By Jason Crane
At the Aurora city government Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday through the Zoom video conference platform, the City Council members viewed a presentation about the city government of Aurora Financial Empowerment Center.
The Center is the only one in the State.
The city government of Aurora Financial Empowerment Center offers free one-on-one professional financial counseling to low and moderate income households in the region.
More than 400 individuals have been served by the organization and reduced their debts by a total of $366,371 and an increase in savings of $112,365.
The city government of Aurora has contracted with the Neighbor Project to deliver professional financial counseling for the Center on an appointment basis.
To gain access to the website, go to cityofaurorafec.org to make an appointment online to learn more about how financial coaching works, or to schedule an introductory appointment with a financial counselor.
There were no speakers at the meeting.
The City Council gave consent to the following agenda items:
• Consent was given to resolutions authorizing the execution of a historic preservation grant agreement with eight individuals and their properties in varying amounts.
• Consent was given to a resolution appointing Lisa McClellan to “Sustainable Aurora” (The Mayor’s Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board).
• Consent was given to a resolution reappointing Dan Miller to the Aurora Preservation Commission.
• Consent was given to a resolution authorizing execution of a rollover agreement between the city of Aurora and Aurora Supervisors Association.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain authorization to execute a rollover agreement between the City of Aurora and Aurora Supervisors Association collective bargaining agreement for January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
Aurora Supervisors Association’s collective bargaining agreement expired December 31, 2020.
In consideration of the uncertainties still looming due to the pandemic, the parties agreed to a one-year rollover which was ratified by the union on March 18, 2021. It is only a wage agreement that will give the members a 2% wage increase.
• Consent was given to a resolution selecting Utility Dynamics Corporation, 23 Commerce Drive, Oswego, as the City’s service provider for Com Ed’s Streetlights in Distressed Communities Program.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to select Utility Dynamics as the City’s service provider for this program, which provides LED upgrades for the remaining City-owned streetlights which have not yet been upgraded at little to no cost.
Using city government funds and past incentive programs, the government has converted approximately 5,431 streetlights from high-pressure sodium (HPS) to Light Emitting Diode (LED) to date, with approximately 3,023 remaining to convert.
The City was recently identified by Com Ed as eligible for its Streetlights in Distressed Communities Program. Unlike past Com Ed energy efficiency programs, which offered incentives directly to the City based on the reduction in wattage from HPS fixtures to new LED fixtures, the Streetlights in Distressed Communities Program offers fixed materials and labor incentives directly to a City-designated pre-qualified service provider.
It is the City’s intention to take advantage of this opportunity to convert the remaining 3,023 fixtures throughout the City.
Because the incentives of this program are fixed, but the cost of fixtures varies by brand and vendor, the City published a request for bids (RFB) requesting pricing to furnish and install new fixtures and/or retrofit kits for the 3023 streetlights. The RFB identified the City’s preferred brands for each style and wattage, which were consistent with the brands installed across the City to date, as well as an opportunity for bidders to propose pre-approved equivalent brands.
Three of the six bidders submitted final bids of zero dollars. Of the three zero-dollar bids, only one offered to supply the City’s preferred brands. Based on it, city government officials are recommending selecting that bidder, Utility Dynamics Corporation, to be the City’s service provider for this program. Included in their proposed scope is full fixture replacement for all remaining cobra head and post top decorative fixtures as well as installation of LED retrofit kits in approximately 366 historic fixtures.
This program is designed to have a positive impact in several ways, including no cost improvements to City-owned infrastructure and long term energy cost savings to the City.
• Consent was given to a resolution to enter into a three-year enterprise agreement for the purchase of Microsoft software from the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology Joint Purchasing Contract CMT #1176800 with Dell Marketing L.P. in an amount of $1,237,190.52.
• Consent was given to a resolution establishing the maximum number of Class C: Specialty On-Site Consumption (Recreational Facility) Liquor Licenses, unofficially related to the application from PLM Entertainment, LLC D/B/A Mega Fun Park at 1971 W. Galena Boulevard, in Ward 5.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to increase the number of Class C: Specialty On-Site Consumption (Recreational Facility) licenses. A new business, PLM Entertainment, LLC, D/B/A Mega Fun Park, is opening a recreational facility that contains arcade games, a climbing wall, basketball and jumping rooms, among other recreational activities. PLM Entertainment, LLC will operate a restaurant offering menu items including appetizers, salads, pizza, and desserts, as well as a bar offering beer and wine for consumption on-site.
• Consent was given to a resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to sign an updated memorandum of understanding between the Kane County Child Advocacy Center (CAC), and the Aurora Police Department (APD) for a task force officer.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to create an updated memorandum of understanding between the Kane County Child Advocacy Center and APD which will allow for a continuing partnership in the investigations of crimes that involve child abuse and neglect through a cooperative task force.
The Aurora Police Department has had a long standing cooperative relationship with the Kane County Child Advocacy Center, since at least the mid-1990s, in which an Aurora Police Officer has been assigned to the task force to investigate and take enforcement action on crimes against children.
