Proposal: Police can charge fleeing vehicle owner

By Jason Crane

The Aurora City Council is considering an amendment to the City code to allow the police department to charge the registered owner of a vehicle with fleeing and eluding a peace officer, at the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, April 16.

Likely up for a vote at the April 23 full City Council meeting is an Ordinance amending Chapter 29, Article II, Creating “Section 32, Fleeing and Eluding.”

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose of this ordinance is to amend the City code to allow the police department to charge the registered owner of a vehicle with fleeing and eluding a peace officer.

In recent years, the number of fleeing and eluding incidents has greatly increased within the City. Over the past four years the numbers have steadily increased from 76 incidents in 2019 to 118 and 126 incidents in 2022 and 2023. As a result, there has been an increase in the amount of police time and resources responding to and investigating these incidents. These cases require significant police resources, including, but not limited to, multiple hours spent reviewing video, preparing police reports, conducting interviews, and conducting internal administrative reviews, often without any arrests due to not being able to positively identify the driver.

It is often too dangerous for the police to pursue a driver who is fleeing or eluding the police. For safety reasons police officers often must terminate the chase or apprehension and are therefore unable to physically identify the driver. Absent a positive identification of a driver of a motor vehicle, the registered owner of a motor vehicle is in the best position to know who is operating the registered owner’s motor vehicle and to prevent the motor vehicle from being used to flee or elude a peace officer.

This goal of this ordinance is to deter and decrease the number of fleeing and eluding incidents, preserve police time and resources, and increase public safety.

•A video presentation can be viewed on the city government of Aurora’s YouTube page after the 27 minute mark by clicking here.

•There was a moment of silence for 27 year-old Aurora firefighter recruit, Cristian Medrano, who died unexpectedly Friday, Apr. 12. Medrano was a graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School and Aurora University. He had a passion for fire science and became a firefighter in March. No further details were given.

The City Council gave consent to the following agenda items likely to be placed on the Tuesday, April 23 full City Council agenda:

•Consent was given to a Resolution approving the reappointment of John Duggan to the Aurora Police Pension Board.

City government of Aurora documents show the Police Pension Board is a five-member board. Two of the members are elected by active members and one member is elected by the beneficiaries. The remaining two members are appointed by the Mayor.

•Consent was given to a Resolution approving the appointment of Keith Wouk as director of IT Operations.

City government of Aurora documents show the start date is likely April 24, 2024 or as determined by the Human Resources Department.

•Consent was given to a Resolution approving the appointment of Viral Shah to the Fire Code Board of Appeals and the Permanent Building & Fire Code Committee.

City government of Aurora documents show in June of 2021, the City Council approved changes to Chapter 2, which included a sunset provision for all board/commission members. The sunset was included to bring the board/commission terms into compliance with the new dates provided in the ordinance, as well as survey members if they wished to continue to serve or step down.

The nominations brought forth represent one new candidate. Members of the Fire Code of Appeals are automatically selected to be appointed to the Permanent Building & Fire Code Committee.

Viral Shah is a resident of the 10th Ward.

•Consent was given to a Resolution approving the appointment of Julian Mendoza to the Aurora Youth Council.

City government of Aurora documents show the nomination brought forth represents one new candidate. Julian Mendoza is a resident of the 6th Ward and a Junior at Aurora Central High School.

•Consent was given to an Ordinance approving an amendment to the Plan Description for Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 of the Lincoln Prairie Planned Development District on the property south of Del Webb Boulevard, east of Eola Road and Route 30 and north of 111th Street.

City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Pulte Home Company, LLC, is requesting approval of an amendment to the Plan Description for Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 of the Lincoln Prairie Planned Development District.

The Property is approximately 147.6 acres of vacant land south of Del Webb Boulevard, east of Eola Road and Route 30 and north of 111th Street, which is part of Lincoln Prairie Planned Development District.

This property was annexed into the City of Aurora in December 2002 pursuant to an approved Annexation Agreement. A Plan Description was also approved at the same time which zoned this area for industrial use. However, this area never came to fruition and the property has sat undeveloped. In February 2021, the City approved the Wolf’s Crossing Subarea Plan which redesignated the future land use for this area as low-density residential use. In April 2021, the City Council approved a revision to the Annexation Agreement and Plan Description. Under the Revised Plan Description, the Property allowed for flex zoning, meaning this could either be developed as a traditional single family residential development or as an age restricted single family detached residential development. This is to be determined at Preliminary Plat and Plan time.

The Petitioner is requesting approval of an amendment to the Plan Description for Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 of the Lincoln Prairie Planned Development District. The details of the request include amending the Plan Description to update the acreage of Parcel 4 and Parcel 5, increase the maximum gross density of Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 and to clarify that Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 are permitted to be divided and aggregated between Parcel 1 or Parcel 2 at the developer’s sole discretion for the purpose of determining the standards.

Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plat and Plan, on 33.726 acres being a portion of Parcel 4, for Lincoln Crossing South Subdivision. The proposal is to construct 97 traditional detached single-family residential homes. The proposed gross density is 2.88 dwelling units per acre. The development has a mixture of 55’ wide lots with a minimum lot size of 7,150 square feet and 65’ wide lots with a minimum lot size of 8,060 square feet. The are four outlots being proposed which are mainly around the boarder of the subdivision to buffer the residential lots from the public right of way and the property to the south.

A full access road will be off Del Webb Boulevard into this property and fire access lane is being built between Lot 36 and Lot 37, which will be extended as part of the future development to the south. Until this occurs, Lot 19 will have a temporary gated fire access onto Eola Road. Per the Annexation Agreement, the Petitioner is also widening the pavement to create a second lane, installing curb and gutter, and installing a sidewalk along the east side of Eola Road from Del Webb Boulevard to Route 30 as part of the development.

Stormwater detention has been previously constructed in the adjacent off-site detention pond for this subdivision.

Landscaping Plan and Building Elevations will be reviewed at Final Plat and Plan time, however, the Petitioner has indicated that the Building Elevations will be the same as the Lincoln Crossing Subdivision’s elevations.

Staff members have reviewed the Planned Development District Ordinance petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents, and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.

Staff members have reviewed the amendment to the Plan Description and believes that it’s in keeping with the intent of the Lincoln Prairie Planned Development.

The acreage that was in the Plan Description was a clerical error as it does not reflect the acreage that was noted on the General Land Use Plan, therefore, this will update the plan description to match the General Land Use Plan.

In 2021, when the Plan Description was being drafted, the vision was to have combined stormwater detention facilities to handle the stormwater for all the residential development and, in some cases, to have shared open space within the Lincoln Prairie Planned Development. Because of this, the gross density for Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 is higher due to the stormwater and shared open space being off-site. However, it should be noted that the lots sizes and homes are consistent throughout the Lincoln Prairie Planned Development.

Lastly, the intent of the Plan Description was to always allow any portion of Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 to be developed pursuant to Parcel 1 or Parcel 2. This allows flexibility for the developer to base their decision on the success of the previous phases and the market trends. The plan description modification just clarifies this.

Staff members evaluated the proposal based on the Findings of Fact and have found the following:

1. Is the proposal in accordance with all applicable official physical development policies and other related official plans and policies of the City of Aurora?

That the modifications are in keeping with the official physical development policies as stated above and are consistent with the Wolf’s Crossing Subarea Plan.

2. Does the proposal represent the logical establishment and/or consistent extension of the requested classification in consideration of the existing land uses, existing zoning classifications, and essential character of the general area of the property in question?

The proposal is consistent with the character of the area as it is an extension of the Lincoln Crossing Subdivision with similar lot size and lot width and the modifications meet the intent of the Lincoln Prairie Planned Development

3. Is the proposal consistent with a desirable trend of development in the general area of the property in question, occurring since the property in question was placed in its present zoning classification, desirability being defined as the trend’s consistency with applicable official physical development policies and other related official plans and policies of the City of Aurora?

The proposal is consistent with the desirable trend in the general area as the Wolf’s Crossing Subarea Plan designates this area as low-density residential and is consistent with approved Lincoln Prairie Planned Development.

4. Will the rezoning allow uses which are more suitable than uses permitted under the existing zoning classification?

The modifications clarify the intent of the Lincoln Prairie Planned Development for Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 allowing the developer flexibility to base their decisions on the success of the previous phases and the market trends.

5. Is the rezoning a consistent extension of the existing land uses, existing zoning classifications, and essential character of the general area?

The modification will allow for the consistent extension of the traditional detached single family residential development or age restricted single family detached residential development.

Public Input: Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter.

Policies and guidelines:

The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following physical development policies:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended APPROVAL of the Ordinance Approving an amendment to the Plan Description for Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 of the Lincoln Prairie Planned Development District on the property south of Del Webb Boulevard, east of Eola Road and Route 30 and north of 111th Street.

•Consent was given to a Resolution approving a Preliminary Plan and Plat for Lincoln Crossing South Subdivision at southeast corner of Eola Road and Del Webb Boulevard.

City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Pulte Home Company, LLC, is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plat and Plan for Lincoln Crossing South Subdivision at the southeast corner of Eola Road and Del Webb Boulevard for a traditional detached single-family subdivision.

