Since 2010, the City of Aurora has partnered with Cities in Schools Aurora, school districts, and the Fox Valley Park District to provide after-school & summer programs for all youth in Aurora. This grant will assist with enhancement of those programs. The following expense accounts will be used for this contract: 101-1370-440.65-01 & 101-1370-440.32-20.
The City published an Invitation to Bid 22-109 on December 4, 2022. Due to the request of having a company move the soccer fields and maintain them, a Chicagoland vendor would be required. Mettle Sports provided a reasonable bid.
This bid was subject to local preference, but it did not impact the decision.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Joint Funding Agreement with the State of Illinois, the execution of a Phase 2 Design Engineering Agreement with Civiltech Engineering, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $53,916.00, and the appropriation of $53,916.00 of MFT Funds for the Farnsworth Avenue at Marshall Boulevard and Illinois Prairie Path Improvement Project.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to execute the Joint Funding Agreement PE/ROW for State-Let Construction Projects, there by reserving sufficient funds to cover the local agency share of the project cost by resolution, to approve the Phase 2 Local Public Agency Engineering Services Agreement with Civiltech Engineering, Inc and to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Resolution.
Farnsworth Avenue is an arterial with a 5-lane cross section, 35 MPH speed limit and approximately 25,000 vehicles a day. There are significant numbers of pedestrians and cyclist crossing Farnsworth near Marshall Boulevard and the Illinois Prairie Path. The City would like to enhance safety for all road users and specifically for pedestrians and cyclists at the above crossings.
The City applied for and was awarded the local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant in August 2019 for the project. The proposed improvements on Farnsworth Avenue consists of constructing raised medians at both intersections, installing Rapid Flashing Beacon signs (RRFBs) at Marshall Boulevard and modernizing the existing RRFBs at Illinois Prairie Path crossing. Other improvements consist of resurfacing the segment, new striping, crosswalks and signage. As part of the improvement the parking lot on the west side at Illinois Prairie Path will have restricted access on to Farnsworth Avenue, a full access will be turned into a right-in and right-out access only, this shall reduce the conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians/bicyclists at the crossing.
Civiltech has completed the Phase 1 Study, and Phase 1 Design approval was obtained on November 9, 2022.
The City published a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for the Phase 1 Engineering services on September 11, 2019, with the option to utilize the same firm for Phase 2 Engineering. Ten firms submitted their qualifications and experiences. City government staff members reviewed the qualifications and determined that Civiltech Engineering, Inc. of Itasca, IL was the most qualified with the top 3 firm’s scores. Civiltech did outstanding work completing the Phase 1 study and City government officials are recommending that they move forward with the Phase 2 design.
The Phase 2 Preliminary Engineering Agreement (BLR 05530) from Civiltech Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $53,916.00 will provide Phase 2 Preliminary Engineering Services. City officials are anticipating that design will be completed this year with a late 2023 or early 2024 letting, with construction to take place in 2024.
This followed the Request for Qualifications process and is not subject to the local preference policy. The funding source, federal and MFT Funds, is not subject to the local preference policy.
The total construction cost of this project is estimated at $266,120. The total HSIP federal funds allocated to this project is up to $351,035 (Construction, Phase 1, 2 and 3 engineering). The HSIP is a 90/10 split and is a reimbursable program. The Joint Funding Agreement PE/ROW for State-Let Construction Projects (BLR 05310PE) will need to be executed to utilize those funds. The City will front fund engineering costs and will be reimbursed 90% of the costs. The City’s final share of the Phase 1 Engineering costs is anticipated to be $5,392.00.
Due to the extensive agreement processing time by IDOT, City government staff members have opted to go for a Section 1440 processing to start the project as soon as possible. A traditional agreement approval process by IDOT takes 6 months to over a year to get the notice to proceed to kick start Phase 1 or 2 engineering services. Section 1440 allows the local agency to get started with preliminary engineering services prior to Federal/State authorization of the Phase 2 engineering funds. However, the City needs to wait to ask for reimbursement until the agreements are reviewed and executed by IDOT.
IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the MFT Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for Improvement – BLR 09110 is set to appropriate REBUILD Illinois Bond Funds in the amount of $53,916.00. The resolution amount is higher than the anticipated City’s share in order to cover front funding the Preliminary Engineering cost.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute a not-to-exceed agreement for Design Phase Engineering Services in the amount of $107,000 for the Rehabilitate Auto Parking Lots and Entrance Road at the Aurora Municipal Airport with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain approval to enter into a consultant agreement with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. to provide Design Phase Engineering Services.
