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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Jim Pilmer, Director of Neighborhood Services
DATE: June 16, 2015
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval of purchasing authority for the professional services of Midwest Environmental Consulting Services, Inc. (MEC) in the amount not to exceed $80,000.00 for demolition projects coordinated by the Department of Neighborhood Services.
PURPOSE:
Pursuant to Illinois Environmental Protection Act, 415 ILCS, et seq. the City of Aurora is required to conduct a comprehensive National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) survey of suspect asbestos containing materials (ACM) for compliance with the Illinois EPA.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Neighborhood Standards is responsible for the residential demolition projects from the Division of Property Standards. In addition, certain commercial demolition projects have been added responsibilities for efficiencies in project coordination and completion. In 2014 specifications for demolition projects were written for the coordinated sequence of completing many projects. Midwest Environmental Consulting Services, Inc. of Yorkville, Illinois is a niche professional services company providing the required NESHAP for government properties. They have been providing Aurora services for the past three years. Recent Council approval was given for spending authority not to exceed $75,000.00. When that request was written the surveys were underway for asbestos removal of the Middle Avenue Demolition Project. This project is the expansion of the public parking lot adjacent to the library. The asbestos abatement for this project was $35,100.00 using the spending authority that was approved. This request will be expended on three residential open orders and the estimate of five additional residential structures for demolition by the end of the fiscal year in addition to a Phase One and asbestos survey for a vacant commercial building in the central business district. A detailed report is attached to this resolution of the demolition activity since the commencement of demolition activity in the fall of 2014.The report shows the cost of the demolition of 19 residential and small commercial structures by cost categories. Thirteen demolished properties were blighted and abandoned residential properties. These 13 properties are grant eligible for reimbursement to 50% of cost from Illinois Development Housing Authority (IHDA) Blight Reduction Program (BRP). The IDHA BRP grant of $250,000.00 concludes December 31, 2017 which creates a time line for completing demolition projects.
DISCUSSION:
Asbestos abatement begins with a required survey of the project. The cost of a project survey with the project report is $1,200.00. The survey reports the property to be either clean or requiring abatement. Abatement is completed by an approved demolition contractor through a bid process prepared by MEC. Recent abatements completed have ranged from $1,000.00 to $20,000.00. Currently our asbestos survey and abatement is averaging $8300.00 per parcel. The ability of having the purchasing authority for projects coordinated by the Department of Neighborhood Standards allows for continued completion of projects in an efficient manner with a qualified vendor. Each project is completed with the required statutory reporting. The completed reports along with the waste shipment records are kept in the property file and prevents future liability to the city. Funds are budgeted in two different accounts depending on the source of the project. If the project originates from Property Standards as a residential demolition case of a blighted abandoned property the funds are allocated in 101.1727.424.36.25. If the project originates from Community Development/Seize the Future the project becomes part of the Cost of Acquisition and the funds are allocated in 215.1710.417.71.01.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This purchase authority for professional services allows for many small jobs to be completed over an annual basis and allows for the efficient sequence of various demolition components to be completed.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
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 for the purchasing authority of professional services from Midwest Environmental Consulting Services, Inc. of Yorkville, Illinois in the amount not to exceed $80,000.00 for city 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, pursuant to Illinois Environmental Protection Act, 415 ILCS, et seq. the City of Aurora is required to conduct a comprehensive National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) survey of suspect asbestos containing materials (ACM) for compliance with the Illinois EPA; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Neighborhood Standards has responsibility of coordinating several demolition projects through the various components for the proper sequence and disposal of materials.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: for the purchasing authority of professional services from Midwest Environmental Consulting Services, Inc. of Yorkville, Illinois in the amount not to exceed $80,000.00 for city demolition projects coordinated by the Department of Neighborhood Standards and further authorizes the Purchasing Director tor the City of Aurora to use budgeted funds from 101.1727.424.36.25 or 215.1710.417.71.01.