By Jason Crane
At the Aurora city government Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting Tuesday, mayor of Aurora Richard Irvin paid respect to three Aurora trailblazers who passed away recently.
Judy Morrison was alderwoman of the Fifth Ward from 1991 to 2003. In addition, she was on the Civil Service Commission for the city government of Aurora from 2003 to 2015.
Mayor Irvin said, “She served the City Council and Fifth Ward with honor.”
The second individual honored was Reverend, Dr. Roy Brown.
Mayor Irvin said, “He faithfully served the Aurora community for more than 25 years, of which he served as senior pastor of one of the oldest black churches in Aurora, Progressive Baptist Church, from 1988 to 2012.
“He also served the City as a community activist, helping our City through some dark times, but Reverend Brown always pointed us toward the light.”
The third individual honored was Benito Chapa, Sr..
Mayor Irvin said, “Benito built and owned the first Hispanic banquet hall in Aurora.
“His wife, Mary Lou Chapa, became the first Latina realtor in the city of Aurora.
“Mr. Chapa…call him papa Chapa, was a true Aurora pioneer who lifted up the Latino community and worked hard for the entire city of Aurora.
“He is survived by his wife, his children, one of them city of Aurora employee Fernando Chapa, and his daughter, Linda Chapa LaVia, and many grandchildren.”
Irvin added, “All three of these Aurora trailblazers will be missed as we pray they rest in peace.”
There was a moment of silence to honor their lives.
• No speakers signed up for a public presentation.
The City Council gave consent to the following agenda items:
• Consent was given to an ordinance to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding Phases 1 and 2 of the redevelopment at Fox Valley Mall.
City government of Aurora documents show in order for Phase 1 of the redevelopment plan at Fox Valley Mall to proceed, IDOT signed off on a traffic study for Phase 1 and signed off on the plat of subdivision; however, IDOT has concerns about the potential future impact of Phase 2 vehicular traffic on Route 59. As a result, IDOT, has requested to retain the right and authority to review and approve an updated Traffic Study for Phase 2 once the development plan for Phase 2 is further refined. This intergovernmental agreement allows IDOT to retain review authority of the updated traffic study so that they will still have the ability to assess if there are any additional off-site traffic improvements needed on Route 59 as a result of Phase 2.
In November 2020, the subject property (the area previously occupied by Sears) was rezoned to R-5A(C) Multiple Family Dwelling District with a Conditional Use Planned Development (previously approved as Special Use Planned Development), and at the same time a Final Plat and Preliminary Plan were approved for the subject property. On February 2, 2021, the Aurora City Council approved a Final Plan for Multi-Family Dwelling. This Final Plan consists of three three-story multiple family residential buildings with residential units on all floors, at-grade tuck under parking garages, private open space, private amenities, and two associated one-story covered parking structures.
The City and the developers would like to see the project advance, and are willing to allow IDOT to retain authority to review and approve the updated Phase 2 traffic study.
Once this Intergovernmental Agreement is executed by the City of Aurora and the Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT will have the right and authority to review and approve the updated traffic study for Phase 2.
Staff members recommend the approval of this ordinance to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
• Consent was given to an ordinance vacating a watermain easement on Lot 1 of Aurora University 2nd Resubdivision at 347 S. Gladstone Avenue, in Kane County, Aurora
The petitioner, Aurora University, is requesting approval of a Plat of Vacation for a watermain easement.
City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Aurora University, is proposing to build a residence hall on the Aurora University Campus north of Prairie Street and east of S. Evanslawn Avenue. As part of this project, the Petitioner will be rerouting the watermain so that it is not under the proposed building. Therefore, they are requesting approval of the Plat of Vacation for the watermain easement as the watermain is being removed.
The University will be granting a city easement over the new location of the watermain which the City engineer has authority to approve.
Staff members have reviewed the vacation ordinance, easement 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, except for the items reflected in the conditions listed in the staff member recommendation below.
The 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(3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.
