Mayor Irvin proclaims inaugural Respect Week 2023

By Jason Crane

Mayor of Aurora, Richard Irvin proclaimed February 27 through March 3 as Aurora’s inaugural Respect Week 2023, at the Tuesday, Feb. 28 City Council meeting. City of Aurora government representatives were partners with Special Olympics Illinois in addition to a large group from Aurora-area schools being honored.

The event is an ongoing effort to raise the consciousness of society and encourage people to pledge respect to everyone with and without intellectual disabilities.

A video of the presentation can be viewed after the 7 minute 30 second mark on the city government of Aurora’s Facebook page by clicking here.

Six individuals used their voices for up to three minutes each:

All individuals expressed concern about the City government’s proposed changes to the food truck ordinance claiming it will be unfair to the food truck business owners. With the exception of one speaker, all own or work in a food-truck business.

Three main concerns issued were restrictions not allowing every-day operation, location approval, and 100-foot distance being changed from address to address, to property line to property line.

Comments made can be viewed after the 34 minute mark on the city government of Aurora’s Facebook page by clicking here.

The City Council approved the following agenda items:

• Approved was a Resolution appointing Giancarlo Ortega, a junior at Marmion Academy, in Aurora, resident of the 1st Ward, to the Aurora Youth Council.

• Approved was a Resolution appointing Joseph Cordogan to the Aurora Airport Advisory Board.

Joseph Cordogan is the chief growth officer for Cordogan Clark, and a commercial pilot.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing a development agreement with CL Real Estate Development, LLC/CL Enterprises, LLC for the purposes of facilitating the sale and redevelopment of the vacant Vargas (former Culture Stock) building, at 43 E Galena Boulevard, between Broadway and Stolp on Galena, adjacent to the City-owned Hogan building at 51 East Galena.

City government of Aurora documents show CL Real Estate Development, LLC plans to open a brewery and restaurant similar to the four restaurants they are operating in Ottawa, Lockport, Glenview, and DeKalb; Tangle Roots. A second food and beverage concept on the lower level of the building is being discussed, but will not start for at least five years.

City staff members and senior representatives from CL Enterprises, LLC have had discussions regarding the importance of floodway prevention, and floodway elevation to ensure flood proofing in the lower level which may impact the effective use of the space.

• Approved was an Ordinance authorizing the execution of a second amendment to the boundary agreement with the village of Oswego.

City government of Aurora documents show August 27, 2002 the Aurora government approved a jurisdictional boundary agreement with the village of Oswego with ordinance O2002-089. The agreement expired in 2022. Aurora and Oswego staff members have worked together to update the necessary documents to renew the boundary agreement between the two municipalities. Subsequently, the agreement was amended June 25, 2013 with ordinance O2013-034 to better define each other jurisdictions and exercise power and authority. The boundary line was represented to be the eastern property line of the Virgil Gilman Trail instead of the centerline thereof. In addition, a portion of the self determination area, previously annexed and zoned into the city of Aurora, was de-annexed from Aurora and annexed into Oswego. This was made possible through the mutual approval of the revenue sharing agreement by which both municipalities have shared the sales tax revenues generated within the defined area thereof, with Aurora receiving 25% of the Village’s share of the sales taxes.

The boundary line as drawn in the agreement set forth is primarily the same line as from the agreement approved with ordinance O2013-034. However, the boundary agreement is being amended as follows:

– Amend Section 5 regarding the Wikaduke Trail to acknowledge that the city of Aurora has completed its portion (Eola Road to U.S. Route 30).

– Amend Section 6 regarding the Route 30 Improvement Plan the requirement to create a formal Plan. It is important to note, that both municipalities will continue to require each zoning and land use development ordinances and requirements as they have been doing since the original agreement was entered into in 2002.

– Amend Section 7 regarding the future 95th Street to delete the sentence requiring the dedication of property because this was completed.

The map of boundary line and self-determination area has been updated to show Parcel 03-12-202-002 now annexed into the Village of Oswego.

There is an updated Wikaduke Trail current alignment that will connect Stewart Road (in the Village) with Eola Road (in the City) as well as the future intersection of US Route 30 and future 95th Street.

Staff members anticipate this project will increase the City’s overall tax base, by facilitating investment and development, which will offset any incidental department or staffing impacts.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a joint funding agreement with the state government of Illinois, the execution of a Phase 3 construction engineering services agreement with HR Green, Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $855,739.00, and the appropriation of $2,419,167.00 of Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds for the Indian Trail Road Reconstruction and High Street Intersection Project.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to execute the Joint Funding agreement for State-led construction work there by reserving sufficient funds to cover the local agency share of the project cost by resolution, to approve the Phase 3 Construction Engineering Services agreement with HR Green, Inc. and to appropriate Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Resolution.

A Phase 1 Study was previously completed on Indian Trail from Mitchell Road to Farnsworth Avenue. The City already has constructed the section of Indian Trail from east of Church Road to Farnsworth Avenue 10 years ago with federal funds. This project would complete the section not constructed from east of Mitchell Road to Church Road.

The project has secured federal funds ranging in percentages from 75% to 100%. The funding sources include Surface Transportation Program – Local (STU), Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) Funds. The HSIP funds are for the improvement of the Indian Trail at High Street intersection and other funds for the rest of the corridor. A total of $6,481,446.00 in federal funds has been secured for the Construction and Construction Engineering on this project.

The project involves improving the Indian Trail corridor by widening four lanes to five lanes to bring conformity to the corridor. Work will include completing traffic signal plans for the intersection of Indian Trail and High Street which are stop controlled, and traffic signal modernization plans for the intersection of Indian Trail and Church Road. The intersections will be provided with ADA compliant ramps and Detectable Warnings. The improvements will include a 5-6 foot wide sidewalk, 8-10 foot wide asphalt bike path and high visibility crosswalk for safe pedestrian/bicyclists crossing. There will be path connections to an existing regional trail (Illinois Prairie Path (Aurora Branch)) at High Street, plus a connection to the existing shared use path on Indian Trail constructed in Stage 1 of the project.

The City continues to work with their consultant, HR Green, on design plans under an agreement approved by City Council in February 2021 (R21-020). The plans are 99% complete and the “Initial Final” plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) were submitted to the IDOT on November 28, 2022. The project is targeting a mid 2023 IDOT letting, subject to the land acquisition being certified by IDOT and the project being authorized to go to letting.

Due to the complex nature of the project construction and documentation requirements by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for federally funded projects, the City is required to hire a consultant for the Phase 3 Construction Engineering Services.

The City published a Qualification Based Selection (QBS) for the Indian Trail Reconstruction Phase 3 Engineering services on August 15, 2022. Sixteen firms submitted their qualifications. City staff members reviewed the qualifications submitted and determined that HR Green, Inc. was the most qualified with the top 3 firm’s scores. HR Green, Inc. has successfully completed Phase 3 construction engineering services on a number of federally funded projects for the City. The proposed resident engineer and team proposed on this project has worked on a number of other projects in the City. The Phase 3 engineering agreement (BLR 05530) from HR Green, Inc. in the amount of $855,739.00 will provide full time construction and material inspection for this project.

This followed the request for qualifications process and is not subject to the local preference policy. The funding source, federal and Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds, are not subject to the local preference policy.

IDOT requires the City to execute the Joint Funding agreement for State-led construction work by setting aside the local matching funds for the project. IDOT will front fund the construction cost and invoice the city of Aurora for its share of the construction cost. The estimated total cost of the construction is approximately $7,353,000.00. The City government’s portion of the construction cost would be approximately $1,562,259.00. The City will have to front fund the construction engineering (CE) cost and approximately 80% of this cost will be reimbursed by IDOT, at a later date. The estimated total cost of CE is $856,908.00 (rounded up from the agreement amount). The City’s portion of the CE cost would be approximately $166,203.00. The approximate total cost of C&CE (City’s share) would be $1,728,462.00.

IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for improvement – BLR 09110 appropriating MFT Funds is in the amount of $2,419,167.00. The Resolution amount is higher than the anticipated City’s share in order to cover front funding the construction engineering cost.

The Rebuild Illinois Bond Fund is a grant program using proceeds from general obligation (transportation, series A) bonds authorized in the Rebuild Illinois capital program to provide local agencies with the funds for transportation improvement projects. The City has received all the funds, $13,042,322.82 in total, over a 3 year period from 2020-2022. The funds can only be used on bridge and major highway projects that provide an average useful life of greater than or equal to 13 years.

The 2023 City Budget is anticipated to provide for sufficient funds in Account 202-4060-431.79-99 (GB099, E. Indian Trail – Mitchell to Farnsworth #2).

Construction may start in the second half of 2023 and will take place all of 2024. Some construction work may take place in 2025 depending on the exact letting date, required utility relocations and other factors. Construction will take place under traffic, no detour will be required. Traffic in each direction will be reduced from two lanes to one lane. Intermittent lane closures may occur during certain work activities.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a joint funding agreement with the state of Illinois, the execution of a Phase 3 construction engineering services agreement with Thomas Engineering Group in the not to exceed amount of $72,064.00, and the appropriation of $261,772.50 of MFT Funds for the Edgelawn Drive Resurfacing Project.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to execute the joint funding agreement for State-led construction work there by reserving sufficient funds to cover the local agency share of the project cost by resolution, to approve the Phase 3 Construction Engineering Services Agreement with Thomas Engineering Group and to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Resolution.

The City applied for federal funding in the March 2020 Kane-Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM) call for projects and secured funding for 11 different projects. This project was selected to be in KKCOM’s 5-year program.

The project will resurface Edgelawn Drive from Jericho Road to Garfield Avenue with spot ADA sidewalk ramp and curb repairs. The funding ratio for this project is 75/25 (75% federal / 25% local) for construction and construction engineering, up to a maximum amount of $572,250 of federal funding. Resurfacing projects like this help reduce the burden of funding the City’s yearly resurfacing program with local and MFT funding sources.

The City has been performing Phase 1 and Phase 2 engineering fully in-house. Phase 1 design approval has been received. The Phase 2 plans are 99% complete and the initial final plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) were submitted to IDOT on January 13, 2022. The project is targeting an April 28, 2023, IDOT letting.

Due to the complex nature of the project construction and documentation requirements by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for federally funded projects, the City is required to hire a consultant for the Phase 3 construction engineering services.

The City published a Qualification Based Selection (QBS) for the Edgelawn Drive Resurfacing Phase 3 engineering services on November 28, 2022. Five firms submitted their qualifications. City staff members reviewed the qualifications submitted and determined that Thomas Engineering Group (TEG) was the most qualified of the top 3 firm’s scores. Thomas and the proposed Resident Engineer have successfully completed Phase 3 construction engineering services for many federally funded projects, including numerous resurfacing projects like this and a past project for Aurora. The Phase 3 engineering agreement (BLR 05530) from Thomas Engineering Group in the amount of $72,064.00 will provide full time construction and material inspection for this project.

This followed the request for qualifications process and is not subject to the local preference policy. The funding source, federal and MFT Funds, are not subject to the local preference policy.

IDOT requires the City to execute the Joint Funding agreement for State-led construction work by setting aside the local matching funds for the project. IDOT will front fund the construction cost and invoice the city of Aurora for its share of the construction cost. The estimated total cost of the construction is approximately $709,458.50. The City government’s portion of the construction cost would be approximately $189,708.50. The City will have to front fund the construction engineering (CE) cost and up to 75% of this cost will be reimbursed by IDOT, at a later date. The estimated total cost of CE is $72,064.00. The City’s portion of the CE cost would be approximately $19,564.00. The approximate total cost of C&CE (City’s Share) would be $209,272.50.

Both drafts are under review by IDOT. IDOT has issued guidance that these forms must be locally executed and submitted by March 6, 2023, in order to stay on schedule for the April 2023 state letting. If the forms are amended by IDOT, the mayor and City clerk will execute the most current forms.

IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the MFT Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for Improvement – BLR 09110 appropriating MFT Funds is in the amount of $261,772.50. The resolution amount is higher than the anticipated City’s share in order to cover front funding the construction engineering cost.

The 2023 City Budget is anticipated to provide for sufficient funds in account 203-4060-431.79-99 (GB154, Edgelawn Dr – Jericho to Garfield).

Roadway traffic will be reduced to one lane with a flagger at various times during construction.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the City to accept a $10,000 grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund for the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center’s Supervitamin Effect workforce research study.

City government of Aurora documents show the research study is to determine whether workforce development programs that integrate financial counseling at the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center into their service offerings improve a client’s financial goals.

The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Inc. (the “CFE Fund”) previously provided a grant to the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center (the “FEC”) to operate their Financial Empowerment Center. Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation (MDRC), a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research organization, has been hired by the CFE Fund to undertake a study of whether, all else being equal, workforce development programs that integrate FEC financial counseling into their offerings achieve more or better outcomes than programs that do not. In 2022 the CFE Fund approved a new program partnership between the FEC and Quad County Urban League (the “QCUL”), a workforce development program serving customers in job readiness, training and placement services, to participate in the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund workforce research study. The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund has contracted with the FEC and QCUL to participate in the workforce research study by providing financial counseling following the FEC model to current and recent clients in existing job readiness, training and placement services. In addition to their regular services, the FEC and QCUL will recruit clients to join the study.

The success and sustainability of the FEC has led to a new project with the Cities for Financial Empowerment described as the “Supervitamin Effect”. With support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the CFE Fund contracted MDRC, a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research organization, to research workforce development programs that integrate financial counseling into service offerings to improve a client’s financial goals. As the FEC workforce development research partner, QCUL will make a referral of financial counseling services to approximately 300 clients through December 2024.

The CFE grant funds will be applied to FEC operational costs and costs associated with anticipated increased contractual services.

The proposed grant funds present an opportunity to continue funding the successful operation of the Financial Empowerment Center. The operational costs will offset anticipated increased direct costs to the city of Aurora due to an increase in clients.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a joint funding agreement with the state of Illinois, the execution of a Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering agreement with WBK Engineering, LLC in the not to exceed amount of $151,796.00, and the appropriation of $151,796.00 of MFT Funds for the New York Street Corridor Safety Improvement Project.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to execute the Joint Funding agreement PE/ROW for state-led construction projects, there by reserving sufficient funds to cover the local agency share of the project cost by resolution, to approve the Phase 1 Local Public Agency Engineering Services agreement with WBK Engineering, LLC and to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Resolution.

New York Street is an arterial roadway with a six-lane cross section with turn lanes at signalized intersections, 45 mph speed limit, and approximately 12,700 vehicles per day. There are a number of accidents attributed to left-turning movements at the signalized intersections. The City would like to enhance safety for all road users including motorists and pedestrians throughout this corridor.

The City applied for and was awarded a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant in September 2022. The proposed improvements along New York Street include median modifications to add additional left turn lanes along with signal modernization, street lighting, pavement marking, sidewalk/multi-use path, signage, and ADA ramp improvements.

The City published a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for these Phase 1 Engineering services on October 27, 2022. Thirteen firms submitted their qualifications and experience. City staff members reviewed the qualifications and determined that WBK Engineering, LLC of St. Charles, Ill. was the most qualified with the top 3 firm’s scores. City government officials are recommending moving ahead with WBK Engineering, LLC for the Phase 1 Design Engineering.

The Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering agreement (BLR 05530) from WBK Engineering, LLC in the amount of $151,796.00 will provide Phase 1 preliminary engineering services. City government officials are anticipating the preliminary design work to be completed in summer 2024, with Phase 2 design work to follow and construction to take place in 2025 or 2026.

