Building concern for sale of pets: Aurora City Council

By Jason Crane

At the Aurora city government Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday, through the Zoom video conference platform, the City Council listened to several speakers for and against the proposed ordinance amending Chapters 2 and 9 of the city of Aurora Code of Ordinances pertaining to the sale of pets in the City.

Three of the speakers, including the owner of a pet store, emphasized the pets are healthy and well cared for.

The Aurora City Council soon plans to vote on possibly increasing restrictions on sales of pets.

Effective January 1, neighboring City Naperville government banned the sale of commercially-bred dogs and cats in pet stores.

It was stated that more than 20 municipalities have passed a humane pet store ordinance. (See photo on page 8).

• The last part of the meeting was fairly emotional for the Council when many thoughts were shared about alderman-at-large Robert O’Connor’s last meeting after serving 36 years.

O’Connor, who served as the City’s alderman-at-large since 1985 will be honored with a farewell celebration 5 p.m., Friday, May 7, outside the Aldermen’s Office, 60 E. Downer Place.

Mayor Richard Irvin shared information about 25 businesses which have opened in Aurora so far in 2021.

• Placed on unfinished business set to be discussed further at the full City Council meeting next week, was an ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to Cigarette, Tobacco, Alternative Nicotine Product or Vapor Products Dealer’s Licenses issued on or before May 15.

An ordinance would impose an additional requirement on new tobacco sale licensees in order to sell alternative nicotine products.

The purpose of this ordinance would require licensees that would like to sell alternative nicotine products, alternative tobacco products, or vapor products to obtain an endorsement to their license to sell these products.

Chapter 13 provides for licensing for the sale of tobacco, cigarette, alternative nicotine products, alternative tobacco products, and vapor products. In 2018, City Council amended the ordinance to add additional language to include alternative nicotine products, alternative tobacco products and vapor products as new items were being introduced in the market.

City government of Aurora documents show there has been a flurry of new tobacco licensees in the City, including in Ward 9, that have focused their business on the sales of alternative tobacco or nicotine products and vapor products.

Recognizing that these products are more attractive to younger persons than more traditional tobacco products, further limitations on the privilege of selling in the City may be appropriate.

At the request of Ward 9 alderman Edward Bugg, the Law Department developed the following ordinance as one possible method of addressing the situation in the short-run.

Currently, the holder of a license issued under Chapter 13 of the Code of Ordinances may offer for sale a variety of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and alternative nicotine or vaping products.

This proposal limits the privileges automatically granted under a Chapter 13 license issued on or after May 15, to the retail sale of cigarettes, cigars, and more conventional tobacco products only. In order to sell alternative tobacco or nicotine products or vape products (as the terms are already defined in the Code), a license holder would need to receive an endorsement on that license from the City treasurer. This new requirement will not affect the holder of any existing license nor will it impact the ability of an existing license holder to renew its license with full rights.

At the same time, the ordinance prohibits the City treasurer from issuing these new endorsements for alternative tobacco or nicotine and vapor products without further authorization from the City Council — effectively creating a moratorium to afford the City Council additional time to study the issue and consider other changes to its tobacco licensing process.

The proposed ordinance does not impact existing tobacco licensees or any entity which completes its application on or before May 15. This will have the effect (intended as a short-term effect) of preventing new entities from selling these alternative products until the Council completes its review of the situation.

The City Council gave consent to the following agenda items:

• Consent was given to a resolution requesting approval to increase the contract with Melrose Pyrotechnics by $30,000 for the 2021 Independence Day fireworks display.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to safeguard citizens and maintain social distancing, the City of Aurora is planning two fireworks displays to be done simultaneously Friday, July 2.

Fireworks were previously done on Veterans Island with additional activities at McCullough Park and RiverEdge Park. Both locations were very heavily attended. By splitting into two locations it will disperse the crowd and thereby allow for a larger viewing audience

As an additional side note, RiverEdge Park will not be open until mid-July this year and the FVPD has activities at Prisco Center until approximately 9 p.m. that evening.