Staff members recommend approval of the ordinance vacating a watermain easement on Lot 1 of Aurora University 2nd Resubdivision at 347 S. Gladstone Avenue, in Kane County, Aurora, with the following conditions:
That the documents be revised to incorporate the Zoning and Planning staff member comments included in the memo dated September 13, 2021 prior to building permit issuance.
• Consent was given to a resolution financially supporting City Safe Routes to School (SRTS) projects in SD129, SD131, SD204 & SD308, if grant is awarded.
The purpose is to execute a resolution in support of the proposed Safe Routes to School projects for SD 129, 131, 204 & 308 with financial commitment.
City government of Aurora documents show Safe Routes To School (SRTS) is a federal grant funding program to improve conditions for students walking/biking to school. The grant program is a reimbursable program and serves three main goals:
- To enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school.
- To make biking and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age;
- To facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety, reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity (within two miles) of elementary and middle schools (grades K-8).
City staff members have identified infrastructure improvements such as elimination of sidewalk gaps & enhance crossing facilities at intersections, to provide safe and continuous routes for students to walk or bike to school, in each of the four school districts:
- School district 129: Proposed improvements involve filling sidewalk gaps/adding new sidewalk to connect to existing infrastructure, updating ADA ramps and detectable warning surfaces, pedestrian/bike signage, new pavement markings such as crosswalks and stop bars, all per existing IDOT standards.
- School District 131: Proposed Improvements involve extending curbs to shorten pedestrian roadway crossings at identified intersections near schools, filling sidewalk gaps, updating ADA ramps and detectable warning surfaces.
- School District 204: Installing solar powered speed radar signs at identified locations, extending curbs and improving overall safety by updating ADA ramps, pavement marking upgrades for crosswalks & stop bars, extending medians and installing rectangular rapid flashing beacons at certain intersections for safe vehicular/pedestrian movement.
- School District 308: Proposed improvements involve filling a sidewalk gap, upgrading stop signs, installing flashing beacons, extending curb and gutter and refresh pavement markings at selected locations.
The SRTS grant program requires a city government resolution be executed in financial support of the proposed improvements.
The grant program is a reimbursable 80/20 split program with a funding cap of $250,000.00 and is eligible for construction and construction engineering only. Preliminary engineering is not eligible for the grant and has to be 100% locally funded.
• Consent was given to a resolution awarding the McCoy Dr/5th Ave & Kautz Rd Traffic Signal Installation project (MFT section no. 21-00340-00-TL) construction to the low bidder, H & H Electric Company of Franklin Park, IL, for the amount of $366,761.20 and the appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds.
The purpose is to award the McCoy Drive/5th Avenue & Kautz Road Traffic Signal Installation project to the low bidder, H & H Electric Company and the appropriation of $366,716.20 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for the project.
City government of Aurora documents show the project consists of installing traffic signals at the intersection of McCoy Drive/5th Avenue and Kautz Road, addition of an exclusive left turn lane on west leg; extending curb and gutter on the north east corner, widening the existing 5 feet wide sidewalk to 8 feet wide bike path at the NE corner, resurfacing the intersection with new pavement markings, adding appropriate signage, restoration and other miscellaneous work in accordance with the plans and specifications.
The project will provide pedestrian traffic signals for crossing the east intersection leg of McCoy Drive and south leg of the Kautz Road, accommodating multi-use path pedestrians and bicyclists.
The project bid was advertised on August 13, 2021. The City received 3 bids for the bid opening on September 1, the low bidder was H &H Electric Company at $366,761.20, approximately 10% below the Engineer’s estimate of $405,136.00.
Local preference does not apply to this project due to funding source. This project uses Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds and would need appropriating the funds.
City’s 2021 budget provides funds through the following account:
GC 080 McCoy Dr/5th Ave & Kautz Road 203-4020-418-38-22 $366,761.20
Maintenance & energy costs for proposed traffic signal, are approximately $260 per month.
