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TO: Mayor Richard C.Irvin
FROM: Brian Witkowski, New Development Coordinator
DATE: 5/1/23
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing payment to the Fox River Study Group to conduct water quality studies of the Fox River and implement a plan for improving water quality.
PURPOSE:
To adopt a resolution authorizing payment to the Fox River Study Group from the 2023 through and including the 2026 budget.
BACKGROUND:
Starting in 1998, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has included the Fox River on Illinois' 303(d) list of impaired waterways. Federal law requires that a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Study be conducted for waterways that are listed on the State's 303(d) list. In 2001, the Fox River Study Group was formed to plan and conduct a TMDL Study of the Fox River. The Fox River Study Group is a diverse coalition of stakeholders and is supported by financial contributions from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, Sierra Club, Aurora, Algonquin, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Yorkville, Elgin, Fox River Water Reclamation District, Yorkville-Bristol Sanitary District, Crystal Lake, Illinois State Water Survey, and Kane County.
The Study Group has recently updated the FRIP (Fox River Implementation Plan) and is focused on future water quality. This update was delivered to the IEPA in December 2022. One key part of this update was predictive modelling of actions to eliminate nuisance algae blooms and correct dissolved oxygen problems seen along specific sections of the river. The model evaluated different nutrient reduction strategies from agriculture and municipalities as well as removal of dams for cost and effectiveness in meeting water quality goals.
The Fox River Study Group’s commitment to science for public policy guidance is key to creating environmental and economic success. Maintaining strong community-wide support will help assure the continued restoration and recovery of this invaluable regional resource.
DISCUSSION:
Each year the City of Aurora has been contributing $0.50 per capita times the Aurora census population. The 2023 City Budget provides $100,000 for this item in account 510-4063-511.32-18 (Water and Sewer Fund). Payment for this contribution was previously authorized by resolutions R11-040 and R15-108 and R18-263.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The work of the Fox River Study Group is vital to maintaining compliance with the federal Clean Water Act.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Infrastructure and Technology
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing payment to the Fox River Study Group to conduct water quality studies of the Fox River and implement a plan for improving water quality.
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 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has classified the Fox River as an impaired waterway; and
WHEREAS, the City is an active member of the Fox River Study Group along with representatives of the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership, the Fox River Water Reclamation District, the Friends of the Fox River, Kane County, the City of Elgin, the Sierra Club, and the Tri-Cities of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles; and
WHEREAS, the work of the Fox River Study Group is vital to maintaining compliance with the federal Clean Water Act; and
WHEREAS, the City has been asked to contribute $0.50 per capita, per year for the years 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 for its cost share of the Fox River Study Group; and
WHEREAS, the 2023 City Budget provides $100,000 for this item in account 510-4063-511.32-18 (Water and Sewer Fund).)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that payment of $0.50 per capita per year to the Fox River Study Group is hereby authorized for the years 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 and the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to make such payment on behalf of the City.