By Jason Crane
Mike Singletary, middle linebacker of the famed 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl team, joined the Aurora city government full City Council as they gathered in person for the first time since March 2020.
Singletary, A.K.A. “Samurai Mike’’ was team captain for 10 years, and NFL Defensive Player of the year for three years. Singletary earned the nickname “Samurai Mike’’ during his professional career in recognition of his focus and intensity on the field.
He announced a collaboration with Richard Irvin, mayor of Aurora.
The program will bring thousands of individuals to Chicago’s Soldier Field next month, Saturday, July 17, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m..
Mayor Irvin was asked by Singletary to be one of the co-hosts of the event.
Singletary shared his vision, “One morning I woke up, in the midst of everything that’s happened in our Country, particularly in Chicago, but in our Country.
“I really felt like in my heart, Soldier Field came to mind. It stayed with me all day and I’m trying to figure out what in the world is this? What does this mean?
“There was some other things that happened in our Country, right about that time. I said, ‘you know what? I’m going to do something at Soldier Field.
“I called the Park District, and fully took a look at the South Side and the West Side of Chicago and began to look at some of the things that are happening. Even as recent as this past weekend.
“It’s always been amazing to me how in our Country, there’s so many things that are happening in the neighborhood that just goes unnoticed, not even on television, doesn’t even make the news!
“The kind of crime that we have around our Country, that just doesn’t even get mentioned.
“And then something happens that has to do with a different race, and all of a sudden it’s National news and we’re rioting and everything else.
“For me, I think that as a Country in order for us to get to where we need to go, we have to begin to understand, that it didn’t get this way today, by itself.
“There were a lot of things that took place in order for us to get here and we’re not going to come out one race different or higher than the other.
“I think more than anything, we need to realize that we really need each other!
“If we don’t realize that, at some point in time, the consequences are going to be very high.
“I’ve really began to put together a program of speakers and entertainers that were there that really had a chance to talk about their journey, where they’ve been.
“Not just all African Americans, not just all Latinos, but a mixture because that’s what America is.
“Being able to have them talk about their stories and their lives and have people in the stands that can reflect what they look like.
“Understand that all of life can be difficult and at some point in time we have to take time to take a step back and realize, you know what? If I keep looking at you and you keep looking at me, we’re going to have a problem and we’re not going to get anywhere.
“But the minute I begin to look up, that’s where the opportunities are. That’s where God is! And then I have a chance to really look at myself, and look at the things I need to do in order to really begin to embrace the life that we’re meant to have, no matter where we’re from, no matter what we’ve done. If we can understand the power, of togetherness and unity, then we have a chance to do something special.
“I think the biggest discrepancy that we have that keeps us from being a great Country is the educational system and the health care system.
“I think until we begin to bring those things up in the lower socioeconomic areas, we are always going to be tilted and out of balance.
“That night we are trying to introduce the unity that’s needed. We are trying to introduce an educational program. Trying to have a partner with the health and wellness program.
“I’m introducing an app that night as well that has everything to do with making choices. If we can make the right choices, then we have a chance to begin to earn digital dollars.
“With those digital dollars, you can buy groceries, you can purchase clothing.
“On the other side of that is having organizations donate goods and services, not give them to the community but have them earn them by the choices that they make.
“Being in those communities, nine times out of ten you say, well I don’t have any money, so therefore I don’t have any hope.
“Well, you always have a choice!
“If you make good choices, then those choices could turn into goods and services.
“That night is all about trying to create access and that’s what we have to have in our Country, for everyone, access!
“If we can do that, then I think we have a chance to begin to walk down that road and to begin to hold hands together and begin to understand that we can get there together.
“That’s what it’s about!” Singletary added.
• Mayor Irvin presented a proclamation to representatives from Association for Individual Development (AID) for its 60th anniversary.
Senior vice president of Developmental Disabilities Services Wanda Thomas and president and CEO Lorre Baker received the proclamation.
Since 1961, the Association for Individual Development (AID) has served individuals with developmental, intellectual, physical and/or mental health challenges, those who have suffered a trauma and those at risk. Vital, life-enriching services that promote the highest level of independence and community participation include: Autism programs; permanent supportive housing; in-home support; developmental and vocational training; job placement and on-the-job coaching services; crisis intervention; victims services; mental health treatment; behavioral intervention; health and wellness; community education; and advocacy.