The agreement being presented is only for Phase 1 engineering. The QBS included a provision that the City can utilize the same firm for the Phase 2 design engineering as Phase 1 engineering. Provided the consultant’s work is satisfactory, a separate resolution for the Phase 2 engineering will be prepared at a later time for Council’s approval.

This followed the Request for Qualifications process and is not subject to the Local Preference Policy. The funding source, federal and MFT funds, is not subject to the Local Preference Policy.

The total construction cost of this project is estimated at $1,380,000. The total HSIP federal funds allocated to this project is up to $1,600,000 (construction, phase 1, 2, and 3 engineering). The HSIP is a 90/10 split and is a reimbursable program. The Joint Funding agreement PE/ROW for State-led construction projects (BLR 05310PE) will need to be executed to utilize those funds. The City government will front fund engineering costs and will be reimbursed roughly 90% of the costs. The City’s final share of the Phase 1 engineering costs is anticipated to be $25,796.00.

Due to the extensive agreement processing time by IDOT, City staff members opted to go for a Section 1440 processing to start the project as soon as possible. A traditional agreement approval process by IDOT takes six months to over a year to get the notice to proceed to kick start Phase 1 or 2 engineering services. Section 1440 allows the local agency to get started with preliminary engineering services prior to federal/State authorization of the Phase 1 engineering funds. However, the City needs to wait to ask for reimbursement until the agreements are reviewed and executed by IDOT. Both drafts are under review by IDOT. Since the City government has opted for Section 1440 processing, the forms will need to be executed by City to start the Phase 1 engineering services. If the forms are amended by IDOT or CBLRS (Central Office), the mayor and City clerk will execute the most current forms.

IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the MFT Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for improvement – BLR 09110 appropriating MFT Funds is in the amount of $151,796.00. The resolution amount is higher than the anticipated City’s share in order to cover front funding the Preliminary Engineering cost.

The 2023 Fiscal Year budget provides the funds through the following account:

GB163 New York St Corridor HSIP 203-4060-431.79-99 $151,796.00.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 and Phase 2 design engineering agreement with Thomas Engineering Group, LLC in the amount not to exceed $142,055.00, and the appropriation of $142,055.00 of MFT Funds for the Indian Trail Resurfacing (Highland to Route 31) 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 for Section 23-00356-00-RS.

The City applied for federal funding in the March 2022 Kane-Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM) Call for Projects and secured funding for nine different projects, with five additional projects placed in the contingency program. While this project was not selected to be in KKCOM’s five-year program, it is the first ranked asset management project on the contingency list. Meaning that if/when other projects drop out of the program, the project will be positioned to receive those federal funds if progress is being made on the engineering effort. If no projects drop out of the program in the next two years, the City will be better positioned to receive funding in the next call for projects. Therefore, City government officials are recommending that engineering begin at this time.

The Project will resurface Indian Trail from Highland Avenue to IL Route 31. The Project scope also includes additional curb and gutter with some minor pavement widening between Highland Avenue and west of Pennsylvania Avenue to fill in missing gaps of curb and gutter. 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.

Due to the more extensive curb and gutter work and storm sewer improvements, the City is in need of a consultant to take the lead on the engineering. The City published a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for Phase 1 and Phase 2 engineering services on October 27, 2022. Thirteen firms submitted their qualifications and experience. City staff members reviewed the qualifications and determined that Thomas Engineering Group, LLC of Aurora, Ill. was the most qualified with the top 3 firm’s scores.

The project could be ready for a mid-2024 letting at the earliest, but will be subject to funding availability.

This followed the Request for Qualifications process and is not subject to the Local Preference Policy. The funding source, MFT funds, is not subject to the Local Preference Policy.

IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the MFT Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for Improvement – BLR 09110 appropriating MFT Funds is in the amount of $142,055.00.

The 2023 City Budget provides $168,000 for this item in Account 203-4060-431.79-99 (GB156, Indian Trail Resurfacing – Highland to Route 31).

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering agreement with Strand Associates, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $243,520.00, and the appropriation of $243,520.00 of MFT Funds for the Liberty Street Reconstruction / 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 for Section 23-00357-00-PV.

The City applied for federal funding in the March 2022 Kane-Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM) Call for Projects and secured funding for nine different projects, with five additional projects placed in the contingency program. This project was selected to be in KKCOM’s five-year program for construction funds to be used in 2026. In order to remain on schedule, it is necessary to start the Phase 1 preliminary engineering study at this time.

The project will include the reconstruction of Liberty Street from Sartor Lane to County Line Road and resurfacing from Crane Street to Sartor Lane. The project will include addition of turn lanes, curb and gutter, and coordination with the City’s new consolidated public works facility. The funding ratio for these projects is 80/20 (80% federal / 20% local) for Construction and Construction Engineering, up to a maximum amount of $885,920. Resurfacing projects like this help reduce the burden of funding the City’s yearly resurfacing program with local and MFT funding sources, and this project in particular will replace deteriorated pavement that will become significant to City operations.

The City published a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for these Phase 1 Engineering services on October 27, 2022. Eight firms submitted their qualifications and experience. City staff members reviewed the qualifications and determined that Strand Associates, Inc. of Joliet, Ill. was the most qualified with the top three firm’s scores.

The Phase 1 preliminary engineering agreement (BLR 05530) from Strand Associates, Inc. in the amount of $243,520.00 will provide Phase 1 preliminary engineering services. City government officials are anticipating the preliminary design work to be completed in summer 2024, with Phase 2 design work to follow.

The agreement being presented is only for Phase 1 engineering. The QBS included a provision that the City can utilize the same firm for the Phase 2 design engineering as Phase 1 engineering. Provided the consultant’s work is satisfactory, a separate resolution for the Phase 2 engineering will be prepared at a later time for Council’s approval.

This followed the request for qualifications process and is not subject to the Local Preference Policy. The funding source, MFT funds, is not subject to the Local Preference Policy.

IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the MFT Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for improvement – BLR 09110 appropriating MFT Funds is in the amount of $243,520.00.

The 2023 City Budget provides $145,000 for this item in Account 203-4060-431.79-99 (GB162, Liberty Street Reconstruction / Resurfacing). As this is a multi-year project, any additional funds will be budgeted in future years, if required.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 preliminary engineering agreement with Kimley-Horn Associates, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $304,337.00, and the appropriation of $304,337.00 of MFT Funds for the Indian Trail Signal – Ohio to Pennsbury 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 for Section 23-00358-00-TL.

The City applied for federal funding in the March 2022 Kane-Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM) Call for Projects and secured funding for nine different projects, with five additional projects placed in the contingency program. This project was selected to be in KKCOM’s five-year program for construction funds to be used in 2026. In order to remain on schedule, it is necessary to start the Phase 1 preliminary engineering study at this time.

The project will include modernizing the five traffic signals on Indian Trail from Ohio Street to Pennsbury Drive. Two segments of the corridor will also be resurfaced (Trask Street to Farnsworth Avenue and Eola Road to Pennsbury Drive) with improvements as needed and ADA ramp replacement. The funding ratio for these projects is 80/20 (80% federal / 20% local) for construction and construction engineering, up to a maximum amount of $2,500,000. Signal modernization and resurfacing projects like this help reduce the burden of funding the City’s yearly resurfacing program with local and MFT funding sources. Much of the traffic signal equipment is old and outdated, and this project will replace all that equipment in the corridor using federal funds.

The City government published a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for these Phase 1 engineering services on October 27, 2022. Eight firms submitted their qualifications and experience. City staff members reviewed the qualifications and determined that Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. of Warrenville, Ill. was the most qualified with the top 3 firm’s scores.

The Phase 1 preliminary engineering agreement (BLR 05530) from Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $304,337.00 will provide Phase 1 preliminary engineering services. City government officials anticipate the preliminary design work to be completed in summer 2024, with Phase 2 design work to follow.

