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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Daniel Anderson, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation
DATE: July 18, 2015
SUBJECT:
Resolution Authorizing the approval of Bid Package 15-25 Plum Street Pocket Park in the amount not to exceed $84,108.00 to the lowest bidder, Fuerte Systems Landscaping, Inc., Plainfield, IL for the 6th Ward/Alderman Saville.
PURPOSE:
The Parks Department seeks authorization to accept Bid Package 15-25 for the construction of one Pocket Park on behalf of the Ward 6 Committee at the northeast corner of Grand Avenue & Plum Street.
BACKGROUND:
Several years ago, Alderman Michael Saville and the Ward 6 Committee received approval to begin acquiring land for two small neighborhood parks. In 2012, they hired Martin Design to design both parks while they sought grants and other partnerships to make the two Pocket Parks become a reality. Late last year (2014), the Ward 6 Committee purchased playground equipment for both parks with the help of a matching grant from "GameTime" of $42,917.47. Bids went out in April of this year with an early fall construction start date to facilitate competitive bids and favorable weather.
DISCUSSION:
Bid Package 15-25 for the construction of the Grand Avenue & Plum Street Park came in at $84,108.00, well under estimated costs of $100,000. Besides the grant in 2014 from "GameTime", Ward 6 has received a grant from the State of Illinois for $50,000 (DCEO grant) and a grant from Kane County for $38,125 from the Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund. The DCEO grant has been suspended by the State and because of that fact the Ward 6 Committee would like to move forward with just the construction of the Plum Street Park at this time. Alderman Saville and the 6th Ward Committee have budgeted the funds to cover the remaining project costs in account 316-4440-451.73-43.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Parks and open space provide social, economic, environmental and health benefits to a community. Parks are attractive to homebuyers and can help enhance property values, thus increasing municipal revenues.
In the wake of the most recent recession, the City stopped pursuing new neighborhood park projects in order to avoid duplication with the Fox Valley Park District and minimize new long-term maintenance liabilities. This project was "in-process" prior to that decision and was, therefore, allowed to move forward. The estimated maintenance costs will be less than $5,000 annually for this new park and will be performed by the Parks & Recreation Division.
Failure to follow through on the current grant award may decrease the possibility that the City of Aurora be considered for future grants.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request that the City Council approve the resolution authorizing the acceptance of the lowest bid for Bid Package 15-25 Plum Street Pocket Park from Fuerte Systems Landscaping, Inc., Plainfield, IL for a total of $84,108.00 for the 6th Ward/Alderman Saville.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing the approval of Bid Package 15-25 Plum Street Pocket Park in the amount not to exceed $84,108.00 to the lowest bidder, Fuerte Systems Landscaping, Inc., Plainfield, IL for the 6th Ward/Alderman Saville
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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 of Aurora has been awarded a grant from Kane County totaling $38,125 for the construction of a pocket park in Ward 6 of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, this pocket park will be constructed in 2015 at property owned by the City at the northeast corner of Grand Avenue and Plum Street; and
WHEREAS, funds are available in account 316-4440-451.73-43 for the construction of this pocket park in 2015;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: does herby approve the lowest bid for Bid Package 15-25 Plum Street Pocket Park in the amount of $84,108.00 from Fuerte Systems Landscaping, Inc., Plainfield, IL for the Division of Parks & Recreation on behalf of the 6th Ward Committee.