Serving more than 5,600 children and adults, AID operates community day centers in Elgin, Aurora, Batavia, and Yorkville; mental health outpatient clinics throughout the Fox Valley; supports more than 500 individuals living in their own apartments; and more than 200 individuals in group homes scattered throughout the greater Fox Valley. AID also administers the Ride in Kane paratransit program in partnership with RTA, Pace, Kane County, and local municipalities and social service agencies.
• There were no speakers for a Public Hearing as required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended regarding the proposed issuance by the City of Aurora, Kane, DuPage, Will and Kendall Counties, Illinois (The City) of its revenue bonds, in one or more series, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,000,000.
The City Council unanimously approved the following agenda items:
• Approved was a resolution increasing the authority conferred to the chief financial officer to purchase body-worn cameras and related software and equipment to a total aggregate amount not to exceed $2,901,373.00.
At a previous meeting, Aurora Police Department Commander Matt Thomas explained some of the necessary changes since the October 2020 resolution that was passed.
“At that time, we felt as though 275 cameras was a sufficient enough amount of cameras for our department.
“Since that time a few things have changed, one being the House Bill 3653. That was signed into law on February 22 by the governor. That changed the Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Act and added some new requirements that are going to be effective July 1.
“They scoped out 275 cameras before, however because of those changes, it’s now are going to require that all law enforcement officers use body-worn cameras.
“All the officers must turn them on when they’re in uniform, on duty, and engaged in any law enforcement encounter activity. There are no exceptions to rank or administrative duties.
“How that’s going to impact our operations is basically any sworn officer, regardless of rank, could become engaged in law enforcement activity anytime they are in public.”
Commander Thomas added a smaller pool of 275 cameras is no longer feasible. Now the request is for 310 cameras.
• Approved was a resolution establishing the maximum number of Class D: Downtown Core Entertainment District (Arts Facility) liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from The Studio Gallery, Inc. D/B/A French 75 at 56 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora) in Ward 2.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to increase the number of Class D: Downtown Core Entertainment District (Arts Facility) liquor licenses. A new business, The Studio Gallery, Inc., D/B/A French 75, is opening at 56 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, and has submitted a liquor license application. French 75 will be an art gallery with original works of art for sale, offering art and wine classes, mixology tutorials, occasional live music, specialty cocktails and charcuterie boards.
This request is presented in accordance with the 2011 amendment to the City’s Liquor Ordinance, specifically Section 6-9(a), which charges the City Council with the authority to determine the number of licenses available in each classification.
The Studio Gallery, Inc., D/B/A French 75 has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption in the art gallery. If approved, this liquor license will allow the sale of alcohol during business hours.
• Approved was an ordinance amending Section 48-57 of the Code of Ordinances, city of Aurora, effective July 1, 2021, and establishing the utility rates for water and sewer services provided within the City thereafter.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed ordinance that would adjust the city’s rates for water and sewer service July 1, 2021 and 2022.
For the past several years, the city government has adhered to the practice of adjusting its rates for water and sewer service moderately each year rather than imposing larger increases at irregular intervals.
In order to address the anticipated operating and capital needs of the water and sewer system, the Water & Sewer Fund requires an aggregate revenue increase of about 1.6% for 2021-22 and 4.0% for 2022-23. The current water rate structure includes a basic fixed fee (availability charge) and a water use/consumption rate (volume rate).
A typical household water customer consumes approximates 12 ccf per bi-monthly billing period. Currently, this equates to a bill, on average, of about $85.25. With the proposed rates, this will increase to an estimated $87.05 effective July 1, 2021 and $90.65 effective July 1, 2022. Because the rate study is proposing no increase to the availability charge of $21.05, residents who use less than average will see even a lower percentage increase to their bill
The proposed rates would raise an estimated $1.4 million additional revenue in the next year and $3.0 million in the following year.
Consistent with the City Council’s efforts to remove “temporary” information such as water and sewer rates from the City Code, this ordinance will adopt the water and sewer rates by exhibit (which will not be codified) and remove all previously established water and sewer rates from the Code altogether.
