By Jason Crane
The Aurora City Council listened to three individuals’ public comments at the Aurora City Council meeting Tuesday, July 12.
• Aurora resident and former City of Aurora government employee of 36 years, Raymond Hull, said, “Ladies and gentlemen of the City Council, I come to you after hearing about the budget amendments that will be approved for the 2022 budget.
“The mayor has every right to set the mission and vision for our great City. He does that and there’s absolutely no problem with that. However, as an elected body, representatives who are charged to govern on behalf of the stakeholders, I have a question on how and why this body has approved 112 new employees since 2017.
“At an average salary of nearly $70,000 without any taxes or benefits, in other words, no overhead included in that, how is this responsible oversite?
“How was two new employees approved for Phillips Park without a reasonable explanation in his decision package?
“We have no additional parks, no long-term capital improvement projects, but yet, still additional staffing has been approved.
“I’ve witnessed Mr. (Alex) Alexandrou on three different occasions rise up and speak to the Council members as though he were your bosses. Sir, you are a hireling for the mayor, and since no one seems to respond to you, I’ll say it, how dare you? No one voted for you!
“Alderman Bugg, you sir, are a man of ethics, and integrity. On behalf of the many voters in the city of Aurora, I want to thank you and ask you to continue to ask the tough questions and stand on that wall!”
• Former alderman Rick Lawrence said, “During the last election here, we learned a lot of things. A lot of serious questions came up, concerning you, Mr. Mayor and some other individuals.
“It turns out, you and Mr. (Michael) Pegues set up a little side business. All kinds of issues were raised by the Chicago Tribune, very serious issues about Mr. Pegues department, some activities on the side. Some fundraisers, and other things that were going on.
“The taxpayers pay everybody here an incredible salary and benefits.
“We didn’t put you here to get all kinds of side deals and side things with developers, Mr. Mayor. You’re not here to fly around in jets with the girlfriends and everything else. You’re not here to use peoples’ homes in Florida for free.
“Your wife gets a job with a developer. Now it’s being reported that Mr. Alexandrou’s wife got a job from the same developer. Has he ever recused himself from any of the discussions of that developer and any of the financing of those developments?
“I don’t think so. I’ve seen him sit here and talk about them.
“We didn’t put you here to enrich yourselves on the side. We pay a huge salary, we pay huge benefits.
“This isn’t all coincidence. That wasn’t all made up. The problem with the election that went on, everything that was said was true! It wasn’t fake.”
• Aurora resident Donna Zine, requested a reversal for zoning changes after recent approval of proposed Ordinance to redevelop the property at 970 N. Lake Street which has been vacant since 2017. Concerns included a decrease in the surrounding property value and insisting the city of Aurora government could find more appealing businesses besides the proposed storage facility or car wash.
“I’m here this week to advocate for reversal of the zoning changes recently made that allow for installation of passive income businesses on prime Lake Street property and to call for accountability by those who promoted and voted for this short-sighted travesty.”
Zine added, “This taxpayer right here is not happy with what I see, and I expect to see consequences for staff and major changes in City policy and direction one way or another!”
• “We had 8,000 people come together in the procession on the Fourth of July,” said Clayton Muhammad, Aurora Communications director…. “We took a 23-mile sojourn through Aurora, East Side, West Side, downtown, including three of our nursing homes, where they were standing outside to see the procession, including one woman at the Elmwood Home who had not been outside since February.
“In the parades we reached 3,500 to 4,000. Families came out to celebrate. We saw the diversity of our community.”
• The comments can be seen on the city of Aurora Facebook page video starting at the 3:30 minute mark. Click on the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/cityofaurorail/videos/457931515717079/
The City Council approved the following agenda items:
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Rick Lawrence to the Veterans Advisory Council. (Different person than above.)
City government of Aurora documents show Rick Lawrence is a ward 8 resident of Aurora. He is a United States Air Force veteran.
In June 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.
• Approved was a Resolution establishing the maximum number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses (unofficially related to the application from String Runa, Inc. d/b/a Strings Ramen at 4340 E. New York Street, Aurora in Ward 10.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to increase the number of Class B: On-Site Consumption liquor licenses. A restaurant that is somewhat new to the City of Aurora, String Runa, Inc. d/b/a Strings Ramen, is operating at 4340 E. New York Street, Aurora, and has submitted a liquor license application.