At this time, locations are being discussed with the idea of one show on the northwest side and one on the southeast side. This will allow for social distancing, while providing adequate viewing areas, and be accessible to a large number of people. The actual shoot sites will be blocked off, which will encourage viewing from nearby homes, parks, and other open areas.

There are adequate funds for fireworks in the Special Events budget line.

Last year’s show was canceled and per the contract half of the contract price, $20,000 was paid. Melrose then put that toward the 2021 show.

Special Events is working closely with the Aurora Police Department Traffic Division on the public safety aspect. Other City departments and divisions will be brought in to assist as deemed necessary.

• Consent was given to a resolution to approve the contract to remodel and add a gender-neutral bathroom from F.H. Paschen S.N. Nielson & Associates, LLC, in the amount of $159,993.

The resolution is to obtain approval for the remodeling of the bathroom and addition of a gender-neutral bathroom at the Aurora Central Fire Station.

City government of Aurora documents show Aurora Central Fire Station opened on 12/22/80 and is 41 years old. The bathroom scheduled for remodel is the original bathroom from 41 years ago. Only minor updates have been made over the years (new faucets due to old ones no longer working, plastic shower surround added over the original shower stalls) other than that it is all original. At this time, tiles are popping up, the shower surrounds are coming unglued from the walls and floor, and the sinks have to be rodded out every year due to pipe narrowing in the old iron pipes.

The remodel is important as the Aurora Fire Department has hired female firefighters. The current setup only has one facility with showers. This addition will increase functionality for all members of the department.

Through the City’s Job Order Contracting Services Program, F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates, LLC, the City received a quote to remodel and add a unisex bathroom. Per the JOC program, all contractors use the same RS Means scale to price the services, the City receives a 7% discount from the cost. The quote to remodel and add a Unisex bathroom at Aurora Central Fire Station is for the total price of $159,993.

F.H. Paschen is using local vendors. Douglas Flooring, Nedrow Decorating, Artlip and Sons, BDK doors, Floorguard, Paul Buddy Plumbing and FH Paschen Carpentry.

The City Electrical Department will be used for any of the electrical work that is being done.

As part of the 2021 decision package, the Fire Department has $160,000.00 available in an account.

• Consent was given to a resolution to enter into a donation agreement with Metropolitan Family Services for the installation of a Playful Learning Project Educational Monument at the Marie Wilkinson Community Gardens.

City government of Aurora documents show Playful Learning is a project that transforms everyday public spaces where families work, play, and live into opportunities to learn. It is made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Chicago Children’s Museum, exhibit designer; Metropolitan Family Services, implementation partner; Fox Valley United Way – SPARK, community anchor organization; CME Group Foundation, donor; Crown Family Philanthropies, donor; Dunham Foundation, donor; Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, donor; Robert R. McCormick Foundation, donor; and the Steans Family Foundation, donor. It brings together the science of learning and urban design to infuse cities with playful learning opportunities.

Playful Learning has specifically designed an educational monument for the perimeter of the Marie Wilkinson Community Gardens. The monument will encourage playful educational discussion between children and adults as they interact with the monument.

Playful Learning project plans to install the educational monument in the first week of June. The monument is designed to withstand outdoor elements. Upon completion of the monument, the City will accept ownership and maintenance responsibility.

• Consent was given to a resolution to amend approved resolution R20-311, dated December 22, 2020, from Data Defenders LLC, 111 Jackson Blvd, Suite 1700, Chicago IL 60604 for $1,601,730.00. Total amount is not to exceed $3,202,215.00 over a five-year contract.

The city of Aurora government, Information Technology (IT) Division is seeking to expand the scope of managed security services to include the City of Aurora Operational Technology (OT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) infrastructure.

In addition to IT components, this amendment will cover SCADA, the centralized system that monitors and controls the water treatment and distribution systems (including mains and storage) for the entire City. This supervisory system gathers data on the process and sends the commands control to the process.

Gartner, the City’s technology advisor, defines operational technology (OT) as, “Hardware and software that detects or causes a change through the direct monitoring and/or control of physical devices, processes and events in asset-centric enterprises, particularly in production and operations.”