The Property is approximately 33.726 acres of vacant land at the southeast corner of Eola Road and Del Webb Boulevard, which is part of Lincoln Prairie Planned Development District.

This property was annexed into the City of Aurora in December of 2002 pursuant to an approved Annexation Agreement. A Plan Description was also approved at the same time which zoned this area for industrial use. However, this area never came to fruition and the property has sat undeveloped. In February 2021, the City approved the Wolf’s Crossing Subarea Plan which redesignated the future land use for this area as low-density residential use. In April of 2021, the City Council approved a revision to the Annexation Agreement and Plan Description. Under the Revised Plan Description, the Property allowed for flex zoning, meaning this could either be developed as a traditional single family residential development or as an age restricted single family detached residential development. This is to be determined at Preliminary Plat and Plan time.

The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Preliminary Plat and Plan, on 33.726 acres being a portion of Parcel 4, for Lincoln Crossing South Subdivision. The proposal is to construct 97 traditional detached single-family residential homes. The proposed gross density is 2.88 dwelling units per acre. The development has a mixture of 55’ wide lots with a minimum lot size of 7,150 square feet and 65’ wide lots with a minimum lot size of 8,060 square feet. The are 4 outlots being proposed which are mainly around the boarder of the subdivision to buffer the residential lots from the public right of way and the property to the south. A multi-use path is also being installed within Lot 101 along Route 30 to provide connectivity to the future commercial areas.

A full access will be off Del Webb Boulevard into this property and fire access lane is being built between Lot 36 and Lot 37, which will be extended as part of the future development to the south. Until this occurs, Lot 19 will have a temporary gated fire access onto Eola Road. Per the Annexation Agreement, the Petitioner is also widening the pavement to create a second lane, installing curb and gutter, and installing a 5’ sidewalk along the east side of Eola Road from Del Webb Boulevard to Route 30 as part of the development.

Stormwater detention has been previously constructed in the adjacent off-site detention pond for this subdivision.

Landscaping Plan and Building Elevations will be reviewed at Final Plat and Plan time, however, the Petitioner has indicated that the Building Elevations will be the same as the Lincoln Crossing Subdivision’s elevations.

Concurrently with this proposal, the Petitioner is requesting approval of an amendment to the Plan Description for Parcel 4 and Parcel 5, being 147.6 acres of the Lincoln Prairie Planned Development District. The details of the request include amending the Plan Description to update the acreage of Parcel 4 and Parcel 5, increase the maximum gross density of Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 and to clarify that Parcel 4 and Parcel 5 are permitted to be divided and aggregated between Parcel 1 or Parcel 2 at the developer’s sole discretion for the purpose of determining the standards.

Staff members have reviewed the Preliminary Plan and Plat Resolution petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances.

Policies and guidelines:

The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the mayor execute an Agency Agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics and a not-to-exceed agreement for Construction Phase Engineering Services in the amount of $53,200 with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. for the Overlay SE Quadrant Airport Perimeter Roadways-Phase 2 Project (ARR 4565) at the Aurora Municipal Airport.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain approval to enter into a Construction Phase Engineering Agreement with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. as well as an Agency Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics.

Landside airport roads and auto parking lots are non-revenue producing and therefore ineligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding. However, under the Rebuild Illinois Airports Capital Funding Bill, ARR was successful in receiving funding ($310,000) for the Overlay SE Quadrant Airport Perimeter Roadways – Phase 2 project. This project covers the majority of the existing roadways at ARR that are in need of rehabilitation.

Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. will be providing construction phase engineering services for this project as they have been selected as the City of Aurora’s aviation engineering consultant under resolution R23-083.

The total cost for this project is estimated to be $310,000 as shown above. The City’s Local Match is $31,000. Funds for this project have been set aside in the airport’s 2024 budget under CIP D051 in account number 504-4454-433.73-99.

•Consent was given to a Resolution to award a contract to Geneva Construction Co. in the amount of $5,616,891.50, and to appropriate $3,500,000.00 of MFT Funds for the 2024 Citywide Street Resurfacing-EAST project.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to award the Construction Contract for the 2024 Citywide Street Resurfacing-EAST project and to appropriate Motor Fuel Taxes (MFT) by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Resolution for MFT Section No. 24-00000-00-GM.

The City maintains nearly 1,300 lane miles of streets with a pavement wearing surface life expectancy of 20 to 25 years. Unlike recent years, the 2024 Citywide Resurfacing Project has been broken up into 2 separate contracts. Performing resurfacing work under two separate contracts was last done in 2016. This Construction Contract includes the resurfacing of 24.3 lane miles of streets throughout the City. Both of the 2024 Citywide Resurfacing Projects combined will resurface a total of 38.4 lane miles of streets. In 2022 the City resurfaced 40.6 lane miles, and in 2023 the City resurfaced 43.4 lane miles of streets (some work is still remaining to be completed this calendar year).