The agreement being presented is only for Phase 1 engineering. The QBS included a provision that the City can utilize the same firm for the Phase 2 Design engineering as Phase 1 engineering. Provided the consultant’s work is satisfactory, a separate resolution for the Phase 2 engineering will be prepared at a later time for Council’s approval. This Phase 1 agreement does include title commitments, plat of highway and legal descriptions to help expedite Phase 2 ROW processing.

This followed the Request for Qualifications process and is not subject to the Local Preference Policy. The funding source, MFT funds, is not subject to the Local Preference Policy.

IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the MFT Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for improvement – BLR 09110 appropriating MFT Funds is in the amount of $304,377.00.

The 2023 City Budget provides $297,000 for this item in Account 203-4020-418.76-39 (GC087, Indian Trail Signal – Ohio to Pennsbury). As this is a multi-year project, any additional funds will be budgeted in future years, if required.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 preliminary engineering agreement with Stanley Consultants, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $371,344.00, and the appropriation of $371,344.00 of MFT Funds for the Farnsworth Signal – I-88 to Sheffer Road 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 for Section 23-00359-00-TL.

The City applied for federal funding in the March 2022 Kane-Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM) Call for Projects and secured funding for 9 different projects, with 5 additional projects placed in the contingency program. This project was selected to be in KKCOM’s 5-year program for Construction funds to be used in 2027. In order to remain on schedule, it is necessary to start the Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering Study at this time.

The project will include modernizing the six traffic signals on Farnsworth Avenue from the northern I-88 ramp to Sheffer Road. The corridor will also be resurfaced from north of Molitor Road to Creek Avenue with intersection radii improvements as needed and ADA ramp replacement. A multi-use path will be included from the Illinois Prairie Path to Creek Ave. The funding ratio for these projects is 80/20 (80% federal / 20% local) for construction and construction engineering, up to a maximum amount of $2,500,000. Signal modernization and resurfacing projects like this help reduce the burden of funding the City’s yearly resurfacing program with local and MFT funding sources. Much of the traffic signal equipment is old and outdated, and this project will replace all that equipment in the corridor using federal funds.

The City published a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for these Phase 1 engineering services on October 27, 2022. Eight firms submitted their qualifications and experience. City staff members reviewed the qualifications and determined that Stanley Consultants, Inc. of Chicago, Ill. was the most qualified with the top 3 firm’s scores.

The Phase 1 preliminary engineering agreement (BLR 05530) from Stanley Consultants, Inc. in the amount of $371,344.00 will provide Phase 1 preliminary engineering services. City government officials are anticipating the preliminary design work to be completed in summer 2024, with Phase 2 design work to follow.

The agreement being presented is only for Phase 1 engineering. The QBS included a provision that the City can utilize the same firm for the Phase 2 design engineering as Phase 1 engineering. Provided the consultant’s work is satisfactory, a separate resolution for the Phase 2 engineering will be prepared at a later time for Council’s approval.

This followed the Request for Qualifications process and is not subject to the Local Preference Policy. The funding source, MFT funds, is not subject to the Local Preference Policy.

IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the MFT Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for improvement – BLR 09110, appropriating MFT Funds is in the amount of $371,344.00.

The 2023 City Budget provides $349,000 for this item in account 203-4020-418.76-39 (GC088, Farnsworth Avenue Signal – Bilter to Sheffer). As this is a multi-year project, any additional funds will be budgeted in future years, if required.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 preliminary engineering agreement with Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $251,869.00, and the appropriation of $251,869.00 of MFT Funds for the Mitchell Road at Sullivan Road Intersection 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 for Section 23-00360-00-TL.

The City applied for federal funding in the March 2022 Kane-Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM) Call for Projects and secured funding for nine different projects, with five additional projects placed in the contingency program. This project was selected to be in KKCOM’s five-year program for construction funds to be used in 2027. In order to remain on schedule, it is necessary to start the Phase 1 preliminary engineering study at this time.

The project will include improving the intersection of Mitchell Road and Sullivan Road by adding turn lanes and a traffic signal. The work will include associated drainage improvements, pavement markings, and an interconnect with the intersection of Mitchell Road and Indian Trail. The funding ratio for this project is 80/20 (80% federal / 20% local) for construction, up to a maximum amount of $1,520,000. This project will utilize federal funds to improve the corridor and increase capacity and safety at this intersection.

The City published a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for these Phase 1 engineering services on October 27, 2022. Seventeen firms submitted their qualifications and experience. City staff members reviewed the qualifications and determined that Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly, Inc. (CMT) of Aurora, Ill was the most qualified with the top 3 firm’s scores.

The Phase 1 preliminary engineering agreement (BLR 05530) from CMT in the amount of $251,869.00 will provide Phase 1 preliminary engineering services. City government officials are anticipating the preliminary design work to be completed in summer 2024, with some land acquisition work and Phase 2 design work to follow.

The agreement being presented is only for Phase 1 engineering. The QBS included a provision that the City can utilize the same firm for the Phase 2 design engineering as Phase 1 engineering. Provided the consultant’s work is satisfactory, a separate resolution for the Phase 2 engineering will be prepared at a later time for Council’s approval. This Phase 1 agreement does include title commitments, plat of highway and legal descriptions to help expedite Phase 2 ROW processing.

This followed the Request for Qualifications process and is not subject to the Local Preference Policy. The funding source, MFT funds, is not subject to the Local Preference Policy.

IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the MFT Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for improvement – BLR 09110 appropriating MFT Funds is in the amount of $251,869.00.

The 2023 City Budget provides $230,000 for this item in account 203-4020-418.76-39 (GC085 Mitchell Road and Sullivan Road intersection). As this is a multi-year project, any additional funds will be budgeted in future years, if required.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 3 construction engineering supplement #1 with HR Green, Inc. in the amount of $175,903.00 for the East New York Street – Segment III (Farnsworth Avenue to Welsh Drive) Project.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to approve the Phase 3 construction engineering services agreement supplement #1 with HR Green, Inc.

The East New York Street – Segment III (Farnsworth Avenue to Welsh Drive) Project has been under construction since the summer of 2021. The project consists of reconstructing East New York Street from a 4-lane section to a 5-lane section. The widening will provide either a two-way left turn lane or 16’ barrier median with grass interior, with intermittent left turn lanes.

The project is approximately 70% completed. The southern portion of new concrete pavement has been constructed and traffic is in Stage 3. The contractor has been doing some utility work over the winter, and the project is anticipated to be completed in summer of 2023.

The federal funding in the project includes Surface Transportation Program (STP) – Local funding administered by the Kane Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP-L) and STP – Shared Fund (STP-SF). The funding agreement with IDOT and the original HR Green, Inc. contract in the amount of $895,105.94 was approved in October 2020 by City Council (R20-251).

Even though the agreements were approved by the City Council in October 2020, they were originally drafted in early March 2020. The project was delayed almost an entire year due to land acquisition. Over the course of that year, a number of things changed including cost increases by HR Green as well as some design changes which affected the level of effort required for construction engineering.

Additionally, there have been some construction delays and unexpected challenges in the field which have caused the level of effort to increase. The Phase 3 construction engineering agreement supplement #1 with HR Green, Inc., is in the amount of $175,903.00.

Per the Joint Funding agreement with IDOT that was approved by City Council, the City’s share of construction and construction engineering was estimated to be $3,833,951.00. Even with an increase in construction engineering with supplement #1, the City’s local share is estimated to be under the previously approved amount by the City Council due to savings in construction. Therefore, there is no supplemental IDOT resolution needed to appropriate any additional Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds for this project.

The STP-SF project is administered by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). At the moment there is no unprogrammed balance for these funds, however, this project is in line to utilize any redistributed federal funds later in the year. Additionally, the City will be applying for additional federal funds to lower the local share.

The City has previously budgeted sufficient funds for this project in account 202-4060-431.79-59 (GB118, East New York Street- Segment III).

