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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Mike Nelson, Director of Community Events
DATE: January 12, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fox Valley Music Foundation for The Venue's Use of Mundy Park for the Calendar Year of 2026.
PURPOSE:
As in past years, the City and the Foundation would like to enter into a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the use of Mundy Park for the Foundation's events.
BACKGROUND:
The Fox Valley Music Foundation leases City property located at 19-21 S. Broadway (separate lease than this agreement), also known as The Venue. This building was previously slated for demolition, but thanks to the efforts of the Foundation the building was transformed into an educational and event space. The renovation of that building inspired the Mundy Family to transform the park space adjacent to The Venue to complement the performance aspect, but the park remains available for public use. This MOU memorializes the procedure for the Venue's use of the park to further their programming.
DISCUSSION:
Staff is seeking a revised agreement for the 2026 event season; it mirrors the 2025 agreement which worked well. Additionally, some revisions of the prior agreement were made to accommodate the update of the lease between the city and the Foundation for 19-21 S. Broadway, which will be brought through via a separate resolution. As in the past, this MOU outlines the obligations of both the Fox Valley Music Foundation and the City. This agreement will allow for another season of outdoor events hosted by The Venue which will further enhance downtown arts and entertainment.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This agreement will continue to encourage outdoor music and entertainment events downtown and encourage the utilization of Mundy Park for the benefit of the public.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends this Resolution be approved.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fox Valley Music Foundation for The Venue's Use of Mundy Park for the Calendar Year of 2026.
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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 Fox Valley Music Foundation, Inc. ("the Foundation") is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of this State, which leases real property located at 19-21 S. Broadway from the City; and
WHEREAS, the City owns certain real estate known as Mundy Park located directly to the south of 19-21 S. Broadway; and
WHEREAS, the Foundation desires to utilize the facilities of Mundy Park for outdoor entertainment events that will mutually benefit the Foundation and the City; and
WHEREAS, the City is amenable to the Foundation's use of Mundy Park in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in a memorandum of understanding attached to and made part of this Resolution as it fully set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Memorandum of Understanding with the Fox Valley Music Foundation attached hereto shall be and hereby is approved; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor shall be and hereby is authorized to execute said Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the City.