Bids were opened and publicly read on April 3, 2024 (Bid No. 24-036). The lowest responsible bid was submitted by Geneva Construction Co. of Aurora, IL in the amount of $5,616,891.50 which is 9.4% less than the Engineer’s Cost Estimate. Geneva Construction Co. is IDOT Certified and has previously completed work for the City of Aurora on a number of resurfacing projects, including the 2020, 2021, and 2023 programs, and federally funded resurfacing projects. City officials recommend awarding the 2024 Street Resurfacing Projects, MFT Section No. 24-00000-01-GM, to Geneva Construction Co. for the unit prices submitted.

Due to the funding source, the local preference ordinance does not apply.

Over the past several years, the City has completed the Citywide Resurfacing Project under a single contract. In an effort to encourage more contractors to bid and open some opportunities to smaller firms, this year’s program has been split into 2 contracts: this one encompassing the portion of the City east of the Fox River and south of the BNSF mainline tracks and second project for the portion of the city west of the River and north of the railroad. This project will be completed with a combination of MFT, CDBG, Cap Imp, and Water & Sewer funds.

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

The contracted amount of $5,616,891.50 includes approximately $40,000-$50,000 worth of work within Wheatland Township’s portion of Wolf’s Crossing Road. In coordination with the Township during design, the City included this work as part of the City’s bidding documents. The intent is for the City to pay Geneva Construction for the work, and then be reimbursed by the Wheatland Township for their share. The City and Township are working through an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that will be presented to City Council as a separate item at a later date. If an IGA is for some reason not approved, the work within Wheatland Township limits would not be completed.

Ward 9 funds are being added to the program to resurface additional streets in Ward 9.

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

The 2024 City Budget provides funds for this project in the following accounts: Motor Fuel Tax, GB001, $3,500,000.00; Municipal Motor Fuel Tax, GB097, $713,891.50; CDBG, GB097, $500,000.00; Ward #9 Projects Fund, $118,000.00; Capital – Neighborhood Imp., GB097, $700,000.00; Water & Sewer – Sanitary Sewer, IB018, $85,000.00.

•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the City to accept a grant award $250,000.00 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council approval of a grant to be used to allow the Aurora Police Department to pay for a portion of the FUSUS system and also a portion of personnel salary costs, per the grant agreement.

The Aurora Police Department recently acquired a real-time critical information platform known as FUSUS.

This critical information system was approved by City Council in 2023 at a cost of $125,000.00 per year (Resolution R23-294).

In the Spring of 2024, the Aurora Police Department received a grant award through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity which would allow us to receive reimbursement for funding used in support of law enforcement objectives.

This grant award allows for reimbursement up to $250,000.00 and may be used to reimburse procurement and personnel costs incurred between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024

The police department intends to use $125,000.00 of this grant award to reimburse the cost of FUSUS for 2024. The police department intends to use the remaining $125,000.00 to reimburse personnel payroll costs for 2024. The total direct costs for both of these items is $250,000.00 and both are permissible reimbursements under this grant.

The grant revenue will be placed in account 101-3536-334.30-02. Reimbursement of $125,000.00 for personnel costs will remain with the Finance Department to cover that portion of personnel costs related to the police department. Reimbursement of $125,000.00 for the police department’s FUSUS expenses will be transferred to 101-3536-421.45-02.

This resolution must be approved and signed to properly execute the agreement and to begin implementing the project.

•Consent was given to a Resolution establishing 2024 golf rates at Phillips Park Golf Course.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council approval of requested resolution establishing rates for the 2024 golf rates and fees

The City of Aurora last adjusted rates for the golf course in 2022. Golf is a recreational and wellness activity not only for the citizens of Aurora, but also for those individuals in surrounding communities. Historically the City has provided competitive golf rates in the Fox Valley and surrounding areas. The course has an established reputation for not only being inviting to golfers of all skill levels and ages, but also for maintaining great turf conditions and providing exceptional customer service.

As industry costs continue to increase across the board, the increased rates will help absorb some of those costs while keeping us competitive with similar golf courses, and also will allow for continued investments into Phillips Park Golf Course as well as course amenities.

After surveying the surrounding golf course landscape, the proposed rates will still better position Phillips Park Golf Course against competitors, while still allowing the Course to remain an attractive option to the core base of customers. When the proposed rates are compared against nearby competitors, Phillips Park Golf Course is still one of the most competitively priced golf courses in the Fox Valley area. With continued increase in operating costs, inaction will result in the overall golf value to decline.)

