By Jason Crane
The Aurora City Council honored the Aurora Gators 11 U youth football team at the Tuesday, Dec. 10 City Council meeting, for winning the Pop Warner Chicagoland State championship. The 2024 team is undefeated.
•A video of the presentation can be viewed on the city government of Aurora’s YouTube page after the 6-minute mark by clicking here.
•The meeting with a mayoral appointment presentation and input from several individuals for various reasons can be viewed on the city government of Aurora’s YouTube page after the 30-minute mark by clicking here.
The City Council approved the following agenda items:
•A Resolution was approved to authorize the director of the Purchasing Department to enter into an agreement with Operation Hope to become a service partner as managing agent for the Aurora’s Promise Children’s Savings Account (CSA) program for a 20 year term in an amount not to exceed $1,983,600.85.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is for approval of a contractual agreement for Operation Hope to become a service partner for the Aurora’s Promise Children’s Savings Account (CSA) program through December 9, 2043 and to allocate $110,000 of budgeted funds for Operation Hope for budget year 2025, $79,412.47 for budget year 2026, with an annual increase of 3% every year after for a term of 20 years through December 9, 2043 for a total amount not to exceed $1,983,600.85.
The Aurora’s Promise Children’s Savings Account (CSA) program is being established in an effort to equitably prepare Aurora’s children for the challenges and opportunities ahead while narrowing wealth gaps and providing knowledge and skills necessary to access higher-paying job opportunities.
Operation Hope, founded in 1992, is a 501(3) organization that has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for 10 consecutive years. Operation Hope operates a number of initiatives with a mission to expand economic opportunity, making free enterprise work for everyone. Operation Hope operates its financial literacy and economic empowerment initiatives through over 275 locations around the country.
Operation Hope has managed the City of Atlanta’s Child Savings Account (CSA) program since it was established in 2021, managing more than 7,500 accounts for that program.
Operation Hope’s proposal leverages their knowledge and experience in managing a municipal CSA program to effectively and efficiently launch and operate Aurora’s Promise CSA program through ownership and management of accounts and facilitation of outreach and engagement activities.
On December 5, 2023, City Council approved the FY24 Budget which included funds to establish a Children’s Savings Account (CSA) program.
CSA programs are long-term savings or investment accounts designed to help young children save for postsecondary education. With over 128 CSA programs operating across the country and nearly 5,000,000 children benefiting, CSAs are growing in popularity due to the supporting evidence.
Evidence shows that low- and moderate-income children who have savings as low as $1-$499 set aside for education are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate. Recent findings from the country’s oldest CSA program in San Francisco demonstrated a 30% closure in the college enrollment gap for underrepresented children, a 7% higher on-time graduation rate, and a 12% increase in college enrollment.
In addition to the strong evidence for the positive impact on students’ aspirations and achievement, CSA programs have been shown to reduce disparities in account holdings and savings. Because CSA’s are accessible to all students and can be operated on an opt-out basis, they serve as an introduction to banking for families who may be un- or underbanked.
Operation Hope seeks to partner with the City to establish a strong and successful CSA program with goals to: Expand Financial Literacy, Promote Savings Behavior, Support Educational Goals, and Foster Community Engagement.
A request for proposals for the holding and administration of the CSA accounts was published by the City on August 19th, 2024.
Operation Hope, the sole bidder, has met with City staff members to review the proposed scope of work and staff members have determined that the proposal meets qualifications.
As the contracted manger and facilitator of the Aurora’s Promise CSA program, Operation Hope will serve as custodian of the accounts and manage the program platform.
Operation Hope proposes utilizing the VistaShare digital program platform and holding the funds with US Bank. VistaShare is a platform that is used nationally by CSA programs, and US Bank is the fifth-largest bank in the United States.
Aurora’s Promise CSA program would be initiated as a pilot program, starting with CUSD 129 and CUSD 131 as the two districts serving the most low- to moderate-income students. Students in kindergarten in these schools who are Aurora residents will be eligible to opt-in to the program during the pilot phase. Students who opt-in will have an account created and an initial seed deposit of $50 will be made by the City.
Accounts will receive an additional $10 upon activation. In addition, students who qualify for free and reduced lunch will receive an extra $20.
The City will develop additional incentives in collaboration with community partners as the program grows.
After the pilot phase, additional public school districts serving Aurora resident students will be added to the program and those students whose pilot cohort grade level was eligible for participation will be eligible at that time.
