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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Giovanni Santana, Management Assistant
DATE: June 15, 2017
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval to increase expenditures in excess of $25,000 for professional engineering services related to our demolition program. The increased amount not to exceed $75,000 for demolition projects coordinated by the Department of Neighborhood Standards.
PURPOSE:
The Department of Neighborhood Standards has used Professional engineering services to write and develop the current bid specifications for property demolitions. Engineering services have also been retained to manage the demo projects. This includes all phases of demolition related work including but not limited to; request for bidder qualifications, bid documents, asbestos testing and removal, permitting, utility disconnect, proper material disposal, construction management, and ultimately completion of open green space.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Neighborhood Standards is responsible for residential and commercial demolition projects. Some projects have added responsibilities along the demolition process. For efficiencies and streamlining of project coordination, we have contracted with professional engineering companies to manage our demolition projects. Through 2017 we have demolished 10 properties.
DISCUSSION:
Each project that is assigned to be managed is coordinated from start to finish and may include the following: demolition bid specifications, setting up asbestos surveying, asbestos remediation if necessary, solicitation of demolition bids from contractors, multiple site visits, various utility disconnects, invoice and paperwork tracking essential to our requirements for compliance with the grant re-imbursement policies.
Recent project management costs have ranged anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500 per property. These costs are also eligible for reimbursement through our grants that we have been awarded. The ability of having the increased purchasing authority will allow the Department of Neighborhood Standards to continue processing our demolition projects and continue abating these blighted properties.
Funds are budgeted in two different accounts depending on the source of the project. If the project originated from Property Standards as repair/demo case of a blighted property, the funds are allocated in account 101-1727-424-3625. If the project originates from a City acquisition of a property, the funds are allocated in account 215-1710-417-7101.
A budget amendment has been submitted to cover increased expenditures in account 101-1727-424-3625. There is pending reimbursement funds coming to the City through our grant agreements.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of the additional purchasing authority for engineering services will allow for our demolition process to continue without having the project management shifted back onto City Staff.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request that the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Mervine, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution for the purchasing authority of professional engineering services not to exceed $75,000 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, the Department of Neighborhood Standards has the responsibility of coordinating several demolition projects through the various components for the proper procedure and process from assignment of property through the ultimate demolition and greening of property.
WHEREAS, funds are allocated in accounts 101-1727-424-3625 and 215-1710-417-7101, as well as costs are eligible for reimbursement from our grant agreements. )
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: a resolution allowing the increased in purchasing authority for the expenditure of professional engineering services not to exceed $75,000 for City demolition projects coordinated by the Department of Neighborhood Standards.