By not approving the 2024 proposed rates, the golf course will not remain competitive in the industry.

•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the execution of real estate contracts to purchase properties and appropriating REBUILD Illinois Bond Funds required for the Indian Trail Road Signal Modernization and Resurfacing (Edgelawn to Highland) Project in the amount of $5,000.00.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to authorize the purchase of right-of-way for the Indian Trail Road Signal Modernization and Resurfacing (Edgelawn to Highland) Project and to appropriate REBUILD Illinois Bond funds as required by the Illinois Highway Code for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Section 21-00339-00-CH.

A Phase 1 Study has been completed for this project, and the City is in various stages of design and construction for similar projects throughout the Indian Trail Corridor.

The project has secured federal funding to cover up to 80% of Construction and Construction Engineering costs. The funding sources include Surface Transportation Program – Local (STU) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ). A total of $3,800,000.00 in federal funds has been secured for Construction and Construction Engineering on the project.

The project involves modernizing the signalized intersections along Indian Trail between Edgelawn Dr and Highland Ave. Modernization includes replacement of all aging signal equipment, widening of curb radii to meet design vehicle requirement, and improving pedestrian facilities to meet ADA compliance. The intersections will feature new signal heads with 4-face flashing yellow turn arrows, which are in use on Orchard Rd and are proposed in other upcoming projects throughout the City. Additionally, the existing roadway and 8-10 foot wide bike path will be resurfaced as part of this project. Additional general information and exhibits can be found on the project website (https://www.aurora-il.org/2365/Indian-Trl-from-Edgelawn-Dr-to-Highland-).

The City is continuing work with their selected design consultant, Stanley Engineering, on final design plans under a previous City agreement. The plans are 99% complete and the “Initial Final” Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) were submitted to IDOT on November 27, 2023. The project is targeting an June 2024 IDOT letting, pending final land acquisition certification and railroad agreement approval, but will likely be delayed to an August 2024 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 previously received acceptances from 11 of the 12 owners to the offers made by the City. The City has now received acceptance from the final property owner and Contracts to Purchase said properties have been executed or are in the process of being executed by said owners. The final Parcels is number 6. The price is $5,000.00 for this final parcel.

IDOT requires a Resolution to Appropriate the REBUILD Illinois Bond Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects.

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 2024 City Budget provides for sufficient funds in Account 202-4020-418.76-39 (GC083, Indian Trail Signal – Edgelawn to Highland)

•Consent was given to a Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from BAU Of Illinois, Inc. d/b/a Blueberry Hill Pancake House at 405 N Eola Rd #O-P, Aurora, IL 60502) – Ward 10.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to determine the number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses.

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.

BAU of Illinois, Inc. d/b/a Blueberry Hill Pancake House at 405 N Eola Rd #O-P, has submitted a liquor license application for the purposes of allowing patrons to consume alcohol on-site.

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

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

•Consent was given to a Resolution ratifying payments for the current invoice (Waubonsee invoice #S0033580, $78,105.26) and approving the following amount of $81,897.74, an estimate of what will be used for the remaining year, to be paid to the Waubonsee Community College for paramedic training in 2024).

City government of Aurora documents show approval of payments is required to pay for firefighters going through Paramedic training. This is a partnership with the Waubonsee Community College and Delnor Hospital. This includes tuition, books, testing, classroom and online training.

Prior to 2020, the State of Illinois has 14,000 plus certified paramedics statewide. In January 2023, the State of Illinois certified paramedics was down to only 3,500. This shortage of paramedics caused out of the box thinking. The Aurora Fire Dept needed to get certified paramedics educated or hired to keep the same level of care for citizens. The Aurora Fire Department decided to become part of the solution and develop and entered a partnership with Waubonsee community college, a partner to run the first paramedic class in the State of Illinois to be delivered in a firehouse setting.

In January 2024 the Aurora Fire Started 21 firefighters and 2 fire cadets in the paramedic program hosted by Aurora Fire Dept at Station 8.

The primary purpose of the paramedic school is to prepare firefighters for a career in emergency medical services. The Paramedic Course is the training for these firefighters to become certified National and Illinois paramedics. This certification requires recruits to successfully complete a 7-month comprehensive medical course. This course includes hospital clinical rotations, field clinical time, and a full capstone program prior to taking the national level certification test. Other paramedic programs have either been unable to meet Aurora standards or have been unable to grant the number of slots needed to train recruits annually.

The total amount to send these 23 paramedic students to Waubonsee Community College for paramedic training in 2024 is approximately $160,000. Break down for each student is $7000, this includes tuition for all four required class over two semesters, testing, books, online interactive software and all required needs for clinical rotations

These monies have already been allocated in the 2024 budget. The 2024 training budget is $297,000.00 in account 101-3033-42.42-01. $160,000.00 is allocated to pay for paramedic school.