Landside airport roads and auto parking lots are non-revenue producing and therefore ineligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding. However, under the Rebuild Illinois Airports Capital Funding Bill, ARR was successful in receiving funding for the Rehabilitate Auto Parking Lots and Entrance Road ($1,450,000) and Overlay SE Quadrant Airport Perimeter Roadways – Phase 2 ($310,000) projects. These two projects cover the majority of the existing roadways and auto parking lots at ARR that are in need of rehabilitation.
Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. will be providing design engineering, plan preparation and bidding documents for this project.
The total cost for this project is estimated to be $1,450,000 as shown above. The City’s Local Match is $145,000. Funds for this project have been set aside in the airport’s 2023 budget under CIP D055 in account number 504-4454-433.73-99.
This project should have no adverse impact to the City of Aurora and should reduce the ongoing cost of maintaining the airport infrastructure.
• Approved was a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute a not-to-exceed agreement in the amount of $34,700 between Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. and the City of Aurora for Design Phase Engineering Services for the Overlay SE Quadrant Airport Perimeter Roadways-Phase 2 (ARR-4565) at the Aurora Municipal Airport.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain approval to enter into a consultant agreement with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. to provide Design Phase Engineering Services.
Landside airport roads and auto parking lots are non-revenue producing and therefore ineligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding. However, under the Rebuild Illinois Airports Capital Funding Bill, ARR was successful in receiving funding for the Rehabilitate Auto Parking Lots and Entrance Road ($1,450,000) and Overlay SE Quadrant Airport Perimeter Roadways – Phase 2 ($310,000) projects. These two projects cover the majority of the existing roadways and auto parking lots at ARR that are in need of rehabilitation.
Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. will be providing design engineering, plan preparation and bidding documents for this project.
The total cost for this project is estimated to be $310,000 as shown above. The City’s local match is $31,000. Funds for this project have been set aside in the airport’s 2023 budget under CIP D051 in account number 504-4454-433.73-99.
This project should have no adverse impact to the City of Aurora and should reduce the ongoing cost of maintaining the airport infrastructure.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the purchase of replacement and additional vehicles for the City of Aurora Fleet from National Auto Fleet Group, through Sourcewell, for $169,717.92.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to ensure that City Divisions have adequate vehicles to perform their missions safely and effectively.
The City’s Fleet Maintenance Division monitors the City of Aurora fleet to identify vehicles and equipment that have met replacement criteria, are no longer cost effective to continue operating, or are incapable of effectively performing their intended functions. Vehicles identified for replacement are either reassigned to lesser roles, traded, or sold.
Vehicle replacements and additions for the Engineering, Downtown Maintenance, and Parks & Recreation Divisions are authorized in the City of Aurora 2023 Budget. Due to current high demand, reduced production, and accelerated order cut-offs vehicle procurement opportunities have been limited.
The Fleet Maintenance Division was recently informed of six additional build allocations for the 2023 MY Ford Ranger pickup, which if procured, would fulfill the authorized 2023 pickup truck replacements and additions for the Engineering, Downtown Maintenance, and Parks & Recreation Divisions.
The City of Aurora participates in Sourcewell (formerly known as the National Joint Purchasing Cooperative) for the purchase of replacement and additional vehicles. This program bids vehicles for purchase, which allows the City to satisfy the bidding process with less effort, and use a greater purchasing power to get lower prices.
National Auto Fleet Group, of Watsonville, CA, has build allocations for six 2023 Ford Ranger pickup trucks, using Sourcewell contract #091521-NAF, at the original 2022 cost, for a total price of $169,717.92.
All the requested vehicles include all anticipated factory options. Vehicle graphics and some secondary equipment, such as equipment storage and add-on accessories will be procured and installed through the Fleet Maintenance Division.
Funding for the proposed vehicle purchases is approved in the 2023 City of Aurora budget and allocated in the following accounts: 340-4030-418.66-10 ($60,000.00), 340-4040-451.66-10 ($90,000.00), and 340-4440-418.66-10 ($35,000.00).
National Auto Fleet Group is not indebted to the City.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of permits with the state of Illinois for maintenance and construction on State highways.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to authorize the execution of permits with the State of Illinois for maintenance and construction on State highways. Illinois State Statutes require that any entity desiring to do work within any State of Illinois maintained right-of-way first obtain a written permit from the Illinois Department of Transportation. A surety bond is normally required with each permit application to ensure that the work is done in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and that the right-of-way is properly restored. This resolution is acceptable in lieu of the surety bond for work to be performed by City forces.
