cover
TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Daniel Barreiro, Chief Community Services Officer
DATE: March 6, 2014
SUBJECT:
Resolution Authorizing Application for Kane County Riverboat Funds for a Neighborhood Park and Execution of All Necessary Documents for 2014
PURPOSE:
A resolution authorizing application for Kane Riverboat Funds and execution of all necessary documents is necessary for consideration of a grant for the development of a neighborhood park.
BACKGROUND:
Two sets of properties are being considered for neighborhood parks -329-339 Plum Street/507 Grand Avenue and 625-629 Iowa Avenue. A total of nine properties were purchased at a combined cost of $1,329,000. These properties were purchased in the past five years in density reduction/nuisance property initiatives with funding from the City Gaming Tax Fund and the Ward 6 Committee. Vacant homes on the properties were torn down, creating large open areas for future park sites at an additional cost of $74,750. There are no parks close to either of the proposed sites. The estimated cost is the same for each of the neighborhood parks -- $125,000 for site preparation, playground equipment and installation.
DISCUSSION:
The Riverboat Grant application is requesting $62,500, or 50 percent of the $125,000 cost to develop a neighborhood park at the Plum Street and Grand Avenue location. This site includes seven properties that were purchased at a cost of $789,000 with an additional cost of $65,750 for demolition. There is more resident support for the development of a Neighborhood Park at this location. Remaining funding would come from the Ward 6 Committee from account 316-4440-451.73-43, although we will be seeking other grants for park development.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Presently the lots are mowed once a week during mowing season at a cost of $1,000. When the park is developed the annual maintenance cost is estimated to increase to $4,400. The additional cost of $3,400 is attributed to landscape work, cutting, trimming, weeding, fertilizer, garbage pickup, graffiti removal. While funds are already budgeted for playground repairs, the addition of this park will add to the inventory of what needs to be maintained and may require additional resources in future years as the equipment ages. This park will also need to be added to the list of parks that are routinely inspected for safety. In the long term, this park will need to be placed on a replacement schedule of 15-20 years at a current cost of $50,000 for just the playground equipment. Hardscapes, signage and other features may also be placed on this replacement schedule adding another $20,000 - $35,000 to the future replacement costs.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the attached resolution be forwarded to the Finance Committee and the City Council for review and approval.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing Application for Kane County Riverboat Funds for a Neighborhood Park and Execution of All Necessary Documents
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 City of Aurora ("City") has determined that it is in its the best interest to submit an application for Kane County Riverboat Funds in the amount of $62,500 for the Plum Street and Grand Avenue Neighborhood Park; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for a neighborhood park in this vicinity and the City owns the property at 329-339 Plum Street and 507 Grand Avenue purchased with City Density Reduction and Ward 6 funds; and
WHEREAS, Ward 6 funds from account 316-4440-451.73-43 will be utilized as matching funds for the project; and
WHEREAS, the Kane County Board must approve said application and will require the City of Aurora to execute a Funding Agreement and other necessary documents upon such approval; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Mayor of the City of Aurora and the City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute the 2014 Kane County Riverboat Fund Program Application, a Funding Agreement and other necessary documents upon approval of the application by the Kane County Board, and any requests for payment and documentation required to be submitted by the City of Aurora to Kane County requesting the dispersal of funds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any changes to the above- stated project description need not be approved by the Aurora City Council.
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
Plum St Neighborhood Park.pdf