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.
String Runa, Inc., d/b/a Strings Ramen has submitted a liquor license application to offer alcohol for sale for on-site consumption in a full-service restaurant. If approved, this liquor license will allow the sale of alcohol during business hours. Strings Ramen offers a full menu of various ramen, appetizers and side dishes.
Upon approval, this resolution will 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.
• Approved was an Ordinance amending the annual budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2022 (Amendment #1 For The 2022 Fiscal Year).
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed amendment to the 2022 City Budget.
Upon approval, budgeted expenditures in the 2022 budget will increase from $528,907,796 to $536,993,996.
Aurora city government chief financial officer, Christopher Minick, said at the July 5th Aurora Committee of the Whole meeting, “This year, 2022 has been especially challenging as we’ve seen unanticipated surges in COVID, which has delayed the recovery, and the economic impacts related to the COVID recovery.
“We’ve also seen one of the tightest labor markets that we’ve seen in the last several years.
“We’ve seen an era of cyber security risks and threats to City technology.
“We’ve also seen long lead times for products and materials.
“We’ve also seen higher inflation rates and higher cost increases as compared to the inflation rates and the increases in the Consumer Price Index.
“All of these factors have contributed to changes that we needed to make to the 2022 budget.”
Minick added, “Across all funds City-wide, those amendments total approximately 8.086 Million, with about 3.256 Million attributable to the General Fund.”
Minick noted some of the major items included are, the City Hall and City Council Chambers remodeling project, the Finish Line Grant, the attraction and retention program, and cyber security services.
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 2022 budget December 7, 2021 through the passage of Ordinance No. O21-066.
Although the city government attempts to anticipate all potential expenditures for a fiscal year when that year’s budget is developed, circumstances occasionally arise that require expenditures that were not contemplated in the original financial plan. 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.6 permits a municipality operating under the budget system to amend its annual budget by a two-third’s vote of its governing body.
The proposed ordinance would provide for certain changes in the 2022 City Budget. This will not be the only budget amendment for 2022, with this amendment focusing on personnel changes, new programs, receipt of federal funds, and previously approved expense items that require a budget amendment. City government officials anticipate a second amendment later this Summer to account for capital projects, economic development, and other budget amendments once all data is available.
Below is an explanation for each change. The item numbers discussed below correspond to the item numbers assigned to each change.
Items 1 and 2: Transfer from General Fund to Capital Improvement Fund ($619,200). These items provide for the transfer of franchise fees to cover part of the cost for the Council Chambers and 5th floor renovation projects.
Item 3: Professional Fees/ Consulting, Information Technology, General Fund (expenditure increase of $480,000). This item provides for professional consulting in the amount of $15,000 to be used for the development and planning of an Information and Technology Commission, professional consulting in the amount $215,000 for mapping of surveillance cameras, and professional consulting in the amount of $250,000 for wireless network upgrade at RiverEdge Park.
Item 4: Supplies-Computers, Information Technology, General Fund (expenditure increase of $120,000). This item provides for the purchase of new and replacement computing devices for City staff members.
Items 5: Professional Fees/ Consulting, Project Management Office, General Fund (expenditure increase of $96,000). This item provides additional project management services from Crowe to ensure quality delivery of medium to large scale complex projects.
Item 6: Professional Fees/Consulting, Cyber and Technology Risk, General Fund (expenditure increase of $736,600). This item provides for $671,600 for additional security consulting services and $65,000 for the mandatory PCI compliance audit.
Item 7: Other Special Programs/Grants, Community Services, General Fund (expenditure increase of $85,000. This item provides funding for the following activities: $15,000 for NAMI Kane Youth Mental Health Program, $30,000 YWCA Training and Leadership Opportunities, and $40,000 for Northern Illinois Food Bank Senior Food Box Program.
Item 8 through 12: Various items for the Thrive Center, General Fund (expenditure increase of $22,000). These items provide for the payment of current and additional costs of maintenance and repairs for the Thrive Center.
Item 13: Special Programs, Economic Development, General Fund (expenditures increase of $253,000). This item provides for the reinstatement of the unallocated funding from the Small Business Relief Fund.
