Fox Valley Developers, City, receive Award at Aurora COW

By Jason Crane

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) presented one of seven Regional Excellence Awards to Fox Valley Developers for their Bloomhaven development, former Copley Hospital in Aurora, and city government of Aurora, at the Aurora City Council Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, Tuesday, April 18.

The 2023 awards program from CMAP celebrates seven projects and leaders who exemplify the ingenuity and dedication that makes northeastern Illinois a better place thanks to strong leadership, bold ideas, and a shared responsibility to improve quality of life for the nearly 8.6 million in the region.

Information from a CMAP press release stated the following: The Bloomhaven development in Aurora turned a blighted health facility, originally built in 1888, into a mixed-use development delivering essential services and amenities to residents of different ages and abilities.

Bloomhaven features Weston Bridges, a first-of-its kind independent living community for people with intellectual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities, and the Bardwell Senior Living Residences, an independent living community for seniors. East Aurora School District 131 operates its headquarters on site, and a five-acre park and playground connects to the surrounding neighborhood with trails and walking paths.

The project, created by Fox Valley developers and championed by City officials, represents a $129 million investment in Aurora’s Bardwell neighborhood. It has turned a 330,000 square-foot health facility that had been vacant since the mid-1990s into an innovative living community, helping revitalize the area for the residents there and the surrounding communities. A video of the presentation can be viewed after the 2 minute mark on the city government of Aurora’s Facebook page by clicking here.

• Representatives from HelloFresh/Factor 75 gave a presentation about efforts and investment the company is making to address concerns by neighboring residents about light, noise, and air pollution from the facility at the corner of Orchard Road and Indian Trail on Aurora’s West Side.

The property once was home to retail establishments and was granted special zoning for manufacturing and distribution.

At a City Council meeting recently, residents with properties near the facility complained about noise and air pollution claiming it’s impacting their health, property values, and overall quality of life. A video of the presentation can be viewed after the 22 minute mark on the city government of Aurora’s Facebook page by clicking here.

• There was a presentation of Invest Aurora’s annual report. A video of the presentation can be viewed after the 55 minute mark on the city government of Aurora’s Facebook page by clicking here.

• There weren’t any individuals present who signed up to use their voices for up to three minutes each.

The City Council gave consent to the following agenda items likely to be placed on the Tuesday, Apr. 25 full City Council agenda:

• Consent was given to a Resolution approving the appointment of Viviana Ramirez as director of the Community Services Department.
• Consent was given to a Resolution approving the appointment of Viviana Ramirez as director of the Community Services Department.
• Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing and approving an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the city of Aurora government and the village of North Aurora for public safety platform and information technology related support services.

City government of Aurora documents show since at least 2010, the City has been providing a public safety platform and information technology-related support services (911 services) to the Village of North Aurora (VoNA). This IGA formalizes this relationship and provides for standardized pricing of those 911 services.

The city of Aurora government has been providing dispatch services, radio network support, software licensing, and access to the Illinois State Police Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) to VoNA since at least 2010. Chargeback by the City to VoNA for these services during this time was done on an annual basis, but was never formally put forth in an IGA.

Discussions to formalize this agreement between Police and IT personnel from the City and VoNA began in 2020 when VoNA was exploring the potential of utilizing 911 services from the City. At that time many discussions occurred between the two municipalities and software vendors on developing a usage-based pricing model. However, not all of the software vendors were able to delineate usage by municipality.

These discussions ultimately led to the proposed model which is based upon the percentage of sworn officers between the two municipalities. It was agreed that an annual service level review (SLR) will be conducted between the two municipalities to ensure alignment on services rendered by the City and appropriate pricing for those services.

This IGA would become effective in January 2024 with billing for 2023 services to be presented in February 2024.

By approving this IGA the agreement for providing 911 services would be properly formalized and provide clear, consistent, annual pricing as well as structured annual reviews of service provided.

• Consent was given to a Resolution to approve the purchase of computer equipment from Dell, Inc., Round Rock, Texas in an amount not to exceed $250,000.

City government of Aurora documents show this purchase will allow City IT staff members to continue to provide replacement and new computers for City staff members for the remainder of 2023.

Prior to 2023, City IT staff members budgeted for replacement computers, annually. During the 2023 budget cycle, staff members brought forth a device as a service (DaaS) decision package to have a partner efficiently and cost-effectively manage the procurement, deployment, and disposal of City computer assets. This decision package was not approved for the 2023 budget.

City government IT staff members have standardized on Dell computers for employee use, at the beginning of 2023 and City IT staff members worked with City Finance staff members to create a purchase order $50,000 for Dell computer purchases. Any expenses that exceed this $50,000 total would need to be brought to Council for approval.

Without a DaaS agreement in place, City IT staff members needed to continue with individual, direct purchases from Dell via the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) cooperative, contract number MHEC-04152022.

The total request for this resolution is for $250,000 which includes:

• $50,000 for the initial 2023 purchase order described above
• $150,000 for additional city-wide computer purchases
• $50,000 for the purchase of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) computers for the new primary and backup Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and Emergency Management Authority (EMA) location.