• Approved was an ordinance amending Sec. 13-14 of Chapter 13 Code of Ordinances, city of Aurora government, entitled Tobacco, Alternative Nicotine Product or Vapor Product Use, Prohibitions and Compliance Monitoring.
City government of Aurora documents show staff members seek to amend the ordinance to reflect the procedure enacted in Chapter 6, Alcoholic Liquor, to establish a process if a license holder/potential license holder is seeking to place a location less than 250 feet from certain institutions.
A hearing process was established in late 2019 in Chapter 6, Alcoholic Liquor, to allow licensees/potential licensees to petition and have a hearing to determine whether a new establishment can be within 250 feet from certain institutions.
Under some of our current zoning, there are daycare facilities located in what were traditionally shopping centers. With this new format, licensees under Chapter 13 are limited in where they can have a site. Chapter 13 does not have a process similar to Chapter 6. In certain wards this creates an inability for certain businesses to go in certain locations despite shopping centers not being directly connected to the daycares.
Amending Sec. 13-14 of Chapter 13 will allow additional businesses to establish in areas that are traditionally meant for business, but cannot obtain a license for the location due to being near a daycare near another shopping center (not necessarily in the same shopping center), a hearing officer would look through all of the requirements established by the ordinance to determine if the reduction of distance is advisable.
City staff members and elected officials will be able to weigh in during this time as well if there are concerns regarding the location and the proximity to certain institutions.
• Approved was a resolution to purchase 20 Dell Latitude 5420 Rugged Laptops from Dell Technologies in the amount of $37,258.20.
City government of Aurora documents show this purchase will replace laptops in use by fleet and facilities staff members and are utilized while perform diagnostic services on City vehicles. The current laptops are inadequate for current needs and are no longer supported by the manufacturer.
In 2018, the IT Division implemented a new cost-savings measure to ensure city personnel are assigned one computing device. These ruggedized laptops will be utilized by Fleet and Facilities staff as their sole computer – whether in the field or in their office.
These devices will be purchased using the U.S. Communities purchasing cooperative. U.S. Communities aggregates purchasing volume of participating agencies to receive larger volume discounts from suppliers. U.S. Communities serves as a government cooperative purchasing organization for agencies nationwide and their agreements are made available to eligible agencies including City and Local Governments.
Budget amendment RBA17 was submitted and approved for $33,200.00 to support this purchase. Funds are now available in Fleet and Facilities Maintenance Account No. 120-4431-418.64-12 (Supplies – Computers).
• Approved was a resolution consenting to the assignment of an aviation operator agreement at the Aurora Municipal Airport between the city of Aurora and Eclipse Aerospace, Inc..
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council approval of an assignment of an aviation operator agreement between the city of Aurora government and Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.
Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. is an original equipment manufacturer of twin-engine light jet aircraft headquartered in Albuquerque, NM..
Eclipse has been operating at the Aurora Municipal Airport under an operating agreement approved by City Council under resolution R18-099 passed on April 24 of 2018.
In 2018, One Aviation, the parent company of Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In December of last year, the assets of Eclipse Aerospace were acquired by AML Global Eclipse. Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. desires to continue doing business at the Aurora Municipal Airport.
At the recommendation of legal counsel, the City government is bringing this operator agreement before City Council for approval.
The operator agreement is essentially the same as the agreement approved in 2018. The minimum annual payment will remain at $15,000 or 1.5% of gross receipts, whichever is larger.
• Approved was a resolution authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding with the Aurora Housing Authority and the Northern Lights Development Corporation for the use of an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant for the renovation of the Northern Lights and Aurora Housing Authority Youth and Community Center at 551 Fourth Avenue in Aurora.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose of the resolution is to provide mayor Richard C. Irvin with the authority to execute an MOU with the Aurora Housing Authority and the Northern Lights Development Corporation for the use of a DCEO grant for the renovation of the Northern Lights and Aurora Housing Authority Youth and Community Center. The MOU is needed to utilize the DECO grant for the Community Center and to formalize responsibilities of the three parties.