Goal # 1: Implementing a Cybersecurity Program, Operation, and Technical Infrastructure of the City’s OT Infrastructure which will include the following components:

Service Additions:

1. eSentire esNetwork Managed Detection and Response Service.
2. esEndpoint Detection and Response Powered by CrowdStrike Services.
3. Sentinel SEIM Management (includes Security Device Management or 3 devices).
4. Vulnerability Management

Goal# 2: Adding the following Professional Services Tasks:

Service Additions:

1. Risk Assessment
2. Internal/external penetration testing.
3. vCISO professional services.
4. Threat intelligence analysis (incident response).

Goal # 3: Implementing Okta end-to-end identity management point solution.

Service Additions:

1. Single sign on, multi-factor authentication, lifecycle management, universal directory, API.
2. Access management.
3. Training- Okta essentials
4. Okta Support-Premier Success Package.
5. Design & integration services.
6. Platform management.

Benefits:

Data Defenders’ Data Shield managed security service is a comprehensive solution that aligns with all key life-cycle components for a management, cybersecurity operations and cybersecurity/technical infrastructure management. Adding the OT Infrastructure (aka Water Treatment Plant SCADA system) will reduce risk and enhance the security posture of Critical Infrastructure for the City of Aurora residents.

While this total expense appears to be a major increase to IT expenses, the current IT budget is above $10 million when all departments are considered and as such, this expense equates to 6% of total IT expenses over 5 years. This investment is prudent to reduce risk, maintain operational and business continuity in the cyber domain.

Cyber protection is a necessity and the City will face increasing insurance costs without the above protective measures. Furthermore, the potential cost of a substantial breach could be many times this 5-year $3.2 million investment in protecting the City.

• Consent was given to a resolution authorizing the issuance of a certificate of approval for a plat of subdivision for certain territory located within the unincorporated area of Kane County and within one and one half miles from the corporate limits of the City.

The petitioner, Morningstar Community Church, is requesting that the City of Aurora grant consent of a Plat of Subdivision for the property located at 3003 Prairie Street, which is within one and a half miles of incorporated Aurora, as required by the Illinois Municipal Code, Sec. 65 ILCS 5/11-12-12.

City government of Aurora documents show the subject property is currently located in unincorporated Kane County. The subject property is approximately thirteen (13) acres and is located at the southeast corner of Prairie Street and Barnes Road. The subject property contains the Morningstar Community Church and an accessory, detached dwelling. The church building is approximately twenty-two thousand, three hundred (22,300) square feet and the detached dwelling is approximately one thousand, nine hundred (1,900) square feet. The subject property is contiguous to incorporated Aurora on the west side of Barnes Road.

The petitioner is requesting that the City Council grant consent of a plat of subdivision as the subject property is less than one and a half miles from incorporated Aurora, which requires the city of Aurora to provide a certificate of approval. The petitioner has already completed the necessary review and approval processes with Kane County’s offices that would allow them to make this request for consent with the city of Aurora. As indicated in the qualifying statement that has been provided by the petitioner, Morningstar Community Church is subdividing the subject property into two parcels: one parcel will be approximately 10.4 acres that will include the church, and 1.9 acres that will include the detached dwelling.

City staff members have reviewed the plat of subdivision petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner based on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.

The petitioner has stated that the church’s intentions is to subdivide the detached dwelling so that it can be sold. Church services will continue following the sale of the dwelling. There are no additional development review processes required by the city of Aurora at this time.

• Consent was given to a resolution requesting ratification of professional services for IT project management office (PMO) Framework and Toolkit with Crowe, LLP, 225 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago, in the amount not to exceed $60,000.

City government of Aurora documents show the City of Aurora IT Division is seeking assistance from Crowe to develop an IT PMO Framework and Toolkit to help build the PMO, including components identified in the statement of work in section 3. This also includes facilitating 1 quarterly update and equipping IT leadership to facilitate future updates to the Aurora Technology Plan (also called “IT Strategic Plan). Goals include:

1. Establish IT PMO standards and governance model.
2. Build IT’s capacity to lead and manage technology project with improved success and proactive strategy that support the goals of the city and its various stakeholders
3. Strengthen communication and processes across city department stakeholders in working with IT to implement projects that have a technology component.
4. Improve consistency across all projects, relating to scoping, analysis, development, launch, and ongoing support.
5. Enhance transparency of project through clear reporting and dashboards that show status, identify issues with mitigation strategies, and include escalation procedures.
6. Update the City’s technology plan with quarterly prioritization and stakeholder collaboration.
7. Provide ad hoc coaching and support to city IT project managers.

