cover
TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Alderman Lynne Johnson, Ward 10
DATE: August 19, 2016 (Revised 9/30/16)
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval of the Ward 10 Residential Grant Program as an Annual Program Beginning Year 2016 - Ward 10/Johnson
PURPOSE:
A Committee comprised of 10th Ward residents (Ward Committee) and their Alderman shall receive, review and approve requests for grant funding towards community enhancements and/or improvements in the 10th Ward.
BACKGROUND:
The Ward Committee, comprised of 10th Ward residents and their Alderman, shall receive, review and approve application for grants for community enhancements and/or improvements. The Committee may consider grant awards, which meet the following minimum guidelines:
1) Grant dollars may only be used to support capital or infrastructure improvements, which demonstrate a benefit for the immediate area, and promote the character and integrity of the neighborhood and community.
2) The minimum grant award should be no less than $1,000.
3) The maximum grant award should be no more than $7,500
4) Grant awards may not exceed 50% of the total cost of the improvement project.
5) Grant awards may not exceed $25,000 per fiscal year.
The Committee may also consider other information when approving or denying grant requests such as previous approvals, past history, and future development plans.
For the purposes of this grant program, capital and infrastructure improvements may include, but are not limited to landscaping, pond maintenance including aerators/diffusers, existing damaged guard rails, neighborhood water drainage issues, safety lighting, or infrastructure projects for community use.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and funds will be distributed based on availability of funds at the discretion of the 10th Ward Committee and its Alderman. Total grant fund availability is subject to approval of funding thorough the City's Annual Budget. Grant funding may not be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
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.
This grant program was instituted by the 10th Ward Alderman, Lynne Johnson, and her Ward Committee and is only valid during said Alderman's current term.
DISCUSSION:
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 Special Programs Account 320-1350-419.50-50, not to exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) annually.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Approve the 10th Ward Committee’s Residential Grant Program with the current guidelines with it being an annual program beginning in 2016. Item will be placed on the Finance Committee Agenda on September 27, 2016, for subsequent approval by City Council.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution approving the Ward 10 Residential Grant Program as an Annual Program Beginning Year 2016.
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, (A Resolution authorizing the Committee comprised of 10th Ward residents (Ward Committee) and their Alderman to receive, review and approve requests for grant funding to be used 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, past history, and future development plans; and
WHEREAS, $25,000.00 will be allocated for this program annually subject to availability in accordance with the Ward Guidelines (see attached guidelines); and
WHEREAS, funds for these projects will be allocated from each individual invoice as each application is completed and will be paid out through the Ward 10 Special Programs Account 320-1350-419.50-50, not to exceed $25,000.00 dollars annually; and
WHEREAS, this Grant Program was instituted by the 10th Ward Alderman, Lynne Johnson, and her Ward Committee and is only valid during said Aldermen's current term.)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: Does hereby authorize the 10th Ward Committee and their Alderman to implement the Ward 10 Residential Grant Program for 2016 as an annual program.