In 2014, the city of Aurora applied for and received a grant (Grant # 15-203287) in the amount of $341,000 from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for the LaSalle Street Community Center. The LaSalle Street Community Center was to be developed by the Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council.
In 2014 all State grants were put on hold. This stalled the project and subsequently the building was sold, and the project could no longer move forward. As a result, the DCEO grant remained dormant. The city of Aurora was contacted by the DCEO that the grant was no longer frozen and it could be used for a similar project. The City explored potential projects, but they were not viable.
The Northern Lights Development Organization created by the Aurora Housing Authority (AHA) acquired the former Emmanuel Lutheran School building at 551 Fourth Avenue/414 Jackson Street (15-27-257-048) in Aurora in 2015.
The AHA and NLDC plan to develop a Community Center at the former Emmanuel Lutheran School to benefit local youth. The building has a gym, a stage and many classrooms, which make it a perfect site to offer area youth many needed programs such as sports activities, mentoring, and job training.
The AHA-NLDC has been meeting with potential partners who would provide programming at the community center. The facility would serve as a multi-purpose youth center in a low-income, diverse community on the near East Side of the City.
Current partners for programming include the Fox Valley Park District and the City of Aurora (Aurora Police Department, Community Services, Youth Services, Information and Technology). The AHA-NLDC has already made the building available for a youth dance program and a youth boxing program. The City’s Community Services Department would also be able to use the Community Center for meetings with residents and other programs.
The City of Aurora previously owned and operated the Root Street Community Center but sold the building to School District 131 and the facility now houses the Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy. This led to a decrease in programming space in the community. The City is supportive of the AHA and NLDC Community Center to be able to provide much needed programming space.
Until the Northern Lights Development Corporation purchased the building, it was idle for many years. Space was made available for youth dance and boxing programs. However, the use of the building is limited in its present state. The cost to bring the building back into service has previously prevented various interested parties from moving forward.
The City requested a grant extension and the DCEO extended the grant deadline from June 30, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The Northern Lights and Aurora Housing Authority Youth and Community Center is an ideal use of the DCEO grant.
The City will provide the use of a DCEO grant (Grant No. 15-203387) in the amount of $341,000. The change in the scope of the grant has been approved for the Northern Lights and Aurora Housing Authority Youth and Community Center project.
The funds for this project are not programmed in the 2021 budget. A budget amendment has been submitted to add funds to account 101-1330-463.50-50 for project expenditures and to account 101-1330-334.10-44 to record grant proceeds. Grant expenditures will be tracked by project number. The Aurora Housing Authority and the Northern Lights Development Corporation as the owner of the facility will oversee the renovation of the facility. The city of Aurora will process payments, reimbursement requests and submit grant reports.
The use of the DCEO grant for improvements at the Northern Lights and Aurora Housing Authority Youth and Community Center will have minimal financial impact on the city of Aurora as the community center will be operated and maintained by the Northern Lights Development Corporation with the Aurora Housing Authority serving as a backup for funding resources.
Approval of this resolution will result in the availability of a needed Community Center for use by various partners to provide programs for local youth. The Aurora Housing Authority will provide space to the City of Aurora for programming at no cost. Presently, Community Services, Youth Services, and the Police Department have been contacted for facility use.
• Approved was a resolution authorizing the execution of a local public agency agreement for federal participation with the state of Illinois, the execution of a phase 1 engineering agreement with Baxter & Woodman, Inc., maximum amount of $38,609.00, and the appropriation of $38,609.00 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for the South Edgelawn Drive at BNSF Railway Tracks Crossing Project, MFT # 20-00335-00-FL).
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to execute the local public agency agreement by reserving funds for the local agency share of the project cost, to approve the phase 1 engineering agreement with Baxter & Woodman, Inc. and to appropriate Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) resolution.
City of Aurora government supports improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities for its residents and commuters. Edgelawn Drive proposed on-street bike facilities, connecting the Indian Trail bike path (from north) to Virgil Gilman Trail (to the south) through a different project, is slated for construction in 2021. The S. Edgelawn Drive at BNSF Railway Tracks Crossing Project, plans to continue the bikeway connection through an off-street asphalt bike path (8 feet in width) across the BNSF railroad tracks on the east side of Edgelawn Drive.