The CAC task force has been highly successful with investigations in Aurora, and within the region. They are specifically tasked with the cases of crimes against children, particularly physical and sexual abuse. The task force can interview victims, witnesses and suspects and obtain criminal charges. They testify in the prosecution of the offenders.
This agreement has been updated and accepted by the newly-elected Kane County State’s Attorney.
A new Memorandum of Understanding with the Kane County Advocacy Center will allow an Aurora Police Officer to work with other law enforcement officials to conduct investigations in crimes where children are the victims. It is an area of law enforcement where a task force philosophy is critical, because it often requires a variety of highly-specialized officers to conduct victim sensitive interviews and a collaborative effort with Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to ensure the safety of the child victims. This task force operates with a team mentality with a focus on victim safety and the identification and prosecution of offenders.
If this project is approved, it will allow for the continued protection of child victims and the arrest and prosecution of offenders in Aurora area.
• Consent was given to a resolution establishing the maximum number of Class A: Package Sales (Beer & Wine Only/Gas Station) liquor licenses, unofficially related to the application from 407 Gas & Food, Inc., D/B/A Ultra Mart Shell at 407 S. Lake Street in Ward 4.
• Consent was given to a resolution establishing the maximum number of Class A: Package Sales (Beer & Wine Only/Gas Station) liquor licenses, unofficially related to the application from BP Gas and Food, Inc., D/B/A BP at 2200 W. Galena Boulevard, Aurora, in Ward 5.
• Consent was given to a resolution to approve the purchase of five Toshiba es4518A multi-function copiers and quarterly maintenance from KKC Imagining of Aurora, through the TIPS Cooperative Contract, Region 8 Education Service Center, Pittsburg, Tex., recommended to the Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee. The five copiers would have a total cost of $26,620.00.
• Consent was given to a resolution Awarding the bid to Service Sanitation in Aurora, for Portable Toilet Rental/Service for various Aurora divisions. City government of Aurora documents show the portable toilet contract expired at the February 2021. The Parks and Purchasing Divisions have worked closely with all other applicable divisions to make sure that the City’s needs are met in the new contract to cover portable toilets for the city-owned park properties, golf course, special events and other locations as needed.
Two bidders responded to the invitation to bid. Service Sanitation in Aurora and Lakeshore Recycling Systems in West Chicago. Although Service Sanitation wasn’t the lowest bidder, this bid was subject to local preference and were within a 5% margin. Service Sanitation was offered the option to match the lower prices and accepted. Service Sanitation has had the last several contracts and has fulfilled their obligations meeting expectations.
Based on 2019 expenses of $40,303 staff anticipates a similar expense in 2021 and going forward based on the current events schedule.
• Consent was given to a resolution to Award the contract for the Eastview Estates CMP 18”-30” Storm Sewer CIPP Lining to Hoerr Construction, Inc. of Goodfield, Ill. in the amount of one hundred eighty-three thousand, nine hundred thirty dollars and zero cents. ($183,930.00).
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to install cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners and extend the life of approximately 1,185’ of corrugated metal storm sewer pipe that runs east to west from Felten Road to west of Violet Avenue.
The pipe was installed in mid-1960s as part of the Eastview Estates Subdivision and has recently started presenting sinkholes. Lining this sewer will extend the life of the pipe and eliminate costly digging repairs.
Four bids were received, opened, and read aloud March 10. The bid tabulation can be seen in the attached Exhibit C. The lowest responsible bid in the amount of $183,930.00 was submitted by Hoerr Construction, Inc. The sewer improvements ($183,930.00) will be funded with account 280-1852-512-81-23 (B037) which has a 2021 Budget amount of $643,000.00. Included as Exhibits B & D are the advertisement for bid and Hoerr Construction, Inc.’s submitted bid. Hoerr Construction, Inc. has not done work in the City of Aurora recently, so their references were contacted which resulted in favorable reviews.
This project was subject to the Local Preference Ordinance, however no local contractors submitted.
Lining this storm sewer will prevent the likelihood of additional sinkholes from occurring in the roadway or on private property as a result of the metal pipe continuing to rust and rot. The contractor may need access structures located in the backyards of a couple of properties via easements. Any restoration required from accessing those structures will be performed to match existing conditions.
• Consent was given to a resolution to reject all bids for the furnish and installation of the Downtown Greenhouse in Ward #4.
The purpose is to reject the one non-conforming bid.
City government of Aurora documents show the City went out for public bid for the construction of a greenhouse at the electrical storage yard at 339 Middle Street. This greenhouse will allow the City to grow various plants for the downtown area in lieu of purchasing mature plants. It will result in a significant savings for the City.
The project was advertised publicly and while it was viewed by 11 contractors and several bid companies, only one bid was received. The single bid was non-compliant and over budget.
The City is exploring other options at this time. It is possible that City forces will construct the greenhouse and staff will explore utilizing the JOC program as well.
The purchase and installation of the greenhouse will be delayed.