One of the guiding principles of the IT Division evolution outlined in the Technology Strategic Plan is the “One IT” concept, which focuses on creating cooperative and collaborative IT service provision. A critical component of this model was the City of Aurora’s 2018 establishment of an IT project management office (or ‘PMO’).

Over the past year, the Project Management Office has significantly matured and expanded its capacity. Currently, the PMO manages around 50 IT specific projects across the city from one centralized department. The PMO has a series of qualified project managers and analysists who together, have established a consistent customer experience methodology, standardized processes, and increased the success rate of implementing strategic initiatives.

A key factor to the success of the IT PMO is implementing a framework and governance model. The summary above illustrates the four main phases for the PMO’s project management methodology, and the foundational tenets of communication and cybersecurity and technology risk management. This framework and governance model will guide the City through the implementation of all technology programs, projects and initiatives.

The benefits include delivery of a product that will help support IT PMO to lead and manage technology projects with improved success and a proactive strategy that support city goals; strengthen communication and processes across stakeholders in working with IT to implement projects that have a technology component; improve consistency across all projects, and enhance transparency of projects.

This project/decision package was cut from $60,000 to $30,000 as a part of the 2020 budget process with the remaining funds to be budgeted in 2021 which was also approved. Funds are available from approved 2020 decision package, consulting fees. $55,340 has been expended.

• Consent was given to a resolution authorizing the sale of obsolete and surplus property using JJ Kane Auctioneers.

The purpose is to sell surplus vehicles and equipment efficiently and equitably through auction.

City government of Aurora documents show the city of Aurora has sold City-owned vehicles and equipment through public auctions for more than twenty years. Prior to sale, the Fleet Maintenance Division removes all City decals, license plates, insurance cards or other identification. Police vehicles are restored to a monochromatic paint scheme and all law enforcement lighting and equipment is removed.

In 2021, following trade-ins and salvages, it is projected that the City will have approximately twenty-one (21) used surplus vehicles remaining to sell.

The City has utilized JJ Kane Auctioneers for many years to efficiently sell vehicles and equipment. Their auction yard is located at the Beloit, WI location. The auctions are open to the public and conducted by internet. There are no fees charged to the City other than the transportation charge of the vehicles to the auction yard which is deducted from the final sale proceeds.

The 21 projected vehicles to be sold through auction are mostly older Ford Crown Victorias.

Some of the projected vehicles that are still operable will be retained until later in the year. This temporary addition to the fleet will provide vehicles for City divisions that employ seasonal staff.

The proceeds from the sale of vehicles are recorded as revenue.

• Consent was given to a resolution approving the purchase of bulk rock salt in the amount of $81.13 per ton from Compass Minerals America Inc. Overland, Kansas for the Division of Street Maintenance under the DuPage County Joint Purchasing Agreement Bid for the 2021-2022 winter season.

The purpose is to obtain City Council approval for the purchase of bulk rock salt in the amount of $81.13 per ton from Compass Minerals America Inc. for the Division of Street Maintenance under the DuPage County Joint Purchasing Agreement Bid for the 2021-2022 winter season.

City government of Aurora documents show the bulk rock salt is used to melt snow & ice from City streets, making them safer for vehicular traffic. The City will divide the road salt purchase again this year between DuPage County Department of Transportation and the State of Illinois. By dividing our road salt orders between two government agencies soliciting bids, we hope to have two different suppliers. This will provide alternate source of salt deliveries should one of the two providers be unable to make timely deliveries.

The City anticipates purchasing from Compass Minerals America Inc. Approximately 7,500 tons (50% of the City’s annual order) of bulk rock salt for the 2021-2022 winter season. Compass Minerals has mutually agreed to accept the renewal for the 2021-2022 winter season at the same pricing as the 2020-2021 winter season. The City will not order any salt until this fall as the current storage is full. This will preserve cash flow over the summer.