Project received Local Rail-Highway Crossing Safety Program federal funds, 90 (federal)/10 (local) split, in the amount of $490,680.00. The total project cost is estimated at $545,200.00 with the local share being the 10% of the cost ($54,520.00). The project limit span is from the commercial driveway (south of the BNSF tracks) to the Virgil Gilman Trail (north of the BNSF tracks).
The proposed improvements include constructing an 8’ asphalt bike path on the east side of Edgelawn Drive, through the BNSF tracks. The bike path will connect to the Virgil Gilman Trial to the north and paved shoulder to the south at the commercial driveway using off and on-street bike path, pavement marking and signage. Other improvements could include installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at the Gilman Trail crossing of S. Edgelawn Drive, railroad track crossing material, railroad gate/flasher infrastructure and circuitry.
The selection of Baxter & Woodman, Inc. was made through a qualified based selection process in September 2020.
• Approved was a resolution approving the third amendment to the intergovernmental agreement between the city of Aurora, the city of Naperville, and the Naperville Township Road District to widen North Aurora Road in the vicinity of the CN Railway Crossing and to appropriate $750,000.00 of MFT funds for the project.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain council approval for a resolution approving the third amendment to the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the city of Aurora, the city of Naperville, and the Naperville Township Road District to widen North Aurora Road in the vicinity of the CN Railway Crossing. To appropriate Motor Fuel Taxes (MFT) by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) resolution for MFT Section No. 17-00321-00-BR.
The project is a joint multi-jurisdictional project with the city of Aurora, city of Naperville, and Naperville Township Road District to improve the regional transportation network. The city of Naperville is the lead on this project.
This is an ongoing project that began in 2006 with phase 1 preliminary engineering. The original IGA was approved by City Council in 2006 (R06-168). Phase 1 was completed and accepted by IDOT in 2016. In 2015, Council approved the first amendment to the IGA that covered the land acquisition for the project, which is being called “Phase II” of the project (R15-069). In 2017, Council approved the second amendment to the IGA that covered the design engineering and stormwater management fees, which is being called “Phase III” of the project (R17-067).
The current boundary agreement between the city of Aurora and city of Naperville commits the City to completing the land acquisition and design engineering process, designated as “Phase II” and “Phase III” as described above.
By starting and/or completing these phases, the project was in a better position to apply for federal funding for construction when it became available. Currently the project has been programmed for $12M in Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and $9.8 in Surface Transportation Project – Shared Fund (STP-SF) federal funds. The project team continues to look for additional funding opportunities for all aspects of the project.
The future construction and construction engineering is called “Phase IV” of the project. If/when that phase moves forward, another IGA will need to come to the City Council for consideration. Per the boundary agreement, this phase will not move forward until the cities mutually agree in writing.
Since the passage of the second amendment to the IGA in 2017, it was discovered that additional costs are needed to complete the “Phase II” and “Phase III” portions of the project. This third amendment to the IGA will cover these additional costs, which include a design engineering supplement (including additional land acquisition services), utility relocation design engineering, and additional land acquisition costs.
Per the attached IGA, the City’s estimated costs for this additional work is $696,814.00. This will be split between two payments; a payment of $300,000.00 due to the city of Naperville on 9/1/2021 and a payment of $396,814.00 due on 2/1/2022. Funds are available in the 2021 approved budget for the first payment:
GB017 North Aurora Road Underpass 203-4460-431.76-66 $330,000.00
An additional amount will need to be included in the 2022 budget to account for the 2nd payment due on 2/1/2022.
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 $750,000.00. This amount includes a small contingency for any potential underpayment to the city of Naperville. The amount is also higher as a paperwork exercise with IDOT to properly document previously spent MFT funds on this project.
• Approved was an ordinance authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $15,000,000 principal amount city of Aurora, Kane, DuPage, Will and Kendall Counties, Illinois Revenue Bond Series 2021 (VNA Health Care); authorizing the execution and delivery of a bond and loan agreement, a tax exemption certificate and agreement and related documents; and approving related items.