Staff members recommend approval of award to the low bidder H & H Electric Company and appropriation of MFT funding.
• Consent was given to a resolution establishing the maximum number of Class A: Package Sales liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from Ruby Liquors, Inc., d/b/a Ruby’s Liquor at 1535 Butterfield Rd., Unit #101-105, Aurora). [Ward 1]
The purpose is to increase the number of Class A: Package Sales liquor licenses. Ruby Liquors, Inc., d/b/a Ruby’s Liquor, is opening a liquor store at 1535 Butterfield Rd., Unit #101-105 in Aurora and has submitted a liquor license application.
City government of Aurora documents show this request is presented in accordance with the 2011 amendment to the City’s Liquor Ordinance, specifically Section 6-9(a), which charges the City Council with the authority to determine the number of licenses available in each classification.
Ruby Liquors, Inc., d/b/a Ruby’s Liquor, is opening a liquor store at 1535 Butterfield Rd., Unit #101-105. The applicant’s store will be a complete build-out of two vacant units in an existing strip-mall. A liquor license application has been submitted requesting a license to offer the sale of package liquor for off-site consumption.
If approved, this resolution will increase the number of allowable liquor licenses as indicated in the accompanying Exhibit A to allow for the issuance of the license by the Liquor Commissioner. City staff members have been working with the business owner to ensure that all requirements for a liquor license, as set forth in Chapter 6 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, are met.
The proposed resolution presents an opportunity to further the City of Aurora’s economic development and to bring additional business and people to the City of Aurora.
• Consent was given to a resolution establishing the maximum number of Class A: Package Sales liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from GB License, LLC, d/b/a goPuff at 340 Marshall Ave., Aurora). [Ward 4]
The purpose is to increase the number of Class A: Package Sales liquor licenses. GB License, LLC, d/b/a goPuff, is opening an e-commerce store at 340 Marshall Avenue in Aurora and has submitted a liquor license application.
City government of Aurora documents show this request is presented in accordance with the 2011 amendment to the City’s Liquor Ordinance, specifically Section 6-9(a), which charges the City Council with the authority to determine the number of licenses available in each classification.
GB License, LLC, d/b/a goPuff, is opening an e-commerce store at 340 Marshall Ave. A liquor license application has been submitted requesting a license to offer the sale of package liquor for off-site consumption.
If approved, this resolution will increase the number of allowable liquor licenses as indicated in the accompanying Exhibit A to allow for the issuance of the license by the Liquor Commissioner. City staff members have been working with the business owner to ensure that all requirements for a liquor license, as set forth in Chapter 6 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, are met.
The proposed resolution presents an opportunity to further the City of Aurora’s economic development and to bring additional business and people to the City of Aurora.
• Consent was given to a resolution to award a contract to Martam Construction, Inc. in the bid amount of $301,765.00 for the 2021 Bridge Rehabilitation Project.
The purpose is to award a Construction Contract for various bridge maintenance projects throughout the City.
City government of Aurora documents show the City inspects and maintains 33 bridges on the local street network. To insure public safety, the City of Aurora’s bridges are inspected according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). The inspection data is used by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to allocate funding for bridge projects. The Engineering Division also reviews the reports to monitor bridge conditions, and plan for repairs and maintenance activities.
Based on the reports, IDOT’s recommendations and the available budget for the year, the Engineering Division went out to bid for a project that included the scope of work on the following bridges:
-New York Street bridge crossing the Fox River. The type of work performed would be washing, protective coat, structural & deck repair.
-Downer Place bridge crossing the Fox River E. The type of work performed would be washing, protective coat.
-Downer Place bridge crossing the Fox River W. The type of work performed would be washing, protective coat.
-Sullivan Road bridge crossing the Fox River. The type of work performed would be washing, protective coat, structural repair.
-Wood Street bridge crossing the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway). The type of work performed would be washing, protective coat.
-Farnsworth Ave bridge crossing the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway). The type of work performed would be washing, protective coat, structural & deck repair.
