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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Alexandrou, Chief Management Officer
DATE: June 12, 2023
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval of a Resolution to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with The Boys and Girls Club of Aurora for a land donation adjacent to Garfield Park)."
PURPOSE:
This Memorandum of Understanding with the Boys and Girls Club of Aurora (hereinafter "BGCA") will start the first steps in a land donation of the land adjacent to Garfield Park. The BGCA is looking for centrally located land to build a new club to serve the youth of the City of Aurora. Entering into this Agreement will allow the BGCA to perform due diligence on the donated land before expending any resources on professional design services.
BACKGROUND:
The City owns a plot of land adjacent to Garfield Park. The City has been in discussions with BCGA on constructing a facility on this plot of land to serve the youth of Aurora. Aurora is the second largest city in the state and is the only city in the top ten population-wise that does not have access to its own Club. The BGCA would offer structured, high-impact programs and opportunities for local youth throughout Aurora as well as partnering with local and national partners to provide additional opportunities to our youth. A centrally located club will provide a safe place, provide emotional support, provide mentors and help kids succeed in school.
DISCUSSION:
This agreement would allow BCGA the ability to make inspections of the property and complete due diligence prior to the land being donated. Any final agreement for the donation would require a donation agreement which would go through City Council and require all the requisite permits and approvals. Additionally, any buildings on that property would have to be approved by the City Council.
The land that would be donated (at a later date and through a separate action) would provide a clubhouse that would have spaces for a recreation center, library, sensory room, STEM lab, game room, teen center, workforce redevelopment center, art room and a kitchen and café. This building would be approximately 45,000 square feet at the donated property. It would serve approximately 450 K-12 youth a day and would be free of charge after school Monday through Friday and from 8 AM - 7 PM in the summer. This initial agreement is the first step in making the club a reality.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution would not create a significant impact on City staff or services. This agreement allows the BGCA the ability to complete due diligence on the land that would be donated prior to executing an official agreement to transfer the land.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is requested that this resolution is adopted and forwarded to the Committee of the Whole.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with The Boys and Girls Club of Aurora for a possible land donation adjacent to Garfield Park.
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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, that the City of Aurora owns property adjacent to Garfield Park that would be an ideal location for a Boys and Girls Club for the youth of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, that in an effort to bring the Boys and Girls Club to Aurora, a Memorandum of Understanding must be executed to allow the Club to do their due diligence prior to any donation of the land; and
WHEREAS, that the agreement is in effect for one year from the date of passage by the Council unless it is superseded by a donation agreement subject to City Council approval or otherwise extended by mutual agreement of the parties.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the Mayor shall execute the agreement (Exhibit A) on behalf of the City to allow the Boys and Girls Club of Aurora to complete their due diligence on the land described in the Memorandum of Understanding and attached exhibits.