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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Eric J. Gallt, City Traffic Engineer
DATE: June 20, 2016
SUBJECT:
Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Aurora, Illinois and Forest Preserve District of Kane County for the Kautz Road Shared Use path adjacent to Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, IL.
PURPOSE:
This agreement will allow City to access the Oakhurst Forest Preserve property to build the Kautz Road Shared Use Path. A certain portion (approx. 160 feet (max) in length and 7 feet deep) is anticipated to be used for building the path/trail in the Forest Preserve property.
BACKGROUND:
In an effort to improve the pedestrian and bicyclist's environment for the residents, work groups, commuters and visitors, the City has been continually improving its bicycle facilities. Kautz Road Multi-Use Path project is yet another effort to get the path built in the dedicated Kautz Road ROW to facilitate better connections to the existing bike network system. The City desires to build the Kautz Road Shared Use Path in the Kautz Right of Way between McCoy Drive and New York Street. The path will make connections to the newly constructed multi-use path on New York Street to its north and to its south it will connect to the existing Kautz Road bike path just south of McCoy Drive. The proposed path is an important missing link that has the potential to connect the southern bikeway network to the existing northern bikeway network.
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DISCUSSION:
The proposed path/trail is designed to go in the existing right of way, the city right of way becomes narrow and constrained on the northern portion of the proposed path near Cheshire Drive. In order to maintain a proper path alignment and separation from roadway, a certain portion of the path is proposed to be placed in the Oakhurst Forest Preserve on to its west side.
The Forest Preserve District has been supportive of this project since the beginning and has a clear understanding of the work involved in their property. The proposed project lines up with the District's (Forest Preserve's) goal to provide accessibility and connections to existing paths. The path/trail will be maintained by the City after the construction is complete. The path will also provide connections to the dirt path connecting the Forest Preserve trails at certain portions.
No funding is required to execute this agreement and hence no funding is allotted hereto.
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IMPACT STATEMENT:
No impact is anticipated with the execution of this agreement.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The staff recommends executing the Intergovernmental Agreement between City of Aurora and Forest Preserve District of Kane County for Kautz Road Shared Use Path project.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution to execute the Intergovernmental Agreement between City of Aurora and Forest Preserve District of Kane County to complete the Kautz Road Share-Use Path project.
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, the City desires to build/extend the Kautz Road shared use path between McCoy Drive and New York Street.
WHEREAS, an Intergovernmental agreement is required to complete the proposed Kautz Road shared use path which will have a small portion build within the Forest Preserve District property.
WHEREAS, this Agreement does not need any funding requirements for execution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Intergovernmental Agreement between City of Aurora and Forest Preserve District of Kane County, attached hereto and incorporated herein, to build a newly proposed Kautz shared use path, is hereby approved.