By Jason Crane
Mayor of Aurora, Richard Irvin, proclaimed May 3 as Aurora Fire Chief Gary Krienitz Day in Aurora at the Aurora city government City Council meeting Tuesday, April 26.
Chief Gary Krienitz is set to retire May 3 after a 25-year career. Appointed chief in February 2016, Krienitz is the 17th chief in Aurora Fire Department history. Prior to that, he was the City’s fire marshal and served in various ranks at the Department since 1997. He is a graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora.
Chief Krienitz announced deputy chief Dave McCabe as the new chief and operations chief Dan Osman as the new deputy chief. Both positions are pending City Council approval.
• Two individuals used their voices for up to three minutes each:
Aurora resident, Marjorie Logman said, “I come with care for the city of Aurora, not to tear it down.
“Of late, it has become a shiny object like the featured car at the dealership. Everyone is applauding success, but those of us who have looked under the hood have found the fancy car has some mechanical issues.
“In trying to bring that forward, a group of us has been under intimidation, through calls, E-mails, and cars driving by, only because we care.
“I pulled back to grapple with this and the loss of camaraderie. I rarely come into town now, and find myself, if I do, looking over my shoulder.
“As Aurora has broadened its light to the State, and nationally, I’m grateful to those I’ve been able to pass the mantle to, with more skills than I to investigate things the small group has started.
“Development and progress are great, but when done without integrity, it loses its value.”
• Former alderman of Aurora’s Fourth Ward, Rick Lawrence was back for a second week to express his concern about the approved senior housing complex to be developed on the same land where the recently-demolished Jericho Circle complex was. The proposed public housing complex would be operated by Aurora Housing Authority (AHA).
Lawrence said, “When I was an alderman, and we worked to solve the mess down at Jericho Circle and deal with the AHA, I learned a lot of things.
“A lot of hustlers in the supposed help for the poor or those in need in the housing business. A lot of money in those housing projects. (You) hear of offers to people, put $200,000 in, guarantee of $40,000 return.
“So now we look at this deal, are they hustlers? I don’t know. I guess we’ll find out, because you put it on consent.
“But we’re dealing with an organization that has a hard time filing its (IRS Form) 990s. It’s not open or transparent.
“We have a director of the AHA, who’s also the president of a private organization. Call it a non-profit, people make a lot of profit in a non-profit. (Director of AHA) Does a deal with himself to transfer assets of the AHA to his organization, not a question, not one question.”
Lawrence said there’s no upside for the taxpayers of Aurora and blamed the mayor and City Council for allowing the approval of the development.
The City Council approved the following agenda items:
• Approved was a permit for the development of Fourteen Forty Nine Senior Estates Subdivision to be constructed in the same site of the demolished Jericho Circle subdivision.
City government of Aurora documents show the Resolution is for a Preliminary Plan and Plat for Fourteen Forty Nine Senior Estates Subdivision at 1449 Jericho Circle for the construction of an affordable senior rental community.
This property was formerly the Jericho Circle Apartments which had 149 units. In 2012, this subdivision was demolished.
The details of the Preliminary Plan include the construction of a 70-unit affordable senior rental community for seniors 62 years and older. This community would be made up of 25 one-story duplexes, being 50 units, and 20 one-story single family residential homes of which 53 would be one-bedroom units and 17 would be two-bedroom units.
These units will range from 741 square feet to 872 square feet. Each unit will have a fire safety sprinkler system and include an in-unit washer and dryer, wiring for internet and cable connections, luxury plank flooring, a one-car driveway and a one-car garage.
The Preliminary Plan features a new clubhouse which will include an on-site management office, a club room, a media center, and a fitness club and associated parking. There will be pickle ball courts and an outdoor community area. Walking paths and sidewalks are being implemented throughout the community. The corporate office for AHA will remain on the property with underlying Office District zoning.
• Approved was the appointment of Lori Chandler, a new candidate, to the city government’s Administrative Boards including the Fire Code Board of Appeals; and the Permanent Building and Fire Code Committee.
• Approved was the reappointment of Aurora residents, Ansar Kazmi and Joshua Pfeffuer to the Veterans Advisory Council.
• Approved was the reappointment of Albert Signorelli, Fernando Castrejon, and Matthew Hanson to the Aurora Preservation Commission. They are all residents of Aurora’s 6th Ward.
• Approved was the reappointment of Jeff Palmquist and Seth Hoffman to the FoxWalk Overlay District Design Review Committee. One individual is a resident of Aurora’s 6th Ward and the other is a non-resident.
• Approved was the reappointment of Aurora resident Josh Harris to the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Board. He is a resident of Aurora’s 10th Ward.
• Approved was the reappointment of Penelope Garcia and Bertha Baillie to the Human Relations Commission. They are residents of Ward 10 and Ward 6 in Aurora.
• Approved was an Ordinance amending Chapter 6 Sec. 6-2, 6-8 and 6-14 of the Code of Ordinances relating to the delivery of alcohol.
City government of Aurora documents show the liquor code currently identifies local rules for the delivery of alcohol in the city. Public Act 101-0668 went into effect on January 1, 2022 and preempts the authority of home rule units to restrict alcohol deliveries from a licensed retailer to a consumer. The city code imposes regulations on the delivery of alcohol and the relevant code sections must be amended to comply with State law.