The PSAP computers will replace computers that are more than seven years old and no longer performing adequately. The purchase of these PSAP computers will be made using existing Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) funds and a budget transfer will be submitted for account # 211-1280-419.64-12.

A budget amendment will be submitted to City Council requesting $150,000 in additional funds to account 101-1280-419.64-12 for city-wide computer purchases for the remainder of this year. This budget amendment and the existing previously budgeted balance in 101-1280-419.64-12 will cover the expenses for city-wide computer purchases for this year.

Fully one-third of City staff members computers need to be replaced annually in addition to any new devices purchased. Without these funds, computers would be utilized that are beyond warranty and beyond useful life which will increase costs to the City.

In addition, the computers at the primary and backup PSAP locations are more than seven years old and no longer performing adequately. Continuing to utilize these computers will adversely affect public safety functions.

• Consent was given to a Resolution to award a contract to Geneva Construction Co. in the amount of $9,471,220.17, and to appropriate $3,800,000.00 of MFT Funds for the 2023 City Wide Street Resurfacing Project.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to award the construction contract for the 2023 Resurfacing Project and to appropriate Motor Fuel Taxes (MFT) by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Resolution for MFT Section No. 23-00000-00-GM.

The City maintains nearly 1,300 lane miles of streets with a pavement wearing surface life expectancy of 20 to 25 years. This Construction Contract includes the resurfacing of 43.4 lane miles of streets throughout the City. In 2021 the City resurfaced 35.7 lane miles, and in 2022 the City resurfaced 40.6 lane miles of streets (some work is still remaining to be completed this calendar year).

Bids were opened and publicly read on April 5, 2023. Another bid was received and determined to be non-compliant. The lowest responsible bid was submitted by Geneva Construction Co. of Aurora, Ill. in the amount of $9,356,220.17 which is 1.05% less than the Engineer’s Cost Estimate. Geneva Construction Co. is IDOT Certified and has previously completed work for the City of Aurora on a number of resurfacing projects, including the 2020 and 2021 programs, and federally funded resurfacing projects. Due to the funding source, the local preference ordinance does not apply.

There are additional roadways in Ward 9 that were not in the bidding documents which will be paid for with Ward 9 funds, in the amount of $115,000.00. Therefore, City officials are requesting that the award and purchase order be made in the amount of $9,471,220.17, which is the low bid value of $9,356,220.17 plus an additional $115,000.00.

IDOT requires City Council appropriation of Motor Fuel Taxes prior to expenditure of funds.

Construction is expected to begin in May and be substantially completed by November. Each street will be under construction for 8 to 10 weeks and will have some impact to local traffic.

• Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the director of the Purchasing Department to enter into an agreement with TAT Enterprises in the amount of $112,832.00 for the resurfacing of lot A in ward 2.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to resurface Lot A at the northwest corner of the intersection of Spruce Street and River Street.

The City performs ongoing annual maintenance of all the public use parking lots throughout the downtown. Usually this consists of sealcoating and restriping, however in the case of Lot A, sealcoating is not an option due to the condition of the lot and the level to which it is deteriorated. It is anticipated that Lot A will be utilized more this year than in years past, as construction activities are anticipated on both sides of the river. Resurfacing the lot will improve not only the aesthetics but will make the parking lot safer for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

This contract also includes patching in Lot Q, which is at the southwest corner of Water and Benton Streets.

This project was advertised publicly, with bids due, opened and read aloud at 2 p.m., April 4th 2023. Of the five bids received, the lowest responsible bid was submitted by TAT Enterprises, Marengo, IL in the amount of $112,832.00.

It was anticipated that this lot could be sealcoated, which is significantly less expensive than resurfacing. With the change in scope to a more expensive rehabilitation approach, a budget transfer will be needed to award this project.

This project was subject to the Local Preference Ordinance, but the lowest Aurora contractor was outside the percentage allowed to match.

A budget amendment has been submitted to account 520-4432-437.38-05 to fund this project.

While most of the activities will be contained within the lot, there will be times where traffic is impacted for short periods of time at the entrances on Spruce, Cedar and River Streets. It is anticipated that the lot will be closed for approximately 2 weeks while the work occurs.

• Consent was given to a Resolution awarding Total Property Management Maintenance of Monee, Ill.as the 2023 contractor with a possible 1-year extension for Lawn Mowing Services (as a part of the Special Lawn Mowing Support program) within the City of Aurora Illinois for an amount not to exceed $90,000.00.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council approval for Total Property Management Maintenance to be the contractor for the Special Lawn Mowing Support Program which provides these services for eligible seniors and individuals living with disabilities.

Senior and Disability Services is responsible for identifying gaps in services/resources for seniors and individuals living with disabilities, then producing innovative ways to provide supplementary solutions to enhance their life and legacy as residents in the City of Aurora. During the 12 stop Senior Listening tour, lawn mowing support was identified as a significant need amongst this population, and this is the response to this identified need. Last year City officials piloted this program serving 50 residents and this year are scaling the program to serve 75 identified residences.

A formal bid request was sent out to identify a contractor to provide lawn mowing services for the 75 eligible private residential properties within the City of Aurora Illinois. A response was received from 2 vendors, Total Property Management Maintenance of Monee, Ill. and Cox Landscaping of Yorkville, Ill. being the only responsible bidders. Total Property Management Maintenance was the lowest bidder.