-Indian Trail bridge crossing the Fox River E. The type of work performed would be deck repair.
-Benton Street bridge crossing the Fox River. The type of work performed would be structural repair.
-Farnsworth Ave bridge crossing the Indian Creek. The type of work performed would be structural repair.
This project was advertised on July 30, 2021 in the Aurora Beacon News, several vendors viewed the documents from the City’s website and bids were opened and publicly read on August 16, 2021. The lowest responsible bid was submitted by Martam Construction, Inc. of Elgin in the amount of $301,765.00 which is 6.6% less than the Engineer’s Cost Estimate.
The local preference ordinance does apply to this bid, however both bidders were not local. Martam Construction, Inc. is at 1200 Gasket Drive in Elgin.
We recommend awarding the 2021 Bridge Rehabilitation Project to Martam Construction, Inc. for the unit prices submitted.
The improvements will be funded with account 340-4460-431.73-80 (G016 – Bridge Rehabilitation) which has a 2021 budget of $400,000.
Construction is set to begin in September and be completed by November, depending on weather. Minor impacts to local traffic are expected during construction activities.
• Consent was given to a resolution to award a contract to Strand Associates, Inc. in the amount of $62,000.00 to update the Financial Capability Assessment of the City’s Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan.
The purpose is to evaluate the potential benefits to the City of requesting a time extension from the IEPA for implementation of the City’s approved Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan.
City government of Aurora documents show more than a century ago, cities across the United States, including Aurora and other communities up and down the Fox River, built combined sewers that took both sewage and stormwater away from homes and streets and discharged it directly into the River. In 1927, decades before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) began requiring sewage treatment, forward-thinking Aurora residents supported the construction of a sewage treatment plant and new sewers. Those combined sewers are still in operation today and carry sewage and waste to the Fox Metro Water Reclamation treatment facility in Oswego, which cleans the water before returning it to the Fox River.
The combined sewer system can handle Aurora’s typical volume of both sewage and runoff, but during heavy rainstorms and snow melt too much water floods the sewers. When that happens, untreated sewage overflows into the Fox River or backs up into basements. This is called a combined sewer overflow, or CSO.
As a first step toward solving this problem, Aurora and other cities across the country eventually began installing more modern storm sewer systems separate from the sewers that carry sewage from homes and businesses. The USEPA’s 1994 CSO Control Policy required communities like Aurora to further develop and implement a CSO Long Term Control Plan (LTCP). Aurora’s LTCP was submitted in 2010 and approved by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) in 2015. The Plan relies on various strategies ranging from sewer separation and green infrastructure to the construction of storage and treatment facilities. Implementing the Plan has cost the City $51.6 million so far and is expected to cost another $105 million by the time the scheduled projects are completed in 2030.
The City’s approved LTCP includes a list of projects that must be constructed. Another component is the timeframe in which the City is required to complete those projects, which is based on a Financial Capability Assessment, or FCA. The FCA incorporates numerous factors such as Aurora’s Median Household Income, the cost of utility bills, trends in local employment or unemployment, and the City’s financial information. All of those factors have likely changed over the past decade, but the Lead Service Line Replacement Program that has been mandated by the State will increase the City’s utility expenses by $200 million over the next 30 years. Therefore, it may be in the City’s best interest to request a time extension from the IEPA for implementing the LTCP.
The proposal from Strand Associates, Inc. to update the City’s FCA and evaluate the benefits of an extension of the LTCP implementation schedule by five years, seven years, and ten years. Strand Associates, Inc. is uniquely qualified for this project as the firm that prepared the City’s LTCP.
Project B031 account 281-1856-512.73-09 has a remaining balance of $1.5 million.
The services provided under this Purchase Order will have no impact on the public.
• Consent was given to a resolution authorizing a contract with H. Linden & Sons Sewer and Water, Inc., 722 E. South Street, Unit D, Plano, IL 60545 in the amount of one hundred eighty-seven thousand, three hundred thirty-three dollars and zero cents ($187,333.00) for the Plum Street Sewer Separation project in Ward 6.