This is a recurring requirement by the State of Illinois and will be in effect for a period of two years.
The Illinois Department of Transportation allows municipalities to pass an appropriate resolution in lieu of the surety bond for permit work to be performed by municipal employees.
This resolution does not relieve contractors employed by the municipality from the bonding requirements.
This resolution does not relieve the municipality of the obligation to secure permits from the Illinois Department of Transportation
This resolution will reduce the time, effort, and expense for obtaining permits to perform work within the Illinois Department of Transportation right of way by city of Aurora forces.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the director of the Purchasing Department to enter into a professional services agreement with Associated Technical Services, LTD, Villa Park, Ill. for water main leak detection services in the amount of $362,461.37.
City government of Aurora documents show leak detection programs are commonly instituted to pinpoint the locations of existing leaks in the system preventing those leaks from turning into larger breaks in the system resulting in more costly repairs of the system and unplanned loss of water to the users. The discovery and repair of leaks also reduces unaccounted water loss from the City’s water system.
An RFQ was advertised on August 22, 2022 using QBS guidelines and was opened on September 9, 2022. A review team of three individuals analyzed the four submittals and selected Associated Technical Services, LTD. (ATS) as the highest ranking consultant. The City has used ATS in the past and has been satisfied with the services they provided. The contract will be for three years, at the end of that period the entire City will have been surveyed.
The leak detection analysis of the City’s water system is critical to the maintenance of the system and to ensure that the proper level of service is provided to the City’s residents. The project will be funded by account 510-4063-511-38-47. The top three proposals for these services that were received and that Associated Technical Services, LTD was the highest ranked consultant. The fees for 2023, 2024, & 2025 are estimated at $111,665.47, $122,447.20, and $128,348.70, respectively. The budget for each year includes the survey of roughly 250 miles, or 1/3 of the City’s water distribution system, as well as unit prices as needed to locate leaks and for visits to help identify leak locations when potable water surfaces and the source is unknown. If required, budget transfers up to $10,000 per year will be processed to account for additional on-call leak detection services as needed.
Local preference does not apply to qualified based selections.
The only impact to the public will be minor traffic delays associated with lane closures if valves in the pavement need to be inspected.
• Approved was a motion authorizing and directing the chief Human Resources officer to execute a settlement agreement on behalf of the City in worker’s compensation claim #189271440-001.
• Approved was an Ordinance extending the temporary moratorium on Chapter 25, Article XII Mobile Food Unit Vendors until March 28, 2023 or the passage of amendments to Chapter 25, Article XII Mobile Food Unit Vendors.
City government of Aurora documents show this ordinance extends the temporary moratorium on any renewals or new yearly licenses or six-month licenses to be issued for Mobile Food Unit Vendors until March 28, 2023 or the passage of amendments to Chapter 25, Article XII Mobile Food Unit Vendors except those applying for event-based permits or associated with a restaurant operating on their own property and current licensees in good standing.
Chapter 25, Article XII was established initially in Ord. O18-024 in March of 2018. The purpose of the ordinance was to create structure around a growing industry that would allow “Mobile Food Units” (MFU’s) to operate legally in limited circumstances, primarily special or private events. The code did not expressly contemplate “long-term” leases or trucks parked regularly in the same location, it focused on protecting existing brick and mortar locations, fire safety and providing avenues for special event organizers to use them where appropriate.
This ordinance limits the privileges automatically granted under Chapter 25, Article XII on yearly licenses and renewals until March 28, 2023 or the passage of amendments to Chapter 25, Article XII Mobile Food Unit Vendors. In order to legally operate a mobile food unit in the City of Aurora, a license would be issued by the City Treasurer or his designee.
This moratorium would exclude any event-based mobile food unit vending licenses and licenses associated with a restaurant operating on their own property. This will allow City government staff members adequate time to continue to draft ordinance updates, review the process to submit applications, update City government staff members procedure and oversight with the goal of a clear, streamlined license process and enforcement mechanism of this ordinance.
This moratorium will impact yearly licensees by limiting their ability to apply for the first twelve weeks of the year if they are not in good standing as well as new applicants. The event(s) based license will be available to still allow mobile food unit vendors to apply for events.