City government of Aurora documents show the city of Aurora, as a home rule entity, may act as issuer for private activity bonds (PAB) for not-for-profit entities. The issuance of a PAB incurs no liability to the city of Aurora, and the indebtedness is also not reflected in our financial statements. Issuing PABs provides not-for-profit entities with the ability to receive lower interest rates from the lending market. This ordinance will issue a PAB in the not to exceed amount of $15.0 million. VNA Health Services has requested the city of Aurora to partner with them in the refinancing of their current debt with Old Second Bank. This PAB will refinance this debt providing savings and cash flow support to VNA.
VNA Health Services is an integral part of the City of Aurora community and economy. During the COVID 19 pandemic, VNA offered support for vaccination sites and has been in constant contact with the City to provide services to the community.
VNA operates multiple sites in Illinois and as such has capital and maintenance needs that require debt issuance in many cases. VNA has previously issued debt for the maintenance of the Aurora, Romeoville and Elgin facilities. The bulk of the proposed bond issue will be used to refinance current outstanding debt, obtaining lower interest rate and reducing overall debt service costs for VNA Health Services.
VNA Health Services has requested the City of Aurora issue $15.0 million in conduit bonds that will support the issuance of a Taxable Loan through BMO Harris Bank to:
(i) finance an addition to the Corporation’s Indian Avenue facility in the amount of $1,350,746 and
(ii) refinance the following obligations;
(a) approximately $2,574,731.36 of the taxable loan was used to refinance taxable loans relating to the Corporation’s facilities in the Village of Romeoville, Illinois (the “Romeoville Notes”) and to pay certain charges incurred with the refinancing. The Romeoville Notes were used to finance and refinance the acquisition, construction and equipping of certain of the Corporation’s health care facilities located in the Village of Romeoville.
(b) approximately $3,589,472.29 of the Taxable Loan was used to refinance certain construction and other lines of credit relating to the Corporation’s facilities on Indian Avenue in the city of Aurora (the “Indian Ave. Loans”) and to pay certain charges incurred with the refinancing. The Indian Ave. Loans were used to finance and refinance the acquisition, construction and equipping of certain of the Corporation’s health care facilities located in the city of Aurora.
(c) approximately $3,513,275.88 of the Taxable Loan was used to refinance a construction line of credit relating to the Corporation’s facilities in the city of Elgin (the “Villa Note”) and to pay certain charges incurred with the refinancing. The Villa Note was used to finance and refinance the acquisition, construction and equipping of certain of the Corporation’s health care facilities located in the city of Elgin.
(d) approximately $3,971,773.76 of the Taxable Loan was used to refinance certain loans relating to the Corporation’s facilities on Highland Avenue in the city of Aurora, (the “Refinanced Highland Loans”) and pay certain charges incurred with the refinancing. The refinanced Highland Loans were used to refinance other loans incurred by the Corporation (the “Original Highland Loans”). The original Highland Loans were used to finance and refinance the acquisition, construction and equipping of certain of the Corporation’s health care facilities located in the city of Aurora.
For all such private activity bonds a public hearing is required and both the city of Elgin and the village of Romeoville have completed this public hearing process, approving the project. The city of Aurora will have the same TEFRA public hearing on June 22 when the bonds are approved.
This bond issuance will have no impact on the city of Aurora debt portfolio and is not an obligation of the City. This issuance will help support a valuable business partner that provides needed health services to the Aurora community.
• Approved was a resolution to approve the renewal of the $10 million line of credit (LOC) with Old Second Bank for one year.
The purpose is to approve the renewal of the $10 million line of credit (LOC) with Old Second Bank for one year.
City government of Aurora documents show the City initially approved LOCs with Old Second Bank and Fifth Third Bank in 2019 for $10 million. Each LOC is renewed separately, and the Fifth Third renewal will be presented at the next Finance Committee. COVID 19 has had an impact on the projects that were financed through the LOC to some degree, especially in the downtown. All projects are moving forward and it is anticipated that the City will still use the LOC to fund economic development projects as detailed in the original approval in 2019 (attached) and for more recent projects as approved by the City Council. The LOC may not be used for any project not specifically approved by the City Council.