The purpose is to install new storm sewer removing stormwater from the combined sewer system along Plum Street between N. Highland Avenue and N. May Street. There have been several basement back-ups during storm events in this neighborhood.
City government of Aurora documents show a new storm sewer will be installed to remove these surface drainage flows from the combined sewer system. This project will help satisfy the requirements associated with the City’s Long Term Control Plan and the City’s Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Combined Sewer System Overflow.
The proposed improvements have been publicly advertised and bid in conformance with City procedures. Six conforming bids were received, publicly opened and read aloud on September 1, 2021. The low bidder, H. Linden & Sons Sewer and Water, Inc. has successfully completed similar projects for the City in the past.
This contract is subject to the local vendor preference ordinance. However, the only bidder eligible for the local ordinance adjustment was the lowest bidder and not within the applicable range.
The total project amount of $187,333.00 is budgeted for in 2021 within account 281-1856-512-73-09 (B031, $4,300,000.00 LTCP sewer separation.
Traffic will be detoured to adjacent blocks, but the increase in traffic on the adjacent neighboring blocks will be temporary and negligible. Water and sanitary service will not be interrupted during construction of this project.
• Consent was given to an ordinance to amend Sections 6-10, 6-13, 6-15, 6-18 and 6-25 of Chapter 6 – Alcoholic Liquor, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora
The purpose is to update the above-referenced sections of Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances to reflect amendments made to the license classifications pursuant to O20-023 on April 14, 2020.
City government of Aurora documents show on April 14, 2020, the City approved amendments to Chapter 6 pursuant to O20-023. The amendments modified the liquor license classifications, making most specific references to license classifications in the Code inaccurate. The proposed amendments remove references to obsolete classifications and specifically identify the current license types by name for clarification and ease of reference.
The proposed amendments are not substantive changes but are made to clarify license classifications subsequent to the updates made pursuant to O20-023. The proposed changes will assist staff members and the general public with their understanding of Chapter 6 – Alcoholic Liquor.
This change will update Chapter 6 – Alcoholic Liquor to accurately reflect changes that were made pursuant to O20-023.
• Consent was given to a resolution approving the appointment of Christopher Minick to the Aurora Firefighters Pension Fund Board.
City government of Aurora documents show the Aurora Firefighters Pension Fund Board is a five-member board. Three of the five members are elected, two by active pension members and one by the beneficiaries. The remaining two members are appointed by the mayor.
• Consent was given to a resolution approving the appointments of the members of the City’s administrative boards including the Fox Walk Overlay District Design Review Committee and Public Art Commission.
City government of Aurora documents show in June of 2021, the City Council approved changes to Chapter 2, which included a sunset provision for all board/commission members. The sunset was included to bring the board/commission terms into compliance with the new dates provided in the ordinance, as well as survey members if they wished to continue to serve or step down.
The nominations brought forth represent a mix of veteran candidates and newcomers. They are: Fawn Clark Peterson, Clara Diaz, Marc Straits, Rafael Blanco, Natasha Ritsma, Bryan Joseph, Megan Paul, Javi Terrazas, and Michael Mancuso.
• Consent was given to a resolution approving the appointment of Christopher Minick to the Aurora Police Pension Board.
City government of Aurora documents show the Police Pension Board is a five member board. Two of the members are elected by active members and one member is elected by the beneficiaries. The remaining two members are appointed by the Mayor.
• Consent was given to a resolution approving the appointments of the members of the city’s Cultural and Historical Heritage Boards including the African American Heritage Advisory Board, Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, Indian American Community Outreach Advisory, Board and the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Commission.
City government of Aurora documents show in June of 2021, the City Council approved changes to Chapter 2, which included a sunset provision for all board/commission members. The sunset was included to bring the board/commission terms into compliance with the new dates provided in the ordinance, as well as survey members if they wished to continue to serve or step down.