•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the director of the Purchasing Department to enter into a 36-month renewal of a subscription to CLEAR Proflex law enforcement database service, provided Thompson-Reuters West Publishing Corporation of Eagan, Minnesota for an amount not to exceed $78,013.08.

City government of Aurora documents show the Aurora Police Department seeks to continue its service agreement with Thompson-Reuters and their CLEAR law enforcement database.

The Aurora Police Department has utilized the Thompson-Reuters CLEAR database since its purchase was approved in a Decision Package presented to City Council in 2022 (Resolution R22-082).

The Aurora Police Department wishes to continue to utilize this subscription service for the following 36 months and has negotiated a renewal contract with Thompson-Reuters for this enhanced service.

The Thompson-Reuters CLEAR law enforcement database is utilized by the Aurora Police Department as part of an overall criminal investigation toolkit.

This database allows the police department to search phone records, address information, real-time incarceration and arrest information including booking photos from all over the country.

This subscription service allows us to quickly identify victims and persons of interest through current and historical content.

The APD has used this subscription service to help the Crisis Intervention Unit locate citizens in a mental health crisis and provide immediate caregiving as a result of rapid response.

The negotiated 36-month subscription service is $78,013.08 and is self- terminating at the end of contract, unless renewed.

Thompson-Reuters CLEAR has already been budgeted, and funding is available for all 36 months, to be paid from Account 101-3536-421.50-01 and without a need for increased funding.

City Council approval is required for the director of the Purchasing Department to enter into this renewal agreement.

•Consent was given to a Resolution to award a contract to Geneva Construction Co. in the amount of $3,315,113.00 for the 2024 Citywide Street Resurfacing-West/North project.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to award the Construction Contract for the 2024 Citywide Street Resurfacing-West/North project.

The City maintains nearly 1,300 lane miles of streets with a pavement wearing surface life expectancy of 20 to 25 years. Unlike recent years, the 2024 Citywide Resurfacing Project has been broken up into 2 separate contracts. Performing resurfacing work under two separate contracts was last done in 2016. This Construction Contract includes the resurfacing of 14.1 lane miles of streets throughout the City. Both of the 2024 Citywide Resurfacing Projects combined will resurface a total of 38.4 lane miles of streets. In 2022 the City resurfaced 40.6 lane miles, and in 2023 the City resurfaced 43.4 lane miles of streets (some work is still remaining to be completed this calendar year).

Bids were opened and publicly read on March 27, 2024 (Bid No. 24-038). The lowest of three responsible bids was submitted by Geneva Construction Co. of Aurora, Ill., in the amount of $3,315,113.00 which is 12.2% less than the Engineer’s Cost Estimate. Geneva Construction Co. is IDOT Certified and has previously completed work for the City of Aurora on a number of resurfacing projects, including the 2020, 2021, and 2023 programs, and federally funded resurfacing projects. City officials recommend awarding the 2024 Citywide Street Resurfacing-West/North project to Geneva Construction Co. for the unit prices submitted.

The local preference ordinance applies but did not impact the decision as Geneva Construction is the lowest, responsible bidder.

Over the past several years, the City has completed the Citywide Resurfacing Project under a single contract. In an effort to encourage more contractors to bid and open some opportunities to smaller firms, this year’s program has been split into 2 contracts: this one encompassing the portion of the City west of the Fox River and north of the BNSF mainline tracks and second project for the portion of the city east of the River and south of the railroad. Unlike the East project, this project was open to contractors with smaller prequalification requirements, and will be completed with only local funds.

•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the director of the Purchasing Department to enter into an agreement with M/M Peters Construction, Inc., in the amount of $884,445.76 to infill vaults under the sidewalk along Broadway from Benton Street to New York Street.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain approval to authorize the director of the Purchasing Department to enter into an agreement with M/M Peters Construction, Inc., 178 S Western Avenue, Aurora, Ill., to infill approximately thirty-four vaults under the sidewalk along Broadway from Benton Street to New York Street

As part of the upcoming Broadway Streetscape/Reconstruction project, the City is looking to infill all remaining under-sidewalk utility vaults along the three blocks of Broadway from Benton to New York. This process includes constructing masonry confinement walls, installing proper waterproofing, and infilling with cementitious flowable fill (known as Controlled Low-Strength Material, or CLSM).

The City solicited bids from contractors to infill approximately thirty-four vaults. Of the five bids received, M/M Peters Construction, Inc. was found to be the lowest responsible bidder in the amount of $884,445.76, which includes a base bid of $864,445.76 and a $20,000 bid alternate to install soil cell systems to facilitate tree planting at several vault locations.