Public Act 101-0668 became effective on January 1, 2022, amending Section 5/5-1(d) of the Illinois Liquor Control Act. This Act preempts the authority of home rule units to restrict alcohol deliveries. The city code currently requires a “delivery endorsement” be obtained by a licensee prior to delivering alcohol. This section must be removed to comply with State law and the language of other sections addressing the delivery of alcohol must be modified.
The impact of this amendment is that business owners will be required to comply with State law with respect to the delivery of alcohol.
• Approved was an Ordinance amending Chapter 6 Sec. 6-2 and 6-28 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to hours of service.
City government of Aurora documents show the amendments create a liquor license endorsement allowing restaurants with liquor licenses, offering breakfast and lunch service hours only, to sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Staff members received a request to consider these extended hours from a current liquor license holder. The addition of a breakfast and lunch service only endorsement will allow license holders that cater solely to the breakfast and lunch crowds to serve alcohol two hours earlier on Sundays than restaurants that have later hours of operation and offer dinner menu options.
• Approved was a Resolution approving a Preliminary Plan and Plat for Lot 1 and 2 of the Mews at Orchard Lake Subdivision, on vacant land at the southwest corner of Independence Drive and Constitution Drive.
City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner GDS Development, LLC is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plan and Plat for the Mews at Orchard Lake Subdivision, at the southwest corner of Independence Drive and Constitution Drive for a ROW Dwelling (Party Wall) (1130) Use which includes the development of 102 rental townhome units.
The property is currently zoned R-1(C) One Family Dwelling District, R-4A(C) Two Family Dwelling District, and R-5(C) Multiple-Family Dwelling District, which is part of the Orchard Lake Development Conditional Use Planned Development.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plan and Plat for the Mews at Orchard Lake Subdivision for a ROW Dwelling (Party Wall) (1130) Use. The details of the request include the development of three front-loaded garage buildings and 15 rear-loaded garage buildings containing a total of 102 units on 8 acres. The units range in size from 1,340 square feet to 1,740 square feet with a mixture of two and three bedrooms. The front-loaded products are on Lot 1 and feature two-car garages and driveways that come off Independence Drive. The rear of the homes features a patio and balcony with views of the lake. The rear-loaded products on Lot 2 are accessed by two curb cuts off Independence Drive and five curb cuts off Nelson Lane.
The units have a two-car garage off interior 30’ drive aisles along with one off-street parking space per unit within private parking lots. The site contains 96 off-street parking spaces and 16 additional on street spaces on the north side of Nelson Lane. A swimming pool with patio and a club house featuring an office, exercise room, business center and recreation room provides the entrance to the development being located at the corner of Constitution Drive and Nelson Lane. A small private passive recreational park area is provided in the center of the development. Internal private sidewalks circulate throughout the development, including a walkway around the western property line, providing views of the lake. A bike path will be installed along Independence Drive to eventually connect to a future planned path the city will install on the detention pond to the north that will lead to a park. The stormwater detention for the site has mostly been provided by the existing lake but will be slightly expanded to accommodate the small increase in impervious surface.
The Preliminary Plat features the consolidation of the lots into two lots along with blanket city easements.
Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting the establishment of a Conditional Use Planned Development, and to change the underlying zoning district from R-1(C) One Family Dwelling District, R-4A(C) Two Family Dwelling District, and R-5(C) Multiple-Family Dwelling District, all with a Conditional Use, to R-4A(C) Two Family Dwelling District with a Conditional Use. The details of the request include a Plan Description that outlines specific requirements and allows modifications including setbacks, separations, density, and parking to allow for development of two-story, rental townhomes. A provision is included to prevent the property from being divided and sold off separately to different owners.
City government staff members have reviewed the Preliminary Plan and Plat Resolution petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The Petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances, with the exception of the items reflected in the conditions listed in the staff member recommendation below.
The property was zoned R-5 (C) with a Conditional Use (then called a Special Use) in 1968 for multi-family not to exceed 13 units per acre. The Conditional Use was updated in 1980 to allow R-1: One-family dwelling district along Independence Drive with the remainder staying R-5. The Conditional Use was again revised in 2005 to the current R-1(C) One Family Dwelling District, R-4A(C) Two Family Dwelling District, and R-5(C) Multiple-Family Dwelling District. The Plan Description allowed for 16 single-family homes on 3.9 acres along Independence Drive; attached single-family homes on 1.94 acres with a maximum of 30 units at the corner of Nelson and Constitution; and multi-family apartments on 2.16 acres with a maximum of 50 units along Nelson. Even with the alterations in zoning through the years, the property has sat vacant for 50 years.
The property abuts commercial to the south and office to the east with single-family homes to the north. Staff worked with the developers early in the process to front townhomes along Independence Drive facing the single-family homes and to develop a more traditional style front-loaded product on Lot 1, which also provided nice views of the lake for those renters. Staff members worked with developers to add additional parking on site to alleviate any potential parking issues along Independence Drive. Each rear-loaded unit without driveways has a two-car garage and one off-street parking space. The Plan Description outlines requirement that the property cannot be further subdivided or owned by different entities to ensure that one entity continues to own and manage the entire development and requires that garages are not be used entirely for storage. The Elevations will be approved at Final Plan but are provided for draft review to present the more contemporary look the developers are wanting to achieve.