The nominations brought forth represent all veteran candidates. They are: Glenda Blakemore, Marc Dale Jr., Deborah Goss Johnson, Sandra Harrison, Blanca Saavedra, Zayra Gonzalez, Karina Suarez-Darden, Melissa Sosa, Laura Ayala, Gil Rios, Rafael Martinez, Sukanya Rangarajan, Sharon Garcia, Sunil Patel, Roopa Anjanappa, Nadia Kanhai, Leela Karumuri, Sandeep Londhe, Kunal Majmundar, Michael Sawdey, Jared Ploger, and Michael Scott Collins.
• Consent was given to a resolution approving the appointments of the members of one of the city’s Advisory Boards, the Veterans Advisory Council.
City government of Aurora documents show in June of 2021, the City Council approved changes to Chapter 2, which included a sunset provision for all board/commission members. The sunset was included to bring the board/commission terms into compliance with the new dates provided in the ordinance, as well as survey members if they wished to continue to serve or step down.
The nominations brought forth represent all veteran candidates. They are: Jon Leask, Randy Fisher, Will Hart, Joshua Pfeffuer, and Jose Jesus Cervantes.
• Consent was given to an ordinance authorizing the execution of a cable television franchise agreement with Comcast of Illinois XIIII, LP.
The purpose is to grant Comcast non-exclusive cable television franchise agreement within the City for an additional 10 years.
The regulations and guidelines regarding municipal cable television franchises are primarily governed by the Cable Communications and Policy Act of 1984 (the Cable Act) and the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the 1992 Cable Act). Certain tenants of the Illinois Municipal Code, our Code of Ordinances, the Illinois Cable and Video Customer Protection Law and FCC Technical Standards are also applicable to the proposed franchise agreement.
The proposed franchise agreement governs video services only and conforms to all federal, state and locally prescribed standards for customer service, technical performance, public right-of-way usage, Public Educational-and-Governmental (PEG) capacity, and financial obligations.
By and large, the contract remains consistent with previous agreements, with minor revisions to reflect changes in language and procedures over the past decade. The most recent franchise between the City and Comcast was approved by the City Council on April 26, 2011 as Ordinance O11-016 and became effective June 24, 2011.
Comcast timely notified the City of its desire to renew its franchise with the City and the Law Department and Comcast worked together to prepare an agreement with input from the Mayor’s Office and the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs.
Approval of this ordinance will grant Comcast a franchise to operate a cable system within the City for an additional ten years. As noted before, this is a non-exclusive franchise agreement.
• Final approval for items on the consent agenda are set to be made at the September 28 Aurora City Council meeting.
• Information was shared about a resolution approving a Final Plan for a new Residence Hall on the Aurora University Campus north of Prairie Street and east of S. Evanslawn Avenue
The Petitioner Aurora University is requesting approval of a Final Plan for a new residence hall on the Aurora University Campus.
City government of Aurora documents show the subject property currently includes Aurora University, a private, post-secondary institution of higher education with accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral level programs. The Campus currently consists of approximately 40 acres and includes 18 major buildings, 7 parking lots, a parking deck and a football field/soccer field with bleachers. The University has acquired all but one property on the south side of Southlawn Place, which is currently a single-family dwelling with R-1 One-Family Dwelling District zoning. Most of the homes acquired have been demolished for redevelopment. The remaining acquired homes are being used for University offices, classrooms and a studio.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan. The details of the request include the construction of a 5-story residence hall for undergraduate student housing. There will be a total of 88 rooms consisting of single, double and triple rooms. The first floor will be a mixed use consisting of a lounge and single rooms for autistic students. As part of the proposal, the University will be reconfiguring the circulations pattern to create a plaza area between the proposed residence hall and the existing residence hall to the east. In order to create the plaza, the University will be removing 36 parking spaces with a total of on-campus parking being 1,481 parking spaces which still meets the requirement.