Local preference does not apply since the City is not participating in a Joint Bid through DuPage County.

$900,000 has been budgeted for this expense in the 2021 account and the department does not anticipate going over budget with this approval.

• Consent was given to a resolution Authorizing Well Maintenance Services for Well No. 26 for the Water Production Division in an amount not to exceed $180,000.00 to Layne Christensen Company, Aurora

The purpose is to obtain City Council authorization for Layne Christensen Company (Layne), 721 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora, IL, to perform all necessary services as described in Layne’s proposal letter (attached) to return Well No. 26 to full operational and functional status.

City government of Aurora documents show Well No. 26, located at 2026 Nottingham Drive, is a deep well with the pump and motor setting at 775 feet below the surface and is normally capable of supplying approximately 800,000 gallons of water per day. The well’s pumping equipment experienced a failure on March 16, 2021. Preliminary testing from the surface by both Water Production Division (WPD) staff and Layne indicated an apparent electrical problem with the Flowserve-Byron Jackson 2400-volt, 250 horsepower, submersible well pump motor. In order to determine the exact cause of the motor failure the well pump/motor assembly must be removed from the well for inspection and further testing. Under a not-to-exceed purchase order of $25,000.00, Layne has completed the removal of the pumping equipment and confirmed that an electrical grounding occurred within the motor making it inoperable. The normal time for a complete electrical repair of this type of motor can be up to twelve weeks. Thus, the WPD will work with Layne to have Well No. 26 operational as soon as possible as we head into the high water demand summer season.

The total estimated cost of all proposed and recently completed work by Layne to restore Well No. 26 to operational status is $176,405. A detailed breakdown of the estimated costs is presented in Layne’s proposal letter.

The city entered into a professional services agreement (PSA) with Layne in 2020 under Resolution No. R20-083, which provides a 5% discount on all labor and field services and a 10% discount on specialized services performed by Layne. Layne will perform all work on a time and material basis and will only be compensated for the actual work performed per the terms and conditions of the PSA. In addition, Layne is the sole regional factory authorized source for repair services of Flowserve-Byron Jackson pumps and motors utilized by the Water Production Division.

• Consent was given to a resolution requesting approval for additional contracts as a part of the Intrado Next Gen E911 system improvements to Intrado Life and Safety Solutions for $20,160, to Word Systems, LLC for $6,690 and to Sentinel Technologies, Inc. for $14,822 for integration with the Intrado Viper NG911 phone system.

City government of Aurora documents show on July 28, 2020, The Aurora City Council approved the selection of the Intrado Viper Next Generation 911 (NG911) system to replace the existing Patriot 911 system to comply with the next generation 911 State mandate.

The implementation of the NG911 system is currently underway and technical design completion has revealed the need for additional equipment and services to integrate the NG911 system with the current City telephony and 911 recording systems.

At the time of selection, it was understood that the NG911 system could fully operate as a part of the City’s network using existing equipment. During technical design, it was determined that the NG911 solution needed two additional routers to integrate with the City’s network. Intrado will supply these routers as part of the complete NG911 system at a monthly cost of $336 which is $20,160 over the 60-month term of the contract.

The City utilizes the NICE Recording system (NICE) for logging and synchronizing 911 calls placed to the City’s 911 Call Center. To integrate the NICE system with the NG911 system, additional services are required from Word Systems, LLC, totaling $6,690.

The City utilizes the Cisco Unity Call Manager system (Call Manager) for all inbound and outbound calls to City locations. To integrate Call Manager with the NG911 system, additional services are required from Sentinel Technologies, Inc., totaling $14,822. Sentinel is the City’s existing partner for Cisco equipment and services.

During technical design of the NG911 project, it was determined that to comply with the State-mandated next generation 911 mandate, three additional integrations were needed with existing City systems.

The NG911 system needs to be integrated with the City network, but also be isolated to ensure appropriate levels of service. To accomplish this, Intrado will supply and maintain two routers that will provide a specific subnetwork for the NG911 system.

