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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Stephane A. Phifer, Planning and Zoning Director
DATE: July 21, 2016
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Ratifying a Payment to Aurora Civic Center Authority for the purchase and installation of video display equipment for RiverEdge Park (16-00711 / AU22/2-16.009-AG/PS - SP - Ward 1)
PURPOSE:
Attached is a resolution authorizing the ratification of funds to Aurora Civic Center Authority in an amount not to exceed $147,418.33 for certain facility enhancements for the 2016 season.
BACKGROUND:
On, August 28, 2012, with resolution R12-222, the City of Aurora approved an agreement with the Aurora Civic Center Authority regarding the Management of RiverEdge Park and John C. Dunham Pavilion, this agreement has been subsequently amended with the most recent amendment being resolution R15-181 approved on July 14, 2015.
DISCUSSION:
RiverEdge Park is in the midst of its fourth summer season and is hosting over 20 events a year bringing over 100,000 people to Downtown Aurora annually. The 2016 lineup consists/consisted of the City's Fourth of July fireworks celebration; festival events such as Two Brother's Summer Festival, Blue's on the Fox and Downtown Alive; individual concert events including sold out crowds for Willy Nelson and Beach Boys & Temptations; cultural events such as Puerto Rican Heritage Festival and Fiestas Patrias; and recreational runs and races. The key to the facilities' success has been the hard work and expertise of the Aurora Civic Center Authority, and their ability to respond quickly to patron's needs and concerns.
Video display locations have always been part of the design and phased implementation for the park. In June of 2014 with resolution R14-144 the City Council approved the reimbursement of funds for RiverEdge Park Facility Enhancements, as part of that package ACCA purchased, at a cost of just a little over $130,000.00, the popular video display located at the back of the mix tower. With the popularity of the park; the number of attendees consistently growing; the number of sell out events increasing; and the 310 and 330 Broadway properties being incorporated into the park the need for additional video display(s) became more pressing. Views of the stage and connection with the performance is one of the most critical factors in an exceptional patron experience. As ACCA and City Staff looked to implement additional video display(s) for the park, a proposal was requested from their video display vendor for panels to match those same purchased previously. The existing video display is actually made up of a number of square panels which can be connected in different combinations to create different sized displays. A newer model of the panel is now being manufactured and the vendor offered ACCA the park's existing model for half the price if they agreed to take the remainder of his stock. Although there is a newer model of the panels available the manufacturer and the vendor will continue to warrantee and service this previous model. The reminder of the vendor's stock equated to enough panels to configure two additional displays at the cost of less than one. However, there was a time restriction on the offer as there was another potential buyer for the panels. Due to the extensive cost savings over time ACCA proceeded with the purchase after discussions with the City, and is requesting that a reimbursement be ratified by the City Council for the purchase.
The reimbursement amount of $147,418.33 includes the purchase of panels for the equivalent of two video displays, and the building modifications and installation of one of those displays above the box office at the Guest Services Building. Unlike the video display at the back of the mix tower, the brackets and infrastructure for the display above the box office were not yet in place, therefore there was an additional cost to installation. The work was completed in time for the video display to be up in time for the Blues on the Fox festival. The location of the third video display purchased will be determined in the fall with hopes to have it available for the 2017 Summer Season.
Old Second Bank sponsored $75,000 to the mix tower video display, and there is a large potential for sponsorship for these displays as well. ACCA will continue to pursue these opportunities which may reduce the City’s overall reimbursement amount. The purchase of the additional video displays will allow this amenity to be available for this and future seasons, and for small and large events alike.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Planning and Zoning Division would anticipate that this project will increase the City’s overall tax base and viability by facilitating investment and development in Downtown Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Ratifying a Reimbursement to Aurora Civic Center Authority for the purchase and installation of video display equipment for RiverEdge Park in an amount not to exceed $147,418.33.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Ratifying a Payment to Aurora Civic Center Authority for the purchase and installation of video display equipment for RiverEdge Park
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 August 28, 2012 by R12-222 Aurora Civic Center Authority and the City of Aurora entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding the Management of RiverEdge Park and John C. Dunham Pavilion an agreement which was subsequently amended with resolutions R13-069, and R13-234; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides for the Aurora Civic Center Authority to request the reimbursement of certain facility enhancement expenditures; and
WHEREAS, due to availability and pricing of the video display equipment the Aurora Civic Center Authority has requested the ratification of the reimbursement for said expenditures; and
WHEREAS, a transfer to the 2016 City Budget has been requested to provide $147,418.33 in Account Number 236-1830-465.73-99 in order to provide all necessary funding for these items; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: To ratify the payment of $147,418.33 to Aurora Civic Center Authority for the purchase and installation of video display equipment for RiverEdge Park and does hereby further authorize the Director of Purchasing to issue the necessary orders to implement ratification of the same.