This bid is subject to the local preference ordinance; however, it did not impact the decision.

Contract will be for 1 year with the option to extend for an additional two years upon mutual consent between the City and the vendor.

Funding for Senior and Disability Services, for lawn mowing services, as a part of the Special Lawn Mowing Support program will be account 101-1372-440.50-80.

This resolution must be approved in order to provide lawn mowing services for identified and eligible seniors and individuals living with disabilities (as a part of the Special Lawn Mowing Support program) within the City of Aurora Illinois limits.

• Consent was given to a resolution requesting approval to append resolution R22-098 dated 4/12/2022 from Data Defenders LLC, 111 Jackson Blvd, Suite 1700, Chicago 60604 for $208,326.00.

City government of Aurora documents show the city of Aurora government Information Technology (IT) Department is seeking to expand the scope of managed security services to add additional service components and to expand service coverage throughout the City’s technology infrastructure.

The City of Aurora is requesting expansion of Data Defenders services to include delivery of MSS service components, products, and/or tasks to the City’s current DataShield® managed security services subscription.

The addition of these annual software subscription add-ons will enable additional endpoint device security, protections, and management capabilities to the City’s cybersecurity program. As threats become advanced and persistent, Data Defenders has advised the City Senior IT leadership that it is prudent and necessary to implement enhanced point solutions that advance the City’s cybersecurity program to continuously mitigate threats against the City’s technology enterprise. An assessment of the City’s overall cybersecurity program identified area of improvement addressed by the point solutions that are being proposed in this change order that would further enhance the City’s cybersecurity.

Data Defenders is recommending the additional software services as described in the following section.

Product #1 – Qualys Patch Management Software Annual Subscription Add-on.

Data Defenders will acquire an annual software subscription add-on of the Qualys Patch Management module as part of the current Data Defenders DataShield® MSS Vulnerability Management service to expand the vulnerability and patch management capabilities. This add-on will enable Data Defenders and the City to implement more effective remediation of the City employee computing devices (“endpoints”) as vulnerabilities are identified through the current Qualys vulnerability scanning module in place. This add-on will enable more efficient management and oversight of the remediation process which support the objective of hardening the City’s endpoints to reduce the risk of successful cyberattacks against the City’s technology infrastructure and data.

Product #2 – CrowdStrike Data Loss Prevention Software Annual Subscription Add-on

Data Defenders will acquire an annual software subscription add-on of the CrowdStrike Data Loss Prevention module as part of the current Data Defenders DataShield® MSS Endpoint Detection and Response service to expand the endpoint protection and management capabilities. This software add-on will enable Data Defenders and the City to implement effective data loss prevention capabilities to enhance data protection capabilities for the City.

Product #3 – Keeper Security Password Management Annual Subscription

Data Defenders will acquire an annual software subscription add-on for the Keeper Security Password Management SaaS solution as part of the current Data Defenders DataShield® MSS Privilege Access Management service. This software add-on will enable Data Defenders and the City to implement privilege access management solution to provide an enhance endpoint and application security functions to protect the City’s technology infrastructure and data and to more efficiently manage and enforce password standards across the City technology enterprise.

Item description, contract year, and cost:

Qualys Patch Mgmt Add-On: 2023, $17,175.00; 2024, $17,175.00; 2025, $17,175.00; total: $51,525.00.

CrowdStirke device control: 2023, $4,500.00; 2024, $4,500.00; 2025, $4,500.00; total: $13,500.00.

Keeper security password management: 2023, $47,767.00; 2024, $47,767.00; 2025, $47,767.00; total: $143,301.00.

Original total order form DS-003 (R22-098) $3,538,912.20.

Total new order form 208,326.00.

Revised grand total for DataShield MSS Cost $3,747,238.20.

A budget transfer will be required for the additional services to account # 101-1283-419-32.80

These recommended additional services will provide enhanced cybersecurity protection and these protective measures are needed to close identified gaps in the City’s existing cybersecurity program.

Request approval to append resolution R22-098 dated 4/12/2022 from Data Defenders in the amount of $208,326.00 over the remaining three years out of the total five-year contract.

• Consent was given to a Resolution to award a one-year contract for remote desktop connectivity software to Optiv Security, Inc., of Denver, CO, for $38,771.43.

City government of Aurora documents show the City IT Department manages more than 1,200 computing devices, most of which is done manually. This leads increased downtime for City staff members and increased support time for IT staff members as service of these devices is performed in person.

At this time, when corrective action is needed on City staff member computing devices, either IT staff members travel to employee locations or City staff members bring the device to City Hall.

This leads to unnecessary downtime for the staff member and increased employee travel time between City Hall and employee location

The IT Department desires to utilize secure methods to connect remotely to computing devices and perform the corrections necessary. This will significantly decrease downtime, increase efficiency and reduce travel to and from City Hall.

The city engaged Marketplace.city to find a Remote Desktop connectivity software provider.

Process Overview:

— Created Market Landscape with 25+ companies

— Created Opportunity and Scope document based on Aurora IT needs

— Based on the market landscape and City Stakeholder review, publicly posted and distributed the Opportunity and Scope Document for vendors to complete in order to be included in the reporting and selection process.