Item 14: Salaries/Overtime, Fire Department, General Fund (expenditure increase of $600,00). This item provides for overtime costs that were greater than expected. The higher costs are generally attributable to having more firefighters on sick leave, military leave, and retirements.
Item 15: Other Services and Charges/Billing Fees, Fire Department, General Fund (expenditures increases of $75,000). This item provides for the payment of the ambulance billing fee which is based on 5% of revenue.
Item 16 through 19: Two Zookeepers, Phillips Park Zoo, General Fund, (expenditure increases of $169,600. These items provide for the hiring of two additional zookeepers for Phillip Park Zoo. It has been determined that additional staff members are needed to successfully meet daily workload requirements.
Item 20: Electrical, Motor Fuel Tax Fund (expenditures increases totaling $594,700). This item provided for payment of equipment upgrades at various intersections throughout the city. Adequate fund balance is available in the fund to cover the costs.
Item 21: Property Standards, Sanitation Fund (expenditure increase of $136,000). This item serves to adjust the budget for slightly higher than expected costs associated with community refuse disposal services (i.e., recycling and other services supported by the environmental refuse disposal fee).
Item 22: Special Program/Grant Police Department, Gaming Tax Fund (expenditure increase of $16,000). This item provides for payment to the Pipes and Drums Aurora Police Department to assist with the replacement of musical instruments.
Item 23: Trees, Street Department, Gaming Tax Fund (expenditure increase of $50,000). This item provides additional funding for the free tree planting program.
Item 24 and 25: Expendable Tools and Supplies, Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Fund (expenditure increase of $20,000). This item provides for the payment of costs for firefighting-related supplies and tool that were greater than expected during the year. Adequate fund balance was available in the fund to cover the additional costs.
Item 26: Economic Development, TIF #1 Downtown Fund (expenditure increase of $726,100). This item provides for Finish Line Grant Program payments.
Item 27: Redevelopment Incentive, Economic Development, TIF #1 Downtown Fund (expenditure increase of $550,000). This item provides for payment made to Craft Urban per the redevelopment agreement resolution R20-077.
Item 28: Economic Development, TIF #3 Fund (Expenditure Increase of $75,000). This item provides for Finish Line Grant Program payments.
Item 29: Supplies, Ambulance-Medical, Fire Department, SHAPE Fund (expenditure increase of $78,400). This item provides for the purchase of ambulance equipment.
Item 30: Expendable Tools/Equipment, Equitable Sharing Justice Fund (expenditure increase of $50,500). This item provides for the payment of costs for expendable tools and equipment to support law enforcement activities that were not initially budgeted for the year.
Item 31: Building and Grounds, Central Services, ARPA Fund (expenditure increase of $291,600). This item provides for the renovation of the 5th floor and the 2nd council chambers.
Item 32: Building and Grounds, Central Services, Capital Improvement Fund (expenditure increase of $602,000). This item provides for the renovation of the 5th floor and the 2nd council chambers.
Item 33: Building and Grounds, 2022 GO Bond Fund (expenditure increase of $350,000). This item provides for repairs and maintenance of the Pinney deck. The original estimate for the deck replacement is outdated given the current increases in lumber costs.
Item 34: Professional Fees/ Consulting Services, Airport Fund (expenditure increase of $106,000). This item provides for payment of engineering services for various projects at the airport.
Item 35: Building and Grounds, MVPS Fund (expenditure increase of $46,500). This item provides for additional funds for repairs needed at the Stolp Island Parking deck.
Item 36: Supplies/Equipment/Mowers, Phillips Park Golf Fund (expenditure increase of $340,800). This item provides additional funding for the purchase of new equipment for the golf course. The 2022 budget originally was for leasing of equipment and it was determined the cost to purchase was the better option.
Item 37: Furniture/fixtures, Phillips Park Golf Fund (expenditure increase of $46,000). This item provides payment for various aged kitchen equipment for the golf clubhouse. The cost of item has been affected by unforeseen inflation increases.
Item 38: Public Property Claims, Property and Casualty Insurance Fund (expenditure increase of $750,200). This item provides for costs associated with the DSC basement and first floor repairs due to the watermain break and flooding of the building.
• Approved was an Ordinance approving a revision to the West Aurora Plan Description for Lot 6 of the West Aurora Plaza Resubdivision, Hounds Town Aurora / 2011 W. Galena Boulevard.
