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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Robert Leible, Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: March 13, 2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the purchase of a parcel for the Water Production Division for the amount of $125,000.00.
PURPOSE:
To allow the Mayor to execute a Property and Purchase Contract to purchase parcel 15-15-127-006 to improve access to the city property at 1110 Aurora Avenue.
BACKGROUND:
The city owns several sites associated with the various processes that allow the Water Production Division (WPD) to source, treat, distribute and store potable water. The access to one of these sites, 1110 Aurora Avenue (IL Rte. 25), is limited and requires improvement.
The existing access to 1110 Aurora Avenue is immediately off Aurora Avenue from the east. This access is steep, winding and generally only safe for traversing with standard passenger vehicles. To provide reliable, safer access for larger maintenance and delivery vehicles, secondary access is required.
For many years, the annual budget included CIP I043, which was submitted to allow the identification and implementation of a solution to this issue. The WPD has been working closely with Engineering and in 2024 an effective long-term solution was identified. In late 2024, the CIP was once again approved during the budget process and was included in the final 2025 budget with the intention of implementing the long-term solution. This includes purchasing this parcel and then the construction of an access drive thereon. Exhibit A displays the existing direct access off Aurora Avenue and the new access route utilizing a combination of an existing access easement off Indian Trail and the parcel to be acquired.
Once 15-15-127-006 is acquired, the WPD will work with the Engineering Division to design the access drive and procure the necessary services to construct those improvements in accordance with city policy. Upon completion of this CIP, maintenance and delivery vehicles will have significantly improved access to 1110 Aurora Avenue.
DISCUSSION:
A professional property appraisal was completed for the parcel; the valuation was found to be $115,000.00. In addition, an environmental phase I site assessment was performed and no issues were discovered with the parcel. The Property and Purchase Contract is attached as Exhibit B and has been approved by outside counsel (Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins). The seller/owner is identified as Mr. Michael Sahli via the Chicago Title Land Trust Company, as Trustee under Trust Number 8002358665, dated September 24, 2012.
Funding is available in account 510-4058-511-71-01 for the implementation of CIP I043, including this purchase and the future construction of the access drive later this year.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The implementation of this CIP will eliminate accessibility risks to the existing city owned site at 1110 Aurora Avenue.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request committee and city council approval of a resolution authorizing the purchase of parcel 15-15-127-006 for the Water Production Division in the amount of $125,000.00.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the purchase of a parcel for the Water Production Division for the amount of $125,000.00.
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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, the Water Production Division (WPD) seeks the purchase of parcel 15-15-127-006 (vacant land) from the seller/owner, Mr. Michael Sahli via the Chicago Title Land Trust Company, as Trustee under Trust Number 8002358665, dated September 24, 2012; and
WHEREAS, purchase of this parcel will eliminate accessibility risks to the existing WPD city property at 1110 Aurora Avenue; and
WHEREAS, upon acquisition of the subject parcel, an access drive will be designed and constructed for improved access of maintenance and delivery vehicles; and
WHEREAS, the purchase price of the subject parcel is $125,000 plus customary closing costs; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 city budget provides funding for this purchase in account 510-4058-511-71-01 via CIP I043;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Mayor may execute a Property and Purchase Contract for the purchase of parcel 15-15-127-006 for $125,000.00 for the Water Production Division.