— It was posted and distributed on 5/4/22 and closed 5/25/22.

— There were 7 responses completed by the deadline

— After reviewing their proposals, Aurora stakeholders met with a subset of these respondents to get a better sense of their solution capabilities.

— Stakeholders submitted final scoring resulting in the recommended solution – BeyondTrust from Optiv Security

IT staff members have selected the BeyondTrust solution delivered by Optiv Security as it was the leader across all scoring categories and individual scoring submissions, providing the consensus choice.

Additionally, the BeyondTrust solution integrates seamlessly with the previously purchased IT Service Management (ITSM) solution from Ivanti that was approved in R23-004

IT staff members have requested a one-year pilot of the BeyondTrust solution. If deemed successful by IT staff members, a decision package will be submitted for a multiple year contract for 2024 and beyond.

Funds are available in 101-1280-419.38-11 – Computer Software – for this purchase.

The City IT Department manages over 1,200 computing devices, most of which is done manually. This leads increased downtime for City staff members and increased support time for IT staff members as service of these devices is performed in person.

• Consent was given to a resolution to use CTS Fire and Safety, Montgomery, IL as the primary low-voltage cabling vendor and NTI National Technologies, Downers Grove, IL, as the secondary vendor for 2023 City of Aurora low-voltage cabling needs for an amount not to exceed $100,000.

City government of Aurora documents show City IT staff members request the ability to quickly react to networking issues city-wide that have been identified as low-voltage cabling (wiring) issues. By establishing primary and secondary vendors, staff members can shorten the repair and remediation timeline.

Since 2018, when the City has solicited bids for low voltage cabling, CTS Fire and Safety (“CTS”) and NTI National Technologies (“NTI”) have consistently been the low bidders and performed quality work for low-voltage cabling repairs, remediation and extension of existing services.

CTS and NTI have extensive knowledge of the City’s network and cabling requirements and both have exceeded expectations of City staff members.

In the last four years, repairs totaling $240,000 have been provided by CST and NTI. Based upon recent wiring failures at significant City buildings in 2022, City IT staff members are requesting $100,000 annually.

Over the last several years, issues with substandard or improperly connected cabling have been the cause of diminished services at several City buildings. These have resulted in loss of connectivity to city closed circuit cameras, door access controls (card readers) not working properly, disconnected or limited wireless access points and overall degraded access to city on-premises and cloud-based computing services.

City IT staff members desire to utilize CTS and NTI once cabling issues have been identified to quickly remediate the issues and provide a high-level of quality service to city staff members.

Per Section 2-336 (a) allows the City Council to award contracts without formal bidding.

Funds in account 101-1280-419.38-05 will be utilized for these purposes.

Approval of this resolution will allow City IT staff members to quickly work with both vendors to repair and remediate issues with existing City network low-voltage cabling. This request will have a positive impact as the City of Aurora will get what has proven to be the most competitive pricing over the years and expedient repairs of cabling issues.

That this resolution be approved and the director of the Purchasing Department be hereby authorized to issue purchase orders for services described in this resolution to CTS Fire and Safety, Montgomery, IL as the primary low-voltage cabling vendor and NTI National Technologies, Downers Grove, IL, as the secondary vendor for 2023 City of Aurora low-voltage cabling needs for an amount not to exceed $100,000.

• Consent was given to a Resolution requesting ratification for emergency low-voltage cable remediation from, NTI National Technologies, Downers Grove, Ill. in the amount of $91,477.00.

City government of Aurora documents show this resolution is requesting emergency repairs to City network low-voltage cabling that remediated issues concerning public safety services at the Aurora Police Department.

Technology requirements at the Aurora Police Department headquarters (APD) have increased significantly. In recent years, APD has issued laptops, body cameras and non-lethal tasers to all officers and sworn personnel. These deployments have increased the demands for access to technology throughout the APD campus and have exposed areas of deficiency regarding network infrastructure.

These targeted repairs within the APD headquarters were completed in the Aurora Police Headquarters, Training and Support building, and internal Parking Garage.

The targeted repairs within the APD headquarters were extremely critical as they addressed failures in the Wi-Fi services that were affecting the day-to-day operations of police officers. The Wi-Fi services are essential to support the network infrastructure for uploading videos from body cameras and updating Records Management System (RMS) reports. Without these services, officers would have been unable to access important information or upload crucial evidence, which could have negatively impacted their ability to serve and protect the public.

Furthermore, the affected areas where the repairs were made, such as the Training and Support building, Parking Garage, and main building, were high-traffic areas where officers frequently utilize the Wi-Fi network to access vital information. As such, the emergency repairs were necessary to ensure that these critical services remained effective and operational.

It is worth noting that the repairs required the coordination of multiple stakeholders, including IT, Public Facilities, Police, and strategic partner NTI National Technologies, to isolate and fix the network failures in these areas. Their quick response and ability to perform emergency repairs were critical to restoring the services and minimizing any disruptions to public safety operations. Overall, the repairs were significant in ensuring that the APD could continue to operate effectively and serve the community.

Per Section 2-335 (a) (4) authorizes this exception to the competitive bid process.