In addition to holding and managing the accounts, Operation Hope proposes to achieve program goals through:
Program Setup and Initial Consultation:
Facilitating strategic planning meetings with the City and key stakeholders, including public school representatives, to establish a clear understanding of the program’s objectives, scope, and resources.
Community Engagement and Outreach:
Advise on the development of a community engagement strategy, including partnerships with local businesses, civic organizations, and parent-teacher associations. Facilitate training sessions for community leaders and school administrators on promoting the CSA program.
Implementation and Monitoring:
Act as the primary advisors during the program’s rollout, offering guidance on best practices for account setup, student and parent engagement, and data collection. Monitor progress and provide regular feedback to the City of Aurora to ensure that the program is on track.
Ongoing Support and Continuous Improvement:
Continue to provide advisory services, focusing on scaling the program and enhancing its impact. Facilitate periodic reviews of the program’s outcomes and offer recommendations for improvements
If approved by Council, the term of this Agreement will commence as of December 10, 2024 and shall continue through December, 9, 2043 (the “Original Term”), unless terminated sooner as provided in Section 6 herein.
Contractor agrees to perform the services (“the Services”) in accordance with the Scope of Services detailed in the Proposal for the duration of the term set forth herein and for any Renewal Term.
For budget year 2024 $30,000 has been budgeted to support the initial cost. Additional funding is requested for budget year 2025.
Operation Hope’s proposal includes costs for years 1-3, after which time the budget will be renegotiated and any change outside of the assumed 3% escalation will require an amendment to the agreement.
If approved, the estimated cost of the proposed agreement term shall not exceed $1,983,600.85 for December 10, 2024 through December 9, 2043.
Funding for this program will be paid from 215-1305-419.32-20 for the contract management and 215-1305-419.50-88 for the child accounts.
•An Ordinance was approved to adopt an annual budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2025 in lieu of passage of an appropriation ordinance.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of the ordinance that would, in turn, provide for the approval of the proposed 2025 City Budget.
In Illinois, municipalities may conduct their financial operations under one of two alternative frameworks: an appropriations process (65 ILCS 5/8-2-9) or a budget process (65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.1 through 9.9). On November 9, 1999, the City Council approved Ordinance No. O99-096 that placed the city on the budget system of finance in lieu of the appropriations system beginning with the 2000 fiscal year.
Mayor Richard Irvin released his proposed 2025 City Budget on October 11, 2024. The Finance Committee has met nine times during October and November to review the document. Representatives from City departments have appeared before the Finance Committee to provide additional information and answer questions on specific items of interest in the proposed 2025 City Budget.
Since the initial version of the proposed 2025 City Budget was released, the Finance Department has made a number of changes into the document at the request of the Finance Committee, the Mayor’s Office, and/or department heads.
The amounts in the 2025 Budget Preparation Worksheet reflect the amounts included in the initially proposed budget and the revisions detailed in the schedules mentioned above.
The City will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2025 City Budget in conjunction with the City Council meeting on December 3, 2024. A notice of the hearing will published in The Beacon News on Monday, November 25, 2024.
City officials anticipate they will publish the 2025 City Budget (including graphs, charts, and narrative) on or about March 1, 2025.
•An Ordinance was approved to levy taxes for the city of Aurora, Illinois, for the fiscal year January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to facilitate the City Council’s passage of the proposed 2024 property tax levies for the City
The City obtains the resources for its operations through a variety of sources. The annual property tax levy provides a major share of City revenue – approximately 10% of the revenue for all city funds and about 35% of the revenue for the General Fund.
35 ILCS 200/18-60 requires that each taxing district in Illinois determine an estimate of monies to be raised by the taxation of taxable property not later than 20 days prior to adoption of a tax levy. Estimates of the 2024 property tax levies for the City were included in the proposed 2025 City Budget released on October 11, 2024.
The proposed city tax levy totals $92,529,600 (including City debt service). This is $4,293,299 or 4.87% higher than the 2023 extensions. This change is due to a $3.119 million increase in the Police/Firefighter Pension Fund Levies. The City’s required contribution for public safety pension levies is increasing mainly due to changes to the model calculating benefits and the poor returns prevalent in the investment markets during 2023. Additionally, the debt service portion of the levy will increase to $5,750,000. The difference between the levy amount and the amount extended is an allowance for uncollectable taxes as added by the counties.
City officials anticipate that the 2024 property tax levy will result in an approximate 5.6% increase in the City portion of the tax bill as a result of the increase. The owner of a $300,000 property would experience an annual increase of approximately $87 for the City portion of the tax bill based on the estimated average EAV increase for the City overall.