The elevation is a brick building consisting of two hues of red brick with accents of blue metal paneling along the top of the building, around the windows, and on the front entrance. The entrance consists of insulated glass panels for the full length of the first floor.
The Petitioner is proposing hardscape beds around the residence hall consisting decorative stone. Canopy trees are being implemented along the west side of the building. In addition, canopy trees and three landscape beds are be proposed within the plaza area on the east side of the building.
Staff members have reviewed the Final Plan resolution 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, except for the items reflected in the conditions listed in the staff member recommendation below.
Policies and guidelines:
The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
11.1 (5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.
11.1(3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.
14.1(4) To encourage quality site design throughout the City.
14.1(5) To provide for the visual enhancement of the City through attractive landscaping, quality signage and diverse building design and arrangement.
Staff members recommend conditional approval of the resolution approving a Final Plan for a new Residence Hall on the Aurora University Campus north of Prairie Street and east of S. Evanslawn Avenue with the following conditions:
1) That the Final Plan approval shall be contingent upon Final Engineering approval.
2) That a Plat of Vacation for all city utilities being removed shall be approved by the City Council and fully executed prior to issuance of the building permit.
3) That the Petitioner provide proof to the City of Aurora that all easements have been vacated for any other utilities being removed prior to issuance of the building permit.
4) That a Plat of Easement for any city utilities being constructed be recorded prior to occupancy permit.
• Information was shared about a resolution approving a revision to the Final Plan at 1165 N. Lake Street for a standalone Restaurant with a drive-through facility
The Petitioner, The Glazier Corporation, is requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision for the property at 1165 N. Lake Street for a standalone Restaurant with a drive-through facility.
City government of Aurora documents show the subject property currently consists of a vacant restaurant building which was previously a Long John Silver’s Restaurant. This has been vacant several years in a deteriorating condition. In early 2020, the Petitioner received approval of a Special Use Planned Development and a Final Plan to construct a multi-tenant commercial building which was going to be anchored by a national coffee company with drive-through of approximately 2,400 square feet, and additional retail of approximately 5,900 square feet.
Due to the pandemic, the Petitioner has not been able to secure additional tenants, therefore, the Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision to now build a standalone 2,225 square foot building for a national coffee company with a drive-through. Like the previous plan, the entire site will be re-constructed with a newly established 9.87’ landscaped setback along Lake Street. The northerly access to the site will be removed, leaving the southerly access point across from Old Indian Trail Road. There will be a total of 35 parking spaces on the site which exceeds the zoning requirements. The layout will also provide plenty of vehicle stacking for the drive through. A 5.5’ wide sidewalk is also being installed along Lake Street.
The Petitioner is proposing to remove all existing landscaping on the property except for 5 large trees along the south property line. New landscaping will be implemented throughout the site including along Lake Street, the north and south property lines, around the foundation of the building and within parking islands.
The elevation of the building consists of a combination of brick and EIFs in gray hues. A ban of wood siding with a metal canopy wraps around a portion of the building including over the drive through.
Staff members have reviewed the Final Plan resolution 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.
This new restaurant development will help with the redevelopment of North Lake Street as there has not been new construction here in a number of years. It will help beautify the corridor and help stimulate other redevelopment along the North Lake Street corridor.
Policies and guidelines:
The 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.
11.1(3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.
Staff members recommend conditional approval of the resolution approving a revision to the Final Plan at 1165 N. Lake Street for a standalone Restaurant with a drive-through facility, with the following conditions:
1) That the Final Plan approval shall be contingent upon Final Engineering approval.
2) That the Final Plan approval shall be contingent upon receiving an amended Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) approval and permit for any work in the state right-of-way.
• Information was shared about a resolution approving a Final Plan for Bell Gale Business Park Subdivision, Lot 5 at 375 Marshall Avenue for a Vehicle Repair/ Professional Window Tint, Minor Use
Professional Window Tint, the petitioner, is requesting approval of a Final Plan for Lot 5 of Bell Gale Business Park at 375 Marshall Ave for a Window Tinting Facility.