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the purchase of three 2024 Wheeled Coach Ford F-550 4×4 gas type 1 ambulances from Fire Service Inc. St. John Indiana in the amount of $1,465,423.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to purchase three 2024 Wheeled Coach Ford F-550 4×4 gas Type I ambulance, from Fire Service Inc. To replace a 2017 ambulance that has 86,538 miles, and a 2018 ambulance that has 62,728 miles, and reached the end of their service life as front-line vehicles as recommended by Equipment Services. The third will be for the new Medic 12, that will be a new ambulance to the fleet.

The Aurora Fire Department routinely replaces vehicles that are nearing or have exceeded their service life for a frontline ambulance as recommended by Equipment Services. Medic 5 is a 2017 ambulance that has met the criteria for replacement. Medic 10 is a 2018 and will meet the criteria for replacement. The third medic unit will be for the new medic 12 that is due to go into service in 2025.

Fire Service Inc. is the area dealer for the Wheeled Coach brand ambulance. The city of Aurora last purchased a Wheeled Coach ambulance from Fire Service Inc. in 2023. The Fire Service, Inc. contract with the city of Aurora contains language that allows the right to add additional units to that contract, with a guaranteed maximum mark-up.

After further discussion with Derrick Winston from Fleet services City government officials changed to an F-550 4×4 chassis in 2020 because the F-450 chassis was overloaded with all the equipment carried and the Power load cot. The government would also have a savings of approximately $2,500.00 annually for tire replacement and alignments due to overloading of the chassis.

Due to lead times of up to 33 months from the time of orders being placed, government officials are requesting the approval to place the order now for delivery to take place in late 2024 and early 2025. The preordering has been approved by Alex Alexandrou, and Christopher Minick.

Government officials request the ability to exercise this right and purchase additional ambulances based on that language. Funds have been approved for 2023 and will be made available in account 255-3033-422.75-30 for this purchase, with a budgeted amount of $1,314,873, this price includes the cost of the cot equipment, that may fluctuate after March 3rd, 2023. In addition, $60,000.00 has been budgeted in account 255-3033-422.3889 for the setup of the vehicles for a total price $1,374,873. Expenses for the needed medical equipment for the new Med12 are This makes for a approximately $7,000 of expendable supplies (255-3033-422-65.26) and $83,550.00 for medical equipment (255-3033-422-65.27) total package cost of $1,465,423.

Maintaining a safe and dependable emergency response fleet enhances the ability of the Aurora Fire Department to provide emergency medical services to the citizens of Aurora. As vehicles increase in age and mileage, their dependability decreases, and the cost of maintenance of the vehicle increases dramatically.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the execution of real estate contracts to purchase properties and appropriating Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds required for the Indian Trail Road Reconstruction and High Street Intersection Project in the amount of $224,700.00.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to authorize the purchase of right-of-way for the Indian Trail Road Reconstruction and High Street Intersection Project and to appropriate Rebuild Illinois Bond funds as required by the Illinois Highway Code for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Section 06-00260-02-PV.

A Phase 1 Study was previously completed on Indian Trail from Mitchell Road to Farnsworth Avenue. The City has already constructed the section of Indian Trail from east of Church Road to Farnsworth Avenue ten years ago with federal funds. This project would complete the section not constructed from east of Mitchell Road to Church Road.

The project has secured federal funds ranging in percentages from 75% to 100%. The funding sources include Surface Transportation Program – Local (STU), Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) Funds. The HSIP funds are for the improvement of the Indian Trail at High Street intersection and other funds for the rest of the corridor. A total of $6,481,446.00 in federal funds has been secured for the Construction and Construction Engineering on this project.

The project involves improving the Indian Trail corridor by widening four lanes to five lanes to bring conformity to the corridor. Work will include completing traffic signal plans for the intersection of Indian Trail and High Street which is stop controlled, and traffic signal modernization plans for the intersection of Indian Trail and Church Road. The intersections will be provided with ADA compliant ramps and Detectable Warnings. The improvements will also include a 5-6 feet wide sidewalk, 8-10 feet wide asphalt bike path and high visibility crosswalk for safe pedestrian/bicyclists crossing. There will be path connections to an existing regional trail (Illinois Prairie Path (Aurora Branch)) at High Street, plus a connection to the existing shared use path on Indian Trail constructed in Stage 1 of the project.

The City continues to work with their consultant, HR Green, on design plans under an agreement approved by City Council in February 2021 (R21-020). The plans are 99% complete and the “Initial Final” Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) were submitted to the IDOT on November 28, 2022. The project is targeting a mid 2023 IDOT letting, subject to the land acquisition being certified by IDOT and the project being authorized to go to letting.

This resolution will provide authorization to proceed with the acquisition of temporary easement and right of way. The Corporation Counsel, City engineer and respective designees shall represent the City in the acquisition of these parcels.

The City has received acceptances from eight of the eight owners to the offers made by the City and contracts to purchase said properties have been executed or are in the process of being executed by said owners. The eight parcels are numbers 0001, 0002, 0003, 0004, 0011, 0017, 0018 and 0019. The prices range from $300.00 to $137,000.00 depending on the size and scope of the acquisition. The total amount of those settlements is $224,700.00.

There are two parcels shown on the plat of highway that are owned by the Fox Valley Park District (FVPD). FVPD agreed to donate the land acquisition needed on both Parcels 0005 and 0010 in exchange for waiving both the meter fee and connection fee for a future water service planned for a splash pad on Parcel 0005. FVPD has been a great partner with the City on a number of federally funded projects when land acquisition is needed, which had helped the City’s processing of these projects.

IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for Improvement – BLR 09110 appropriating Rebuild Illinois Bond Funds is in the amount of $224,700.00.

The Rebuild Illinois Bond Fund is a grant program using proceeds from general obligation (transportation, series A) bonds authorized in the Rebuild Illinois capital program to provide Local Agencies with the funds for transportation improvement projects. The City has received all the funds, $13,042,322.82 in total, over a 3 year period from 2020-2022. The funds can only be used on bridge and major highway projects that provide an average useful life of greater than or equal to 13 years.

The 2023 City Budget is anticipated to provide for sufficient funds in Account 202-4060-431.79-99 (GB099, E. Indian Trail – Mitchell to Farnsworth #2).

• Approved was a Resolution approving of third-party administrative services for Cities in Schools to administer the 2023 summer programs in the amount not to exceed $184,400.00 for the Youth Services Division.

City government of Aurora documents show since 2010, the City 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 $184,400.00. The proposed agreement is the similar to the 2022 summer. The 2023 proposal includes four educational summer camps, one drama camp, and field trips for all summer camps. 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.

This proposal is beneficial for the City, at a time where the Youth Services department does not have the staff members, resources, and budget to provide this service “in-house.” The City continues to evaluate the mix of “in-house” staff member support/administration with the $184,400 budgeted for contractual administration. For additional enrichment programs, supplies/curriculum, trips, staff members, longer/full-day camps, and students, officials 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 also 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. City government of Aurora documents show CIS has been a strong partner and the only organization that has been able to provide the comprehensive services the City government needs to run camps.

The 2023 budget account number 101-1370-440.32-20 has $184,400 for these services.

There is no impact listed on the public, other departments/divisions, or technology. Since the 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.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the City to accept a $20,000 grant from AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois for assistance in the creation of a supplemental transportation program in the Seniors and Disabilities Services Division.

City government of Aurora documents show the AgeGuide Grant will be used to assist in the creation of a supplemental transportation program for senior citizens and residents with disabilities in the city of Aurora.

In Fall of 2021, Senior and Disability Services conducted a dozen Senior Listening Tour events. More than 250 senior citizens attended, providing information on the major concerns facing Aurora’s elderly. The Seniors and Disabilities Division discovered that existing providers of transportation for seniors and the disabled in Aurora are unable to meet the needs of the growing number of seniors in the community. Thus, Senior and Disability Services is developing a program to provide supplemental transportation services for those residents who cannot be served by existing transportation programs.