• Approved was an Ordinance vacating a Stormwater Control Easement for the property at 2800 Diehl Road, in DuPage County, Aurora, Ill..
The Petitioner, Logistics Property Company, is requesting the vacation of a stormwater control easement for the property at 2800 Diehl Road, which includes the vacation of an approximately fourteen hundred (1,400) square foot stormwater control easement on the property.
The property is zoned ORI, Office, Research, Light Industry. The property is a vacant lot that is approximately 22 acres. PDFNL21-025 was approved on December 15, 2021 for an approximately three hundred, ninety-three thousand (393,000) square foot building for an office and warehouse use.
City government staff members have reviewed the vacation 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.
The Vacation of this stormwater control easement is part of the Petitioner’s ongoing efforts to develop the property for an office and warehouse.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing an agreement with Crowe, LLP in an amount not to exceed $49,275.00 for consulting services related to the digitization of City government records.
City government of Aurora documents show the City Clerk’s Office seeks to establish a process to digitize historical and future City records to make these records accessible and searchable for everyone. The process to create and implement such a program is significant, therefore third-party vendor management is appropriate. The City government has successfully collaborated with Crowe, LLP on past and current projects.
The government seeks a best practice strategy and governance policy that can evolve over time and is cross-departmental focused on function.
The City Clerk’s Office maintains records in the City archive room dating back to before the City was incorporated on February 11, 1857.
Most of these records have been packed away and untouched, likely for many decades. While City government staff members have attempted to make these documents more accessible throughout the years, the results of these attempts have not been successful as staff members must still search multiple locations utilizing highly inefficient search methods when searching for ordinances and resolutions.
As mandated requirements for record creation and retention continue to grow, City records must be converted to a digitized and searchable format for those records to be accessible to all.
It is important to empower residents and elected officials with readily available information and also important to provide City leadership the research tools to better manage City projects and processes. Implementing this digital record storage process in a way that can be kept up to date and properly maintained is vital to the success of this project.
Utilizing Crowe to manage policy creation and process management will allow the process to move forward in a timely and efficient manner. Crowe is familiar with the City’s existing software platform’s integration capability with newly created digitized records and will begin the process by reviewing and examining specifically what City leadership would like to see and determining if current product(s) provide the most efficient mechanism for storage and transparency of vital City records.
City documents need to be protected and shared with the public. The storage area is sufficient to protect paper records, however, the Aurora city government needs to be 100% certain the records will be properly preserved and protected from flood, fire, theft or natural decomposition. The most reliable way to properly preserve these records is to digitize the records. Digitization will allow for documents and information to not only be preserved but will allow documents and information to be easily shared with the public and staff members.
Document digitization will also provide a searchable product to save staff members time spent on researching documents for the public, in response to FOIA requests, for other staff members, and for elected officials. Through this effort, the City government will improve and expand how the City shares information and documents with the public as well as within the organization.
In addition to increased transparency, sharing documents publicly will invite more public input which will lead to better decision making and enhanced service delivery.
Funding for this project was approved with a 2022 Decision Package in account 101-1280-419.32-20 the amount of $50,000 for the first year with $25,000 anticipated each year through 2026 for further implementation. The proposal from Crowe is a 1-year, not to exceed amount of $49,275.00. Additional technical support is optional as needed, including up to 20 hours of training, if authorized by the City at the conclusion of the initial scope of work. This amount is not included in the initial $49,275.00, however, additional funds have been budgeted through 2026 for the project.
Providing City staff members and the public access to digitized documents will increase governmental transparency, improve staff member efficiency, reduce FOIA burdens on City staff members, and allow members of the public to research and view historical documents that have not been readily publicly accessible for decades or more.
• Approved was an Ordinance calling for a public hearing and a Joint Review Board Meeting to consider the designation of a Redevelopment Project Area and the approval of a Redevelopment Plan and Project for the city of Aurora (East River Bend Tax Increment Financing District).
City government of Aurora documents show the Ordinance would start the process of creating a TIF District for the East River site addressed 100 N Broadway, to be known as the “East River Bend.” The Ordinance sets dates for a Joint Review Board meeting and a public hearing and calls for the notices to be given in connection with the meeting and public hearing.
The parcels are within the City’s downtown area, generally bordered on the south by Spring Street (as extended west to the Fox River), on the east by Broadway Avenue, on the north by a certain parcel occupied by Jakes Bagels and Deli, and on the west by the Fox River. Currently, parts of the proposed TIF District is within the City’s existing TIF # 1 and other parts are within the City’s TIF # 6. The area location along the Fox River has been identified by the Downtown Master Plan as a focal point part of the “heart of Downtown” and is part of an area desired as a “vibrant designation with mixed use development, family friendly activities and nightlife entertainment”.
Constructing a new multi-family residential development on the banks of the Fox River in downtown Aurora, particularly near the Aurora Transportation Center, has been a consistent recommendation of numerous City long-range planning documents for decades. Combined with the recommendations of the Downtown Housing Study (2019), the growing demand for rental housing, the redevelopment of long vacant historic buildings in the downtown, and the recent completion of the new Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, the time for implementing the City’s vision is here.