City government of Aurora documents show the Petitioner, Hounds Town USA, is requesting approval of a Plan Description Revision of the West Aurora Plaza Planned Development District for Lot 6 of the West Aurora Plaza Resubdivision, which includes revising the West Aurora Plaza Plan Description to allow for up to one Kennel with Outdoor Pens and Runs use on the property.
The property is zoned B-2(C), Business District – General Retail with a Conditional Use Planned Development. The West Aurora Plaza Plan Description was approved as O18-053 on June 26, 2018. The West Aurora Plaza Resubdivision was approved per R18-145 on June 26, 2018. This is Lot 6 of the West Aurora Plaza Resubdivision. There are four buildings on Lot 6: 1981-1989 W. Galena Boulevard, 2005 W. Galena Boulevard, 2009 W. Galena Boulevard, and 2011 W. Galena Boulevard. The property with the address 2011 W. Galena Boulevard is a former drive-through restaurant, which has 59 associated striped parking spaces.
The Petitioner, Hounds Town USA, is requesting approval of a Plan Description Revision of the West Aurora Plaza Planned Development District for Lot 6 of the West Aurora Plaza Resubdivision. The details of the request include changing the West Aurora Plaza Plan Description to allow for up to one Kennel with Outdoor Pens and Runs use on only Lot 6. The Plan Description that was approved per O18-053 is to otherwise remain intact, meaning that this Plan Description Revision is only for Lot 6 of the West Aurora Plaza Resubdivision.
The Petitioner’s business is intending to construct the outdoor pen on the west side of the building with the address 2011 W. Galena Boulevard. Since early 2021, the Petitioner has undertaken efforts to remodel the building’s interior for grooming and boarding services for cats and dogs, which is a permitted use in this zoning district. With this proposal, the Petitioner is expanding the business’s scope of services to include an outdoor pen for the animals that is approximately 2,000 square feet. The outdoor pen is to be constructed on the west side of the existing building over part of the drive-through and adjacent drive aisle, and will also incorporate existing features of the building. The provided site plan is showing forty-five (45) parking spaces on the property once construction of the outdoor pen is complete.
Staff members have reviewed the Conditional Use Ordinance – Planned Development 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.
Public Input: Due public notice was given for the public hearing on this matter. As of the date of this memo, Staff members have received one public inquiry regarding the nature of this petition.
Findings of Fact:
1) Will the establishment, maintenance or operation of the conditional use be unreasonably detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare?
Staff members do not believe that the establishment, maintenance or operation of the conditional use will be unreasonably detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare.
2) Will the conditional use be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted or substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood; factors including but not limited to lighting, signage and outdoor amplification, hours of operation, refuse disposal areas and architectural compatibility and building orientation?
Staff members do not believe that the conditional use will be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other properties within the immediate vicinity. The Petitioner has prepared a proposal that limits the impact of the outdoor animal enclosure on the surrounding residential and commercial properties through the enclosure’s screening and location on the property, and by also limiting outdoor activities to daylight hours.
3) Will the establishment or the conditional use impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district?
Staff members do not believe that this proposal will at all impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses in the district.
4) Will the proposal provide for adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, and/or other necessary facilities as part of the conditional use?
Staff members do not believe that the proposal will have a significant enough impact on the existing, adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, and/or other necessary facilities.
5) Does the proposal take adequate measures, or will they be taken to provide ingress and egress so designed to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets?
Staff members believe that, because the property is already built out, that the proposal takes adequate measures to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets.
6) Does the conditional use in all other respects conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located, except as such regulations may in each instance be modified by the City Council pursuant to the recommendations of the commission?
Staff members believe that the conditional use, in all other respects, does conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located.
The staff members’ evaluation and recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
31.1 (5): To promote the vitality of existing commercial centers within the commercial hierarchy.
32.1 (3): To minimum the adverse effects of commercial activity on neighboring development, particularly residential and open space areas through the provision of buffering land uses and/or screening.
51.1 (3): To actively promote and pursue the retention of businesses and industries presently within the City of Aurora.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance approving a revision to the West Aurora Plan Description on 3 acres for Lot 6 of the West Aurora Plaza Resubdivision.
• Approved was a Resolution requesting authorization to remodel the City’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and Backup Communications Center (BCC) utilizing several firms in an amount not to exceed $1,300,531.50 with a 3% contingency, for a total award of $1,339,547.45.
