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TO: Mayor Irvin and City Council
FROM: The Mayor's Office
DATE: October 27, 2020
SUBJECT:
Seeking approval of an updated lease agreement with Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Inc. for the purpose of expanding and continuing the operation of their ongoing community garden.
PURPOSE:
This lease will allow the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry to continue their community garden project which allows members to apply for their own plot where they can grow fresh fruits and vegetables for local consumption.
BACKGROUND:
Back in 2014, Alderman Saville initiated the original lease of previously vacant lots with the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry. That lease has resulted in a successful community gardening program over the past six years. The 2014 lease expires this year, and the City and the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry are both seeking a new lease which expands the lease area for gardening.
DISCUSSION:
In partnership with residents and stakeholders, the Marie Wilkinson community gardens project encourages community well-being, connects neighbors, educates youth and individuals on gardening, and provides wholesome produce and ornamental plants for community benefit.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Pursuant to the terms of the lease agreement, the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry will continue to maintain these previously vacant City-owned lots.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
To approve the attached Resolution and Lease Agreement
cc: Infrastructure and Technology Committee
Alderman Juany Garza, Chairperson
Alderman William Donnell, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Sherman Jenkins
Alderman Judd Lofchie
Alderman Theodoros Mesiacos
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the lease of City-owned property with Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Inc, for the continuation of their community garden.
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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 City of Aurora is authorized to lease its real property under Section 11-76-1 of the Illinois Municipal Code; and:
WHEREAS, the City desires to continue to lease certain City-owned property on Highland Avenue to the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Inc., pursuant to a written Lease Agreement for the purpose of continuing their community garden.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That the Mayor and City Clerk be and are hereby authorized to execute the lease of City-owned property to the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Inc., a copy of which lease is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit “1”.
Section Two: That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage, approval and publication as provided by law.
Section Three: That all ordinances or parts of ordinances thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of any such conflict.