City government of Aurora documents show the subject property is currently vacant land with M1(C) zoning, which is part of the Belle Gale Business Park.
The facility will have one access point off Marshall Avenue. The developers will also be creating a sidewalk along Marshall Avenue. Due to some grading concerns, a retaining wall will be developed along the northern part of the site.
10 parking spaces are proposed with the work taking place inside of the building. The building will be constructed of masonry materials. Landscaping will be installed along both South Highland Street and Marshall Avenue.
Staff members have reviewed the Final Plan resolution petition and has set comments back to the petitioners. The petitioner is in the process of making those corrections, which will be reflected in the conditions listed below.
Policies and guidelines:
The 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.
11.1 (3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.
Staff members recommend conditional approval of the resolution Approving a Final Plan for Bell Gale Business Park Subdivision, Lot 5 at 375 Marshall Avenue for a Vehicle Repair, Minor Use (2834), with the following conditions:
1) That the Final Plan approval shall be contingent on approval of the Photometric Plan.
2) That the Final Plan approval shall be contingent upon Final Engineering approval.
• Information was shared about a resolution approving a Final Plan on Lot 108 of Butterfield Phase II, Unit 1-C, at the Northeast Corner of North Eola Road and Ferry Road, for a Business and Professional, Office (2400) Use and a Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services (3300) Use.
The Petitioner, Mars2, LLC, is requesting approval of a Final Plan for construction of an approximately one hundred, forty-seven thousand (147,000) square foot building that will be utilized for a cold storage facility and office building.
City government of Aurora documents show the subject property is zoned PDD, Planned Development District. It is within the Butterfield planned development district. The Comprehensive Plan designates the subject property as office/research/light industrial, and is within the Big Woods Marmion neighborhood planning initiative area. The subject property is presently vacant and is approximately 9.6 acres in size.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan resolution for a Business and Professional, Office (2400) Use and a Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services (3300) Use. The details of the request include construction of an approximately one hundred, forty-seven thousand square foot building that will be utilized for a cold storage facility and office building. Approximately one hundred, forty thousand (140,000) square feet of the building will be utilized for cold storage and docks, while approximately five thousand, three hundred (5,300) square feet will be utilized for office space.
The site is planned for the minimum requirement of one hundred fifty-nine (159) parking spaces: ninety-six (96) of these parking spaces will be constructed with the building, while remaining sixty-three (63) parking spaces, which are designated as “Parking Landbank” will be built at a future time.
The subject property will also include an outdoor water storage tank that will be between the north side of the building and the parking lot. The height of the outdoor storage water tank will not exceed the maximum permitted building height allowed per the Plan Description, which is seventy-five (75) feet.
Access to the property will be from Prospect Court to the east, and will include an emergency access lane along the east side of the building that will provide access to Ferry Road. The Petitioner has also provided a landscape plan that satisfies the minimum landscaping requirements, in addition to integrating the fifty (50) foot wide landscape easement that runs along the frontage on North Eola Road and Ferry Road.
The building’s exterior material consists of a combination of insulated metal panels for the cold storage portion, and a painted concrete wall for office portion. There are eighteen (18) truck docks along the north side of the building. The peak height of the cold storage portion of the building is approximately fifty-seven (57) feet, while the peak height of the office portion of the building is approximately thirty-four (34) feet.
Staff members have reviewed the Final Plan 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.
Policies and guidelines:
The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
41.1 (2): To promote a balanced distribution of industries within the City,
41.1 (6): To promote attractive, well-maintained industrial and office-research areas through landscaping and site design.
41.1 (8): To promote a quality environment through the enforcement of industrial performance standards.
Staff members recommend approval of the resolution approving a Final Plan on Lot 108 of Butterfield Phase II, Unit 1-C, at the northeast corner of North Eola Road and Ferry Road, for a Business and Professional, Office (2400) use and a Warehouse, Distribution and Storage Services (3300) use.