These services were completed in 2022 and funds in account 101-1280-419.38-05 were utilized for these purposes.

These repairs were needed to maintain and deliver the network infrastructure needed to support public safety services to the residents of the City.

• Consent was given to a Resolution approving an inter-governmental agreement with the City of Aurora/Aurora Fire Department and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

City government of Aurora documents show this is an inter-governmental agreement between the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority for the City to provide Fire suppression, Hazardous material, and EMS response.

The purpose is to ensure that the Aurora Fire Department and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority have a working agreement that allows the city to be reimbursed for fire protection and other services rendered on behalf of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

To ensure the highest degree of safety in the operation of the Illinois Tollway, the tollway adopted Resolution No. 5458, authorizing the tollway to (i) enter into agreements with fire protection districts and municipal fire departments bordering its rights-of-way for the provision of adequate fire protection services, and (ii) provide reimbursement for such services at the scheduled rates set forth therein.

To keep residents and visitors to the community with access to fire suppression and emergency medical services the City of Aurora/Aurora Fire Department agrees to the terms set forth in the agreement with the Illinois Toll Highway Authority.

This agreement creates a path for the City of Aurora to work with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority to provide fire and EMS related services for the general public.

• Consent was given to a Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from BC Aurora, LLC d/b/a Bonchon at 4302 E New York St, Unit #118). [Ward 10]

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to increase the number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. A new restaurant in the City of Aurora, BC Aurora, LLC d/b/a Bonchon, at 4302 E New York St, Unit #118, has submitted a liquor license application for your review.

This request is presented in accordance with the 2011 amendment to the City’s Liquor Ordinance, specifically Section 6-9(a), which charges the City Council with the authority to determine the number of licenses available in each classification.

BC Aurora, LLC d/b/a Bonchon has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption. Bonchon is in a shopping center, therefore, a minimum of 30 seats are required for a liquor license. If approved, this liquor license will allow the sale of alcohol during business hours. Bonchon offers a full menu including Korean fried chicken and other main dishes.

If approved, this resolution will increase the number of allowable liquor licenses to allow for the issuance of the license by the Liquor Commissioner. City staff members have been working with the business owner to ensure that all requirements for a liquor license, as set forth in Chapter 6 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, are met.

The proposed resolution presents an opportunity to further the City of Aurora’s economic development and to bring additional business and people to the City of Aurora.

Staff members recommend that this resolution be approved.

• Consent was given to a Resolution to award the 410 Hill Av Water Main Lining project in Wards 3 and 7 to Superior Excavating Co. in the bid amount of one hundred forty-six thousand three hundred fifty-five Dollars and zero Cents ($146,355.00).

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to line the existing 6” water main that has a history of breaks.

Closures of entrances to the business will be kept to a minimum during construction.

Two bids were received, opened, and read aloud on March 29, 2023. The lowest responsible bid in the amount of $146,355.00 was submitted by Superior Excavating Co. The water main improvements will be funded with account 510-4058-511-73-02 (IC076) which has a 2023 budget amount of $11,950,000.00.

This project was subject to the Local Preference Ordinance, however no local contractors submitted.

There will be lane closures on each of these local roads during the duration of the project. Water shutdowns during the project will be planned and residences will be notified to minimize impact. Impacts to traffic and residents will be kept to a minimum.

• Consent was given to a Resolution to award the California Ave Water Main Replacement project in Ward 6 to Stokes Excavating Inc. in the bid amount of three hundred twelve thousand one hundred thirty seven Dollars and zero Cents ($312,137.00).

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to replace the existing 6” water main that has a history of breaks.

Closures of entrances to the business will be kept to a minimum during construction.

Five bids were received, opened, and read aloud on March 29, 2023. The lowest responsible bid in the amount of $312,137.00 was submitted by Stokes Excavating Inc. The water main improvements will be funded with account 510-4058-511-73-02 (IC076 & IC080) which has a 2023 budget amount of $11,950,000.00.

This project was subject to the Local Preference Ordinance, however no local contractors submitted.

There will be lane closures on each of these local roads during the duration of the project. Water shutdowns during the project will be planned and residences will be notified to minimize impact. Impacts to traffic and residents will be kept to a minimum.

• Consent was given to a Resolution to authorize the director of the Purchasing Department to execute a contract with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Aurora, Ill., in the amount of $131,500 for water main flushing.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to maintain water main quality throughout the water distribution system.

Regular maintenance of the water distribution system is necessary to keep the system working well. One component of the maintenance program is water main flushing.

The velocity of the water flowing through most water mains is usually low, therefore as time passes any solids in the water tend to settle at the bottom of the pipe. Though harmless, these solids can be stirred up when there is an increase in flow velocity from events such as main breaks or hydrant use.

Crawford Murphy and Tilly (CMT) was selected to update and maintain a computer model of the City’s distribution system. The model is utilized for various purposes including identification of the necessary valve closures to produce the flow rates required to remove sediment from the mains. Due to their knowledge of the computer model, CMT is uniquely qualified to provide this professional service as well as direction to city employees during the flushing operation.