The changes occurring to Chapter 25, Article XII will substantially impact locations, requirements for each unit, as well as types of licenses.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing approval of the 2023 Annual Action Plan and Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment 2023-#1Funding Recommendations.
City government of Aurora documents show City government staff member requests approval of its proposed funding recommendations for the City’s 2023 Annual Action Plan for Federal Funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Community Development Block Grant – Corona Virus (CDBG-CV), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Annually, the City of Aurora receives approximately $1.5 million dollars in CDBG and $750,000 in HOME funds that are used to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing and provide services and projects to low-to-moderate income persons (defined as earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, or approximately $83,350 for a family of four in 2022). City government staff members request approval of its recommended Substantial Amendment 2023-#1 funding recommendations.
The City of Aurora, as a direct recipient of CDBG and HOME funds, must plan for how these funds will benefit the Aurora community. Additionally, the City must also modify its 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Annual Action Plans identified as Substantial Amendment 2023-#1 to reallocate CDBG and CDBG-CV funding to new and existing projects.
The City released an application round soliciting 2023 CDBG proposals on August 25, 2022 with a deadline of September 23, 2022. City government staff members prioritized outreach to prospective applicants in order to provide an opportunity to returning CDBG funding recipients and prospective applicants to apply for the first time.
In each outreach attempt via email, an estimated 500 notices to representatives from non-profit agencies, elected officials, advisory boards, interested businesses, and residents of the City were provided with information regarding the City’s Community Development Block Grant and Quality of Life Grant opportunities. Additionally, City government staff members completed numerous follow- ups with agencies for emails that received bounce backs to ensure new contacts at agencies also received the information. The City also contacted other area grant providers to share the City’s grant opportunities. The City also used social media as well as the Beacon New to advertise the opportunity. The pre-application virtual worksheet was attended by 100 representatives which maximized the capability of the online workshop. A recording of the workshop was posted on the City’s website which included copies of the presentation slides for additional reference.
The results of City government staff members analysis of the applications and their ability to meet the goals and objectives established by the City’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan formed the recommendations for the City’s 2023 Annual Action Plan and Substantial Amendment 2023-#1. In addition, City staff members considered alternative funding such as the City’s 2023 Quality of Life (QOL) funding if the applicant applied for CDBG and QOL opportunities or if a proposed activity was a better fit for either funding program.
The 2023 Annual Action Plan stresses the following 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan’s goals and objectives:
Expand and maintain the affordable housing stock (affordability for the purpose of providing decent housing). Strengthen Homeownership among Low- and Moderate-Income Households (Affordability for the purpose of providing decent housing). Public Service Assistance Including the Prevention and Reduction of Homelessness (Accessibility for the purpose of providing a suitable living environment). Enhance and Improve Access to the Number of Community Amenities in Low- and Moderate Income Communities (Accessibility for the purpose of creating a suitable living environment).
All funding recommendations in the Annual Action Plans must correspond to an objective listed in the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan.
2023 Funding Recommendations:
The recommendations reflect an estimate of funding levels for CDBG and HOME based on prior year allocations ($1,500,000 and $750,000) and anticipated prior year resources from program income as well as projects that came in under budget. Future Congressional action could result in changes to the City’s anticipated funding levels. Any additional CDBG funding received through program income, an increase in the City’s funding, or completed 2022 and prior year projects that end up under budget will be placed in the Neighborhood Revitalization/Community Amenities Activity. The Community Development Division (CDD) is also recommending a total of 5 activities to be placed in the City’s 2020 and 2022 Annual Action Plans (2 and 3 activities, respectively via Substantial Amendment 2023-#1) to assist in increasing spending timeliness ratio and allow applicants to access funding more quickly. In addition to regular CDBG funds, Substantial Amendment 2023-#1 recommendations also reflect supplemental CDBG-CV funds in the amount of $100,000. All projects that utilize CDBG-CV funds need to prepare, prevent, and respond to the coronavirus and must also be placed in the 2020 Annual Action Plan.
Under Substantial Amendment 2023-#1, the Community Development Division (CDD) is also recommending the cancellation of 4 activities under the City’s 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 Annual Action Plans. The recaptured funds will be reallocated to new projects in order to assist in increasing the City’s spending timeliness ratio and allow applicants to access funding more quickly.
Of note, funds are programmed as “administration” as well as “public service” activities based upon HUD’s regulatory caps.