The City’s Local Preference ordinance did apply, but did not impact the decision since M/M Peters Construction, Inc. was the lowest, responsible bidder.

This agreement will be part of the approved 2024 CIP A055 and will be paid using account 340-1830-465.73-76, which has a current balance of $6,019,750.02.

Failure to infill these vaults would delay completion of the Broadway Streetscape/Reconstruction project

•Consent was given to a Resolution to award the Hoyles Avenue and Jackson Street Sewer Separation and Water Main Replacement project in Ward 3 to Fox Excavating Inc. of Batavia, Ill., in the bid amount of $939,285.00.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to install a new storm sewer removing stormwater from the combined sewer system at several locations on Hoyles Avenue and a portion of Jackson Street. Water main replacement has been deemed necessary on Hoyles Avenue between 5th Street and Jackson Street to improve water quality and system capacity. The existing 4” water main will be replaced with an 8” ductile iron water main and confirmed lead water services will be replaced.

A new storm sewer will be installed to remove surface drainage flows from the combined sewer system. This project will help satisfy the requirements associated with the City’s Long Term Control Plan and the City’s Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Combined Sewer System Overflow. Lead water services within the project corridor will be replaced with the approval of each homeowner.

The proposed improvements have been publicly advertised and bid in conformance with City procedures. Seven conforming bids were received, publicly opened and read aloud on March 27, 2024.

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

Portions of the project are accounted for within three 2024 budgets. $381,300.00 within account 510-4058-511-73-02 (IC076, $5,000,000.00 Water Main Replacement), $165,520.00 within account 510-4058-511-73-02 (IC080, $3,000,000.00 Lead Water Service Line Replacement), and $392,465.00 within account 281-1856-512-73-09 (B031, $3,000,000.00 LTCP Improvements – Sewer Separation).

Traffic will be detoured to adjacent blocks, but the increase in traffic on the adjacent neighboring blocks will be temporary and negligible. Water and sanitary service interruptions will be kept to a minimum during construction of this project.

•Consent was given to a Resolution authorizing the director of the Purchasing Department to execute Change Order Number 1 to the contract with National Technologies (NTI) in the amount of $122,000 for the relocation of existing fiber along Indian Trail Road in Ward 1.

City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to increase the contract value to allow for additional fiber work to be completed in 2024.

Earlier this year, the City executed a contract with NTI for planned expansions to the City’s fiber network (R24-076). In addition to that work, this change order includes the relocation of a section of existing fiber on Indian Trail Road; this relocation work is required due to the roadway widening project between Mitchell Road and Church Road. That project includes new turn lanes, a new traffic signal at High Street, improvements to the Illinois Prairie Path and resurfacing. Another component of the project is the installation of a new storm sewer, which has numerous conflicts with the existing fiber that have been identified as construction has commenced and more detailed location efforts have taken place. The Engineering Division has attempted to re-design the storm sewer installation to avoid the fiber utility, however, no viable solution was developed and relocation is required.

The funds are available in 340-4040-431.65-06 (GB099), which has an unencumbered budget of $300,000. The change order will be in the amount of $122,000, which includes the costs associated with the proposed work ($110,776.00) and approximately a 10% contingency.

Approval of this work will allow the existing roadway project to proceed on schedule, minimizing the potential for project delays. No additional disruptions to traffic are anticipated, as this work will take place within the existing project limits.

•Consent was given to an Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 2-IV of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the organization of the City’s Departments.

An ordinance reorganizing City Departments

City government of Aurora documents show in 2009, the City underwent a substantial re-organization and re-aligned several city departments, but did not update the code. In 2017, the city again undertook a substantial re-organization and updated provisions in Chapter 2 to codify the changes. Staff members committed to keeping the code updated following the 2017 changes, this proposal seeks to update the Community Affairs, Communications and Marketing and Community Services Departments.

The changes proposed for these departments align with the recent budget amendment. There are no new divisions, rather reorganization of existing divisions as described below.

Communications and Marketing Department will be comprised of three divisions:

1. Brand and Marketing
2. Communications
3. Video Production
4. Customer Service (moved from Community Services)

Community Affairs:

1. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
2. Community Events
3. Community Engagement (moved from Community Services)

• Only Neighborhood Outreach

Community Services:

1. Community Development
2. Innovation
3. Community Support (formerly Community Engagement)

• Still houses Youth Services and Senior & Disability Services

Approval of these changes will align the city code with the budget and pay plan.

•Final approval for items on the Committee of the Whole consent agenda are set to be made at the April 23 Aurora City Council meeting.

