By Jason Crane
Mayor of Aurora, Richard Irvin announced his appointment of Dan Barreiro as the new Ward 1 alderman Tuesday, August 6 at the Aurora City Council Committee of the Whole meeting. If approved next week, Barreiro’s term will be until the next general election in April 2025.
Barreiro, a 45-year resident of the first ward, was the mayor’s choice to fill the seat vacated by former Ward 1 Alderman Emmanuel Llamas.
Barreiro was a City Hall staff member for 35 years, beginning in 1986 as an intern, transitioning in 1988 to administrative assistant in the Mayor’s Office, and retiring in 2021 as chief Community Services officer, a position he held for 15 years. Throughout the decades, Barreiro held such other roles as assistant director of Personnel, assistant Finance director, and assistant chief of Staff.
Barreiro is the vice president of the East Aurora Board of Education, first elected in 2017 and then reelected in 2021. His term expires in 2025, and he will resign from the School Board to assume the duties of Ward 1 alderman.
Barreiro has held many community leadership positions over the years, including on the boards of the Aurora East Educational Foundation, the East Aurora Alumni Association, El Centro Pan Americano, the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, the Fox Valley Girl Scouts Council, the Fox Valley Park District, the Fox Valley Symphony, the Fox Valley United Way, the Salvation Army, and Sci Tech.
He serves with the Knights of Columbus, the Three Fires Council of the Boys Scouts, and Project Safe Aurora.
After graduating from East Aurora High School, Barreiro earned his Bachelor of Political Science with an emphasis in local government and a Master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis in Urban Management from Northern Illinois University.
•Several individuals used their voices for up to three minutes each: Comments can be viewed on the city government of Aurora’s YouTube page after the 12-minute mark by clicking here.
The Aurora City Council is considering two Ordinances and two Resolutions: Granting Revisions to the Conditional Use Permit for a Religious Institution Use on the Property at 1101 Foran Lane.
City government of Aurora documents show the petitioner, Sai Samsthan USA, is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Revision for a Religious Institution use, which includes expanding the Property’s boundaries to incorporate the property at 1125 Foran Ln, which is intended to be utilized as a dwelling for worship leaders.
The Property is zoned R-1(C), One Family Dwelling District with a Conditional Use and R-1, One Family Dwelling District. The Comprehensive Plan designates the property as Low Density Residential. The Property’s total area is approximately six acres. The existing temple building is approximately 7,000 square feet, with 123 parking spaces. The property at 1125 Foran Lane is an existing single-family home, which is owned by the Petitioner.
Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plat Revision for Shree Shirdi Saibaba Manor Subdivision. The details of the request include consolidating the existing subdivision, which is approximately five and a half acres, with the existing lot at 1125 Foran Ln. Post consolidation, the total acreage of the subdivision is six acres. The Final Plat also includes the dedication of a 15-foot wide City easement, as well as the dedication of approximately 33 feet of right-of-way on Foran Ln. The subdivision has a single lot.
Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision for the Shree Shirdi Saibaba Manor Subdivision. The details of the request include construction of a new, two story addition on the north side of the existing building for expanded worship and community space. With this Final Plan Revision, the Petitioner is also requesting to expand the existing parking lot to the south for an additional 34 parking spaces.
The Final Plan Revision is broken into two separate phases. Phase I includes construction of just the first floor of the proposed northwestern building addition, which is to be utilized for accessory meditation space by on-site members. Phase II includes rebuilding the first floor of the northeastern portion of the existing building for common space, as well as construction of the second floor, which is to be used for accessory classroom and office space. The provided plans indicate the second phase of construction will extend across the entire first floor of the proposed addition, which includes Phase I and Phase II. Phase II of the Final Plan Revision includes construction of the additional parking lot and parking spaces. The elevation drawings also show temporary stairs on the building’s exterior, and which will be removed once construction for Phase II has commenced.
Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is proposing a Plat of Vacation. The details of the request includes vacating the existing fifteen foot wide City Easement, which is required per the Engineering Department’s review to be removed as the easement is beneath the building addition that is proposed as part of the Final Plan Revision. The easement is required to allow for a watermain line to be constructed and maintained in place of the existing utility.
Staff members have reviewed the conditional use petition and have sent comments back to the Petitioner based on those submittals. The Petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.