City government of Aurora documents show the city of Aurora’s PSAP and BCC opened in January, 2010 and have not seen significant updates to facilities or furniture since opening. The updates proposed in this resolution will address longstanding issues with furniture, sound quality in the room as well as lighting.
Current furniture in the PSAP and BCC is over 12 years old and is in poor condition. With the addition in recent years of new technology at each PSAP operator workstation, more effective workspaces are required. This includes space for multiple monitors, radio equipment and multiple desktop computers.
With high ceilings in the current space and no noise dampening, operators have a difficult time communicating with residents when multiple calls are handled simultaneously.
The new furniture will provide a much better ergonomic environment that supports equipment necessary at a modern PSAP operator workstation. The lowered ceilings, improved carpeting and sound damping will provide for a much quieter call taking experience.
Costs for this remodel are broken down in to four areas:
PSAP Remodel
Costs for construction and furniture
Third party hardware reinstallation
removal and reinstallation of proprietary hardware
BCC Remodel
Costs for construction and furniture
Additional PSAP Services
Video wall, manager’s office and cablingPSAP Remodel
This portion of the remodel contains the following items:
ConstructionThrough the City’s Job Order Contracting (JOC) Services Program, F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Associates, LLC, (R20-221) construction quote to remodel the PSAP. Per the JOC program, all contractors utilized by F.H. Paschen, must use the same RS Means scale to price services and the City receives a 7% discount from the cost.
F.H. Paschen will use local vendors. Cost: $457,850.00
PSAP WorkstationsRuss Bassett was selected as the vendor for the new PSAP workstations after staff members visited other PSAP locations and determined the Russ Bassett equipment would best suit the City’s needs. This equipment will efficiently support the many monitors and data ports needed for City PSAP Operators to access systems necessary to support the Police and Fire Departments. The Russ Bassett pricing was provided via the HGACBuy Cooperative Contract #: EC07-20. Cost: $281,000.00
Fire Station Alerting System (FSAS) Equipment moveAs part of this remodel, the equipment to control the City’s existing FSAS needs to be moved; the City received a quote from FSAS vendor Mercury Systems of $12,057.00 to move and reinstall the FSAS equipment. Cost: $12,057.00.
Third party hardware reinstallation
City contracts with Intrado (Next Generation 911), L3 Harris (Radios), Mercury Systems (FSAS) require that they must perform all maintenance to ensure the equipment is certified as working after installation. The low voltage cabling work needed in the PSAP will be completed by preferred City vendor CTS. Cost: $75,662.00
BCC Remodel
Work in the BCC included Backup Center workstations from Russ Bassett, reinstallation of FSAS equipment by Mercury Systems as well as a TV/Monitor and Printer/Fax installation. Cost: $107,425.00.
Additional PSAP Services
-Constant Tech Video Wall
R21-039 provided for the addition of a shareable CineMassive video wall system. The intent of this sharable system was to be able to display critical information in the City’s Critical Intelligence Incident Center (CIIC) as well as the PSAP. The addition of a CineMassive video wall system will allow the PSAP to have full situational awareness by displaying and monitoring police calls for service, officer locations, and other forms of critical media at one time. Cost: $313,430.00.
-Office Furniture
Office furniture for the new office within the PSAP is included at cost of $26,234.00 and will be purchased from Henricksen via OMNIA Contract – A960 R191802.
-Isolated Network
City IT staff members desire to isolate and prioritize the PSAP and BCC equipment on a separate network from the rest of the City network. This will provide a higher level of reliability and redundancy than provided. Firewalls will be purchased through the City’s Managed Network Service Provider, Scientel Solutions, LLC in accordance with resolution R21-136. The internal network switches needed will be purchased through CDW-G or direct from the manufacturer, whichever is the most cost effective. Cost: $30,930.50.Funds for this remodel will be made available in the following in the Information Technology Other Services/Wireless ETSB accounts: 211-3537-421.61-41 ($418,000) and 211-3537-421.38-99 ($921,547.45). The $418,000 exists in 211-3537-421.61-41 due to a 2020 Decision Package and the remaining amount will be moved into account 211-3537-421.38-99 pending a budget amendment.
