cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex G. Alexandrou, Chief Management Officer
DATE: August 13, 2020
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing a donation in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 to West Aurora School District No. 129 to support the construction of a new accessible playground at the Hope D. Wall School.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is for the City of Aurora to join West Aurora School District 129, East Aurora School District 131, Fox Valley Park District and other community partners and donors in supporting the construction of a new accessible playground at the Hope D. Wall School.
BACKGROUND:
Hope D. Wall School ("Wall School") is a child development center operated by West Aurora School District No, 129 ("District 129") serving approximately 170 children with special needs residing in District 129 and East Aurora School District No. 131. The existing wooden playground at Wall School built in 1993, which may be used by the public, is in disrepair and is not accessible to all children with special needs. Consequently, District 129 and District 131 have undertaken a complete replacement and modernization of the existing playground to permit its use by children of all ages, skill levels and learning abilities and make the playground fully wheelchair accessible, including double wide ramps and wheelchair swings. District 129 and District 131 have sought the assistance of other taxing bodies, including the Fox Valley Park District and other community partners and donors to defer the costs associated with the project.
DISCUSSION:
Districts 129 and 131 have requested that the City participate in the project by donating $100,000.00 to help support the construction of the new playground. Attached is the letter to the City formally requesting the City's participation and donation of $100,000. Also attached are documents detailing the playground design and construction as well as project quote, budget and list of donors. District 129 completed the bidding process and is managing the project with an anticipated completion date of the week of August 31, 2020.
The City had included this project in the 2020 Budget using CDBG funds however upon further review of project timing, process and procedures required as well as the need for redirecting eligible CDBG funds to the STABLE fund as well as Rental Assistance due to the pandemic, the donation will come from Capital Project account number 340-4440-451.73-43.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Collaborating and participating financially in this much need project will support Hope D. Wall's mission of fostering an environment of equity, inclusion and opportunity by providing a functional, accessible and enjoyable new playground.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council approve the resolution to authorize a donation not to exceed $100,000 to West Aurora School District 129 to support the new accessible playground at Hope D. Wall School.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing a donation in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 to West Aurora School District No. 129 to support the construction of an accessible playground at the Hope D. Wall School.
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, Hope D. Wall School ("Wall School") is a child development center operated by West Aurora School District No, 129 ("District 129") serving children with developmental disabilities residing in District 129 and East Aurora School District No. 131; and
WHEREAS, the existing wooden playground at Wall School, which may be used by the public, is in disrepair and is not accessible to all children with special needs; and
WHEREAS, District 129 and District 131 have undertaken a complete replacement and modernization of the existing playground to permit its use by children of all levels skill and learning and to make the playground fully wheelchair accessible, including double wide ramps and wheelchair swings; and
WHEREAS, District 129 has sought the assistance of other taxing bodies, including the Fox Valley Park District to defer the costs associated with the modernization; and
WHEREAS, District 129 has requested that the City donate $100,000.00 to help support the construction of the new playground; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that a donation in the amount requested by District 129 will substantially benefit the entire City community by providing a facility that meets the needs of its differently abled children
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that a contribution in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 to District 129 shall be and hereby is authorized for the exclusive purpose of assisting with the deferral of the costs associated with the construction of the Wall School playground; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Treasurer shall be and hereby is authorized and directed to disburse said contribution promptly upon his reasonable satisfaction that said contribution will be used for the purposes permitted by this resolution.