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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Katrina Boatright, Manager, Senior and Disability Services
DATE: 9/11/2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution to Approve Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt as Contractors for Snow Removal and Ice Control Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $128,000.00 for the Operation Senior Shovel Program
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval for the Seniors and Disabilities Services Division to enter into agreements with Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt, both located in Aurora, Illinois, to provide snow removal and ice control services under the Operation Senior Shovel Program, which supports eligible senior residents and individuals living with disabilities who are physically or financially unable to clear snow and ice from their driveways and walkways during the winter season.").
BACKGROUND:
The Operation Senior Shovel Program was officially established in 2021 by the City of Aurora’s Seniors and Disabilities Services Division (SDSD) to support older adults and residents living with disabilities by providing safe, timely, and reliable snow removal and ice control services during the winter months. This essential program was developed in response to the physical challenges many of these residents face in maintaining their property during inclement weather, which can result in hazardous conditions and limit access to medical care, groceries, and other critical needs.
In its early stages, the program relied primarily on City resources and volunteer support to meet service demands. However, as the need for snow removal services has grown-driven by an aging population, increased demand, and the time-intensive nature of snow events-SDSD expanded the model to improve sustainability and service quality.
In 2022, the program transitioned to a hybrid model, blending the continued recruitment of community volunteers with the strategic use of contracted local service providers to ensure greater coverage, reliability, and responsiveness during winter weather. This model has enabled SDSD to better serve the city's most vulnerable residents, ensuring that driveways and walkways are cleared promptly, and that residents can safely age in place.
SDSD continues to enhance the program each year by refining service areas, optimizing contractor assignments, and building a pipeline of committed volunteers and qualified vendors to meet seasonal needs.
DISCUSSION:
The Seniors and Disabilities Services Division (SDSD) initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure qualified vendors for snow removal and ice control services for the 2025-2026 winter season under the City’s Operation Senior Shovel Program. This annual procurement process ensures that the City can continue to deliver reliable winter weather support to eligible older adults and residents living with disabilities.
Following the solicitation and review of proposals, submissions were received from Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and the Diaz Group. Upon evaluation, it was determined that the Diaz Group’s pricing exceeded a reasonable cost for the scope of services and surpassed the City’s budget for the program.
The program model requires at least two contractors for adequate coverage and operational flexibility. Staff spoke with Tavarez & Sons, who confirmed they could not reasonably take on services for the entire list due to timing requirements and staffing. Therefore, The Purchasing Division reached out to an interested vendor used in the previous winter season, Guardian Asphalt, who successfully provided snow removal services during the prior season. Upon review, Guardian Asphalt’s proposed terms were found to be cost-effective and within budget.
As a result, Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt, both based in Aurora, Illinois, were identified as the most responsive and responsible contractors based on their demonstrated qualifications, service capacity, relevant experience, and competitive pricing.
Contracting with two vendors enhances the City’s ability to:
provide broader geographic service coverage across Aurora neighborhoods,
improve response times during snow and ice events, and
expand the program’s overall capacity to meet the growing needs of eligible participants.
Both contracts will include clearly defined service expectations, response time standards, and performance benchmarks to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery throughout the winter season. This dual-contractor model increases operational flexibility, enhances readiness for unpredictable weather conditions, and reduces the risk of service delays or disruptions for the City’s most vulnerable residents.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
With more than 30,000 residents over the age of 60, the City of Aurora is witnessing a steady and measurable increase in its senior population each year. Demographic projections indicate that between 2029 and 2030, the number of residents aged 60 and older will surpass those under the age of 18, marking a significant generational and societal shift within the city.
This projected demographic crossover underscores the growing need for age-friendly infrastructure and support services, including seasonal assistance programs like Operation Senior Shovel. For many seniors and individuals living with disabilities, especially those on fixed incomes or without nearby family support, snow accumulation presents a serious health and safety hazard, increasing the risk of falls, isolation, and missed medical appointments.
The Operation Senior Shovel Program addresses this critical need by removing one of the most dangerous and physically taxing barriers to daily life during winter. By contracting Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt, the City reinforces its commitment to being age-friendly and disability-inclusive, ensuring that the most vulnerable residents can remain safely housed, connected to services, and engaged in community life throughout the snow season.)
RECOMMENDATIONS:
This It is recommended that the City Council approve the selection of Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt, both of Aurora, Illinois, as contractors to provide snow removal and ice control services for the Operation Senior Shovel Program during the 2025-2026 winter season.
Be it further resolved that the City and Director of Finance are hereby authorized and directed to enter into agreements with Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt in accordance with the terms outlined in this resolution, and in compliance with the City’s procurement policies and procedures."
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution to Approve Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt as Contractors for Snow Removal and Ice Control Services, in an Amount Not to Exceed $128,000.00, for the Operation Senior Shovel Program).
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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 Seniors and Disabilities Services Division’s Operation Senior Shovel Program serves as a vital component of the City of Aurora’s ongoing advocacy and support for older adults and residents living with disabilities, particularly during the winter season; and:
WHEREAS, the program provides seasonal snow removal and ice control services for eligible residents who are physically or financially unable to maintain safe access to their homes during periods of inclement weather, thereby promoting safety, independence, and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora recognizes the projected 32% increase in the senior population over the next five years, and the anticipated demographic crossover between 2029 and 2030, when the number of residents aged 60 and over will surpass those under the age of 18; and
Whereas, these demographic changes require intentional planning and investment in age-friendly infrastructure and direct services, including programs that support aging in place and seasonal home safety; and
Whereas, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify qualified contractors to provide snow removal and ice control services for the 2025-2026 winter season under the Operation Senior Shovel Program; and
Whereas, based on qualifications, capacity, and pricing, Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt, both of Aurora, Illinois, were determined to be the most responsive and responsible contractors to support this critical service; and
Whereas, funding for this program has been allocated from the approved City budget under Account No. 101-1372-440.50-80, with sufficient funds to support service delivery through the 2025-2026 winter season, in an amount not to exceed $128,000.00.)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the contract for Snow Removal and Ice Control Services under the Operation Senior Shovel Program for the 2025-2026 winter season is hereby awarded to Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt, in a total amount not to exceed $128,000.00;
Be it further resolved that the City and Director of Finance are hereby authorized and directed to enter into agreements with these vendors, in accordance with this resolution, utilizing Account No. 101-1372-440.50-80, and consistent with the City’s procurement policies and procedures, including the possibility of two one-year extensions through mutual consent.