The NICE system integration requires acquisition of services directly from Word Systems, LLC as they are the sole provider of the NICE system.

Sentinel Technologies has been the provider of Cisco equipment and services to the City for many years and in fact built much of the existing Call Manager system. City staff determined that Sentinel’s in-depth knowledge of the City’s existing telephony infrastructure made them the clear choice to provide this integration.

These two integrations are a part of the 2020 Decision package that was carried over into the 2021 budget at $782,000 for the upgrade/replacement of the E911 phone system (page 169 of the adopted 2021) budget. Account number 211-3537-421.38-13.

Without the implementation of these two integration points, the City will be unable to meet the State mandate to supply NG911 services.

• Consent was given to an ordinance Amending The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020 and Ending December 31, 2020 (Amendment #1 For The 2020 Fiscal Year).

The purchase is to obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed amendment to the 2020 City Budget.

City government of Aurora documents show pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.1 through 9.10, the City of Aurora operates under the budget system of government finance. The City Council adopted the 2020 budget on December 10, 2019 through the passage of Ordinance No. O19-092.

While the city attempts to anticipate all potential expenditures for a fiscal year when that year’s budget is developed, circumstances occasionally arise that require expenditures that were not contemplated in the original financial plan. 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.6 permits a municipality operating under the budget system to amend its annual budget by a two third’s vote of its governing body.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and civil unrest incidents presented unique challenges to resource allocation (budgeting) throughout the fiscal year. Some funds such as Motor Vehicle Parking System and Transit were hit very hard by the pandemic and other funds such as the General Fund and Water Funds weathered the pandemic in a stable fashion. The following information explains how each account/fund is amended to show changes in revenues and expenses to account for such items as the receipt of CARES Act Funding and the necessary usages of this funding both in the General Fund and through subsequent transfers to other funds that required support due to lost revenues in fiscal year 2020.

Below is an explanation for each change in the 2020 budget. The item numbers discussed below correspond to the item numbers assigned to each change detailed in Exhibit A.

Item 1: Grants-Local Government/Cares Act, General Fund (Revenue Increases of $11,000,000). These items adjust the budget to account for the COVID-19 grant funding from the Cares Act.

Items 2 and 22: Grants/Other, General Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $1,000,000). These items adjust the budget to account for the COVID-19 grant for winterization and expansion for capacity at Hesed House.

Items 3 and 23 through 30: HOME Program (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increases Totaling $2,251,000). These items adjust the budget for the actual annual HOME Program allocation to the city. At the time the 2020 budget was prepared we did not have final allocation information. The amounts included in the original 2020 budget reflected only an estimate of the allocation.

Items 4 and 31 through 34: ESG Program (Offsetting Revenues and Expenditures Increases Totaling $902,100). These items adjust the budget for the COVID-19 CDBG funding allocation to the city.

Items 5 and 35 through 41: Block Grant Fund (Offsetting Revenues and Expenditures Increases Totaling $1,870,200). These items adjust the budget for the actual annual CDBG Program allocation to the city. At the time the 2020 budget was prepared, we did not have final allocation information. The amounts included in the original 2020 budget reflected only an estimate of the allocation.

Items 6 and 43: Economic Development, TIF #14 Lincoln/Weston Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increases $1,500,000). These items are associated with the old Copley redevelopment project.

Items 7 and 44: Economic Development, TIF # 4 Bell Gale Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $29,200). These items adjust the budget for the payment of an economic development agreement.

Items 8 and 47: Economic Development, Business District Tax Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $97,800). These items adjust the budget for the actual revenue received for the newly created business district and the payment of an economic development agreement.

Items 9 and 49: Route 25 Transit Center, 2017 GO Bond Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $506,000). These items adjust the budget to account for the grant received for the pedestrian bridge /Route 25 capital project.

Items 10 through 13 and 50 through 59: Debt Service Fund (Revenue increase of $923,200 and Expenditure Increase Totaling $757,000). Items 10 through 13 and items 50 through 53 are offsetting for the adjust to the library’s general obligation bonds ($923,200). Items 54 through 59 adjust the budget to reflect the removal of the 2009A and 2009B principal and interest payments and adding the 2019 bond principal and interest payments. In 2019 the Series 2009A and 2009B bonds were refunding by the 2019 GO bonds. The 2020 budget was completed before the 2019 GO Bond issue.