While the total amount of the levy is increasing, it is anticipated that the City’s tax rate will decline for the 10th straight year. Although City officials will not have the final amount until the spring of 2025, staff members are estimating that the City’s rate will decline by approximately 1.1%. The decline in the City’s property tax rate is due to the continued increase in the City’s property tax base as measured by Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV), or taxable value.
Since 2015 the City’s EAV has increased by over $1.6 billion, and City officials estimate that the increase will be more than $2 billion when the final EAV is received in the spring of 2025. During that same time frame, the City’s tax rate has declined by 20% while property tax collections have increased by over 20%. The increase in EAV allows new money to come into the City’s coffers while simultaneously reducing the tax rate paid by City property owners. Staff members estimate that the City’s EAV will increase by approximately 6.5% for the 2024 levy.
The following are the key dates leading to the passage of the 2024 property tax levies.
11/27/2024 Proposed tax levy ordinances considered by the Finance Committee.
12/3/2024 Proposed tax levy ordinances considered by the Committee of the Whole.
12/10/2024 City Council adopts tax levy ordinances during its regular meeting.
12/31/2024 Last day for filing tax levy ordinances with the county clerks
Adoption of the 2024 Tax Levy provides required funding for the City’s General Operating, Police, and Firefighter’s Pension Funds and City operations.
•A Resolution was approved for an addendum to a Phase 2 Design Engineering Services contract with HR Green, Inc in the not to exceed amount of $256,291.09 for the Farnsworth-Bilter-Church Roadway Widening, Resurfacing and Intersection Improvements.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to approve an amendment to resolution R23-320 (Legistar 23-0792), PO# 301872 in order to cover the additional expenses that were required to perform the services included the Phase 2 design. This contract is the Farnsworth-Bilter- Church Roadway widening and resurfacing design project. This was originally approved for $1,118,218.72, design is complete but additional services were required during the design phase and these services will continue through the construction phase.
The City’s Comprehensive Plan calls for the expansion of the traffic capacity and pedestrian connectivity to match that of Kirk Road north of Butterfield Road. The Hollywood Casino intends to relocate from downtown Aurora to the area bounded by Farnsworth Ave, Church Rd, Bilter Rd, and Corporate Blvd. Rather than have the Casino expand their side of their adjacent roads, it is in the best interest of the public to expand the capacity of Farnsworth along the entire corridor which will also benefit the Outlet Mall during peak sales events since the City will also coordinate with the Tollway to open an additional lane from the existing Tollway ramp to the Outlet Mall. This project will perform services that will include but not be limited to utility coordination, geotechnical investigations and reports, land acquisition services, drainage design and permitting, contract plans, specifications and estimates and phase III support.
The original agreement assumed a project duration of eight (8) months. However, due to expansion of the scope of the project the duration extended beyond 12 months. Additional tasks included but is not limited to:
Expanded Utility Coordination-Additional Survey
-Plat preparation and property acquisition negotiation
Expanded storm sewer and detention design
Additional design coordination with development projects in the vicinity of the construction.
Additional meetingsDiscussion:
The proposal from HR Green, Inc. is to provide the above explained additional services. The additional scope and design added additional cost to the construction of this project. Typically design services of this nature are within 7-12% of the construction costs. This amendment would bring the percentage of design costs to just over 7%.
The original contract was an hours-based contract and when the scope was expanded additional cost was required. This additional cost will also cover the costs to design the truncated project as required.
This will be paid for through GO bonds and Capital Improvement Funds
Current accounts where money is held for 2024 are:
355-4060-431.73-99- $6,600,000
340-4060-431.73-99- 480,000
This additional contract cost was budgeted for 2025.
This amendment is for a design project, the construction of these design plans will cause traffic to be interrupted periodically. All staging and traffic control information is included in the design plans. This will limit the disruption as much as possible.
•A Resolution was approved to authorize the director of the Purchasing Department to execute a change order increasing the contract with R.C. Wegman for the RiverEdge Park Phase II Expansion to $23,524,379.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to increase the existing contract with R.C. Wegman to a new Guaranteed Maximum Price of $23,524,379.
The expansion of RiverEdge Park has been planned for years, dating back to at least 2017. The expansion includes a number of items to make the park more attractive to music artists, more accommodating to patrons and also various other site improvements to improve the functionality of the park during other events such as Christkindl Market. The improvements include new restroom facilities, a new backstage facility, a new VIP area, expanded hard-surface areas, site electrical improvements, a beverage service pavilion and a new entry gate at the south end of the park.