Administration:
The CDBG administration cap is 20% and the HOME administration cap is 10%. Administration funds are used for staff member salaries, overhead, and training opportunities. Administration funds that are not used can then be reprogrammed for additional eligible activities by future amendments. The City received a total of twenty-one applications, with twelve projects recommended for CDBG/CDBGCV funding and three projects being recommended for 2023 Quality of Life funding. Five projects were not recommended for funding.
Public Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements:
Three applications were recommended for CDBG funding in the total amount of $763,750. Funding will assist the City’s Engineering Department in the amount of $500,000 as part of the annual scattered site street resurfacing program in CDBG eligible areas. Funding will not replace, but instead will increase the budget for street resurfacing in eligible areas. $100,000 will be allocated to Jennings Terrace to assist in the replacement of the parking lot which is not past its useful life. Lastly, $163,750 will be provided to Fox Valley Park District as part of improvements to Walters Park including the installation of a splash pad and additional park upgrades.
Public Services:
With the exception projects utilizing the City’s 2020 CDBG-CV funds to prepare for, prevent, and respond to the corona virus, the City’s annual CDBG public services cap is 15% and cannot exceed approximately $225,000. Public service funds are used to support an agency’s operations costs (staff member time, materials, etc.) specific to a particular CDBG program. Please note that with the exception of CDBG-CV related projects, general CDBG public service activity funds must be expended during the City’s program year and cannot be carried over into another year.
CDD is recommending CDBG ($206,215) and CDBG-CV ($100,000) funding to 8 agencies in the amount of $306,215. Services include activities to assist senior services, homelessness assistance, domestic violence survivors, housing legal services, job training opportunities, and additional case management. Should actual CDBG funding be less than anticipated, these CDBG projects would take an across the board percentage reduction based on the amount of public service funds actually available. (The 2 proposed CDBG-CV funded projects would not be impacted, however.)
Housing:
Two housing activities have been recommended for CDBG funding in the amount of $335,000. The Neighbor Project and Rebuilding Together Aurora provide assistance to eligible homeowners for emergency repairs and upgrades to provide ADA improvements such as ramps and accessible bathrooms.
HOME Funds:
As has been past practice by the City, CDD staff members recommend that the City’s 2023 HOME funds be allocated as per HUD’s regulatory caps as follows: program administration is 10% ($75,000), direct project activities is 75% ($562,500) and 15% allocated to agencies that qualify as Community Housing Development Organizations (“CHDO”; $112,500). Once the CDD receives direct and CHDO activity proposals, CDD staff members will provide specific recommendations to the Block Grant Working Committee and then City Council at a later date. Projects will then move through the City’s Substantial Amendment process for HOME funding approval.
2023 Annual Action Plan Calendar:
City government staff members are preparing the 2023 Action Plan and Substantial Amendment 2023-#1 to its 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Action Plans for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD has advised that the City should not submit its 2023 plan until actual amounts are announced. A continuing resolution has been passed by Congress and more details on 2023 funding should be outlined by the end of February 2023. The City will finalize its 2023 Annual Action Plan and be ready to move forward with the City’s funding recommendations once the HUD submittal deadline is known.
In accordance with the City of Aurora’s Citizen Participation Plan and the requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department, the 30-day notices for the 2023 Annual Action Plan and Substantial Amendment 2023-#1 was posted in the Beacon News on January 13, 2023. Each document will also be made available on the City’s website. A public hearing is scheduled to be held on January 27, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the 2023 Annual Action Plan and Substantial Amendment 2023- #1.
The City anticipates a surplus of approximately $500,000 in CDBG funds to be allocated later in 2023 with a focus on local neighborhood investment, housing, and meeting unmet goals of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. Project recommendations will be presented to City Council for approval later in 2023.
Since its inception in 1974, the CDBG program has invested over $53 million dollars in the City of Aurora. These funds have supported streets and infrastructure, housing development, job training, youth development, homeless services, historic preservation, and senior services among others. Since becoming an entitlement community under the HOME program twelve years ago, the City has allocated approximately $6 million in HOME funds to rehabilitate its aging housing stock, create affordable rental housing units, and explore additional uses of HOME funds to further expand affordable housing throughout the City.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing a professional engineering services agreement with CDM Smith Inc., to conduct a Corrosion Control Treatment Optimization Study for the Water Production Division in an amount not-to-exceed of $1,168,390.00.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council authorization to enter into an agreement for professional engineering services with CDM Smith Inc., (CDM Smith), Chicago, IL for the design, project management, and study completion services for a Corrosion Control Treatment Optimization Study (CCTOS) for the Water Production Division (WPD).
