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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: John Russell, grant writer
DATE: Feb. 25, 2020
SUBJECT:
The Youth Services Division is requesting City Council approval to apply for a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant in the amount of $30,000.
PURPOSE:
Youth Services is seeking a grant from Kane County to assist in the purchase of a portable soccer field for use in parks and other open space areas around the City.
BACKGROUND:
Although there are existing soccer fields in the City, the majority of them require permission from an agency to use (such as soccer fields at local schools) or require a fee for use. The portable soccer field to be purchased by Youth Services will be set in place for few weeks or a month at a time at City parks or other sites, and available for use at no charge on a first-come basis from dusk until dawn. There are an estimated 8 to 12 soccer fields total at schools around the community, another 20 estimated fields offered by the Fox Valley Park District at a fee, and an estimated 6 private fields which also require a fee. With the City having more than 60,000 young residents under the age of 19, there is a need for more spaces where they can play soccer, which is growing in popularity across our community. This portable soccer field will be set up in areas where the sport is already quite popular, but where there are no existing play areas where it can be enjoyed...
DISCUSSION:
The purchase of a portable soccer field was requested, but disapproved in the 2020 Budget because no funding source other than General Fund revenues was identified. We have received a vendor estimate of $35,550 for the purchase of a portable soccer field. This includes a 21x13 meter portable field, 3x2m goals, end netting, side netting and delivery. The contractor will provide initial on-site set-up, and instruction in set-up for City employees. Our grant request is for $30,000, and the Youth Services Division has budgeted for the remaining $5,550 cost. The Revenue Account number is 101-1370-337.30-40 and the Expense Account is 101-1370-440.50-84. Youth Services also is considering seeking out private sponsors who would pay a fee to advertise their businesses on banners to be set up on the portable soccer field netting.
This purchase was also a decision package that was not approved in the 2020 budget due to funding constraints. Approving the pursuit of this grant, if the grant is received, will require a budget amendment to the accounts listed above. Without outside funding from grants or sponsorships, this purchase will not be made in 2020.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
In its first six months of operation, Youth Services estimates the portable soccer field could be used by more than 20,000 Aurora residents. This estimate is based on the soccer field being open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. The Youth Services Division staff will be responsible for set-up and take-down of the portable field. Youth Services also will be responsible for maintenance of the field. The Parks Department and Youth Services are in discussion about where the field would be stored when it is not in place in a local park or other open area.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the City Council give approval for the Youth Services Division to apply for a Kane County Riverboat Grant to help fund the planned portable soccer field program.
cc: Public Health, Safety and Transportation
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution to allow the Youth Services Division to apply for a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant, to help establish a new Portable Soccer Field program.
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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, Kane County is offering Grand Victoria Riverboat Grants to local communities and non-profits for projects focusing on Education, Environment and Economic Development; and
WHEREAS, the City has a growing number of young people, and a growing number of fans for the sport of soccer, yet there are very few existing soccer fields available for free, "open" use by young people in many of our neighborhoods; and Grand Victoria Riverboat funding could provide as much as $30,000 toward the purchase of a portable soccer field that would be open for free, from dusk to dawn, at parks and other open areas all around Aurora; and
WHEREAS, the Youth Services Division has received a vendor estimate of $35,550 for the portable soccer field, and Youth Services has allocated $5,550 for the purchase, and potentially will fund the cost of set-up, take-down and storage by City staff through the financial support from local businesses that would place advertising banners on the sides of the soccer netting. The Revenue Account number is 101-1370-337.30-40 and the Expense Account is 101-1370-440.50-84; and
WHEREAS, this purchase will not be made in 2020 without the receipt of alternative funds of at least $30,000 from grants or other donations; and
WHEREAS, if awarded the purchase would adhere to the City of Aurora purchasing policies; and .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the Youth Services Division may pursue a grant of $30,000 from the Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant Program to assist in the purchase of a portable soccer field for use in parks and open spaces in neighborhoods throughout the City.