For years, customer feedback has indicated that the existing facility lacks enough restrooms and that beverage service can at times be slow with long lines. The new structures throughout the park will address these concerns. Additionally, the lack of dressing rooms, green rooms, eating areas and other amenities limits the number of acts that the facility can attract. These improvements address these concerns and also make the facility more functional for larger events such as the Christkindl Market. Earlier this year, the city awarded a contract to R.C. Wegman to begin the construction of foundations for the backstage facility, which has the longest construction timeline (R24-253). This contract increase is for the second bid package that was let In October. This second bid package includes the remaining construction of the backstage facility, as well as the three new facilities in the public portion of the park and additional site amenities. Expanding the usable portion of the park will allow an increase in attendance of approximately 1,500 patrons and will enhance the overall user experience.
Pending a mild winter, the construction will commence in late January 2025. The shell of most buildings and hard surface improvements are scheduled to be complete by late October 2025 prior to the 2025 Christkindl Market. The final improvements will be complete prior to the 2026 concert season. The 2025 budget includes $23m (A062, 355-4440-451.73-43) for these improvements which is sufficient to fund the balance of the work that is anticipated in 2025, as some costs have already been incurred in 2024. This proposed package includes approximately $1.7m in contingencies to address the anticipated difficulties for adverse weather and soil conditions. As construction progresses, future bid packages will be needed to address site fiber, furniture/fixtures/equipment (FFE) purchases and two new jumbotron purchases. The overall project has a 2025 budget of $23m (A062, 355-4440-451.73-43), it is anticipated that a budget transfer or amendment later in 2025 may be required, depending on the amount of contingency that is utilized for the park expansion. Staff members will monitor expenditures and return to Council with an amendment if and when necessary.
The park will be closed for the 2025 concert season to avoid patrons utilizing the site in unsafe conditions, with the goal of having site improvements completed prior to Christkindl 2025 and final completion prior to the 2026 concert season commencing in June of that year.
•A Resolution was approved to authorize the director of the Purchasing Department to execute a contract with National Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $800,000 to reroute fiber at RiverEdge Park.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to facilitate construction of the new facilities at RiverEdge Park, various existing fiber runs need to be abandoned and rerouted. Additionally, the new facilities and jumbotrons all need to be connected to the city’s fiber system.
As a part of the RiverEdge Park expansion, various new facilities will be constructed that are in direct conflict with the city’s existing fiber system throughout the park. By way of being awarded Kane County’s competitively bid fiber contract, the city is allowed to utilize the existing unit prices as provided to the County which satisfies the city’s purchasing requirements. In addition to the conflicts that will have significant impact on the existing fiber network, the four new buildings, three new jumbotrons, security cameras (existing and proposed) all need to be tied to the city fiber system.
National Technologies Inc. (NTI) was awarded the Kane County fiber contract, which was competitively bid; as this satisfies the City’s procurement requirements, this bid has been adopted by the city for fiber improvements throughout the city (R24-076). The proposed improvements total $744,040 and the recommended award amount of $800,000 includes a contingency of approximately 7.5%. The overall project has a 2025 budget of $23m (A062, 355-4440-451.73-43), it is anticipated that a budget transfer or amendment later in 2025 may be required, depending on the amount of contingency that is utilized for the park expansion. Staff members will monitor expenditures and return to Council with an amendment if and when necessary.
The fiber improvements will be minimally impactful, as the park will be closed for construction. Some work will be performed outside of the fence on North Broadway Avenue, however, only short term lane closures are anticipated.
•An Ordinance was approved to authorize and provide for the abatement of general obligation bond tax levies. 2024 Tax Levy Extension.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed ordinance that would serve to abate a portion of the city’s 2024 property tax levies for general obligation (GO) bond debt service.
The City has GO bonds outstanding from nine separate issues (not including library issues). The enabling ordinances related to these bonds provide for the automatic levy of property taxes to satisfy annual debt service requirements. These automatic tax levies are in place notwithstanding regular annual City property tax levies.
For several years, the City has abated all or a portion of its property tax levies for GO debt service because of other revenue sources available to cover required debt service.
For the 2024 tax levy year (taxes payable in 2025), the City is again in a position to abate a large portion of the debt service associated with the City’s GO bond issues. The total amount of this abatement would be $11,158,327.12. This amount is lower than in previous years due to the new process for paying the Library Bond Debt Service and the final debt service payments were made for the 2012B and 2019A General Obligation Bond. The debt service for the Series 2012A GO Bonds, issued to finance the main library construction project, will be abated. The debt service for the 2012A GO Bonds will be part of the library district of the levy.