Impact statement:
Current furniture in the PSAP and BCC is over 12 years old and is in poor condition. With the addition of additional equipment as well as the video wall, the PSAP and BCC will meet the needs of the City for many years.
• Approved was an Ordinance deleting certain property from the redevelopment project area for the City of Aurora Downtown Tax Increment Financing District No.1. – COA/ East River Bend TIF/ Parcel Deletion from TIF 1.
City government of Aurora documents show as a part of the creation of East River Bend TIF, the City must remove the properties designated in the new TIFs from the current TIF #1.
The creation of East River Bend TIF is part of an existing RDA between the City of Aurora and a private developer for the highly-visible redevelopment of the east river bank, 100 N Broadway (DAC) project. The creation of this TIF District will continue this redevelopment within key parcels.
The Joint Review Board, composed of all taxing bodies with taxing authority on the property covered by TIF #1, East River Bend TIF met on May 20, 2022 and unanimously recommended the creation of East River Bend TIF.
The creation of East River Bend TIF will be accomplished through a multi-step process involving the approval of an ordinance, the holding of a Public Hearing (at the 6/28/2022 City Council Meeting), and the adoption of three separate ordinances the City Council meeting on 7/26/2022 to create East River Bend TIF.
The adoption of this ordinance will allow for the next steps in the creation of East River Bend TIF to be completed.
• Approved was an Ordinance deleting certain property from the redevelopment project area for the City of Aurora Downtown Tax Increment Financing District No.6. – COA/ East River Bend TIF/ Parcel Deletion from TIF 6.
City government of Aurora documents show as a part of the creation of East River Bend TIF, the City must remove the properties designated in the new TIFs from the current TIF #6.
The creation of East River Bend TIF is part of an existing RDA between the City of Aurora and a private developer for the highly-visible redevelopment of the east river bank, 100 N Broadway (DAC) project. The creation of this TIF District will continue this redevelopment within key parcels.
The Joint Review Board, composed of all taxing bodies with taxing authority on the property covered by TIF #6, East River Bend TIF met on May 20, 2022 and unanimously recommended the creation of East River Bend TIF.
The creation of East River Bend TIF will be accomplished through a multi-step process involving the approval of the an ordinance, the holding of a Public Hearing (at the 6/28/2022 City Council Meeting), and the adoption of three separate ordinances the City Council meeting on 7/26/2022 to create East River Bend TIF.
The adoption of this ordinance will allow for the next steps in the creation of East River Bend TIF to be completed.
• Approved was a Resolution awarding the Illinois Avenue at Randall Road and Elmwood Drive Traffic Signal Modernization project (MFT section no. 21-00345-00-TL) construction to the low bidder, H & H Electric Company of Franklin Park, IL, for the amount of $627,604.56 and the appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds).
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to award the Illinois Avenue at Randall Road and Elmwood Drive Traffic Signal Modernization project to the low bidder, H & H Electric Company and the appropriation of $627,604.56 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for the project.
The project consists of modernizing existing traffic signal equipment at the intersection of Illinois Avenue/Randall Road and Illinois Avenue/Elmwood Drive. The existing traffic signals at these intersections were installed decades ago and the current condition of the equipment is poor and needs replacing the traffic signal equipment.
The project bid was advertised on June 7, 2022. The City opened bid on June 22, 2022, the low bidder was H&H Electric Company at $627,604.56, approximately 5% below the Engineer’s estimate of $657,177.00.
Local preference does not apply to this project due to funding source. This project uses Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds and would need appropriating the funds.
The City budgets MFT funds annually for work of this nature in CIP GC 078 and generally the work is limited to smaller equipment upgrades/replacements, however upon inspection of these signals and developing the scope of required improvements, it is anticipated that the funds available in the account associated with GC078 Traffic Signal Equipment-Mast Arms 203-4020-418-38-22, will not be sufficient to cover all of the work. Accordingly, a budget amendment appropriating additional MFT funds in the amount of $594,700 will be processed, if needed. Due to anticipated lengthy lead time for material fabrication and delivery and the continual increase in material costs, staff members recommend proceeding in this manner.
Modernizing existing Traffic Signals for improved capabilities & equipment.
Staff members recommend approval of award to the low bidder H & H Electric Company and appropriation of MFT funding.