Local seniors’ transportation providers have found they are not able to find enough drivers to assist in the increasing rise in requests for service. Other identified barriers are county and financial limitations that prevent access to adequate and reliable transportation options. The new program being created by Senior and Disability Services expects to provide transportation for as many as 50 seniors a month. The grant of $20,000 from AgeGuide will assist in setting up the program. The Senior and Disability Revenue Account number is 101-1372-337-30-40 and the expense account is 101-1372-440.50-80.

With more than 30,000 residents over the age of 60, the city of Aurora government is serving a growing number of senior citizens each year. As the number of seniors has grown, so has the need for providing transportation for elderly residents. This supplemental transportation program to be offered by Senior and Disability Services will strive to meet the demand for getting these seniors to their doctor appointments, the grocery store and other locations.

• Approved was an Ordinance amending Article 44-XVI of the Municipal Code of the city of Aurora: Municipal Cannabis Retailer’s Occupation Tax; Section 44-420 (a) Tax Imposed; Rate.

City government of Aurora documents show the state of Illinois has approved the retail sale of adult recreational cannabis in Illinois, setting a limit of a 3.0% excise tax for Illinois municipalities. In 2019 the City of Aurora chose to allow the sale of Adult Recreational Cannabis and imposed a Municipal Cannabis Retailer’s Occupation Tax at the rate of 2% of sales. City government officials wish to increase the Municipal Cannabis Retailer’s Occupation tax to three percent (3%) to allow for increased funding for social programs and special events within the City.

The Cannabis Retailer’s Occupation Tax Rate is set at 2%. The Ordinance would change the rate to 3% of recreational cannabis retail sales. The deadline to complete this step is April 1, 2023 in order to collect taxes for sales occurring after July 1, 2023. The State allows rate changes for local taxes twice per year, January 1 and July 1. City staff members investigated the prevailing Cannabis Retailer’s Occupation Tax rates in effect at area municipalities which allow recreational cannabis sales. Of the communities surveyed, only two had tax rates that were 2% or less. The remainder communities all had municipal tax rates at 3%.

There are two dispensaries operating within the City limits in Aurora which sell recreational cannabis. In addition to the Municipal Cannabis Retailer’s Occupation Tax, this product is also subject to the state sales tax, of which the City receives 1.0% and the Home Rule Sales Tax of 1.25%. If the ordinance is approved as proposed, the total local tax rate for recreational cannabis sales would increase from 4.25% of sales to 5.25%. Note that the municipal Cannabis Retailer’s Occupation Tax does not apply to sales of Medical Cannabis.

Revenue projections for this tax can vary greatly based on the size of the dispensary and the total number of dispensaries. For example, at 5.25% the City government would collect $52,500, less administration fees from the state, for every $1.0 million in sales on an annual basis. Annual sales tax revenues per dispensary can vary greatly, and are impacted by the number of licenses in a given geographic area. Other states with a far greater number of licenses have seen sales per store between $ 5.0 and 10.0 million annually. A very general projection estimated tax revenues varying between $250,000 and $750,000 per dispensary annually, which represents an increase of $50,000 to $150,000 over current revenue levels per dispensary.

Dispensaries are estimated to employ between 15 and 30 employees, and in most cases these businesses are paying above minimum wage for entry level positions.

The adoption of this ordinance allows the City to collect revenues from the adult recreational cannabis dispensaries should they be approved. Revenues would be utilized to provide funding for special events and social programs throughout the City.

• Approved was a Resolution to approve the purchase of eight Toshiba multi-function copiers and quarterly maintenance from KKC Imaging Systems of Aurora, Ill. through the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to purchase replacement copy machines for the Community Services Division (1), Economic Development (1), Police Department (4) and Parks Division (1) along with a new copier for the Human Resources Training and Development Division (1). These copiers are essential for day to day operations in all areas and seven will replace aging copiers that require constant repair as well as increased quarterly costs.

The 2023 budget included decision packages from the various divisions to purchase/replace the eight multi-function copiers. The oldest copier being replaced is from 2013 (Economic Development) the newest are from 2018 at the Aurora Police Department, since they are on a five-year replacement rotation. As the copiers have aged, there are more maintenance issues and the quarterly billing increases the older the machine gets. Therefore, increasing downtime and costs.

During the budget cycle, discussions were had about the number of copiers requested for the 2023 budget, so Purchasing offered to take the lead and worked with local vendor KKC Imaging Systems, Aurora, Ill. who has provided reliable services to the City for years. KKC Imaging Systems then worked directly with Toshiba to provide us a quote through the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract #030321-TOS along with a volume discount of 10%.

KKC Imaging Systems will also provide the toner and maintenance for the equipment which is paid quarterly as a billable per page charge.

Upon receiving authorization to purchase new copiers, government officials would purchase six Toshiba e-studio color copiers at a cost of $53,887.50 and two black and white copiers at a cost of $12,871.80. The total purchase cost of the eight copiers will be $66,759.30.

Funding is available in the 2023 following accounts: 101-1006-419.63-02; 101-1302-419.63-02; 101-1830-465.63-02; 101-3536-421.63-02 and 101-4440-451.63-02.

Local preference does not apply when using a cooperative purchase program.

This purchase is vital to the daily operations of the various divisions. By purchasing updated equipment, down time due to equipment issues and maintenance costs will decrease.

• Approved was a Resolution approving a professional services agreement with HR Green, Inc in the amount of $470,770.25 for the Farnsworth Avenue improvements Phase 1- preliminary engineering.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to execute the Phase 1 agreement with HR Green, Inc. to improve roadway capacity and facilitate access to the Casino development along Farnsworth Avenue, Bilter Road, Church Road, and Corporate Boulevard. This project will set the standards for cross-sections and intersection improvements that will ensure the traffic generated by the new development will not impact local traffic.

The Hollywood Casino intends to relocate from downtown Aurora to the area bounded by Farnsworth Avenue, Church Road, Bilter Road, and Corporate Boulevard. This project will perform services that will include but not be limited to data collection, survey, geometric studies, environmental coordination, drainage design, preliminary roadway designs/plans, public involvement and an abbreviated project development report.

This contract is for Phase 1, an additional contract for Phase 2 that will generate construction plans will be proposed later.

City government of Aurora documents show HR Green is uniquely qualified for this project as they were awarded a qualifications based selection to perform these exact services on Bilter Road from the Illinois Prairie Path to Premium Outlet Boulevard which will match up with the eastern limits of this project.

This selection was in November 2021 where HR Green was selected by a three-person panel from the Engineering Division. The City issued a Request for Qualifications for the Bilter Road design engineering services on August 12, 2021 to more than 300 vendors in the professional services category. Statements of Qualifications were received from 13 firms on September 2, 2021.

A qualifications based selection for this project should be waived because:

HR Green has already completed a portion of the Phase 1 work on this section as natural spill over the limits of any project is required in order to do a complete and thorough job.
HR Green has background knowledge of this area that no other firm has. Selecting another firm would require the City to spend additional resources to allow another firm to obtain that knowledge. Essentially paying for work to be repeated by another firm.
A qualifications based selection would require other firms to spend additional resources to compile a proposal for a project and location where another firm is already providing the exact same services at that exact same location.
Engineering staff members have a great working relationship with HR Green.
Project GB 164 was budgeted in account 340-4060-431.73-99 in the amount of $950,000.00 for 2023.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the purchase of one replacement and two additional vehicles for the city of Aurora fleet from Altec Industries Inc. through Sourcewell, for $443,571.00.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to ensure that the city of Aurora Electrical Maintenance Division has adequate vehicles to perform their missions safely and effectively.

The City’s Fleet Maintenance Division monitors the city of Aurora fleet to identify vehicles and equipment that have met replacement criteria, are no longer cost effective to continue operating, or are incapable of effectively performing their intended functions. Vehicles identified for replacement are either reassigned to lesser roles, traded, or sold.

The Electrical Maintenance Division electricians utilize trucks equipped with Altec 40’ aerial bucket apparatus in the performance of their daily tasks. Unit #42-357, a 2012 Ford F550, was purchased used in 2015 and is approved for replacement in the 2023 budget. To accommodate added staff members, a decision package for the acquisition of two additional aerial bucket trucks was also approved but is not included in the 2023 budget.

