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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex G. Alexandrou, Chief Management Officer
DATE: June 14, 2019
SUBJECT:
Requesting Approval of Memoranda of Understanding between the City of Aurora and West Aurora School District 129 and with Mutual Ground regarding Todd School
PURPOSE:
The City, School District 129 and Mutual Ground are proposing entering into separate Memoranda of Understanding involving the conveyance, renovation and use of the Todd School property.)
BACKGROUND:
Todd School is currently owned by School District 129 and is vacant.
DISCUSSION:
This proposal is based on the fact that the City recognizes and appreciates the need for the District to expand its ability to provide much needed student support services to meet the demands of the community as well as repurpose a key downtown property. The City also recognizes the importance of Mutual Ground as a valuable community resource and their need for greater space for transitional, walk-in and administrative services near their present operations. The proposal includes the following points:
1. The City will provide for the redevelopment and renovation of Todd at no cost to the district.
In exchange, the District will receive office space for student support services at no cost to the District.
2. The City has proposed a separate Memoranda of Understanding with Mutual Ground in order to assist them in expanding their current client capacity given their need for expanded shelter and transitional space at their current location.
3. The City will then convey Todd school property to Mutual Ground who has agreed to renovate the building and include office space for SD 129 at no cost to the District.
School District 129 will approve their MOU on June 17th and Mutual Ground has already approved their MOU.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
These proposed Memoranda provide for a beneficial reuse of a historic property, neighborhood stabilization and allow valuable community service providers to provide much needed services to their constituents and the Aurora community. It will allow District 129 to provide student support services in an accessible and centrally located facility, while doing so without the long-term expense and liability of ownership. Mutual Ground will be able to move its administrative and walk-in services close to its headquarters and create more space for its clients at its current location. Since there is no financial cost to the City acting as facilitator for this conveyance of property, there is no budgetary impact for these MOU's.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council approve the Memoranda of Understanding between the City of Aurora and West Aurora School District 129 and with Mutual Ground and authorize the Mayor to sign them upon approval.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Requesting Approval of Memoranda of Understanding between the City of Aurora and West Aurora School District 129 and with Mutual Ground regarding Todd School.
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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 City, West Aurora School District 129 and Mutual Ground are proposing entering into separate Memoranda of Understanding involving the conveyance, renovation and use of the Todd School property; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes and appreciates the need for the School District to expand its ability to provide much needed student support services to meet the demands of the community as well as repurpose a key downtown property; and
WHEREAS, the City also recognizes the importance of Mutual Ground as a valuable community resource and their need for greater space for transitional, walk-in and administrative services near their present operations;.and
WHEREAS, the proposed Memoranda of Understanding will provide for the beneficial reuse of the Todd School property and provide for the operational and programmatic needs of both School District 129 and Mutual Ground; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the City Council approve the Memoranda of Understanding between the City of Aurora and West Aurora School District 129 and with Mutual Ground and authorize the Mayor to execute them upon approval.