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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jason Bauer, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works
DATE: March 16, 2020
SUBJECT:
To authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to accept grant funding through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Program (OSLAD) in the amount of $365,000 for improvements to Wilder Park.
PURPOSE:
By executing the attached agreement, the City will receive 50% of the cost of the Wilder Park Improvements up to $365,000. The improvements consist of the removal of River Street between Vine Street and West Park Avenue and the construction of a concession stand, restrooms, new playground equipment, a concrete plaza, landscaping and lighting.
BACKGROUND:
In 2019, the Finance Committee granted permission to staff to apply for a 50/50 OSLAD grant for improvements to Wilder Park. The City was informed that the project was selected for grant funding and the project was budgeted accordingly for construction in 2020. As the design is nearing completion for construction commencement this summer, the City needs to execute and return the grant agreement, attached as exhibit 1.
DISCUSSION:
Upon completion of the improvements, the space will be more functional and will provide opportunities for food truck festivals, farmers markets and other gatherings. The plaza will connect Wilder Park to the new pedestrian bridge and allow for greater utilization of the area in conjunction with activities at RiverEdge Park.
The project is budgeted in account 235-4440-451.73-43 (CIP A053) Capital Outlay-Improvement/Park Improvements in the amount of $770,000.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Upon completion of this project, River Street will be closed to traffic between Vine Street and West Park Avenue. No other major impacts are anticipated.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I recommend execution of the attached agreement.
cc: Infrastructure and Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to accept an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant in an amount not to exceed $365,000 for improvements at Wilder Park.
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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 applied for the grant funding in 2019, and
WHEREAS, the application was successful and the City received notice that up to $365,000 of grant funds were awarded for the Wilder Park improvements, and
WHEREAS, the matching funds are available and the project is budgeted in account 235-4440-451.73-43 (CIP A053) Capital Outlay-Improvement/Park Improvements in the amount of $770,000 for construction in 2020; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Mayor is authorized to execute the agreement with the IDNR to receive the grant funds in an amount not to exceed $365,000.