The table shows the projected uses of the $10.million in total LOC with Old Second Bank. issuing the LOC. Certain draws in the future could be changed between banks (Old Second or Fifth Third Bank).
Project Date Draw Balance 10,000,000.00
Terminal 6/7/2019 1,195,408.24 8,804,591.76
Bilter 7/29/2019 4,800,000.00 4,004,591.76
Avalon/Copley 8/28/2019 1,500,000.00 2,504,591.76
Copley St Loan Pay Down 8/25/2020 (1,500,000.00) 4,004,591.76
Copley St Loan Draw 9/3/2020 1,500,000.00 2,504,591.76
Payoff Loc For Copley Phase 1 2/19/2021 (1,500,000.00) 4,004,591.76
80 S River 2020 Draw 3a 2/19/2021 2 55,000.00 3,749,591.76
80 S River Draw 2 3/31/2021 2 83,000.00 3,466,591.76
Keystone Draw 1 And 2 3/31/2021 9 50,000.00 2,516,591.76
(Pay Date 2/1/20 & 7/16/20)
Stolp Island Soc Draw 3/31/2021 2 00,000.00 2,316,591.76
Terminal Draw 2 3/31/2021 2 00,000.00 2,116,591.76
Drawn/Paid Down To DatE 7,883,408.24 2,116,591.76
The renewal LOC, has slightly different interest rate terms due to the London Interbank Loan Rate (LIBOR) being so low in today’s economy. The rates actually incurred during 21-22 are projected to be at or below those in 2020-21 .
Approval of this resolution will renew this ongoing line of credit, which is necessary for the City’s continued economic development project financing.
• Approved was a resolution authorizing a redevelopment agreement (RDA) with Kishore Kumar for improvements to the property at 133 West Galena Boulevard.
• Approved was a resolution establishing the maximum number of Class A: Package Sales liquor licenses, (unofficially related to the application from Shree Balchandra, LLC d/b/a AJ’s Liquorland at 2150 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora, due to partial ownership change) – Ward 5.
• Approved was a resolution to use NTI National Technologies, Downers Grove, as the primary fiber vendor and Adesta LLC of Willowbrook as the secondary vendor for 2021 City fiber optic projects for $379,648.00 plus a 5% contingency.
• Approved was a resolution to approve the purchase of a mobile application and associated implementation fees from Tyler Technologies of Plano, TX and CentralSquare Technologies, Lake Mary, FL for an amount not to exceed $25,140.00.
• Approved was a resolution to award a contract to D’Land Construction, L.L.C. in the bid amount of $1,298,556.60 for the 2021 contract #2 – City wide sidewalk, patching, striping, bike path overlay and Ward projects.
• Approved was a resolution authorizing payment to Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) of Redlands, CA in the amount of $21,486.00, and to GIS, Inc. of Birmingham, AL, in the amount of $12,500.00 for the purchase, maintenance and implementation of GeoEvent Server for Arc Geographic Information System (ArcGIS).
• Approved was a resolution to Award the contract for the Wilder Park Site Improvements project located in Ward 6 to Copenhaver Construction Inc., 75 Koppie Drive, Gilberts, Ill 60136 in the amount of five hundred forty-three thousand, seven hundred eight dollars and fifty cents ($543,708.50).
• Approved was a resolution authorizing the director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement with Cardno, Inc., 6605 Steger Road, Unit A, Monee, Ill 60449 for Native Plantings Landscaping Maintenance in the annual amount of $79,789.00.
• Approved was an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 2-VI-1 of the Code of Ordinances and establishing rules and procedures generally applicable to advisory boards and commissions and changing the terms of their membership.
• Approved was a resolution reappointing alderwoman Scheketa Hart-Burns and appointing alderman Sherman Jenkins and Robert J. O’Connor to the Aquatics Administrative Board.
The Fox Valley Park District and the City of Aurora government established a five-member volunteer board to oversee the Aquatic Center. Two of the members are appointed by the Fox Valley Park District and two members by the city of Aurora, with an at-large member appointed on a rotating basis by either the city or the park district. The city of Aurora has the majority of the board this year.
• Approved was a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement between the City and the Fox Valley Park District Concerning the Staging of Fireworks on Park District Property on July 2, 2021.