The City government participates in Sourcewell (formerly known as the National Joint Purchasing Cooperative) for the purchase of replacement and additional vehicles. This program bids vehicles for purchase, which allows the City to satisfy the bidding process with less effort, and use a greater purchasing power to get lower prices.

Using Sourcewell contract #062320-ALT, Altec Industries Inc. has proposed to supply one replacement, and two additional trucks, each equipped with an AT40G aerial apparatus, for a total price of $443,571.00 ($147,857.00 each). All three trucks are in stock and ready for delivery.

With the exception of vehicle graphics, communication equipment, and minor add-on accessories, which will be procured and installed through the Fleet Maintenance Division, all three trucks will be delivered ready for service.

Funding for the replacement vehicle is allocated in account 340-4020-418.75-10 ($180,000.00) of the 2023 City of Aurora Budget. A request to amend the 2023 budget in the amount of $295,800.00 has been submitted to satisfy the purchase of the two additional trucks.

Altec Industries Inc. is not indebted to the City.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the City to enter into a Highway Authority agreement (and associated supplements) with Paul and Bill’s Service Center, Inc. for property at 300 West Galena Boulevard.

City government of Aurora documents show Paul and Bill’s Service Center, Inc. has asked the City government to enter into a Highway Authority agreement (which includes environmental indemnity agreement and guaranty of performance and payment supplements) for property at 300 West Galena Boulevard in the city of Aurora, Ill.

Paul and Bill’s Service Center, Inc. (hereinafter called “PBSC”) is attempting to close an underground storage tank (UST) incident with the Illinois EPA. The incident is associated with a subsurface release of gasoline from USTs which appears to have migrated onto a City right-of-way.

Generally, the City has two options pertaining to contamination beneath its roadways. One option is to enter into a Highway Authority Agreement (HAA), which would allow any contamination under the roadways to remain in-place and is commonly used when contamination has migrated off private property and under a City highway or road. These agreements are the result of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) getting involved in the Tiered Approach to Corrective Action Objectives (TACO) rule change which required the Illinois Pollution Control Board to consider land use controls in determining risk to human health from contaminated soil and groundwater and environmental cleanup regulations. As a result of IDOT’s efforts, HAAs became a frequently used land use control recognized in TACO.

The second option would be for the City to require PBSC to excavate and remove all contaminated soils in the right-of-way, which is far less desirable for both parties for economical and logistical reasons.

The execution of this agreement allows PBSC to close the UST incident with IEPA while avoiding the substantial cost and delays which would be associated with the second option described above. Additionally, the enclosed Environmental Indemnity Agreement supplement will provide the City with protection against future claims and contamination in the City’s right-of-way at this location while avoiding litigation which may result from the second option.

• Approved was a Resolution to award the Indian Trail West Water Main Replacement project in Ward 5 to Gerardi Sewer & Water Co., 1785 West Armitage Ct., Addison, Ill. in the bid amount of $1,263,639.75.

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

Lead water services will be fully replaced up to the water meters. Closures of entrances to residences will be kept to a minimum during construction.

Nine bids were received, opened, and read aloud on February 1, 2023. The lowest responsible bid in the amount of $1,263,639.75 was submitted by Gerardi Sewer & Water Co. The water main improvements will be funded with account 510-4058-511-73-02 (IC076 and 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.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the director of the Purchasing Department to enter into an agreement with Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc., Huntley, Ill. in the amount of $738,400.00 for the 2023 Citywide Pavement Patching for Water and Sewer Maintenance.

City government of Aurora documents show this is an annual project that is required to patch pavement in the public right of way that was damaged in relation to utility repairs such as water main breaks and sanitary sewer repairs. Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. has completed similar projects in the past and has performed satisfactory work

This project was bid publicly, with an advertisement in the January 15 issue of the Aurora Beacon News. Three bids were received, opened and read aloud publicly on February 1. The lowest responsible bid was from Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. of Huntley, Ill. in the amount of $738,400.00. The lowest bid came in approximately 2.4% below the engineer’s estimate. It is anticipated that a small portion of this contract will be used to address individual utility repairs performed by contractors to take advantage of better restoration prices.

This bid is required to follow the City’s Local Preference Ordinance, however, there was only one bid received from a certified local vendor, Geneva Construction, Co. of Aurora, Ill., in the amount of $856,850.00, 16% higher than the lowest bid which is outside the percentage which would allow them to match the lowest bid.

This Citywide project will benefit the entire community, as it is the only contract that will be in place to repair the roadways that are damaged throughout the year due to utility repairs. This work is budgeted on an annual basis. This contract shall have a maximum value of $738,400.00 budgeted in 2023 with funds coming from the entire amount budgeted in account number 510-4063-511-38-38 ($699,750.00), $19,325.00 from account number 510-4063-511-73-14 (Sanitary Sewer Evaluation and Repair, IB018, 2023 Budget amount of $ 7,320,000.00), and $19,325.00 from account number 510-4058-511-73-02 (Water Main Evaluation, Repair and Replacement, IC076, 2023 Budget amount of $11,950,000.00).

Construction is expected to begin in mid-March and will continue throughout the construction season depending on the number of utility repairs that are completed. Impacts to the public will be minimal, though will consist of short-term lane closures associated with the pavement repairs and in certain cases, loss of driveway access to allow adequate time for a concrete apron or curb to cure (when applicable).

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the director of the Purchasing Department to enter into an agreement with AWF, Inc. (dba Aurora Wiring & Fixture Company), Aurora, Ill. in the amount of $167,500.00 for the DSC emergency generator installation.

City government of Aurora documents show last year, the City government published a Request for Bids to furnish and install a gas generator and electrical systems to provide emergency backup power for the Development Services Center (DSC) building. In addition to the actual generator and it’s connections (which were in accordance with mechanical design plans prepared by MGH Consulting Engineers), the scope of services also included excavation for and construction of a reinforced concrete pad and footings for the generator in accordance with plans and specifications provided by Fehr Graham. The lone bid received in response to this RFB was $455,940, which was more than 50% over the project budget of $300,000 and was therefore rejected (R22-209).

In order to reduce the overall cost of this project, the City elected to break the project into several smaller scopes of work which were contracted or procured separately as follows:

City staff members reached out to and received pricing from numerous vendors directly and ultimately elected to utilize Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract #120617-CAT to purchase a Caterpillar G14.2-250kW Outdoor Natural Gas generator from Altorfer Power Systems of Addison, Ill. for $138,025.00 (R22-210). This generator was delivered to the City a few months ago and is ready to install.
The City attempted to procure the remaining scope of services for this project using this Sourcewell contract as well, but the quotes received were once again well beyond the project budget and therefore rejected.

The City then provided purchase orders to Wilson & Sons Construction, Inc. to construct the reinforced concrete slab upon which the generator will be installed and to Holmgren Electric, Inc. to make the necessary conduit penetrations in both the new slab and the adjacent wall of the DSC building to accommodate the eventual connection of the generator. The total of these two purchase orders was $9,945.87.
An additional request for bids (which is the subject of this Resolution request) was then published to obtain pricing to make the final connection of the generator to the DSC building and two bids were received. Of these two bids, AWF, Inc. (dba Aurora Wiring & Fixture Company) was determined to be the lowest qualified bidder in the amount of $167,500.
This project was originally included as a decision package in the amount of $300,000 in the 2022 City budget. Based on the delays and rebidding described above, $161,700 was carried over to account 287-4411-417.73-40 (ARPA Funding) for 2023. The necessary budget transfer(s) will be made to provide the additional $5,800 needed to create this purchase order for AWF.

It is worth noting that the City’s revised, segmented approach to procurement on this project (at a total cost of $315,470) resulted in a cost savings to the City of over $140,000 when compared to the originally received and rejected all-inclusive bid of $455,940.