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the renewal of the Line of Credit (LOC) in the amount of $15 million with Fifth-Third Bank for a one-year term expiring on July 22, 2023.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to approve a renewal of the Line of Credit (LOC) with Fifth-Third Bank in the amount of $15 million for a one year term to expire July 22, 2023.
The City initially approved LOCs with Old Second Bank and Fifth Third Bank in 2019 for $10.0 million. The City has used the LOC’s to provide short-term financing for the City contributions to various land acquisition and economic development projects when bond financing is not practical. Staff members anticipate that there will be additional need for short term financing of economic development projects in the future and the LOC’s provide a practical and cost effective vehicle for those needs. The City makes periodic payments on the LOC’s as appropriate when long term bonds are issued.
Each LOC is renewed separately, and the Old Second LOC renewal was presented at the June 16 Finance Committee Meeting and appears on the Consent Agenda for the June 28, 2022 City Council Meeting for anticipated final consideration.
The current balance on the LOC is $6,500,000. The LOC is anticipated to be reduced by payments from the recent GO Bond Series 2022B. Additionally, the City will also receive repayments from developers from various costs initially financed by the City, primarily related to historic preservation tax credits. Once received, these payments will be applied to the LOC used to initially finance the short-term timing difference between construction costs and repayment of these credits.
The renewal LOC, has slightly different interest rate terms due to the elimination of the London Interbank Loan Rate (LIBOR) on which the expiring LOC interest rate is based. The rate for the renewed LOC will be based on a floating 30-day Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.02% (102 basis points). SOFR is a published rate and is a common replacement for LIBOR in loans moving forward due to the industry wide elimination of LIBOR. SOFR represents the overnight rate that financial institutions charge each other for overnight loans. The rate generated for the renewed LOC (if calculated today) is currently 2.54%.
Approval of this resolution will renew this ongoing line of credit, which is necessary for the City’s continued economic development project financing when bond financing is not immediately practical.
Approval of a Resolution authorizing the renewal of the Line of Credit (LOC) in the amount of $15 million with Fifth-Third Bank for a one-year term expiring on July 22, 2023.
• Approved was a Resolution granting a self-service liquor license endorsement to Final Stretch Events, LLC d/b/a Tapville Social – Chicago Premium Outlets.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to review the application for the addition of a self-service liquor license endorsement to the Final Stretch Events, LLC, d/b/a Tapville Social – Chicago Premium Outlets City of Aurora liquor license. This endorsement is to allow patrons to pour their own alcoholic beverages at Tapville Social’s outdoor seasonal beer garden offering beer, cider, and wine for consumption on the premises.
This request is presented in accordance with the 2020 amendment to the City’s Liquor Ordinance, specifically Section 6-2, which charges the City Council with the authority to review and approve or deny applications from licensees for a self-service endorsement. Tapville Social – Chicago Premium Outlets was approved by the City Council on June 14, 2022 for a Class C – Specialty On-Site Consumption liquor license and that liquor license was issued on June 17, 2022. Tapville Social now seeks to add a self-service endorsement to their liquor license, consistent with their current business model.
Final Stretch Events, LLC, operates Tapville Social – Fox Valley at the Fox Valley Mall with a self-service endorsement to their underlying liquor license. Tapville Social will operate their Chicago Premium Outlet Mall location the same way they operate their Fox Valley Mall location (without a strolling endorsement, however) as follows:
After an identification check, customers will be provided with a Tapville Social – Chicago Premium Outlets wristband and beer, wine, or cider will be available for patrons to dispense for themselves in a cup that specifically identifies Tapville Social – Chicago Premium Outlets as the source of the beverage. Staff members will continuously monitor customers as they drink their drinks. Customers will only be able to purchase one drink at a time, and will be allowed to purchase a limited, cumulative amount of alcohol. Staff members will be trained to guard against underage service as well as over-service. Patrons will not be allowed to exit the enclosed area in the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall with an alcoholic beverage. Patrons will be allowed to enter the area with food purchased at other locations in the mall.
If approved, this resolution will allow the issuance of a self-service endorsement by the Liquor Commissioner. City staff members have been working closely with the business owner to ensure that all requirements as set forth in Chapter 6 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, are met.
• Approved was a Resolution to reject the lone bid received for the DSC Emergency Generator project.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to obtain City Council approval to reject the lone bid received for the DSC Emergency Generator project.
