cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Mark Phipps, Drainage and Underground Coordinator
DATE: September 24, 2018
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 2019 through and including the 2022 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 Fox River Study Group is in the final phase of a four phase work plan. This phase involves using a watershed model as a management tool to:
1. Ensure efficient use of taxpayer and private money on watershed projects;
2. Assess the effect of various development options throughout the watershed;
3. Educate stakeholders;
4. Identify sensitive regions within the watershed; and
5. Develop effective continuing monitoring programs.
DISCUSSION:
Each year the City of Aurora has been contributing $0.50 per capita times the Aurora census population. The 2018 City Budget provides $105,000 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.
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: Building, Grounds and Infrastructure Committee
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 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 for its cost share of the Fox River Study Group; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 City Budget provides $105,000 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 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 and the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to make such payment on behalf of the City.