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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Jim Pilmer, Director of Neighborhood Standards
DATE: June 17, 2015
SUBJECT:
Resolution requesting spending authorization for Professional Services with Wills, Burke, Kelsey Associates (WBK) for the Residential Demolition Program administered by the Department of Neighborhood Standards in the amount not to exceed $25,000.00
PURPOSE:
Wills, Burke, Kelsey Associates wrote the current specifications for demolition of properties in Aurora. Aurora's demolition program includes all phases of demolition with request for qualifications, bid documents, asbestos removal process, permitting, utility disconnect, permitted disposal, construction management and observation to project completion of open green space. The company has an excellent history of providing responsive engineering services to the city of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Neighborhood Services through the Division of Property Standards has made a priority goal of working on blight reduction and code compliance of vacant abandoned properties since 2014. Specifications for demolition were updated, and city divisions collaboratively worked towards this priority goal. Since the fall of 2014 Aurora has demolished 19 residential or small commercial vacant properties. Thirteen demolitions were on vacant abandoned residential properties. I anticipate about 5 additional properties during the current fiscal year. This request is being made due to nearing the limit of the $25,000.00 spending authority for professional services.
DISCUSSION:
Aurora's demolition program was awarded a $250,000.00 grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) for the Blight Reduction Program (BRP). The demolition phases as outlined under the above purpose cost about $1500.00 per project. These services are grant eligible for 50% reimbursement. The funding is budgeted in 101.1727.424.36.25 and 215.1710.417.71.01. Wills Burke Kelsey Associates has no outstanding debt to the city of Aurora.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The impact of this project will benefit the community through the compliance and demolition of blighted properties. Attached to this resolution are two reports for council review of the code enforcement activities for cost of demolitions and active case status for repair or demolition.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request approval of the proposed resolution be adopted by the city council.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution requesting authorization for purchasing authority of professional services from Wills, Burke, Kelsey Associates in the amount not to exceed $25,000.00 for demolition projects coordinated by the Department of Neighborhood Standards
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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 demolition of vacant and abandoned property will reduce the blight from neighborhoods, eliminate the safety hazard and liability to the city, and create green space in the neighborhood which will lead to quality of life for the neighborhood.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: authorization for the purchasing authority not to exceed $25,000.00 for engineering demolition services Wills Burke Kelsey Associates, and further resolves the Purchasing Director authorizations for the City of Aurora to use budgeted funds from 101.1727.424.36.25 or 215.1710.417.71.01
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
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