Each year the City will work with the Library to ensure that the Library adopts their tax levy to include the above bond payments. This process was outlined in the Intergovernmental Agreement regarding the Library conversion to an independent district. Once receiving this levy, the City can then safely proceed with abating the “City” tax on these bonds, replacing that levy with the “Library” tax for those bonds. As long as the City and Library have Co-terminus boundaries, there is absolutely no impact to an Aurora taxpayer for this change.
Per the 2025 Budget, the sources for abatement are planned to change in 2025. In Previous Years, the City has used Real Estate Transfer Tax revenues to abate City Bonds. The actual sources of abatement revenues can be changed by the City during 2025, however the abatement amounts are set forth in the Ordinance and may not be changed after the abatement deadline at each county. The City will provide all four counties with this information in advance of the filing deadlines for levies and abatements to ensure proper calculation.
Adopting this ordinance should provide a reduction in the property taxes levied for debt service purposes per the bond ordinances on file with each respective County.
•A Resolution was approved to authorize the execution of an encroachment easement and maintenance agreement for 1125 Aurora Avenue, in Kane County.
City government of Aurora documents show the Engineering Division is requesting approval of an encroachment easement and maintenance agreement for the property at 1125 Aurora Ave. The details of the request include the construction and installation of an off-site sanitary sewer force main service line, which runs from the Property, through the right of way on E Indian Trail and Aurora Ave, to connect to existing utilities. Per the agreement, the Petitioner is responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance, repair, relocation, and replacement of the developer improvements, with no cost to the City of Aurora.
The Property is to be developed as a combination gas station, convenience store, and fast food drive-through restaurant. The City Council approved the Zoning entitlements for this development on May 14, 2024, which included a Condition of Approval that the Petitioner provide this requested encroachment easement and maintenance agreement. The Zoning entitlements included approval of a Conditional Use Planned Development, a Final Plat, and a Final Plan.
•An Ordinance was approved to annex the Property at 1681 Jericho Road to the City of Aurora, pursuant to a Water Service Agreement.
City government of Aurora documents show the Property at 1681 Jericho Road is a single-family home within unincorporated Kane County. A previous owner, Vickie Paquin, entered into a Water Service Agreement with the City on July 13, 2001, in order to receive city water. At that time, the property was not annexed into to the City of Aurora. The WSA was recorded on the property, and it runs with the property.
The Property is contiguous to City of Aurora municipal boundaries to the north (The property to be annexed is considered contiguous to the municipality, even if a railroad separates them.) and to the south as this portion of Jericho Road was recently annexed. Therefore, the proposal is to annex the property pursuant to a Water Service Agreement. The Property has City water and is paying double water rates. As a result of the Annexation, the property owner will be paying regular City water rates once annexed. The property will be annexed in with R-1 One Family Dwelling District zoning.
The Comprehensive Plan designates the Property as commercial, with the exception of the corner property at Edgelawn and Jericho, which is zoned Commercial. The area along Jericho Road primarily consists of several single-family homes.
•Approved were Ordinances levying certain special service area taxes for the fiscal year January 1, 2024 Through December 31, 2024 for Special Service Areas Number One, Twenty- Four, Forty-Four, Sixty-Three, Sixty-Five, Sixty-Six A, Sixty-Six B, Sixty-Six C, Sixty-Six D, and Sixty-Seven).
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of the 2024 property tax levies for the special service areas (SSAs) established within the city.
The City has established numerous SSAs within its corporate boundaries for a variety of purposes. Some of these SSAs are “active” and SSA property taxes are levied in support of their purposes. The remaining SSAs are “dormant.” Generally, the city has established the dormant SSAs as a contingency to enable the city to undertake focused stormwater management projects should the need arise.
Here is a schedule summarizing the proposed 2024 property tax levies for the active SSAs.
SSA 63, Near West Side Lighting. This levy is being increased by $1,300 since the 2024 levy payable in 2025 will be the final levy for this SSA.
SSA 65, Eastview Estates. This levy is being increased by $1,050 since the 2024 levy payable in 2025 will be the final levy for this SSA.
SSA 66A, Foran Lane/New Haven. This levy is being increased by $100.
SSA 66C, North Foran Lane. This levy is being increased by $100.
SSA 88, View Street. This levy was to be completed this year but there is a remaining balance of $1,404.80. This SSA will be extended and will have the final tax levy in 2025 payable in 2026.
SSA 90, Plum Street/Howard Avenue. This SSA levy is in the process of being extended and the extension will be completed in January of 2025. The levy will be effective 2025 (payable in 2026).