An RDA with DAC Developers to construct a new apartment building that includes a parking structure and various amenities was approved in 2021.
To establish a TIF district (“Redevelopment Project Area” or “RPA), Illinois municipalities must adopt several documents including a redevelopment plan and an eligibility report.
The creation of a TIF district requires several steps. The first public step is the announcement of the availability of the Eligibility Study and Report, and the Redevelopment Plan and Project for the proposed East River Bend TIF District. It is important to note that the actual announcement is done by the full City Council at its April 12, 2022 meeting. Further steps associated with the creation of the TIF will include the provision of mailed notices, public notices, a Joint Review Board meeting and a public hearing. The City’s Corporation Counsel has engaged Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins to serve as the City’s Special Counsel to support this TIF formation process.
The redevelopment agreement calls for the City to provide financial incentives to the redevelopment project paid out of the creation of a new TIF District.
In order to create the TIF District, the City Council must first approve the Ordinance, which begins the process. Steps in the process of creating the TIF District include:
- Adopting the Ordinance
- Send notices of the Joint Review Board meeting
- Send notices of the availability of the Eligibility Study and Redevelopment Plan and Project for the TIF District
- Hold the Joint Review Board meeting
- Publish and mail notices of the public hearing
- Hold the public hearing
- Approve the ordinances creating the TIF District
It is anticipated that the TIF District will be created in late spring 2022
Making this announcement begins the formation process of the proposed East River Bend TIF District. Failure to make this announcement will mean that this TIF District will not be created and needed financing for future development will not be created.
City government staff members recommend the Committee forward this item to the City Council for formal announcement on April 26, 2022.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the Chief Financial Officer to execute contracts with electricity suppliers to provide electricity to the City of Aurora to provide electricity to various city facilities and street lighting not covered under the ComEd Franchise Agreement.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval to authorize the chief financial officer to execute an agreement resulting from a reverse auction conducted by the city’s electricity consultant, Progressive Energy Group. It is necessary to execute the contract before close of business on the day of the reverse auction. The reverse auction is targeted for the first week in May 2022.
If the chief financial officer is unavailable to confirm a contractual agreement, the director of Purchasing is authorized to do so.
MP2 Energy provides electricity to nearly 74 accounts/city facilities not covered under the current ComEd Franchise Agreement, with a contract expiring June 1, 2022 and 20 accounts for street lighting, with contracts expiring February 1, 2023. The city government has historically used the services of a consultant to obtain bids from electricity suppliers. Progressive Energy Group was contracted in October 2019 to provide these services. They will continue to review and identify renewal opportunities. The bids include an array of sourcing options: i.e. duration of commitment, percentage green energy, percentage blended energy.
The city government must choose their preferred options and enter into a contract prior to close of business the day of the auction.
Electricity is a commodity in which the price changes daily. Long term agreements are priced to offset market risks. The percentage of green energy influences price. Should the city choose to delay entering an agreement at the conclusion of the reverse auction, proposers would increase price to offset their risk.
As with all commodities, the rates have significantly increased since the last agreement in December 2019. These rates are not the exact rates to be paid beginning June 2022, but Progressive Energy anticipates them to be close. Based on this estimate the City electrical costs could increase $600,000 annually. City government staff members request a contract period of up to 36 months for a majority of the accounts, and street lighting accounts could be 29 months per the attached data. City officials will be working with the company to terminate services for Street Lighting to be in line with the Large and Small Accounts. The new rate for street lighting would not take effect until February 1, 2023
Timing is critical. The current contracts for large and small accounts expire June 1, 2022. If the reverse auction does not occur in early May, the affected city accounts will pay above market price for services.
If the government followed a traditional approval process (Invitation to Bid), the electricity proposers would add a contingency fee to their bid thus adversely affecting cost to the City.
• Approved was a Resolution Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Fox Valley Park District Concerning the Staging of Independence Day Fireworks on Park District Property July 4, 2022, July 4, 2023 and July 4, 2024.
City government of Aurora documents show the city of Aurora government has been host to the 4th of July activities on Fox Valley Park District property since the opening of RiverEdge Park in 2013. City officials are looking to continue that relationship with a three-year Intergovernmental Agreement.
McCullough Park will provide the venue for entertainment, vendors, amenities and fireworks viewing. Veterans Island will be utilized for the launch site. The Intergovernmental Agreement formalizes what has been past practices and shows a renewed spirit of cooperation with the Fox Valley Park District.
The City will take care of all logistics and programming and has discussed the needs with the FVPD to make sure all details are covered.
The FVPD Board, City government staff members and Legal Counsel have reviewed and approved the attached IGA as well as the City’s Corporation Counsel.
This agreement will allow the City and Park District to work together on the staging of fireworks for the City’s 4th of July celebration.
The City services impact for this event will be covered through Eproval with all affected departments and divisions.
• Approved was a Resolution approving an agreement with The Neighbor Project (TNP) to continue as a service partner to the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) through December 2022 and to allocate $247,272 of budgeted funds for The Neighbor Project (TNP), with up to two, one year extensions.
