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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: City Staff
DATE: July 18, 2023
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the lease of city owned property on the Northeast corner of Sullivan and Route 25 for the purpose of installing solar panels and creating a Community Solar Program.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this item (and three accompanying items, four leases total) is to approve the lease of city owned property to install solar panels.
BACKGROUND:
In 2019, the City Council approved a "Resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Progressive Energy Group, for the provision of Energy Agent Consulting Services" (R19-354, attached). Progressive monitors the energy market on behalf of the city and provides recommendations and information related to the market. The city has been looking for opportunities to utilize solar, in February of 2023 Progressive Energy Group (PEG) released an RFQ on behalf of the city regarding the installation of solar panels for a Community Solar Program.
DISCUSSION:
The RFQ was specific to the following sites:
• City of Aurora Airport Site 1
• City of Aurora Airport Site 2
• City of Aurora property on the Northeast corner of Sullivan and Route 25
The bid process was competitive with six (6) total qualified bidders submitting. The bid specifies the lessee is responsible for all due diligence, including ComEd infrastructure requirements, site specific soil and terrain surveys and securing Illinois Solar Funds. The Rt. 25 and Sullivan Rd. is a landfill, making it a challenged property to build on but well-suited for this purpose.
PEG reviewed all the bids on behalf of the city and presented the options to city staff, the lease agreement before the Council represents the qualified selected bidder.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of the lease of this property will have a positive impact on the community and provide lower cost options for electricity going forward.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff respectfully requests approval of the attached resolution.
cc: Building, Zoning and Economic Development
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Option and Land Lease of Real Property Located on the Northeast corner of Sullivan and Route 25 (Ward 1).
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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 owns the property located on the Northeast corner of Sullivan and Route 25; and
WHEREAS, SunCode, LLC desires to install, operate, and maintain a solar farm at the property located on the Northeast corner of Sullivan and Route 25, and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City of Aurora and its residents to complete the option and lease, a copy of which is attached and fully incorporated hereto as Exhibit A, agreement of the property described above; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
SECTION 1: That the Lease attached hereto as Exhibit A is hereby approved.
SECTION 2: That the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to sign the Option and Land Lease and, along with the City Clerk, all related documents on behalf of the City of Aurora.
SECTION 3: That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption and approval as required by law.