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the principal federal law in the United States intended to ensure safe drinking water for the public and for the protection of public health. Lead is a drinking water contaminant of concern and has been regulated since 1991 by the Lead and Copper Rule under the SDWA. In recent years the focus of lead in drinking water has intensified due to water quality problems with lead in municipal drinking water systems.
Generally speaking, lead in drinking water is not found in treated water leaving a municipal water treatment plant, as is the case in Aurora. Water is known as the universal solvent, and lead is leached into drinking water when the water passes through piping made from lead. A specific example of lead piping is known as a service line, which carries water from the watermain to the home or business. Where present, lead service lines are the most common source of lead found in drinking water.
Regular testing of drinking water in customer homes which have a lead service line is required by the Lead and Copper Rule. Aurora has been in compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule for many years. With the increased scrutiny of lead in drinking water and the development of newer sample collection procedures, the occurrence and level of lead in drinking water is now better understood.
To control the solubility or leaching of lead into drinking water, water chemistry control has historically been employed by water treatment professionals at the source, i.e., the water treatment plant. Careful control of pH, alkalinity, or the addition of corrosion inhibiting chemicals are the most common approaches used. Even with treatment that is understood to be optimized, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is now mandating that water systems undertake a new study of corrosion control treatment and determine if current practices are still optimized or if additional new practices can improve corrosion control and further minimize lead concentrations in drinking water. A letter received from the IEPA April 15, 2022, directs the city of Aurora government to complete a corrosion control study in accordance with 35 IAC 611.351(c)(3).
In order to perform a CCTOS, an experimental pipe loop test station must be designed, constructed, and operated over a period of time, up to two years. The test pipes are constructed from actual lead service lines that will be harvested from City of Aurora residences. In simple terms, various water quality scenarios are initiated through the pipe loops and samples are collected and analyzed over the duration of the study to determine if changes to full-scale drinking water treatment are recommended. Due to the technical requirements and sophistication of such a study, a professional engineering consultant is required that possesses the necessary expertise and knowledge of corrosion control practices, water chemistry as it relates to lead, and numerous other considerations, including scale analysis of the internal lead pipe surface.
As the directive from the IEPA was received in April 2022, with an initial completion date of October 2023, (an extension will be sought), the WPD requested funding in the 2023 Capital Improvement Program to allow for timely commencement of the study. CIP #I059 was approved for a total project cost of $1,200,000.00, with $700,000.00 budgeted for work to be performed in 2023 in account 510-4058-511-32-20. The remainder of $500,000.00 will be allocated in 2024.
To select a qualified consultant for the CCTOS, the WPD initiated a Qualifications Based Selection process by publicly posting an invitation document on the City’s website, QBS 22-53. The QBS document serves to inform potential firms of the need for consulting services and the preliminary scope of services being requested. It also describes the selection procedures and evaluation/scoring criteria applied to the firm’s Statement of Qualifications and in-person presentation.
Four firms responded to the QBS solicitation and submitted documents outlining their firm’s qualifications. The selection team representing the WPD reviewed all submittals and deemed three firms best qualified to perform the required design, project management, and technical study requirements necessary to satisfactorily complete the CCTOS. Subsequently, each of the final three firms was invited to give presentations to the WPD selection team. The firms interviewed were:
CDM Smith (Chicago) Crawford, Murphy & Tilly/Engineering Enterprises, Inc./Cornwell Engineering Jacobs (Chicago)
The WPD selection team ranked all firms in various categories including the qualifications document submitted, relevant experience, staff member capabilities, project technical approach, available schedule, references provided, and their overall presentation and communication style. The final consultant scoring and ranking summary reflects the final selection of CDM Smith. CDM Smith demonstrated strong technical understanding of the project requirements, has strong project experience with this scope both past and present, fully understands the regulatory concepts involved and has worked productively with the IEPA on other similar projects. Each of the four selection team members ranked CDM Smith number one overall.
The proposed Agreement to perform the scope of work is for a time and material amount not-to-exceed of $1,168,390.00. The proposed Agreement has been reviewed and approved by the City’s Law Department.
Without completing the corrosion control treatment optimization study, as mandated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the city would be in violation of the IEPA unfunded mandate with potential regulatory repercussions.