Based on the sum of the proposal, staff members find the phasing bears further discussion. Because the phased building additions are intended to be utilized as accessory to the primary worship use, meaning that visitors, other than those already attending worship, are not likely at a given time. The Floor Plans show the maximum, anticipated number of occupants within the principle sanctuary is 375. Given that the minimum parking requirement is based on one space per four fixed seats within the principle sanctuary, the existing 123 parking spaces satisfies the minimum parking requirement of 94 spaces. The additional planned parking lot, which is to be built at a later time, is likely to be necessary during special events when additional overflow parking is needed.
Public hearing:
Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter. As of the date of this memo, City staff members have received an inquiry from the public regarding the nature of the proposal.
The City Council gave consent to the following agenda items likely to be placed on the Tuesday, August 13 full City Council agenda:
• Consent was given to a Resolution requesting approval to purchase CCTV cameras and equipment for a Forensics Laboratory for the Aurora Police Department using funds received from the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program.
City government of Aurora documents show the objective of the COPS Technology and Equipment Program is to provide funding for projects which improve police effectiveness and the flow of information among law enforcement agencies, local government service providers, and the communities they serve.
Resolution R23-375 accepted award number 15JCOPS-23-GG-01883-TECP from the US Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program for $2,280,000.
This grant proposal was developed and submitted to the US Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, with the goal of improving effectiveness of the Aurora Police Department (APD) by acquiring technology to help community policing and crime prevention through the development and procurement of equipment, technologies, and interoperable communications.
Funding obtained through this grant will increase the City’s safety and security by providing real-time access to cameras and the ability to interpret that data and formulate a quick and decisive response to crimes in progress.
Violent crimes including vehicular hijackings (aka: car jackings) and felony property crimes such as burglaries and the theft of motor vehicles are on a precipitous rise. Nationwide, the use of license plate readers and real-time cameras have proven to be invaluable in addressing these crime trends.
Equipment procured with this grant will include real-time crime cameras and license plate readers, along with the ancillary support equipment associated with these cameras, such as cables, modems, and the like.
Funding obtained through this grant will also be used to support the expansion of the police department’s Digital Forensic Program and its efforts to address the increase of digital crimes in the community. These crimes include Cyberbullying, Online Harassment, Identity Theft, Cryptocurrency Scams, Hacking, and Child Pornography. In addition, “traditional” crimes such as homicides et al can have corroborative digital evidence, including “chats”, geolocation data, or other digital evidence which can significantly enhance a traditional homicide investigation.
Equipment procured with this grant will also include a suite of software solutions developed to aid in the location, collection, and analysis of digital forensic evidence. This includes the associated network and subscription services needed to complete this expansion.
The grant provides 100% of the funding and there is no local cost matching involved with the project.
After a competitive bidding process, Scientel Solutions, LLC., (“Scientel”) was awarded a three-year contract with a three-year option to manage and upgrade all City-owned CCTV cameras via Council resolution R21-135. This has provided Scientel with extensive knowledge of the City’s CCTV network. Pricing for improvements is based upon the agreements in R21-135.
The City has agreements with Meade (R23-317) and Utility Dynamics (R23-015) for similar work that City officials priced these items from.
Items above from Cellebrite, Chainalysis, Magnet, Merakai and OpenText are considered sole source due to their specific law enforcement function.
Flock License Plate Readers (LPRs) where chosen for this implementation due their direct integration with Evidence.com with is utilized by the City since 2021. In addition, the Flock technology will provide the City the ability access share camera data directly with neighboring agencies.
Impact statement:
This grant award will result in improved safety and security for Aurora residents, businesses, and visitors. Equipment installed through this project will supplement and enhance the Aurora Police Department’s existing capabilities. Management of the project and maintenance of the equipment will be the responsibility of the City’s IT Department.
• Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract with Compass Minerals America Inc. in the amount of $773,372.00 and the appropriation and expenditure of MFT funds for an amount up to $1,000,000.00 for salt purchases.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to execute a contract with Compass Minerals and execute the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) resolution necessary to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for the purchase of sodium chloride (rock salt) for 2024 (MFT Section No. 24-00000-00-GM).
The bulk road salt to be used for snow removal is typically purchased through the State’s Central Management Services Office and the DuPage County Procurement Services Division; both entities secured multiple bids through a publicly advertised sealed process, establishing competitive unit prices. At this time, it is necessary to also fill the new salt dome at the new Public Works facility.
The filling of the dome was not included in the scope of work with the DuPage County or the State of Illinois Road Salt Bid. Therefore, the City went out to bid on its own outside of the typical process.
Five bids were opened and publicly read on July 17, 2024. The lowest responsible bid was submitted by Compass Minerals America Inc. in the amount of $773,372.00. Compass Minerals has provided bulk road salt to the City for a number of years. City officials recommend awarding the salt purchase to Compass Minerals America Inc. for the unit prices submitted.