• Approved was an Ordinance authorizing the execution of an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement between the city of Aurora government and the county of Kane regarding access and improvements to Orchard Road from the I-88 westbound access ramp to Jericho Road.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose for this update is to support an additional access point, not originally considered in the existing intergovernmental agreement a future ¾ access approximately 1,100 feet south of the I-88 eastbound ramp to serve and support future mixed-use development.

The city of Aurora and Kane County entered into an agreement dated February 8, 2000 titled “Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Aurora and the County of Kane regarding access and improvements to Orchard Road from the I-88 Westbound Access Ramp to Jericho Road”.

In 2019, owners of the key redevelopment property on Orchard Road adjacent to I-88 met with City staff members to discuss potential development of their long vacant 30-acre vacant parcel. According to staff members, consultants and real estate brokers, improved vehicular access off of Orchard Road east into the property is necessary to support future desirable development.

Although at this time it is only a vision, the City’s vision for the property would be to be a mixed-use development including a combination of restaurants, retail, office, and entertainment uses. The result would be a key redevelopment site at an important entrance to the west end of the City providing new employment, shopping and dining opportunities and additional tax revenue. City staff members, in concert with property owner representatives created a concept plan to assist in illustrating the potential development.

In 2020, the city of Aurora entered into a professional services agreement with Iteris, Inc of St. Charles, Ill. to conduct a Traffic Impact Analysis to support the City’s vision for improving vehicular access at Orchard Road and Bushwood Drive. That intersection is only a right-in/right-out on the Southbound lane of Orchard Road. It’s important to note that Orchard Road is under Kane County’s jurisdiction and any projects within that right-of-way need to be approved by the County Board.

In 2021 KDOT staff members reviewed the Iteris traffic impact analysis and in late 2022 KDOT staff members found the analysis and recommendations sufficient to move forward to seek County Board approval.

Improved access is essential to attract and support the type of desired development. Although a full-signal was desired by City staff members, it has been shown by consultants and KDOT that a full-signal is not feasible. Therefore, the City is seeking KDOT’s support for a new ¾ access. An amendment to the existing intergovernmental agreement is necessary to allow that new access.

City government documents state: Support for this new access will significantly improve the development potential of the long vacant property that will enhance property tax values, increase sales tax revenues, and also improve the image and identify of the City’s westernmost gateway.

• Approved was an Ordinance amending Chapter 6 Section 6-2 and Section 6-10 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the BYOB (bring your own beverage) endorsement.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to modify the BYOB endorsement to extend eligibility for the endorsement to bona fide governmental entities with a valid on-site consumption liquor license to allow said entities to be eligible for a BYOB Endorsement on property owned by the governmental entity for events at locations other than their licensed location.

A “public body” (state, county, township, school district, municipality, special district) is provided the opportunity through Sec. 6-10(a)(8) to utilize the temporary permit process. As local public bodies have evolved and are hosting a variety of events on a regular basis, the Temporary Permit process is no longer the most efficient or cost-effective option for a public body or staff members.

City staff members discussed several different options in order to accommodate requests from local public bodies for a simpler and more streamlined process to allow members of the public to attend public events with the BYOB concept. To provide flexibility that still provides the framework and requirements outlined in Chapter 6, expanding the requirements to obtain the BYOB endorsement was determined the most viable option. All public bodies with on-site consumption liquor licenses and a BYOB endorsement will still be required to comply with all obligations of a licensed establishment, including accountability and oversight, at all locations where they host events that allow BYOB.

• Approved was a Resolution authorizing a development agreement with CL Real Estate Development, LLC/CL Enterprises, LLC for the purposes of facilitating the sale and redevelopment of the vacant Vargas (former Culture Stock) building, at 43 E Galena Boulevard, between Broadway and Stolp on Galena, adjacent to the City owned Hogan building at 51 east Galena.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to promote the continued revitalization of the downtown, the Economic Development Division recommends the approval of a Development Agreement between the City of Aurora and CL Real Estate Development, LLC.

CL Real Estate Development, LLC plans to open a brewery and restaurant similar to the four restaurants they are operating in Ottawa, Lockport, Glenview, and DeKalb; Tangle Roots. A second food and beverage concept on the lower level of the building is also being discussed but will not start for at least five years.

City staff members and senior representatives from CL Enterprises, LLC have had discussions regarding the importance of floodway prevention, and floodway elevation to ensure flood proofing in the lower level which may impact the effective use of the space.

New restaurants in the downtown have been a long-sought goal of the City, its consolidated population and the new residents attracted by the recently approved residential developments; and the increasing number of visitors that have been attracted to the City’s more popular destinations (Paramount, RiverEdge Park, etc.). Restaurants support a population living, working, or visiting a city that in turn adds to an environment that encourages more of the same. A restaurant at Vargas, will sustain and promote residential developments in need of hospitality services attracting tenants and providing options for visitors.

CL Enterprises (“CLE”), headquartered in Peru, Illinois, is the holding company for the businesses of husband-and-wife team Peter Limberger and Inga Carus. CLE’s investment focus is on the following industries: agriculture, basic manufacturing, real estate development, consumer products and hospitality.

Each of the restaurants, breweries and companies that belong to CL Enterprises have a unique product and/or service offering, characterized by unique products and service offering.

The brewery and restaurant concept being proposed is Tangle Roots, a successful model that not only embraces a sound business culture, but also community values, and the nature around us, brewing with hops and barley grown on their own farm in Starved Rock Country. Similarly, their unique chef-crafted menus are inspired by ingredients sourced from local farmers and growers.

An agreement was reached that enables CL Enterprises LLC to own the property and realize ownership benefits that would inure to any owner that created value after attracting a successful user, in this case Tangled Roots restaurant. The incentives to the developer entail the property at 43 E Galena, be donated to the developer at a value of $100,000 and subject to the City’s repurchase right set forth in the RDA.

To be noted, the donation of the property does not include the space that houses “The Riverfront Playhouse” at 11-13 Water Street Mall.

The anticipated initial investment for the restaurant on the main and second floor is $4,552,000, being the project pro forma. The incentives being offered as a part of this agreement are:

1) Sale of the property upon proof of funding and required metrics in the Agreement for $1.00.

2) Access to the site will be granted to CL Enterprises immediately following the execution of a binding Agreement to allow CL Enterprises to begin the work

3) The City’s right to confirm that CL Enterprises has sufficient resources either through equity or through private debt issuance to fulfill its obligations for tenant improvement and

4) CL Enterprise’s right to outdoor seating on the portion of Water Street Mall as long as it does not obstruct pedestrian passage, as defined by the City engineer

5) The City shall fund the project in a total funding amount of $1,525,000 from two sources:

1) $900,000 Forgivable Loan amortizing in 10 years from the opening date of the restaurant at 5% interest, with both interest and principal forgiven.

2) $625,000 Second Mortgage, a City government loan, also a 10 year repayment period at 5% as provided in the agreement.

6) Funding shall be provided on a pari passu basis ($1.00 of City funding for every $2.00 of Developer funding)

7) The forgivable loan and the City loan will be administered through a third-party escrow with Chicago Title Co.

The City’s repurchase option included in the RDA allows for the City, at its sole discretion, to repurchase the property up to the project completion date as defined in the RDA. This provision is similar to that provided in the Casino relocation redevelopment agreement.

Developer funding will be obtained from:

A permanent loan of $1,090,000.00 (first mortgage)
$1,600,000 in Historic Tax Credit Funding
$250,000 in Developer Equity
This project is estimated to create a restaurant generating $3.0 million in annual sales, which represents a substantial increase in foot traffic in support of other downtown businesses and activities and is approximately twice the volume estimated from the original Mora project.

This project will increase the City’s real estate tax base both at this property and, by encouraging investment development in the surrounding area. Sales taxes will likewise increase. Quality of life will positively be impacted and will verify a demand that is assumed but not yet realized. Employment will increase.