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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Jim Pilmer, Director of Neighborhood Standards
DATE: April 12, 2014
SUBJECT:
Resolution requesting authorization for the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Contract with Wills Burke Kelsey Associates for the Demolition Program at 14 Blackhawk Street in the amount of $68,500.00
PURPOSE:
This vacant and abandoned property was received by Sherriff's Deed on February 14, 2014. The building is significantly beyond repair, structurally unsafe and a safety hazard in the community. The demolition of this property will reduce the blighted property, eliminate the safety hazard and liability to the city, and create significant open space in the neighborhood which will lead to improved quality of life for the neighborhood. Wills Burke Kelsey Associates of Aurora, Illinois has significant experience for providing engineering services for major commercial demolition projects. The demolition program includes all phases of demolition with request for qualifications, bid documents, asbestos removal process, permitting, utility disconnect, permitted disposal, construction management and observation to project completion of open green space. The company has an excellent history of providing responsive engineering services to the city of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
The acquisition of this property is from a failed development attempt which began in the mid-decade of 2000. Several economic factors prohibited the development and the property was foreclosed by the bank in June 2011. Several years of vandalism and code enforcement action including costs for board ups by the city, allowed the city to pursue the legal action to the eventual deed for the property.
DISCUSSION:
The demolition of this structure will create open space for increased quality of life to the neighborhood and a major reduction of blight on Galena Boulevard heading into downtown Aurora. Some historic art and artifacts in and of the building are being preserved during the demolition program. This has been a cooperative effort with School District 129, Aurora Christian School and the Aurora Public Art Commission. The fee for the engineering services contract was developed from interior and exterior observation survey and building plans. Estimates for the asbestos abatement and the demolition were obtained in spring 2013. The funding is budgeted in the Land Acquisition account of 215-1710-417.71-01. Wills Burke Kelsey Associates has no outstanding debt to the city of Aurora. The contract for services has been reviewed by the city staff including General Counsel, City Engineer, and Building and Permits Director. The contract for services meets all city ordinances.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The impact of this project will benefit the community from expenditures for building maintenance, liability, crime and vandalism. The impact to the general public will be the removal of blight on a major road of this abandoned and vacant property. Minimal impact to road lane closures will result only during disconnects of the utilities in the right away and under the road surface. The impact to the Division of Property Standards will be greatest which will result in resources towards code enforcement on other major properties.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request approval to the aforementioned request for the contract approval and the proposed resolution be adopted by the city council.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution requesting authorization for the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Contract with Wills Burke Kelsey Associates for the Demolition Program at 14 Blackhawk Street in the amount of $68,500.00
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, this vacant and abandoned property was received by Sherriff's Deed on February 14, 2014. The building is significantly beyond repair, structurally unsafe and a safety hazard in the community:
WHEREAS, the demolition of this property will reduce the blighted property, eliminate the safety hazard and liability to the city, and create significant open space in the neighborhood which will lead to quality of life for the neighborhood.
WHEREAS, this project will benefit the community from reducing expenditures for building maintenance, liability, crime and vandalism and create significant green open space for the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: authorization for the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Contract with Wills Burke Kelsey Associates for the Demolition Program at 14 Blackhawk Street in the amount of $68,500.00. Land Acquisition account 215-1710-417.71-01 has the budgeted funds.
PASSED AND APPROVED on ______________.
AYES ____ NAYS ____ NOT VOTING ____ ABSENT ____
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Bohman, Ward 1 Alderman Garza, Ward 2
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Mesiacos, Ward 3 Alderman Donnell, Ward 4
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Peters, Ward 5 Alderman Saville, Ward 6
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Hart-Burns, Ward 7 Alderman Mervine, Ward 8
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Bugg, Ward 9 Alderman Johnson, Ward 10
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Irvin, At Large Alderman O'Connor, At Large
ATTEST:
____________________________ __________________________
City Clerk Mayor
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