The local preference ordinance does not apply due to the funding source (MFT).
Prior to any expenditure of MFT funds, the State must review the proposed expenditure and authorize the use of MFT funds. The $1,000,000.00 is a rounded up value that includes some contingency for additional expenditures in 2024. The actual expenditure is dependent upon the severity of the winter and the number of events that require the use of these chemicals. Any unused funds from this expenditure will be returned to the City’s unobligated MFT balance at the end of 2024.
The 2024 budget includes these expenditures within account 203-4060-431.65-32 (Salt).
Approval of this resolution will provide the City with the necessary materials to perform proper snow and ice control on city streets during the 2024 calendar year.
• Consent was given to an Ordinance Amending The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2024 and Ending December 31, 2024 (Amendment #2 For The 2024 Fiscal Year).
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed amendment to the 2024 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 2024 budget on December 5, 2023 through the passage of Ordinance No. O23-088.
While the city attempts to anticipate all potential expenditures for a fiscal year when that year’s budget is developed, circumstances occasionally arise that require expenditures that were not contemplated in the original financial plan. 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.6 permits a municipality operating under the budget system to amend its annual budget by a two third’s vote of its governing body.
The proposed ordinance, would provide for certain changes in the 2024 City Budget. Below is an explanation for each change.
Items 1 and 14: Grants/Other Grants, Public Arts, General Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $192,800). These items adjust the budget to account for the grant received through DCEO 21-411084 Tourist Festival Grant.
Items 2 and 15: Grant Local Government/ Private, Youth Services, General Fund (Offsetting Revenue and Expenditure Increase of $20,000). Grant was extended into Fiscal Year 2024.
Items 3 and 16: Civic Activities Fees/Famer Market, Community Events, General Fund (Revenue and Expenditure increase of $4,400). Link grant rollover funds from 2023.
Items 4, 21 and 22: Fire Services/IROL, Fire Prevention, General Fund (Revenue and Expenditure increase of $8,300). Additional IROL funds will be used to purchase a digital fire extinguisher.
Items 5 and 23: Grants Illinois DCEO, Police Department, General Fund (Revenue increase of $250,000 and Expenditure increase of $125,000). These items adjust the budget to account for a grant received through DCEO R24-0124. The grant will be used to buy for the FUSUS program and $125,000 is earmarked for reimbursement for general police sworn personnel salaries.
Items 6 and 24: Grants- Federal Government, Police Department, General Fund (Revenue and Expenditure increase of $250,000). These items adjust the budget to account for the Edward Byrne Grant
Items 7 and 25: Grant- Local Government/ Private, Animal Control, General Fund (Revenue and Expenditure increase of $2,500). These items adjust the budget to account for the Petco Love grant received. These funds will be used for lifesaving purposes and further community outreach.
Items 8 and 29: Civic Activities/ African American Heritage, Community Services, Gaming Tax Fund (Revenue and Expenditure increase of $16,800). These items amend the budget to reflect additional donations to the AAHAB from the dinner event.
Items 9 and 37: Golf Course/Food and Beverage, Phillips Park Golf Course Fund (Revenue increase of $30,000 and Expenditure increase of $41,000). These items will adjust the budget to account for additional purchases of food and beverages being sold at the golf course.
Items 10 and 38: Golf Course/Sales Pro Shop Equipment, Phillips Park Golf Course Fund (Revenue increase of $30,000 and Expenditure increase of $40,000). These items will adjust the budget to account for additional purchases of golf merchandise being sold at the golf course.
Item 11: Computer Software, Information Technologies, General Fund (Expenditure increase of $512,300). This item is for the new Microsoft Enterprise agreement which included migration of all City staff members to Microsoft Office 365.
Item 12: Computer Software, Information Technologies, General Fund (Expenditure increase of $48,600). This item is to account for the change order for the time and attendance solution.
Item 13: Professional Fees/Contracted Services, Community Development, General Fund (Expenditure increase of $200,000). This item is to account for additional funding needed to complete the special census.
Items 17 through 20: Salaries and Benefits, Central Services, General Fund (Expenditures increase of $ 35,200). These items adjust the budget for an additional Administrative Aide for the Central Services division.
Item 26: Repairs Mtce Services, CAD, Information Technology, ETSB Fund (Expenditure Increase of $ 46,800. This item is for additional funding for the Hexagon SOS Development.