The City recently published a request for bids to furnish and install a gas generator and electrical systems to provide emergency backup power for the Development Services Center (DSC) building. The scope of services also included excavation for and construction of a reinforced concrete pad and footings for the generator in accordance with project plans and specifications provided by Fehr Graham and MGH Consulting Engineers.
The RFB was published on April 26, 2022 and a single bid from Engineered Services, Inc. (dba Powerlink Electric) was received, opened, and read aloud on May 11. The bid amount was $455,940, which was substantially more than the budget estimate ($300,000).
Based on this, the City is recommending the lone bid received be rejected to allow City staff members to consider a direct purchase of the generator utilizing an existing cooperative purchasing contract and procure the associated sitework separately once the generator is secured. As discussed in detail in a separate Resolution to be presented to this Committee concurrently (22-0506), the City has identified a vendor that can provide an in-stock generator at a considerably lower price utilizing the Sourcewell purchasing contract.
The rejection of the lone bid received will allow the City to explore cost and time saving alternatives to provide back up emergency power to the DSC building
• Approved was a Resolution authorizing the director of Purchasing to utilize the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract to enter into an agreement with Altorfer Power Systems, 301 S Mitchell Court, Addison, in the amount of $138,025.00 to purchase an Emergency Generator for the DSC Building.
City government of Aurora documents show the purpose is to utilize the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract to enter into an agreement with Altorfer Power Systems, 301 S Mitchell Court, Addison, Ill., in the amount of $138,025.00 to purchase an Emergency Generator for the DSC Building
The City recently published a Request for Bids to furnish and install a gas generator and electrical systems to provide emergency backup power for the Development Services Center (DSC) building. The scope of services also included excavation for and construction of a reinforced concrete pad and footings for the generator in accordance with project plans and specifications provided by Fehr Graham and MGH Consulting Engineers.
As discussed in detail in a pre-requisite Resolution to be presented to this Committee concurrently (22-0505), City staff members are recommending the lone bid received be rejected to allow City staff members to direct purchase the generator utilizing an existing cooperative purchasing contract and procure the associated sitework separately once the generator is secured.
Based on the assumption that the lone bid will be rejected, the City reached out to numerous vendors directly and received pricing for a total of seven generators from three vendors.
Of the three vendors that provided pricing, only Altorfer Power Systems of Addison, IL indicated participation in a Cooperative Purchasing Contract (Sourcewell Contract #120617-CAT valid thru January 29, 2023). Considering this participation, the reputable brand and competitive price proposed, and the fact that one of the two generators that they provided pricing for is already in stock (as opposed to the ~30 week lead time provided by others), City staff members are recommending the purchase of the stock Caterpillar generator from Altorfer Power Systems at a price of $138,025.00.
Sufficient budgeted funds are available in account 287-4010-417.73-40 (ARPA Funding allocations) for this purchase.
By purchasing a generator which is ready for delivery now, the chances of a costly loss of power and productivity at the DSC building is greatly reduced. Further, the City is able to lock in this price and avoid potential cost increases associated with long lead times or a rebid.
• Approved was a Resolution to approve the Ward 10 Residential Grant Program.
City government of Aurora documents show alderwoman Shweta Baid and her Ward 10 Committee shall receive, review and approve requests for grant funding towards community enhancements and/or improvements in the 10th Ward. The enhancements/improvements shall be for community and public use, demonstrate a benefit for the immediate area, and promote the character and integrity of the neighborhood and community.
The committee may also consider other information when approving or denying grant requests such as previous approvals, history, and future development plans.
The Ward 10 alderwoman and her Ward 10 committee shall receive, review and approve application for grants with a minimum threshold of $1,000.00 with a maximum of $5,000 for community enhancements and/or improvements.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and funds will be distributed based on availability of annual budgeted funds at the discretion of the 10th Ward alderwoman and her committee.
Grants will not be considered for public improvements or enhancements if applicant is also utilizing an existing city program whereby applicants are receiving assistance or compensation from said program. Also, grants are not meant for commercial use and hence requests for such will not be considered.
The applicants being residents of the 10th Ward or an HOA organization performing the work in the 10th Ward, will be paid from the Ward 10 grant account 320-1350-419.50-50, not to exceed Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) annually. This program will not be extended past the current alderwomen’s term.