This contract will provide for the services of one staff member full time and second person part time from CMT to direct the program. The remaining 4-6 team members required each day will come from the Water and Sewer Maintenance and Engineering Divisions. It is estimated that during the three months that the flushing is ongoing, approximately 15% of the system will be flushed.

The water main flushing ($131,500) will be funded with account 510-4063-511-38-68 which has a 2023 budget amount of $200,000.

Generally, the impact is minimal, however users may notice a slight discoloration of water during and for a short time after the flushing procedures. Motorists may be stopped intermittently while the crews are working, and some lane closures are to be anticipated. The City will use localized signs alerting residents to the fact that flushing is ongoing and will use the City’s social media outlets to alert the general public. Any users that could be more adversely impacted are given specific notice to allow them time to modify any processes that may be affected due to the temporary change in the water.

• Consent was given to an Ordinance approving a revision to the Life Storage Centers, LLC, Plan Description on 5.48 Acres, for Property at 1650 North Randall Road.

City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner Life Storage is Requesting a Plan Description Revision to the Conditional Use Planned Development on the property at 1650 North Randall Road which includes incorporating the Mini-Storage, Common Corridor Units (3342) use, as well as the establishment of the minimum parking requirement as one (1) space per four thousand (4,000) square feet of gross floor area, to the existing Plan Description.

The Property is zoned B-2(C), Business District – General Retail with a Conditional Use Planned Development. This is the Life Storage Centers subdivision. The Property is approximately five acres, and includes the existing storage building to the west, which is approximately forty-one thousand (41,000) square feet, and the existing multi-tenant commercial building to the north, which is approximately nine thousand (9,000) square feet. The Comprehensive Plan designates the Property as Commercial, and this portion of N. Randall Rd. as Arterial. The existing Plan Description was approved per O06-112 on October 24, 2006, and the existing Final Plan was approved per R06-440 on October 24, 2006.

The Petitioner, Life Storage, is requesting approval of a Plan Description to the Conditional Use Planned Development on the property at 1650 North Randall Road. Details of the request include adding the Mini-Storage, Common Corridor Units (3342) as a permitted use, and establishing the minimum parking requirement as one space per 4,000 square feet. The Plan Description also includes changes that allows for the existing 224 square foot monument sign to remain, and to also remain at its current setback of 16 feet from the exterior property line on North Randall Road.

Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting the approval of a Final Plan Revision, which includes construction of a three-story building for indoor storage, which will be approximately 59,000 square foot building. The new building will be built on the existing parking lot that fronts on N. Randall Rd. The existing 9,000 square foot multi-tenant retail building to the north will also be converted to indoor storage. There are 92 proposed parking spaces, which exceeds the minimum parking requirement of 47 parking spaces. The proposed building’s exterior will be an EIFS material that is similar to the Property’s existing western building. The existing northern building’s exterior material, which is a combination corrugated steel and masonry, is being updated for the proposed indoor storage. The Final Plan also maintains an Ingress/Egress easement from North Randall Road to the existing daycare facility to the west.

Staff members have reviewed the Conditional Use Ordinance Planned Development Revision 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.

Public input: Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter. As of the date of this memo, staff members have received a public inquiry seeking clarification as to the nature of the proposal.

Findings of fact:

1) Will the establishment, maintenance or operation of the conditional use be unreasonably detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare?

Staff members believe that because the site is already built out, that the establishment, maintenance or operation of the conditional use will not be unreasonably detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare.

2) Will the conditional use be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted or substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood; factors including but not limited to lighting, signage and outdoor amplification, hours of operation, refuse disposal areas and architectural compatibility and building orientation?

Staff members believe that because the conditional use is allowing for the current use to continue and expand based on its already built out nature, that it will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity.

3) Will the establishment of the conditional use impede normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district?

Staff members believe that, because the self-storage use is already in place on the built out Property, the establishment of the conditional use will not impede normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district.

4) Will the proposal provide for adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, and/or other necessary facilities as part of the conditional use?

Staff members believe that the proposal adequately provides for these items as the site is already built out.

5) Does the proposal take adequate measures, or will they be taken to provide ingress and egress so designed to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets?

Staff members believe that the proposal does take adequate measures to provide ingress and egress to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets.

6) Does the conditional use in all other respects conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located, except as such regulations may in each instance be modified by the city council pursuant to the recommendations of the condition?

Staff members believe that conditional use is in conformity with the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located. This is reflected in the Plan Description Revision.

Policies and guidelines:

The Staff members Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:

14.1 (4): To encourage quality site design throughout the City of Aurora.

31.1 (2): To promote the development of commercial facilities in existing or planned commercial areas.

51.1 (3): To actively promote and pursue the retention of businesses and industries presently located within the City of Aurora.

• Consent was given to a Resolution approving a revision to the Final Plan for Life Storage Centers Subdivision, at 1650 North Randall Road for a Mini-Storage, Common Corridor Units (3342) Use. (Life Storage – 23-0104 / AU08/1-23.068-CUPD/R/PN/R – SB – Ward 5)

City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Life Storage, is requesting a Final Plan Revision for the property at 1650 North Randall Road, to allow for the construction of a new, approximately 58,000 square foot building, as well as the conversion of an existing 9,000 square foot commercial building, for Mini-Storage, Common Corridor Units (3342) use.

