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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Lieutenant Bill Rowley #904
DATE: April 15, 2025
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County; the participation in the 2024 Edward Byrne memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, and the use of the City of Aurora’s portion toward the payment of subscription fees for license plate readers.
PURPOSE:
To obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed resolution that would authorize the following:
The execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County.
The participation in the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program; and
The use of the City of Aurora’s portion toward the Aurora Police Department’s payment of subscription fees for license plate readers.
BACKGROUND:
The FY 2024 Edward Byrne memorial Local JAG program was awarded on December 12, 2024. This year’s award, as determined by a Department of Justice allocation formula, includes a total award of $44,051.00 and is intended to be shared between the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County. Specifically, $23,202.00 was allocated to the City of Aurora and $20,849 to the City of Elgin. Kane County was categorized as an agency that did not submit the level of violent crime data sufficient to qualify for a direct award and as a result is listed as a disparate agency. Historically, Aurora and Elgin have both shared their portions of this award with Kane County.
Each year, Aurora and Elgin share 30% of their award with Kane County. Using this formula, the 2023 JAG grant would indicate that Aurora will ultimately receive a total of $16,241.40, Elgin will receive a total of $14,594.30, and Kane County will receive a total of $13,215.30.
In order to comply with the requirements of this grant, the City of Aurora will not make payments to Kane County or the City of Elgin prior to receiving proof that those agencies spent funds in accordance with the grant requirements. The City of Aurora will reimburse those agencies and in turn will be reimbursed by the Department of Justice in accordance with the JAG grant guidelines.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Aurora Police Department intends to use the award toward the payment of subscription fees for license plate readers, which are located throughout the City and are currently in service. These subscription fees are normally borne by the City, and are a permitted expense as outlined in the grant.
The City of Elgin indicates they plan to utilize their portion of these grant funds to purchase surveillance cameras in support of their ongoing efforts to provide security cameras throughout their city. This is also an allowable expense as outline in the grant.
Kane County intends to use this grant funding to support their Lexipol program, which provides training and documentation for their personnel. This has been an ongoing use of this grant and is an allowable expense as outlined therein.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
We believe that our primary role as Aurora Police Officers is the protection and preservation of life and property. As such, we aim to make available tools and resources which enable us to detect and deter crime, locate missing persons and property, and enhance the quality of life for our community.
Aurora Police Officers continue to utilize license plate readers to this end. Grant assistance in the payment of subscription services related to these license plate readers is a prudent and judicious use of grant funding which furthers our mission of dedicated service to our citizens.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
We respectfully recommend that the Aurora City Council grant approval to enter into an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County as required by the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Grant (JAG).
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County; the participation in the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) 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 City of Aurora is applying for the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant Program Award, the funds from which will be used towards payment of subscription fees for license plate readers, and:
WHEREAS, a requirement of the grant program is that the City of Elgin and Kane County partner with and be signatory to a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Aurora, and:
WHEREAS, the amount sought is $44,051.00 to be allocated to the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County per the attached budget detail worksheet; and:
WHEREAS, when the City of Aurora's portion of the award is secured, it will be budgeted in revenue account 101-3536-331.02-01 and expense account 101-3536-421.50-50.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, finds as facts all of the preamble recitals of this Resolution and hereby authorizes the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County; the participation in the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program; and the use of the City of Aurora's portion toward the payment of subscription fees for license plate readers.