Items 14 and 18: Transfer from General Fund to MVPS Fund ($400,000). These items provide resources to the MVPS fund to cover costs and loss of revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Items 15 and 19: Transfer from General Fund to Transit Centers Fund ($1,100,000). These items provide resources to the MVPS fund to cover costs and loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Items 16 and 21: Transfer from General Fund to Employee Health Insurance Fund ($1,000,000). These items provide resources to the Employee Health Insurance Fund to cover costs for health insurance.

Items 17 and 20: Transfer from General Fund to Water and Sewer Fund ($1,000,000). These items provide resources from the Cares Act funding to the Water and Sewer Fund to assistance with COVID-19 delinquencies.

Items 42: Economic Development, TIF #13 River/Galena Fund (Expenditure Increases $14,000). These are associated with the Hobbs redevelopment project. (Consulting Fee)

Items 45 and 46 Economic Development, TIF #8 Fund (Expenditure Increase of $347,600). The first item is for the TIF redistribution and the other item is for an economic development agreement.

Item 48: SSA#24 Eagle Point Fund (Expenditure Increase Totaling $5,400). This item adjusts the budget to account for additional expenditures during 2020.

Item 60: Fire Pension Fund (Expenditure Increase Totaling $560,100). This item adjusts the budget to account for pensions during 2020 that were higher than expected.

Item 61: Police Pension Fund (Expenditure Increase Totaling $520,000). This item adjusts the budget to account for pensions during 2020 that were higher than expected.

If the proposed budget amendment is approved, budgeted expenditures in the 2020 budget will increase from $462,178,913 to $476,039,313. Amended revenues for the 2020 budget will increase from $436,172,284 to $459,751,784. As such, no additional tax dollars or revenues collected at a local level were changed/increased to financially manage through the pandemic through the end of 2020. Further, actual expenses in 2020 based on unaudited numbers are $185,725,476 in the General Fund, which is $14,358,696 below the amended budget and total expenses across all City funds are $359,315,609 which is $116,723,704 below the amended total budget of $476,039,313.

• Consent was given to a resolution authorizing the purchase of the maintenance agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) of Redlands, California in the amount of $46,000.00, for the annual maintenance of Arc Geographic Information System.

The purpose is to provide annual maintenance and support for the ArcGIS System. This is an annual maintenance cost.

City government of Aurora documents show the City of Aurora has standardized on ESRI software for Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping. This software is utilized by GIS staff, as well as several departments throughout the organization. It also interfaces with and provides mapping information for the Sensus’ water meter reading system, Development Services’ land files and TrakIT, Public Works JULIE tickets, and the City’s 911 Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

• Consent was given to a resolution accepting the public improvements, waiving the maintenance security, and accepting and executing an Intergovernmental Agreement ( the “Agreement”) by and between the City of Aurora and East Aurora School District No. 131 regarding the maintenance of street curb for the completed EASD – H.S Expansion, COA Case No. 16.040, located at 417 5th St., Aurora.

The purpose is to accept the public improvements installed by the Developer of this project, to waive the normally required, one-year maintenance security for these improvements and to accept and execute the agreement.

This is a development that expanded site development for the existing EAHS property. In accordance with Section 43-55(a)(3) of Aurora’s Municipal Code, the Developer of the Project posted a security to ensure completion of these improvements including, Detention Pond improvements, roadway improvements, water main improvements, erosion control. Additionally, the agreement has been added to resolve an outstanding issue associated with curb work along Gates Street that was approved as part of the developments required improvements, but was not installed.

• Consent was given to a motion authorizing and directing the Director of Human Resources to execute a settlement agreement on behalf of the City in Workers Compensation Claim #188878878.

• Consent was given to a motion authorizing and directing the Director of Human Resources to execute a settlement agreement on behalf of the City in Workers Compensation Claim #188922092.

