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TO: Mayor Richard Irvin
FROM: Natalie Wiza, EMA Coordinator
DATE: March 19, 2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution requesting the approval to enter into an agreement between the Board of Education of Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 and the City of Aurora for the installation of one outdoor warning siren.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to recommend to approval to enter into the agreement (Attachment A) to enhance Aurora's public safety.
BACKGROUND:
Aurora Emergency Management Agency has identified the need for installing outdoor warning sirens in strategic locations to enhance public safety by ensuring comprehensive coverage for emergency alerts. These sirens provide critical warnings to patrons of the Aurora community who are enjoying the outdoors. The City of Aurora and the Board of Education of Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 entered into a previous agreement in 1991 to install an outdoor warning siren South of Route 34 on school-district owned property (Attachment B). Since the installation of our original outdoor warning siren system during the 1990s and 2000s, Aurora has experienced exponential economic and residential growth, and therefore installation of a new outdoor warning siren is necessary.
This selected location (Attachment C) for the outdoor warning siren (Attachment D) was carefully selected based on a comprehensive assessment of factors that ensure maximum effectiveness. Considerations included population density, proximity to schools and public spaces, and the ability to provide optimal sound coverage. Utilizing sound propagation modeling and input from our siren vendor, this site was chosen to enhance the overall warning system and ensure timely alerts reach as many people as possible. This strategic placement strengthens community preparedness and improves public safety.
DISCUSSION:
By expanding the outdoor warning siren network, our community can better prepare for severe weather events and other emergencies, reducing response times and increasing overall safety. Ensuring broad and effective outdoor warning siren coverage strengthens the resilience of the entire community, helping to protect lives and property when seconds matter most.
Funds were previously made available for the installation of this siren in 2023. Due to supply chain issues the project was held and rolled into 2024. Aurora Emergency Management Agency has been working through the agreement and permit process since the delivery of materials in August 2024.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
If the outdoor warning siren is not installed, the community may face increased risk during emergencies due to reduced access to timely alerts. Without an effective warning system in place, residents, schools, and businesses could experience delays in receiving critical information about severe weather events or other threats, potentially leading to greater property damage, injuries, or loss of life. Additionally, the absence of a siren could create gaps in emergency preparedness, leaving certain areas vulnerable and decreasing overall public safety. Installing the siren ensures that all members of the community have the best possible chance to respond quickly and take necessary precautions when danger arises.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Aurora Emergency Management Agency recommends entering into an agreement with the Board of Education of Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 for the installation of an outdoor warning siren.
cc: Public Health, Safety, and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing entering into agreement with the Board of Education of Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 for the installation of an outdoor warning siren.
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 Aurora Emergency Management Agency and City of Aurora has determined that it is in the best interest of the community to install an outdoor warning siren at 2700 Stonebridge Boulevard, on the southwest corner of Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, the use of the property is for the limited purpose of installation, operation, repair, replacement, and maintenance of the outdoor warning siren subject to the provisions of the agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the agreement is entered into between the Board of Education of Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 and the City of Aurora.