City government of Aurora documents show Since 2019, The city of Aurora Financial Empowerment Center, the only existing model in the State of Illinois, has committed to providing free, one-on-one financial counseling to low and moderate income residents, delivered by professionally trained counselors. The Neighbor Project (TNP) has successfully served as a program partner by elevating the FEC program services, developing trusted relationships with their clientele and local community organizations. TNP has been instrumental to the vision and evolution of future programming. To alleviate the impact caused by a break in financial counseling services at the FEC, and to sustain a commitment to resident’s economic mobility, a new contractual agreement has been developed to maintain continuity of FEC services with TNP through December 2024).
On December 17, 2019, City Council approved a resolution to accept a two-year matching grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) to create a Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) in the city of Aurora (ref. R19-412). Under the agreement with CFE, The Neighbor Project (TNP) was identified as the community-based organization to lead CFE counseling standards. In December 2021, council approved an amendment to the original agreement between CFE and FEC to extend grant related services ending the cohort on April 30, 2022 (ref. R21-376). Council also approved an extension of the original contractual agreement with TNP to continue services to the FEC and to allocate $100,485 of budgeted funds for TNP through April 30, 2022 (ref. R21-377). To date, the Aurora FEC counselors have successfully outperformed other cities despite their increasing caseloads, providing over 1000 residents with essential professional counseling services and referral activity to partner agency services. Highlights from the FECs community impact include:
900+ outcomes produced by FEC counselors in first 1.5 year,
$1,032,880 combined debt reduction,
21.1% clients accessed public support programs,
8.5% clients increased savings (totaling over $498,483),
11% clients increased credit score rating by 35 pts,
7.3% clients successfully opened safe/affordable bank accounts,
31.5% clients reduced delinquent accounts,
18.45% clients reduced non-mortgage debt by 10%,
The success and importance of FEC services to the community was featured in the media.
The two-year pilot cohort under CFE model ends April 30, 2022. The FEC partnership with TNP has exceeded the expectations and grant requirements of CFE to provide City residents free financial counseling and financial literacy services. Recognizing the success as a pilot program, The CFE has granted the city of Aurora the distinguished title as “expert city” to continue operational services and receive CFE’s technical and operational support at no additional cost to the city government.
The term of this agreement will commence as of May 1, 2022 and shall continue through December, 31, 2022 (the “Original Term”), unless terminated sooner as provided in Section 3. This agreement shall automatically renew for up to two, one year terms (which shall start January 1 and end December 31 of 2023 and 2024, respectively) (each, a “Renewal Term”), upon the same terms and conditions as set forth in this agreement, unless either party provides the other party written notice of an intention not to renew, which shall be provided to the other party not less than 120 days prior to expiration. Provided, however, an automatic renewal is subject to City Budget appropriation and necessary approval as may be required internally by the city government.
Contractor agrees to perform the services (“the Services”) in accordance with the scope of work, the Financial Empowerment Center model, to secure and measure outcomes as set forth in outcome documentation and verification, and to adhere to FEC branding standards for the duration of the term set forth herein and for any renewal term. The services provided by contractor, through its licensed and qualified financial counselors (“Counselors”) shall be provided at no charge to participating residents of the greater Aurora region (“Clients”) and shall be performed on-site at a location approved by the City, or virtually by phone or video conference, as approved by the City and agreed upon by the parties as specified in scope of work
For budget year 2022 a carry-over amount of $142,958 and incoming CDBG grants totaling $150,000 (R21-229 and R22-060) have been secured to support associated cost outlined in the contractual agreement through December 2022 (ref. R21-229; R22-060). Additional grant funding is underway to secure the servicing partner beyond December 2022.
The proposed agreement term shall not exceed $247,272 for May 1, 2022 through December 30, 2022. ($150,000 to be paid through CDBG, $97,272 to be paid from the general fund).
The estimated cost for first Renewal Term, with a modest 3% increase, shall not exceed $382,035 for January 1 through December 31 2023.
The estimated cost for second Renewal Term, with a modest 3% increase, shall not exceed $393,496 for January 1 through December 31 2024.
City government of Aurora documents show a continuing partnership with TNP as a service provider will allow FEC counselors to link those seeking financial security to educational, employment and business opportunities and capital. The plan is to expand services from cradle to retirement, decrease the wealth gap and generate equitable economic mobility within the Aurora region for years to come.
• Approved was an Ordinance amending the Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 (Amendment #2 For The 2021 Fiscal Year).
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed amendment to the 2021 City Budget.
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 2021 budget on December 8, 2020 through the passage of Ordinance No. O20-106.
While the city government 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 City Council approved a previous amendment to the 2021 City Budget on July 13, 2021.
The proposed ordinance would provide for certain changes in the 2021 City Budget. Below is an explanation for each change.
Items 1 through 2 and 17 through 23: HOME Program (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increases Totaling $5,663,200). These items adjust the budget for the actual annual HOME Program allocation and the additional HOME ARP allocation to the City. At the time the 2021 budget was prepared, City officials did not have final allocation information. The amounts included in the original 2021 budget reflected only an estimate of the allocation.
Items 3 and 24 through 28: ESG Program (Offsetting Revenues and Expenditures Increases Totaling $546,800). These items adjust the budget for the COVID-19 CDBG funding allocation to the city.
Items 4 and 29 through 35: Block Grant Fund (Offsetting Revenues and Expenditures Increases Totaling $2,470,200). These items adjust the budget for the actual annual CDBG Program allocation to the city. At the time the 2021 budget was prepared, City officials did not have final allocation information. The amounts included in the original 2021 budget reflected only an estimate of the allocation.