• Consent was given to a motion authorizing and directing the Director of Human Resources to execute a settlement agreement on behalf of the City in Workers Compensation Claim #188679387.

• Consent was given to a resolution authorizing the execution of a redevelopment agreement between the city of Aurora and Magick Woods, a Business Located at 1600 Sequoia Drive, to Facilitate the Company’s Expansion and Long-Term Commitment to Maintaining Operations in the City of Aurora.

The purpose is to retain a major manufacturing business within the City limits of the City of Aurora.

City government of Aurora documents show Jones Lang LaSalle representing Magick Woods, a manufacturer supplying kitchen and bathroom cabinets to Home Depot and Lowe’s, approached Invest Aurora seeking relief from real estate taxes as part of an incentive package the company was evaluating to remain and expand in Aurora or relocate to North Carolina. The expansion would assure the addition of 50 high paying new jobs added to the 90 currently in place. Magick Woods was working with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for an EDGE grant that when completed would assure the company’s presence in Aurora for at least the next 10 years. Jones Lang indicated that relatively high real estate taxes was an impediment to the deal moving forward and asked COA for assistance. The obvious challenge was providing some measure of help given that real estate assessments are not in the City of Aurora’s purview. The city share of real estate taxes is about 20% of the total and school district 129, the majority recipient of property tax revenues was not able to participate. Despite these impediments, COA agreed to facilitate working closely with Invest Aurora as collective research concurred with Magick Woods’ determination that taxes were above market and keeping this longstanding expanding business in Aurora was a high priority.

After investigating several avenues, Invest Aurora and COA decided to work on a two-pronged approach. The first was to evaluate the likelihood that real estate taxes could be lowered and if successful, a mechanism whereby COA could offer a limited “backstop” to these lowered assessments and taxes. Invest Aurora and COA discussed its research with the Aurora Township Assessor’s Office to see if current assessments could be lowered in the coming tax year. The timing was fortuitous as the assessor was in the process of evaluating assessments for this industrial sector. The assessor determined that the building that currently houses Magick Wood’s operations (1600 Sequoia Drive) and the building they are planning to lease and expand into subject to a final decision to remain, (1455 Sequoia drive) should be lowered by approximately 7.3%. As the chart below indicates, the new assessments for the two buildings is $16,476,930 or a decrease of $1,210,616 which equates to an annual tax saving of about $126,000.

The second step was creating a mechanism whereby COA will assure that the economic benefit of these tax savings inures to Magick Woods regardless of how these assessments may fluctuate. The procedure reflected in the RDA is triggered if assessments rise more than 2% above the base assessment for 2020 on a non-compounded basis in a given year for either Magick Woods’ existing building or for their new building for which they are responsible to pay taxes above a base year. Should that occur, COA will rebate 50% of the “city share” of the tax bill excluding pensions ($34 million in 2020 payable in 2021) and city debt service levy of $4.0M. This excludes any other taxing district levy.

This agreement will be in effect either until COA has rebated $256,289 or ten years.

Approval of the RDA will assure a high probability that Magic Woods will both remain in Aurora and expand their operations. At least 140 jobs will be protected. The City’s reputation of being a proactive partner both with the State and local businesses will be enhanced.

• Consent was given to a resolution authorizing the execution of a historic preservation grant agreement with Jerry E. Metzger and Rosemary Gardner for 741 Wilder Street to receive up to $9,000 toward removing the current cedar shake roof and installing a new cedar shake roof.

The property is within the Riddle Highlands Historic District. The building is an owner-occupied, one unit. The building was built c. 1925 in the Tudor Revival style.

On March 11, 2021, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the 30 applications submitted for the 2021 Historic Preservation Grant Program. The application process was highly competitive with many worthwhile projects. Based upon the available funding, the Historic Preservation Commission originally ranked nine applications as being the most deserving for funding and recommended those applications for approval by City Council. One applicant decided not to accept the grant this year. The Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the remaining applications at their April 8, 2021 meeting and ranked four additional applications as being most worthy with 741 Wilder Street being the top choice.

• Final approval for items on the consent agenda are set to be made at the May 11 Aurora City Council meeting.