The Property is zoned B-2(C), Business District – General Retail with a Conditional Use Planned Development. This is the Life Storage Centers subdivision. The Property is approximately five acres, and includes the existing storage building to the west, which is approximately 41,000 square feet, and the existing multi-tenant commercial building to the north, which is approximately 9,000 square feet. The Comprehensive Plan designates the Property as Commercial, and this portion of N. Randall Rd. as Arterial. The existing Plan Description was approved per O06-112 on October 24, 2006, and the existing Final Plan was approved per R06-440 on October 24, 2006.

The Petitioner, Life Storage, is requesting the approval of a Final Plan Revision, which includes construction of a three-story building for indoor storage, which will be approximately fifty-nine thousand (59,000) square foot building. The new building will be built on the existing parking lot that fronts on N. Randall Rd. The existing nine thousand (9,000) square foot multi-tenant retail building to the north will also be converted to indoor storage. There are 92 proposed parking spaces, which exceeds the minimum parking requirement of 47 parking spaces. The proposed building’s exterior will be an EIFS material that is similar to the Property’s existing western building. The existing northern building’s exterior material, which is a combination corrugated steel and masonry, is being updated for the proposed indoor storage. The Final Plan also maintains an Ingress/Egress easement from North Randall Road to the existing daycare facility to the west.

Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting approval of a Plan Description to the Conditional Use Planned Development on the property at 1650 North Randall Road. Details of the request include adding the Mini-Storage, Common Corridor Units (3342) as a permitted use, and establishing the minimum parking requirement as one space per 4,000 square feet. The Plan Description also includes changes that allows for the existing 224 square foot monument sign to remain, and to also remain at its current setback of 16 feet from the exterior property line on North Randall Road.

Staff members have reviewed the Final Plan Revision 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.

Policies and guidelines:

The Staff members’ Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:

14.1 (4): To encourage quality site design throughout the City of Aurora.

31.1 (2): To promote the development of commercial facilities in existing or planned commercial areas.

51.1 (3): To actively promote and pursue the retention of businesses and industries presently located within the City of Aurora.

• Final approval for items on the consent agenda are set to be made at the April 25 Aurora City Council meeting.

• Information/Discussion Only – Request to proceed with corrective actions to address drainage related issues within the Right-of-Way utilizing stormwater funds with the approval of the Infrastructure and Technology Committee while following the appropriate procurement procedures.

City government of Aurora documents show localized drainage issues within the right-of-way are frequently presented to the public works department by residents and businesses in the spring of each year.

Spring rain events often result in drainage concerns presented by the residents of the City of Aurora. Engineering staff members are in the process of investigating several other similarly sized drainage issues that may need to be addressed with these funds as well with the remaining funds.

It is anticipated that all four of these locations and potentially more are being investigated, will individually cost less than $25,000 and will therefore be addressed via the informal bid process. Due to their size and spread out locations, it is not anticipated that there would be a significant cost savings by packaging them together in a formal bid package. By utilizing the informal bid process, City officials are able to utilize smaller local contractors who do not have the bonding capacity to bid on larger infrastructure projects. If a drainage issue is identified later in 2023 that would cost over $25,000, then the formal bid process would be utilized and the project would be presented to this committee for approval. Account 280-1852-512-81-01 (B010) has a 2023 budgeted amount of $200,000 to address these types of drainage concerns.

Minor and short construction projects would commence at each of the proposed locations which will result in temporary road closures.

• Information was shared about three resolutions including the approval of a final plan for Lincoln Prairie by Del Webb Subdivision, Phase 2A and 2B generally located at South of Wolf’s Crossing Road and East of Eola Road (Pulte Home Company – 23-0090 / WH18/2-22.279-Fsd/Fpn – TV – Ward 9)

City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Pulte Home Company, is requesting approval of a Final Plan for Lincoln Prairie by Del Webb Subdivision, Phase 2A and 2B, generally located south of Wolf’s Crossing Road and east of Eola Road which includes the Phase 2 construction of an age-restricted single family residential subdivision.

The Property is approximately 105 acres of vacant land which is part of Lincoln Prairie Planned Development District. This property was annexed into the City of Aurora in December of 2002 pursuant to an approved Annexation Agreement. A Plan Description was also approved at the same time which zoned this area for general manufacturing uses. At that time, the City was interested in having an industrial area to relocate existing industrial uses that were in operation throughout the City in incompatible residential neighborhoods. However, that industrial vision never came to fruition and this property has sat undeveloped.

In February 2021, the City approved the Wolf’s Crossing Subarea Plan which redesignated the future land use for this area as primarily low-density residential use. In April of 2021, the City Council approved a revision to the Annexation Agreement and Plan Description which zoned this property for single-family residential uses. A Preliminary Plat and Plan for the Lincoln Prairie by Del Webb Subdivision was also approved at the same time which consists of 550 age-restricted single family residential homes. In February of 2022, the City Council approve a Final Plat and Plan for Lincoln Prairie by Del Webb Subdivision, Phase 1A and 1B which consisted of 169 age restricted single family lots.