SSA 141 Country Squire Estates. This levy is being discontinued because the property owners in the SSA have fulfilled their financial obligation as required under the enabling ordinance.City officials recommend the City Council approve the 2024 SSA property tax levies for the City’s 13 active SSAs.
•A Resolution was approved to readopt the Illinois Emergency Management Mutual Aid System agreement.
City government of Aurora documents show the Illinois Emergency Management Mutual Aid System Agreement (IEMMAS) is an agency-based agreement between local and county governments coordinated and maintained by the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA). This IEMMAS agreement provides for mutual aid rendering between emergency management agencies that may need support, resources, and/or manpower in times of emergency or disaster, or other situations with the potential to overwhelm the local jurisdiction. The services provided are supported by highly trained emergency management professionals.
This agreement has been in place statewide since 2003, with over 150 local and county municipal jurisdictions participating, and the City of Aurora has maintained participation with this agreement since 2016.
IEMMAS is an agency-based agreement between local and county governments coordinated and maintained by IESMA. This agreement provides for mutual aid to and between emergency management agencies. The agreement submitted for resolution has been updated from the 2016 version to reflect changes to the previous agreement have become obsolete or no longer reflect the way agency to agency support is provided in the emergency management profession. Based on lessons learned from other mutual aid organizations in the State of Illinois, language has been modernized and legal framework has been updated.
Without this agreement, the City of Aurora would have to wait until a State of Illinois Gubernatorial Proclamation is delivered before support can be requested and/or provided for an emergency or disaster. Very rarely does a Gubernatorial Proclamation occur; therefore, this agreement allows local and county jurisdictions to share support, resources, and manpower much quicker at the grassroots level while still maintaining critical mutual aid concepts.
The updated agreement differs from the previous agreement in the following ways:
Focuses on the whole of the agency. This agreement provides more detail on what is considered emergency management personnel and assets. Where a jurisdiction may have equipment, staff members, or facilities that fall under the control or management of emergency management, this document takes those assets into account.
Establishment of a governing body. Although IESMA’s goal is to further the mission of emergency management, not all Counties and Municipalities who are signatories to the IEMMAS agreement are IESMA members. The new agreement establishes a governance structure for the oversight of emergency management mutual aid. IESMA will have a role in establishing this governing body and the initial governance structure, but the intent is for the IEMMAS governing body to be self-determining.
Agreement between signatories. This agreement has a single signature line where each signatory agrees to be a party to the agreement along with every other entity that has signed the agreement. The previous agreement had three signatories which gave the impression that an agreement needed to be approved for it to be in effect. The new agreement is more flexible in the execution.This updated agreement outlines provisions for:
Compensation for Aid: At no time will there be a charge to the requestor who has signed the agreement. However, in the event of third-party reimbursements, fees, grants, or insurance proceeds, the requestor shall equitably distribute those funds to the responding agency.
Risk and Liability. Except for interstate/intrastate responses, agencies providing support shall be held harmless and shall not be responsible to another party for any liability or costs arising from acts of support. All insurance provisions are procured and maintained under normal operations of the jurisdiction.There are no negative operational or financial impacts to the City of Aurora and Aurora Emergency Management Agency by the signing of this agreement. However, the decision to not sign will result in a delay of support, resources, and manpower to the community at large during the most difficult times.
•A Resolution was approved for the contract from Ray O’Herron Co. Inc. for the Purchase of Clothing and Uniforms for the Fire Department 2025.
City government of Aurora documents show the current clothing and uniform contracts are held by JCM Uniforms, Inc. expire on December 31, 2024. A new contract is needed to continue to provide contractually mandated items to the fire department members at the beginning of 2025.
Prior to the expiration dates of the current contract, the fire department with help from the purchasing department solicited bids for department clothing and uniforms to replace worn and damaged items for current firefighters and provide clothing and uniforms to new hires in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements. There were three Groups, for this year’s bid solicitation process.
As a result of soliciting bids, two submissions were received for department clothing and uniforms for the three (3) Groups.
Bidders:
JCM Uniforms Inc., Joliet, IL
Ray O’Herron Co. Inc., Danville IL
While JCM Uniforms is the lowest bid, however the requested delivery was 2 weeks for the operational readiness of the Fire Department and JCM Uniform has noted a 4-week delivery and Ray O’Herron has stated they can meet this requirement.
Therefore, the Fire Department is recommending Ray O’Herron Co as the lowest, most responsible bidder.