Items 5 and 6: Economic Development, TIF #14 Lincoln/Weston Fund (Revenue increase of $40,000). These items adjust the budget to account for the general obligation bonds issued for the Old Copley economic development project.
Items 7 and 36: Economic Development, TIF # 4 Bell Gale Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $2,900). This item provides for the payment of redevelopment costs for the Bell Gale project for which the developer qualified for reimbursement under Resolution No. R12-239. Adequate fund balance was available in the fund to cover the costs.
Items 8 and 37: Economic Development, Business District Tax Fund (Revenue Increase by $96,700 and Expenditure Increase of $97,300). These items adjust the budget for the actual revenue received for the business district and the payment of an economic development agreement.
Items 9 through 12 and 38 through 41: Debt Service Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $1,216,550. These items adjust the budget to account for a GO bonds the city is obligated to pay on behalf of the library.
Item 13: Salaries/Overtime, Fire Department, General Fund (Expenditure Increase of $893,00). This item provides for overtime costs that were greater than expected. The higher costs are generally attributable to having more firefighters in paramedic school and on sick leave. Also, more firefighters submitted their compensatory time for pay.
Items 14 through 15: Equipment Services Fund – Salary and Pension Costs (Expenditure Increases Totaling $83,200). These items serve to adjust the budget for auto part services and supplies for equipment repair costs that were greater than expected during the year.
Item 16: Sanitation Fund (Expenditure Increases Totaling $66,500). This item serves to adjust the budget for slightly higher than expected costs associated with community refuse disposal services (i.e., recycling and other services supported by the environmental refuse disposal fee).
Item 42 through 44: Property & Casualty Fund – Liability Claims (Expenditure Increase Totaling $1,910,000). This item serves to adjust the budget for the payment of costs associated with general liability claims that were higher than expected during 2021. Adequate monies were available in the fund for the claims. In 2021 the city received approximately $750,000 in cost recovery from Insurance.
Item 45: Employee Health Insurance Fund (Expenditure Increasing Totaling $ 900,000). The increase is due to the number of employees moving to the high deductible plan.
Item 46: Pension – Regular, Police Pension Fund (Expenditure Increase Totaling $980,000). This item provides resources to cover the cost of regular service pensions during 2021 that was greater than expected. The investments for the Police Pension Fund performed well in 2021.
Item 47: Pension – Regular, Fire Pension Fund (Expenditure Increase Totaling $143,000). This item provides resources to cover the cost of regular service pensions during 2021 that was greater than expected. The investments for the Fire Pension Fund performed well in 2021.
Items 48 through 49: Retiree Health Insurance Trust Fund – Health -Indemnity/PPO (Expenditure Increase Totaling $1,030,700). This item serves to adjust the budget for the payment of costs associated with the medical insurance claims that were higher than expected during 2021. Adequate monies were available in the fund for the payment of the claims.
If the proposed budget amendment is approved, budgeted expenditures in the 2021 budget will increase from $450,798,719 to $466,802,069.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the sale of real property commonly known as 514 Claim Street, Aurora, to Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity, Inc. for the sum of $1 in exchange for a substantial rehabilitation of the property.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is for authorization to dispose of 514 Claim Street. The goal of the request for proposal is to dispose of the property for a substantial rehabilitation of the property which will be financed by the new owner.
In 2015 the property at 514 Claim St was damaged due to a fire. It has remained a blight to the community since.
On October 27, 2021, City of Aurora, an Illinois municipal corporation, Plaintiff, vs. Estate of Ivar Forsner, et al., defendants, a judgement was entered which provided that the City of Aurora was granted a Judicial Deed, thereby extinguishing all other ownership interest.
An informal solicitation was sent out in September 2021 to demolish the garage on the site, which was completed by Fox Excavating.
The City is requiring the location to remain an owner-occupied residential home upon completion of the renovations.
A Request for Proposal was posted February 2022 for qualified firms to acquire the property and perform the required renovations to the property. On March 2, 2022 a mandatory site visit took place. Two responses were received by the due date and time on March 11, 2022.
A committee scored and evaluated the proposals based on Project Understanding, Work Plan/Detailed Deliverables, Background and Experience, Cost, References, Developers Standing with the City and Estimated Completion time for the project.
After review and evaluation, the committee selected Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity as the most responsive, responsible proposer to convey the Property at 514 Claim Street, including rebuilding the garage.
This property is currently owned by the city of Aurora government. There are no staff member or fiscal impacts at this time. Approval is requested in order to begin remodeling this property and abate the current violations on the property.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of an engineering agreement with HR Green, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $21,564.00, and the appropriation of $22,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds for the Montgomery Road Resurfacing Project.
City government of Aurora documents show this is a Resolution to approve the above referenced engineering services agreement and to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds as required by the Illinois Highway Code.
The city of Aurora government applied for federal funding in the March 2020 Kane-Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM) Call for projects for 11 different projects. This project has secured federal funding and is one of multiple projects that was selected to be in KKCOM’s 5-year program.
The project will resurface Montgomery Road from Frontenac Street to IL Route 59. The funding ratio for these projects is 75/25 (75% federal / 25% local) for construction and construction engineering, up to a maximum amount of $750,000. Resurfacing projects like this help reduce the burden of funding the city government’s yearly resurfacing program with local and MFT funding sources.
