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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Stephane A. Phifer, Planning and Zoning Director
DATE: May 19, 2014
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing the Reimbursement of Funds to Aurora Civic Center Authority for RiverEdge Park an Amount Not to Exceed $162,000 for 2014 Facility Enhancements
PURPOSE:
Attached is a resolution authorizing the expenditure of funds to Aurora Civic Center Authority in an amount not to exceed $162,000 for certain facility enhancements for the 2014 season.
BACKGROUND:
On, August 28, 2012, with resolution R12-222, the City of Aurora approved an agreement with the Aurora Civic Center Authority regarding the Management of RiverEdge Park and John C. Dunham Pavilion this agreement has been subsequently amended with resolution R13-069. ACCA and the City are true partners in this endeavor and on August 13th of last year the initial one year agreement was extended for an additional three years by resolution number R13-234.
DISCUSSION:
The Music Garden has only been open for one summer season but has already hosted dozens of events and brought over 100,000 people to Downtown Aurora. The inaugural season included the City's Fourth of July fireworks celebration; festival events such as Blue's on the Fox with Blues Legend Buddy Guy; individual concert events such as Tony Award winner Idina Menzel; cultural events such as Fiestas Patrias; and many recreational runs and races. The key to that success was the hard work and expertise of the Aurora Civic Center Authority, and 2014 looks to be another star studded season.
In preparing to open this new music venue the City and ACCA strived hard to provide a clean safe and enjoyable environment, good staffing and customer service, and highly rated programing. For those that attended in our inaugural year the feedback was very positive on the experience had by all. As with all initiatives, in order to stay successful the partners must be flexible and reactive especially in the initial years to adapt to the market needs and lessons learned. After year-end review there were a number of improvements identified that would enhance the user experience at the venue.
The Agreement with ACCA contemplates the need for such facility enhancements subject to approval and reimbursement by the City. A facility of this caliber, $13.28M in construction costs, needs additional annual capital expenditures to stay relevant based on best practices and comments received during the season. An annual investment of .5%-1%, especially in initial years, will allow ACCA to implement needed and requested facility enhancements. The proposed 2014 facility upgrade list is attached and outlines what ACCA proposes to implement in the upcoming season. For the 2014 Season the largest expenditure is proposed for the purchase of the much desired and popular video wall to be placed at the back of the mix tower. There is a large potential for sponsorship for this element and ACCA will continue to pursue these opportunities, which may reduce the City's reimbursement amount. The purchase of the video wall will allow this amenity to be available for this and future seasons, and for small and large events alike.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Planning and Zoning Division would anticipate that the authorization of these expenditures will have a positive impact on the City's health, welfare, overall tax base and viability.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the Resolution Authorizing the Reimbursement of Funds to Aurora Civic Center Authority for RiverEdge Park an Amount Not to Exceed $162,000 for 2014 Facility Enhancements
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing the Reimbursement of Funds to Aurora Civic Center Authority for RiverEdge Park Not to Exceed $162,000 for 2014 Facility Enhancements
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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, on August 28, 2012 by R12-222 Aurora Civic Center Authority and the City of Aurora entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding the Management of RiverEdge Park and John C. Dunham Pavilion an agreement which was subsequently amended with resolutions R13-069, and R13-234; and
WHEREAS, the Aurora Civic Center Authority has requested the reimbursement of certain expenditures pursuant to said Agreement; and
WHEREAS, a transfer to the 2014 City Budget has been requested to provide $162,000 in Account Number 215-1341-450.53-32 in order to provide all necessary funding for these items; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, does hereby Authorize the Reimbursement of Funds to Aurora Civic Center Authority for RiverEdge Park in an Amount Not to Exceed $162,000 for 2014 Facility Enhancements.
PASSED AND APPROVED on ______________.
AYES ____ NAYS ____ NOT VOTING ____ ABSENT ____
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Alderman Bohman, Ward 1 Alderman Garza, Ward 2
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Alderman Mesiacos, Ward 3 Alderman Donnell, Ward 4
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Alderman Peters, Ward 5 Alderman Saville, Ward 6
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Alderman Hart-Burns, Ward 7 Alderman Mervine, Ward 8
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Alderman Bugg, Ward 9 Alderman Johnson, Ward 10
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Alderman Irvin, At Large Alderman O'Connor, At Large
ATTEST:
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City Clerk Mayor
Legistar Number: 14-00297