This bid was subject to the Local Preference Ordinance, however no local bidders submitted.
The contract shall be for one year with provisions for two, one-year extensions based upon mutual agreements.
Will require the Purchasing Department to create open purchase orders for the vendors due to the number of times that orders will be placed throughout the 2025 fiscal year.
Funds are expected to be appropriated in the Fire Department’s 2025 budget to provide $316,000 in account 101-3033-422.20-20 for the purchase of new and replacement clothing and uniforms.
•A Resolution was approved to authorize the director of the Purchasing Department to enter into an agreement with Blink Network, LLC of Bowie, MD in the amount of $68,396.25 to furnish and install five dual-port electric vehicle chargers at the new Public Works Facility and allow City staff members to negotiate the installation of additional Blink electric vehicle chargers at other locations throughout the City to establish a single, standardized charging network and revenue collection system.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain approval to install five “Series 7” dual-port chargers at the new Public Works Facility and establish Blink Network, LLC as the City’s preferred vendor and service provider for additional EV charging locations to be determined.
The City is looking to establish a relationship with a reputable vendor of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment, software, and service to support the anticipated expansion of demand for EV charging throughout the City of Aurora and its facilities. While the City-wide expansion is anticipated to occur over the next several years, City staff members need to identify this vendor now in order to include the installation of five dual-port chargers outside of the new Public Works Facility. The timing at this location is most critical not only because this project is nearing the completion of construction, but also because City staff members have been working with ComEd on securing the maximum allowable rebate being offered under their somewhat time-sensitive “Make-Ready” Electrical Infrastructure rebates, which can provide up to $8,000 per charging port for a maximum of 10 ports per location.
To start the selection process, a Request for Qualifications was sent in August 2024 directly to vendors holding Sourcewell and/or Omnia Cooperative Purchasing contracts. Following a review of the three sets of qualifications received, Blink Network, LLC was identified as the City’s preferred vendor.
After hosting a kick-off meeting with representatives of Blink and the City’s Engineering, Fleet, and Finance Departments/Divisions, City staff members then met members of Blink’s team at the new Public Works Facility to describe and layout the scope of EV charging requested for installation at that location. Based on that meeting, Blink provided the City with Sourcewell discounted pricing for that site. It should be noted that this pricing includes the cost of furnishing and installing the five Series 7 dual port chargers, two dual port chargers along the front of the building for public and staff member (personal) vehicle charging and three dual port chargers outside, behind the security fence for City-owned vehicle charging), as well as grant application support, and three years of extended warranty, network service, and the Blink care program.
In anticipation of the installation of these chargers, the City requested that the necessary electrical panels, conduit, wiring, etc. be installed previously by the electrical contractor working on the building, Aurora Wire & Fixture (AWF), at an approximate additional cost of $94,520.00 (paid using contingency funds in RC Wegman’s Construction Management contract. It should be noted that AWF’s scope included installing conduit and panel capacity for up to five dual port chargers at each of the two locations (or ten total dual port chargers), allowing ample room for future demand-based expansion.
While the City anticipates contracting with Blink on the installation of other similar EV charging stations at facilities City-wide, the scope of services to be provided under this agreement will be exclusively for the five Series 7 dual port chargers at the Public Works facility. This agreement will allow the City to install the maximum 10 charging ports eligible for ComEd’s program and seek the maximum $80,000 rebate, which would reimburse almost half of the combined construction costs described above for Blink ($68,396.25) and AWF ($94,520.00).
The City has provided Blink with its standard services contract for review and final award will be contingent upon the subsequent final review and approval by the City’s Legal Department.
The initial scope of work will be front funded as part of the new Public Works Facility and the 2024 City Budget provides funds for this project (CIP C114) using account number 355-4411-417.72-01 (Capital Outlay – GO Bonds).
Failure to bring an EV Charging consultant under contract will likely result in a missed opportunity to apply for the ComEd Make-Ready EV rebate program and install these chargers at a significantly reduced cost to the City.
•A Resolution was approved to authorize the director of the Purchasing Department to utilize Sourcewell and Omnia Cooperative Purchasing Contracts to purchase equipment for the new Public Works Facility and allow for several additional future equipment purchases.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to authorize the purchase of equipment for the new Public Works Facility.
The Public Works Department is consolidating the personnel and equipment from a handful of maintenance divisions (Electrical, Streets, Fleet, Water & Sewer, and Water Meter Maintenance) into a new, combined maintenance facility on a 25+ acre city-owned parcel near Liberty and New York Streets. Construction is ongoing and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024 or shortly thereafter.