The city government will perform Phase 1 and Phase 2 engineering in-house. The purpose of this agreement is for the consultant to provide CAD (computer aided drafting) services only. HR Green would be the most qualified to perform the drafting as they have designed two federally funded resurfacing projects for the City within the last 6 years. Additionally, they performed the drafting services on the Eola Road Resurfacing Project and the Indian Trail Resurfacing Project in the last year and a half, both of which were designed in-house by the City. Using HR Green will bring maximum efficiency to the drafting services the City requires.
The total cost of the agreement is in an amount not to exceed $21,564.00. The 2022 City Budget provides for sufficient funds in Account 203-4460-431.79-99 (G145, Montgomery – Frontenac to 59.).
IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the MFT funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for Improvement is appropriating MFT funds in the amount of $22,000.00. This amount includes a small contingency for other expenses that may be incurred.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of an engineering agreement with HR Green, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $20,461.00, and the appropriation of $21,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds for the Liberty Street Resurfacing Project.
City government of Aurora documents show this is a Resolution to approve the above referenced Engineering Services Agreement and to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds as required by the Illinois Highway Code.
The City applied for federal funding in the March 2020 Kane-Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM) Call for Projects for 11 different projects. This project has secured federal funding and is one of multiple projects that was selected to be in KKCOM’s 5-year program.
The project will resurface Liberty Street from Commons Drive to Illinois Route 59. The funding ratio for these projects is 75/25 (75% federal / 25% local) for Construction and Construction Engineering, up to a maximum amount of $750,000. Resurfacing projects like this help reduce the burden of funding the City’s yearly resurfacing program with local and MFT funding sources.
The City will perform Phase 1 and Phase 2 engineering in-house. The purpose of this agreement is for the consultant to provide CAD (computer aided drafting) services only. HR Green would be the most qualified to perform the drafting as they have designed two federally funded resurfacing projects for the City within the last 6 years. Additionally, they performed the drafting services on the Eola Road Resurfacing Project and the Indian Trail Resurfacing Project in the last year and a half, both of which were designed in-house by the City. Using HR Green will bring maximum efficiency to the drafting services the City requires.
The total cost of the agreement is in an amount not to exceed $20,461.00. The 2022 City Budget provides for sufficient funds in account 203-4460-431.79-99 (GB146, Liberty – Commons to 59.).
• Approved was an Ordinance providing for the issuance of not to exceed $56,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022, of the City of Aurora, Kane, DuPage, Kendall and Will Counties, Illinois, for the purpose of financing capital improvements in and for said City and refinancing certain outstanding obligations of said City, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the proposed sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the approval of the City Council of a proposed ordinance providing for the issuance of the Series 2022 General Obligation Bonds.
The 2022-2031 Capital Improvements Plan and 2022 City Budget call for the procurement of a ladder truck and financing of various capital and economic development projects through the issuance of General Obligation Bonds of the City. The major projects include preliminary costs for the construction of the Public Works facility as well as the relocation of Fire Station 4 as well as various improvement and remodeling projects.
In addition, the City anticipates refunding bonds issued in 2012 and 2013 for the Library (now the library District) to take advantage of lower interest rates which will lower debt service costs.
The city of Aurora government intends to sell the 2022 GO Bonds the week of May 9, 2022 to provide resources for the aforementioned projects.
The final bond ordinance will be prepared after the bonds are sold and the exact interest costs are known.
Adoption of the Ordinance will allow for the financing and timely construction of various capital improvements and projects.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the purchase of one 2023 E-One Ford F-750 2-door commercial chassis dive rescue squad in the amount of $529,773 from Fire Service Inc. for the Aurora Fire Department.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to purchase one 2023 E-One Ford F-750 gas 2-door commercial chassis dive rescue squad, from Fire Service Inc. to replace a 1996 Ford F-Super Duty dive truck that has reached the end of its service life as recommended by Equipment Services.
The Aurora Fire Department routinely replaces vehicles that are nearing or have exceeded their service life for a frontline vehicle as recommended by Equipment Services. Rescue 23 is a 1996 Ford F-Super Duty that can no longer meet department needs.
The City of Aurora last purchased a dive vehicle 26 years ago in 1996. The dive truck is 26 years old and no longer meets the needs of the dive team. The back of the vehicle is packed with equipment and members have a hard time getting dressed for calls.
Fire Service Inc is the area dealer for E-One brand vehicles. The purchase of the 2023 E-One F-750 gas 2-door commercial chassis dive rescue squad is thru the Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Program, which the City of Aurora is a member of.
Funds have been approved for 2022 and are available in account 287-3033-422.75-10 (ARPA/Capital Outlay-Vehicles/Trucks) for this purchase, with a budgeted amount of $505,000 which include $40,000 garage setup fee. There will need to be a budget amendment of $64,773 bringing the total amount to $569,773.
The price of the 2023 E-One Ford F-750 dive rescue squad is $64,773 dollars higher than the amount that was approved last year because of inflation on the materials used to build the vehicle, officials made some changes to the vehicle to better suit the dive team’s needs.