Items 27 through 28: Supplies/Furniture/Fixtures, E911 Center, ETSB Fund (Expenditure increase $85,100). These items provide funding for the change orders for the remodeling of the Public Safety Answering Point.
Item 30: Vehicles/ Truck, Fire Department, SHAPE Fund, (Expenditure increase of $90,400). This item is for the additional costs associated with the purchase of Truck 14 which passed council on May 14th and for the purchase of E-9 2024 E-One Cyclone Pumper for the Fire Department.
Items 31 through 32: Supplies/Expendable Tools and Furniture/Fixtures, Police Department, Equitable Sharing Justice Fund (Expenditure increase of $103,600). These items are for purchase of various tools, equipment and related supplies.
Items 33: Supplies/Expendable Tools, Police Department, Equitable Sharing Treasury Fund (Expenditure increase of $14,200). This item authorizes the purchase of Truck scales.
Item 34: Vehicles/Vans, Police Department, Equitable Sharing Treasury Fund (Expenditure increase of $268,800). This item is to cover the cost for the purchase of the SOG surveillance vehicle.
Item 35: Equipment/City owned Fiber, Electrical, Information Technology Fund (Expenditure increase of $34,000). This item authorizes funding for the alternate route fiber to connect the Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity Habitat Green Freedom subdivision.
Item 36: Central Garage Maintenance, Water Billing, Water and Sewer Fund (Expenditure increase of $15,500). This item covers unexpected vehicle repairs.
• Consent was given to a Resolution to award the North Avenue Storm Sewer Extension project in Wards 3 and 7 to Superior Excavating Co. in the bid amount of one hundred eighty-two thousand one hundred sixty-two Dollars and zero Cents ($182,162.00).
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to improve drainage issues along North Avenue between Ohio Street and Hill Avenue.
The centerline of North Avenue is boundary between Ward 7 to the north and Ward 3 to the south. Alderman Ted Mesiacos of Ward 3 is planning on using ward funds to construct concrete sidewalk and curb and gutter along the existing aggregate shoulder. This concrete work has been previously bid and awarded to a separate contractor. At this time, there are no drainage structures along this block between Ohio Street and Hill Avenue. This storm sewer, which will serve both sides of the road, is to be constructed prior to the concrete surface improvements.
Five bids were received, opened, and read aloud July 10, 2024. The lowest responsible bid in the amount of $182,162.00 was submitted by Superior Excavating Co. The drainage improvements will be funded with account 280-1852-512-8123 (B037) which has a 2023 budget amount of $1,900,000.
This project was subject to the Local Preference Ordinance, however no local contractors submitted.
There will be closure of North Avenue during the duration of the project, but it will be kept open to local traffic. Impacts to traffic and residents will be kept to a minimum.
• Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the director of the Purchasing Department to utilize the Sourcewell and Omnia Cooperative Purchasing Contracts to enter into an agreement with Interiors for Business, Inc. in the amount of $1,090,000.00 for Furniture at the new Public Works Combined Maintenance Facility.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to award a contract to furnish and install furniture at the new facility in the amount of $1,090,000.00 to Interiors for Business, Inc., 409 N. River Street, Batavia, lll. This amount includes the amount proposed ($1,036,255.50), plus an additional five percent as a contingency.
The Public Works Department is consolidating the personnel and equipment from a handful of maintenance divisions (Electrical, Streets, Fleet, Water and Sewer, and Water Meter Maintenance) into a new, combined maintenance facility on a 25.4-acre city-owned parcel near Liberty and New York Streets. Construction is ongoing and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024 or shortly thereafter. The building should be ready to receive furniture (including desks, tables, chairs, etc.) by mid-November.
The City has contracted with Interiors for Business, Inc. of Batavia utilizing cooperative purchasing contracts in the past to provide furniture at other City facilities, including the recently renovated Human Resources Department at City Hall.
The City elected to once again engage Interiors for Business in early 2024 to design the furniture to be included in the new Public Works Facility. The design process included multiple, iterative meetings with City staff members at their showroom to view and “try out” various types of conference/break room tables and chairs, personal workstations (desks, chairs, storage), sound dampening equipment, and other furniture.
Once the final scope of furniture to be purchased and installed was established, Interiors for Business provided the proposal. As indicated on the proposal, this purchase will be made utilizing Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract #091423-ST1 for Steelcase/AMQ products and Omnia cooperative purchasing contract #2019.001896 for National/Kimball products.
• Consent was given to a Resolution approving the appointment of Chris Ragona as director of the Community Services department.
• Final approval for items on the Committee of the Whole consent agenda are set to be made at the August 13 Aurora City Council meeting.