The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan for Phase 2A and 2B. The details of the request include the second phase of construction for the Lincoln Prairie by Del Webb Subdivision. This phase consists of 158 age-restricted single family residential homes within the gated community. The gross density is 1.44 dwelling units per acre for the second phase. Access into this Phase will be via a gated entrance from a full access off Eola Road and via a non-manned gated entrance from a full access off Route 30.

The development has been broken down into a series of Scenic, Distinctive, and Echelon lots. Lots 252-262 are considered Scenic lots which have a minimum of 44’ in width and 5,280 sq. ft.; Lots 186-251, 371-382, 432-462 are considered Distinctive lots which have a minimum of 50’ in width and 6,000 sq. ft.; and Lots 159-185 and 362-366 are considered Echelon lots which have a minimum of 64’ in width and 7,680 sq. ft.

The proposed building elevations are the same as Phase 1 and keeping with the same series as the lots. The Scenic Series homes vary in size from 1,502 sq. ft. to 1,595 sq. ft. There are three models with six different elevations per model. The Distinctive Series homes vary from 1,646 sq. ft. to 2,060 sq. ft. There are four models with six to seven different elevations per model. The Echelon Series homes vary from 2,213 sq. ft. to 2,754 sq. ft. There are three models with five to seven different elevation per model. The elevations are mostly one-story with a two or three car garage. The homes are clad in vinyl siding with several models having some masonry on the front elevation. Some elevations are accentuated by vertical board siding, square shingles in the gable end, columned porches, and/or decorative trusses. Loft and sunroom are offered on all models and basements are offered on the Distinctive and Echelon Series.

Sidewalks and trails are being built throughout the development. There are several stormwater detention facilities being expanded or constructed within this Phase, some of which are located on the adjacent off-site parcel to the south to meet the runoff requirements.

The Final Plan proposal includes a full Landscape Plan consisting of street and lot trees, a variety of landscaping around the stormwater detention facilities, foundation landscaping, and landscaping throughout the open spaces to help buffer the community.

The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plat for Phase 2A and Phase 2B of Lincoln Prairie by Del Webb Subdivision. Phase 2A includes the creation of a 158-lot subdivision with Lots 159-262, 362-366, 371-382, and 432-462 being developed for age-restricted single family residential lot. The private roads are on the Lot 561. Lot 555 is being re-platted and will house the amenity center along with a stormwater detention facility and wetland area. Lots 563, 564 and 565 will be used for open space and Lots 562 and 566 contains stormwater detention facilities. Phase 2B includes the creation of a 1-lot subdivision which will serve as a private drive from Phase 2A to Route 30.

Concurrently with this proposal, the Final Plats and Final Plan for Phase 2 are generally consistent with the approved Preliminary Plat and Plan.

Staff members have reviewed the Final Plan petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances, except for the items reflected in the conditions listed in the Staff members recommendation below.

Since the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting which was held on February 8, 2023, the Petitioner has revised the Final Plan and Plat. The revision includes some minor adjustment to several lots to allow for some reconfiguration of easements and to ensure the required setbacks from property lines were being met. In addition, Pulte has seen a stronger demand for the larger homes, therefore 38 Scenic Series lots have been converted to the Distinctive Series lots resulting in a net reduction of 6 single family residential lot.

Since the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting which was held on February 8, 2023, the Petitioner has revised the Final Plan and Plat. The revision includes some minor adjustment to several lots to allow for some reconfiguration of easements and to ensure the required setbacks from property lines were being met. In addition, Pulte has seen a stronger demand for the larger homes, therefore 38 Scenic Series lots have been converted to the Distinctive Series lots resulting in a net reduction of 6 single family residential lot.

This is the second development in the Overall Lincoln Prairie Planned Development which is one of the largest developments within Ward 9 and within the City of Aurora since the early 2000’s housing boom. The age-restricted community is providing for diversity in housing to accommodate the needs of Aurora’s population.

Policies and guidelines:

The Staff members’ Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:

11.1(3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.

11.1(5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.

12.1(3) To encourage residential development in close proximity to places of work, shopping and recreation.

20.0 To insure the provision of decent housing and a quality living environment for every resident of Aurora.

21.0(1) To promote access to housing opportunities for all economic, racial, religious, ethnic and age groups.

21.1(2) To promote a wide variety of housing types.

23.1(3) To encourage quality design and practicable innovations in both housing structures and site developments to encourage quality design and practicable innovations in both housing structures and site development.

23.1(10) To promote the provision of paved roads, sidewalks, utilities and other public works and improvements to each residence within the City through subdivision requirements or special assessments.

71.1(3) To work toward accomplishing complete utilities, including water mains and separated storm and sanitary sewer in all parts of the City.

Recommendations:

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended conditional approval of the Resolution Approving a Final Plan for Lincoln Prairie by Del Webb Subdivision, Phase 2A and 2B generally located at South of Wolf’s Crossing Road and East of Eola Road with the following conditions:

1. The Final Plan Approval is contingent upon Final Engineering Approval.
2. That the Final Plan be revised to indicate the location of the non-manned gate along Del Webb Boulevard.

• Information/Discussion Only – Charitable Solicitation Application for Walter E Truemper American Legion Post 1944’s Annual Poppy drive on May 26, 2023 to May 27, 2023.