Maintaining a safe and dependable emergency response fleet enhances the ability of the Aurora Fire Department to provide emergency services to the citizens of Aurora. As vehicles increase in age, their dependability decreases, and the cost of maintenance of the vehicle increase dramatically.
• Approved was an Ordinance amending Chapter 20, Section 20-2 of The Aurora Code of Ordinances entitled “Environmental Disposal Fee”.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed ordinance that would revise the rate of the environmental refuse disposal fee (ERDF).
On December 18, 2007, the city established the ERDF through the City Council’s adoption of Ordinance No. O07-148. The ERDF covers the cost of picking up and disposing of:
• Unlimited brush from the first week in April through the first week in November each year.
Bagged yard waste during a designated two-week period in the spring each year.
• Leaves during a designated eight-week period each year.
• Natural Christmas trees.
• Unlimited recyclable materials year round.
On April 28, 2015 with the adoption of Ordinance No. O15-012, the city amended the rate of the ERDF to be $4.30 per dwelling unit per month effective July 1, 2021.
The ERDF generates a total of about $2.1 million annually.
The city government’s current refuse disposal contract expires on June 30, 2022. The City Council recently approved a new contract extension to be effective through June 30, 2027 and potentially longer pending completion of a transfer station within the City of Aurora prior to that date.
The current charge of $4.30 per month will continue in effect until June 30, 2023. To cover costs contemplated in the new contract, the monthly ERDF should be established at the amounts indicated below per residential unit.
Effective Date Monthly Rate
July 1, 2021 $4.30
July 1, 2023 $4.41
July 1, 2025 $4.52
• Approved was a Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from Marmion Abbey d/b/a Abbey Farms at 2855 Hart Rd., Aurora). [Ward 1]
A Resolution awarding Diamondcuts Landscaping Inc Aurora, Ill. as the 2022 contractor with a possible two 1-year extensions for grass and weeds abatement services within the City of Aurora, Ill.
• Approved was a Resolution to award the rental of crowd control barricades for parades to United Rent-A-Fence, Addison, Ill.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing an agreement for a five-year subscription for electronic citation and administrative hearing adjudication software from Quicket Solutions, Chicago, for an amount not to exceed $368,400.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing masonry repairs at multiple City facilities by F.H. Paschen S.N. Nielsen & Associates LLC, using the City of Aurora Job Order Contracting program.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 3 Construction Engineering Agreement with ESI Consultants, LLC in the not to exceed amount of $285,363.00 for the 2022 City Wide Resurfacing Projects.
• Approved was a Resolution Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fox Valley Music Foundation for the Calendar Year of 2022.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement with Fehr Graham for the preparation of final engineering plans and specifications for improvements to the Clark Street and White Eagle Pump Stations for a not to exceed amount of $64,000.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement with Geneva Construction Co., P.O. Box 998, Aurora, Ill. in the amount of $805,160.00 for the 2022 Citywide Pavement Patching for Water and Sewer Maintenance.
• Approved 9-2 after being placed on hold for two weeks to find out more information is a Resolution to extend the agreement with Cities in Schools (formerly Communities in Schools) of Aurora to serve as third party administrator for Summer youth programs in 2022 Summer programs in the amount not to exceed $194,000.00 for the Community Services Division.
Ward 2 alderwoman Juany Garza and Ward 7 alderwoman Scheketa Hart-Burns voted against the Resolution citing concerns for the amount of money spent and service to constituents in their wards in School District 131.
City government of Aurora documents show since 2010, the City government has utilized Cities in Schools (CIS) as a third party administrator (TPA) for Summer and youth development programs. CIS has strong partnerships with School Districts 131, 129, 308, and 204, as well as many youth-based organizations. These relationships serve CIS well with respect to managing these programs. The agreement with CIS needs to be extended in order to continue with the planning process to be able to provide Summer camps and programs by the start of Summer break. This agreement is for one additional year.
The cost for proposed services is $194,000.00. The proposed agreement is the similar to the 2020 Summer. The 2022 proposal includes four educational Summer camps, one drama camp, and field trips for all Summer camp sites run by the school districts and the Park District. The locations of these sites have been determined in conjunction with the school districts. Cities in Schools continues to provide quality service, conduct satisfaction surveys with parents and stakeholders, make necessary changes to their programs based on responses from the community, as well as provide an informative annual report to the City of Aurora.
City government of Aurora documents state this proposal is beneficial for the City, at a time when the City’s Youth Services Department does not have the staff members, resources, and budget to provide this service in-house. The city government continues to evaluate the mix of in-house staff member support/administration with the $194,000 budgeted for contractual administration.
For additional enrichment programs, supplies/curriculum, trips, staff members, longer/full-day camps, and students, the city government will continue to pursue grants and donations to provide additional funding for third party contracts to sustain Summer programs. Youth Services will contract directly with program providers for the enrichment component for the summer programs, and will be monitored by the Youth Services manager. Site visits will be made to all program sites. CIS will provide a report at the end of the season.
This service was not formally bid. CIS has been a strong partner and the only organization that has been able to provide the comprehensive services the City needs to run camps.
There is no reported impact on the public, other departments/divisions, or technology. Because their programs have been outsourced to CIS, the city government has not been involved in the hiring process, payroll function, logistics, staff member training, and other functions. This change has reduced the amount of time required by payroll and human resources staff members.