cover
TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Robert Leible, Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: July 27, 2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing Engineering Enterprises, Inc., to provide professional engineering services for the Clearwells #1 and #2 Rehabilitation Project for the Water Production Division (WPD) in the not to exceed amount of $245,363.00.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council authorization to enter into a professional engineering services agreement for design, project administration, and construction observation with Engineering Enterprises, Inc., Sugar Grove, IL (EEI) for the Clearwells #1 and #2 Rehabilitation Project.
BACKGROUND:
Located at 1110 Aurora Avenue, Clearwells #1 and #2 are welded steel, ground storage tanks that serve as the final disinfection and storage stage for the municipal water system following treatment and filtration, but prior to pumping treated water to the distribution system. The two clearwells were placed into service in 2002 and are approaching 25 years in service.
As part of the WPD's regular tank inspection program, the clearwells underwent a professional, comprehensive, independent inspection in 2021. The findings of that inspection recommend that full recoating and ancillary repairs are now due and should be completed. CIP I053 was requested in anticipation of the necessity for this project in the current timeframe.
DISCUSSION:
Due to the complexity and scope of such a project, a professional engineering consultant is necessary to provide design, bidding administration, and construction observation services to ensure all project aspects are properly completed.
EEI has a substantial resume of experience in water tank recoating and rehabilitation projects for the Water Production Division, including the Indian Trail Elevated Water Tank in 2013/2014, the Fox Valley East Ground Storage Tanks in 2022, the Water Treatment Plant Coatings Rehabilitation project in 2024, and the Church Road Elevated Water Tank in 2026. EEI excels in the technical aspects of coatings selection, bidding specifications and construction observation, including National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) certified inspections. EEI demonstrates strong project communication between all parties, including the WPD and contractor(s). Specific duties and responsibilities are documented in the Agreement for Professional Engineering Services (attached).
In consideration of EEI's past performance and project specific experience with the WPD, it is recommended the agreement be approved per City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Division 2, Section 2-336 Contracts Exempt or Excluded From Formal Bidding: (a) The city may award a written contract for professional services, which shall include architectural, engineering, surveying, construction management, accounting, auditing, safety and security risk assessment, computer and data assessment and services, legal and other financial services, without complying with the other provisions of this division.
The project proposal from EEI is for a total not to exceed amount of $245,363.00, covering a two-year project period (2026-2027). Year 1 (2026) will entail design phase tasks in preparation for rehabilitation/construction phase work in 2027. Project funding is provided via CIP I053 with 2026 funding of $120,000.00 in the city budget account 510-4058-511-32-07. The remainder is included in the CIP and is contingent upon final approval of the 2027 budget.
The EEI Professional Engineering Services Agreement has been reviewed and approved by the Law Department.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
None.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request committee and city council approval of a resolution authorizing a professional engineering services agreement with EEI in an amount not to exceed $245,363.00 for the Water Production Division.
cc: Infrastructure & Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing Engineering Enterprises, Inc., to provide professional engineering services for the Clearwells #1 and #2 Rehabilitation Project for the Water Production Division (WPD) in the not to exceed amount of $245,363.00.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Water Production Division requires professional engineering services for the Clearwells #1 and #2 Rehabilitation Project; and
WHEREAS, Engineering Enterprises, Inc. is recommended for this project based on past experience on complex, applicable projects for the Water Production Division; and
WHEREAS, Engineering Enterprises, Inc. has provided a proposal in the not to exceed amount of $245,363.00 to perform the necessary design, project administration, and construction observation for the subject project on a time and expense basis during the 2026 and 2027 budget years; and
WHEREAS, funding of $120,000.00 is available in the 2026 city budget in account 510-4058-511-32-07 via CIP I053 and 2027 funding is contingent upon approval of the 2027 budget; and
WHEREAS, per City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Division 2, Section 2-336 Contracts Exempt or Excluded From Formal Bidding: (a) The city may award a written contract for professional services, which shall include architectural, engineering, surveying, construction management, accounting, auditing, safety and security risk assessment, computer and data assessment and services, legal and other financial services, without complying with the other provisions of this division.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Purchasing Director be and is hereby authorized and directed to issue a purchase order to Engineering Enterprises, Inc. and execute the professional services agreement for the Clearwells #1 and #2 Rehabilitation Project, on a time and expense basis in the not to exceed amount of $245,363.00 for the Water Production Division.