cover
TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Bill Wiet, Chief Development Services Officer
DATE: November 17, 2015
SUBJECT:
Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Aurora, the Aurora Public Library, and the Support Companies, LLC Regarding the Sale and Use of the Old Main Library (1 E. Benton Street) and Amending the Prior Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Aurora and the Aurora Public Library Regarding Parking Improvements in the Vicinity of the New Main Library (101 S. River Street) and Disposition of the Old Main Library (1 E. Benton Street).
PURPOSE:
The City and Library entered into an IGA in October of 2014 which set certain milestones for the marketing and ultimate disposition of the Old Main Library, which, if not acquired and redeveloped in a timely manner, would have led to the demolition of the building. The Support Companies have desired to acquire the building, and the Library is desirous of selling the building to The Support Companies, as the result of an RFP (Request for Proposal) process with assistance from and coordination with Invest Aurora (Seize the Future Development Foundation). They have provided additional information about this project in two memos included for review.
BACKGROUND:
The October 2014 IGA laid out the parameters of disposing of the Old Main Library once the new library was completed. Once the property was offered to local governments (and subsequently declined by all of them) the goal was then to get the property on the tax rolls by offering it up via an RFP. The Support Companies LLC did submit a proposal for the property that was accepted by the Library Board. Support Companies LLC, a local technical support service, wishes to expand their operation while also desiring to be located in a downtown environment. This acquisition would allow them to use the majority of the building, with some opportunities for other tech-related companies and organizations to be tenants.
DISCUSSION:
According to the IGA up for discussion, the City will receive the parking formerly used by the library, and will then provide a limited number of parking spaces for Support Companies by way of an easement. Also, Support Companies and the City have agreed to allow the Library's bookmobile to remain in its former location for a minimum of three years. The Library will be reimbursing the City and STFDF (Seize the Future Development Foundation) for expenses related to the marketing, clearing title, title commitment, attorney's fees, surveying and engineer fees related to the agreement.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The IGA approval will have a positive impact on the City as whole and the downtown in particular. It will brings jobs to the downtown and will place the building on the tax rolls, with the tax increment ultimately going to the appropriate taxing bodies.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Aurora, the Aurora Public Library, and Support Companies LLC be approved.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Aurora, the Aurora Public Library, and the Support Companies, LLC Regarding the Sale and Use of the Old Main Library (1 E. Benton Street) and Amending the Prior Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Aurora and the Aurora Public Library Regarding Parking Improvements in the Vicinity of the New Main Library (101 S. River Street) and Disposition of the Old Main Library (1 E. Benton Street).
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, on October 14, 2014, the City and the Library entered into “An Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Aurora and the Aurora Public Library Regarding Parking Improvements in the Vicinity of the New Main Library (101 S. River Street) and Disposition of the Old Main Library (1 E. Benton Street)”; and
WHEREAS, the IGA required the Library to, among other things, either convey the Old Main Library building at 1 E. Benton Street, Aurora, Illinois, to another unit of local government, a school district, or a private developer, or if no such conveyance be made, to demolish the Old Main Library; and
WHEREAS, The Support Companies LLC desires to acquire the Old Main Library from the Library, and the Library desires to sell the Old Main Library to The Support Companies LLC, on the terms set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Aurora and its residents to enter into the Intergovernmental Agreement, attached hereto and made a part thereof as Exhibit A.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Aurora, the Aurora Public Library, and The Support Companies LLC, be hereby approved in accordance with the terms and conditions as indicated on Exhibit A.