•Placed on Unfinished Business is a Resolution approving the appointment of Kathleen Watson as Assistant Corporation Counsel II.

City government of Aurora documents show the start date is likely May 7, 2024 or as determined by the Human Resources Department.

•Placed on Unfinished Business is a Resolution to purchase a three-year contract to Insight Public Sector, Chandler, AZ, for Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) Managed Service of city-wide server infrastructure for a total amount not to exceed $1,217,185.92.

City government of Aurora documents show the City of Aurora’s Server Infrastructure is managed by the IT Division and consists of city-owned hardware with maintenance contracts from various vendors. This contract for on-premises, cloud-enabled server infrastructure will increase efficiency, reduce risk and eliminate capital outlays for server equipment.

The City IT staff members maintain an extensive server environment that provides services to many core services that support all areas of the City including key components of Public Safety, Public Works and Finance.

This server environment in its present state requires significant capital outlays to maintain the hardware. Coordination between several vendors to ensure the environment is operational, current and secure is needed for the various software components in this environment. At times, conflicts between vendor updates have made this task quite complicated.

The current environment will no longer support the latest versions of several key services including Windows Server Operating System. IT staff members decided against another significant capital outlay and looked at alternative options for managing the server environment.

City IT staff members manage the existing server environment by leveraging several vendor solutions including Microsoft, VMWare, Dell, Cisco and NetApp across both the production server location at APD and the backup server location at Fire Station 8. Coordinating updates and required purchased amongst these vendors to provide essentially one service – the City’s server environment – is inefficient and ensures significant capital outlays annually. When configuring a server environment, staff members must purchase hardware and software for peak usage to ensure capacity is not exceeded during high-usage times. This leads to over purchase of hardware and software that is not utilized fully except during peak times.

City IT staff members desired a consumption-based, managed service model for this server environment that is similar to other managed services in use for the Microsoft Office 365 environment which includes eMail services.

The Insight proposal is an on-premises, consumption-based model that will be fully managed by Insight. City IT staff members will be responsible for maintaining the applications that run within this server environment, but not for coordination between all hardware and software vendors necessary to maintain this server environment. This solution will provide hardware that exceeds city needs for peak times, but costs are based only on consumption.

This solution will provide for equal production and backup locations with hardware and software components kept current in both locations.

At this time, the IT department spends $401,450 annually to maintain the server environment. This includes annual hardware purchases as well as software maintenance agreements. These costs are expected to increase to $476,000 annually by 2026 based on historical increases. Additionally, Broadcom purchased VMWare in November 2023 and has implemented significant cost increases to VMWare beginning on May 2024. The Insight solution will lock the City into lower costs for VMWare throughout the 3 years of this contract.

The Insight solution is priced at $405,728.64 annually for a three-year total of $1,217,185.92. Insight will provide and maintain a server environment in both production (APD) and backup (FS8) for the term of this contract. City staff members will continue to focus efforts on the applications that run within this environment.

If City IT staff members were to upgrade the server environment to new equipment and ensure room for growth for these three years, the total cost is estimated at $1,623,312. Implementing the Insight solution will be a cost avoidance of $406,126.

The efficiency of this Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) Managed Service and the cost avoidance associated are why staff members recommend this purchase.

All services utilized in this purchase are from the OMNIA Partners Technology Product Solutions and Related Services Contract #23-6692-03.

This purchase will be made by consolidating monies from several accounts into Account Number # 101-1280-419.38-11 for this purpose.

As part of the City of Aurora Technology Strategic Plan or “IT Roadmap” for 2019, the Information Technology Division is seeking to evaluate and improve efficiency throughout the organization. This purchase is aligned with the Strategic Plan.

•No action was needed for reports/studies – update on process for planned changes to Article 25-VII, “General Business Registration” of the Code of Ordinances.

The purpose is to update the Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee (RAP) on phase one of a pilot to improve the city’s Business Registration Program.

The City Council approved the creation of Article 25-VII “General Business Registration” in April of 2019 (O19-022), and then passed an ordinance deferring the deadline for registration until April 30, 2020 (O19-113). The program was further delayed by the pandemic and participation has been sparse.

Additionally, through the normal course of business, staff members have identified areas of improvement in the current language. The review process requires a multi-departmental effort and will take time to draft.

In the interim of ongoing staff member research, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (MOED) would like to use a modified version of Sec. 25-157 “Content of Application” to increase the number of businesses in the system. This process will support MOED’s outreach efforts and support the city’s goal of better connecting businesses to available opportunities.

A secondary goal of this outreach is to increase available data to support other City programs under development. The data and feedback collected from this process will help support the drafting of an effective ordinance that provides support for both the business community and the city.

No action is required, this item is for information only.