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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Nicholas Richard-Thompson, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: September 11, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the reappointments of Gerald Lubshina, Eric Rodriguez, Linda Cole, Judy Durham, Minal Shah and the appointment of Shannon Buckley to the Block Grant Working Committee (BGWC)
PURPOSE:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
Every five years, the City of Aurora develops a long-term strategic plan called the Consolidated Plan, which must be submitted annually to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to receive federal funds.
As a recipient of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other federal funds from HUD, the City of Aurora must follow strict criteria in the creation and implementation of the Consolidated Plan. To comply with the city's consolidated plan, a resolution "Adopting a Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Aurora Community Development Block Grant Program" was passed, which includes an advisory body know as the Block Grant Working Committee BGWC serves as an advisory body regarding the city's use of CDBG funds.
DISCUSSION:
The BGWC is comprised of one member from each ward in the city who is nominated by the Alderman of that ward. There are also three members-at-large, appointed by Mayro and each Aldermen-At-Large. The committee works with the Community Development Division (CDD), reviewing applications and providing feedback, advising the CDD regarding fund distribution and providing recommendations for the Annual Action Plan (AAP).
Serving on the BGWC provides residents with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of available programs and address specific areas of concern in their respective wards. Members' terms coincide with their respective Alderman's terms.
To update committee membership and provide the opportunity for all wards with a vacancy to submit candidates, an email was sent to all Aldermen with a vacancy in June of 2025. Below are the candidates nominated by Ward:
Eric Rodriguez- Ward 1
Linda Cole- Ward 4
Judy Durham- Ward 7
Minal Shah- Ward 10
Gerald Lubshina- At- Large Representative
Shannon Buckley- At-Large Representative
IMPACT STATEMENT:
N/A
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the City Council approve the reappointments of Gerald Lubshina, Eric Rodriguez, Linda Cole, Judy Durham, Minal Shah and the appointment of Shannon Buckley to the Block Grant Working Committee(BGWC).
cc: Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the reappointments of Gerald Lubshina, Eric Rodriguez, Linda Cole, Judy Durham, Minal Shah and the appointment of Shannon Buckley to the Block Grant Working Committee (BGWC).
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, Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances provides that the Mayor, shall with the approval of the City Council, appoint the members of the advisory boards and commission of the City; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances, the Mayor has notified the City council of the appointments of the individuals listed in Exhibits A through F of this resolution to the advisory board or commission and to the term therein enumerated, and has requested the City Council's approval of said appointment; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the appointees set forth in Exhibits A through F of this resolution possess the necessary qualifications to serve in the position to which they have been nominated.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the reappointments of the individuals listed in Exhibits A through F of this resolution shall be and hereby are approved.