• Consent was given to an ordinance amending Chapter 13.5 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, pertaining to the hiring of experienced police officers without examination (lateral hire).
City government of Aurora documents show the city of Aurora has historically used a standard eligibility list for the hiring of new police officers as established through the Civil Service process. This process does not allow existing police officers to be given any type of preference over those applicants who have no police experience. Thus, if they do not score high on the written exam, they will end up lower on the list. This occurs on every eligibility list that is established.
In addition to a written exam, all police applicants must pass a polygraph exam, background investigation, psychological exam, physical fitness test and a medical screening. If all the aforementioned components are passed and an opening exists, the candidates are hired in order of test score after the addition of preference points for residence and military service.
The city government has had a great deal of success when hiring candidates who are police officers with prior experience. It has been advantageous to Department staff members to hire experienced police officers, because they already have completed their State-mandated academy requirements and have job experience. At a minimum, it saves the Department 14 weeks of academy training time and associated costs. Additionally, when looking at hiring and retention for 2016-2018, an average of 56% of new hires from the tradition hiring process either failed the selection process, declined/left for another department, failed to successfully complete the FTO process, or resigned during their first year of employment.
The city will continue to utilize the current testing process and eligibility list through the Civil Service process for new Police Officers. Additionally, a lateral hire applicant pool will be developed and maintained to hire experienced officers.
Human Resources, in conjunction with the Police Department, will evaluate qualified applicants based on the applicant’s experience level, job qualifications, specialized training and other pertinent information, including residence and military experience. The applicant will be required to pass a polygraph exam, a background investigation, a psychological exam, a physical fitness exam, and a medical screening.
Expanding the opportunity to hire experienced officers will not only put officers on the street faster, it will reduce the overtime and training cost to the city government which has experienced a significant increase in retirements, loss of Police Cadet employees and new Police Officer recruits leaving the academy voluntarily. Implementing a lateral hire process will enable the city government to maximize on recruiting, diversifying and hiring qualified candidates at an accelerated pace.
Aurora Town Center Associates, LLC / NEC of Ogden Avenue and 75th Street final plat:
• Information was given about a resolution approving the final plat for Melody Town Center Subdivision and a resolution approving a final plan on lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Melody Town Center Subdivision east of the intersection of Ogden Avenue and 75th Street.
The petitioner, Aurora Town Center Associates, LLC, is requesting approval of a final plat for Melody Town Center Subdivision east of the intersection of Ogden Avenue and 75th Street with includes subdividing this property into seven lots.
The property is vacant land east of the intersection of Ogden Avenue and 75th Street. In 2006, this property received approval for a commercial life-style center, however, the center never developed. A redevelopment agreement was approved in February 2019 to assist in the development of this property as the requirement to provide for the construction/extension of Commons Drive has created a burden that has prevented development on this property to date. Then in August 2019, this property was rezoned to R-5(C) Multiple-Family Dwelling District, R-5A(C) Midrise Multiple Family Dwelling District, B-2(C) General Retail District, and OS-1(C) Conservation, Open Space and Drainage District with a Conditional Use Planned Development (previously approved as a special use planned development). At the same time, a preliminary plat and plan was approved on this property.
The petitioner is requesting approval of a final plat for Melody Town Center. The details of the final plat include a seven-lot subdivision with a 100-foot-wide right of way dedication along the eastern portion of the property for the extension of Commons Drive between Ogden Avenue and 75th Street. Lot 1 consists of a future assisted living and memory care facility. Lots, 2, 3, 4, and 7 consists of the future stormwater detention facilities. Lot 5 consists of a future commercial or office lot and Lot 6 will be re-subdivided in Phase 2 for a future age restricted independent living facility and for future commercial or office lots along Commons Drive. The city government will construct Commons Drive and the stormwater detention facility on Lot 7 as part of Phase 2.
Concurrently, the petitioner, is requesting approval of a final plan for lots 1, 2, 3, and 4. The final plan includes the construction of an approximately 90,000 square foot assisted living and memory support facility on Lot 1 and the construction of stormwater detention facilities on lots 2, 3, and 4. The assisted living and memory support facility will house 63 assisted living units and 26 memory care units with a total of 69 parking spaces. There will be a combination of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units which will range in size from 324 sq. ft. to 784 sq. ft. The facility provides a wide variety of services and amenities to the residents and their families, such as theater, hair and nail salon, art studio and different dining experiences. It offers fitness opportunities, a dedicated physical therapy area, and medical offices.
At this time, the proposed access will be through a three-quarter access along Ogden Avenue across from Gregory Street and a right-in, right-out at the eastern portion of Lot 1 along Ogden Avenue and 75th Street.
The final plan proposal includes a full landscaping plan be implemented throughout Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4. The building elevations consist of a two-story assisted living wing and a one-story memory care wing primarily clad of brick and fiber cement siding in shades of browns, grays, and greens.
City staff members have reviewed the final plat 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 by the City staff members.
• Final approval for items on the consent agenda are set to be made at the April 13 Aurora City Council meeting.