The purchase of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (known as “FF&E”) has been included in the approved budget for the new Public Works Facility (CIP C114). The equipment to be purchased under this Resolution was all previously identified by the various divisions of Public Works as necessary for floor cleaning, snow removal and road de-icing, and lifting and transporting of materials and personnel in and around the facility and yard. Vendors participating in Sourcewell and/or Omnia were identified for each of the items, and the respective contract numbers are listed on the individual quotes included as exhibits, including:
Manitou forklift from Stevenson Crane of Bolingbrook, IL for $32,660.00,
Two Toro Workman GTX electric carts from Reinders of Mundelein, Ill. for $39,304.59
Bobcat UW56 from Atlas Bobcat of Elk Grove Village, IL for $83,863.87,
Brinex Infinity Brine Maker from Henderson Products,Inc. of Manchester, IA for $148,540.50
Tennant walk behind floor scrubber and Tennant riding sweeper/scrubber from Grainger of Lake Forest, IL for a combined $95,082.74In addition to the items summarized above, other anticipated purchases to be made in the coming months include an approximately $10,000 pallet straddle stacker, approximately $20,000 in kitchen and laundry appliances, approximately $25,000 in storage cages, lockers, and work benches, a premium cut worktable for approximately $35,000, and a handful of other smaller items. These items will each be purchased in accordance with the City’s Purchasing Policy and the project budget.
The purchase of the forklift will allow for the receipt, movement, and storage of materials within the facility and yard. The purchase of the electric carts will allow for the timely transportation of materials and personnel throughout the 25+ acre campus. The purchase of floor cleaners will allow City forces to keep the facility floors, including the vehicle parking and repair areas, clean and free of tracked in dirt and debris. The purchase of the Bobcat will facilitate the necessary removal of debris and snow from the drives, walkways, entrances, and perimeter storage areas of the campus. Purchase of the brine maker is necessary to ensure the Streets Division can produce and place brine as needed throughout the City during snow events, keeping the City’s streets safe for residents and visitors.
•A Resolution was approved to authorize the mayor or his designee to sign Memorandums of Understanding for placement of school crossing guard shelters within City ROW.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to allow placement of crossing guard shelters in the ROW.
Throughout the City, there are various crossing guard shelters on City property. There is no official process for approval of these structures. Staff members are recommending that an official process be adopted to allow for the proper review by Engineering and the Police Department.
Staff members receive requests from school districts for the placement of crossing guard shelters within the ROW. Historically, there hasn’t been an official process for approving these installations. The Law Department drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to serve as approval in moving forward. For any requests, the appropriate city departments (Engineering, APD and if needed Building and Permits) will review the proposal and determine the suitability of the location. Elements to be reviewed would include but not be limited to intersection sight clearances, impacts to adjacent properties and possible building inspections depending on the scope of construction. The MOU will also cover insurance requirements and indemnification of the city. The MOU also includes language that the district will be required to remove any approved shelter if directed to do so by the city.
Upon staff member review and approval, this resolution would allow the mayor to sign the MOU. Future MOUs will follow the same format, with minor changes to the terms based on future legal review, new placement locations and the appropriate school district.
Installation of the structures should allow for more comfortable working conditions for school district staff members.
•A Resolution was approved to authorize the appointment of Dan Halfeldt as member to the Block Grant Working Committee (BGWC).
City government of Aurora documents show every five years, the city of Aurora develops a long-term strategic plan called the Consolidated Plan, which must be submitted annually to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to receive federal funds.
As a recipient of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other federal funds from HUD, the City of Aurora must follow strict criteria in the creation and implementation of the Consolidated Plan. To comply with the city’s consolidated plan, a resolution “Adopting a Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Aurora Community Development Block Grant Program” was passed, which includes an advisory body known as the Block Grant Working Committee (BGWC). The BGWC serves as an advisory body regarding the City’s use of CDBG funds.
The BGWC is comprised of one member from each ward in the City who is nominated by the Alderman of that ward. There are also three members-at-large, appointed by the mayor and each Aldermen-At-Large. The committee works with the Neighborhood Redevelopment Division (NRD), reviewing applications and providing feedback, advising the NRD regarding fund distribution and providing recommendations for the Annual Action Plan (AAP).
Serving on the BGWC provides residents the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of available programs and address specific areas of concern in their respective wards. Members’ terms coincide with their respective Alderman’s term.
To update committee membership and provide the opportunity for all wards with a vacancy to submit candidates, an email was sent to all aldermen with a vacancy in December 2023.