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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: John Russell, grant writer
DATE: March 1, 2016
SUBJECT:
The City Maintenance Services Division is seeking City Council approval to apply for and accept a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund grant to help upgrade the environmental condition of Millennium Plaza.
PURPOSE:
In the 16 years since its opening, Millennium Plaza has been the scene for a variety of concerts and performances and cultural events. Today, Millennium Plaza is in great need of upgrades to the walking path leading down to the Fox River overlook, and for new plantings to control runoff and conserve soil - and to beautify the view from both sides of the river downtown
BACKGROUND:
Millennium Plaza is on a steep slope, going down from Stolp Avenue to the Fox River. Runoff from the sidewalks can flow straight down to the river and allow pollutants into the water. Our project will replace the long-standing gardens at the Plaza with native, more durable plantings that will serve as buffers for this pollutant flow into the river, attract wildlife, and improve the overall environmental atmosphere of the Plaza. Also, a new path through the Plaza, made of a Porous Pave material, will be installed to replace the existing granite walking path which has deteriorated. This new Porous Pave process will absorb runoff before it heads to the river waters.
DISCUSSION:
The environmental condition of Millennium Plaza will be greatly improved by converting the path to porous paving and upgrading the gardens to better absorb rainwater and reduce stormwater run-off. Maintenance Services has compiled a list of the native plants which would be planted at the Plaza, and has investigated the cost of installation of the Porous Pave path. The total estimated cost of the project is $24,134. Maintenance Services has budgeted $8,045 for the City's contribution (33% of the project cost). We are seeking a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund grant of $16,089. The Revenue Account for this project is 101-4430-337.30-10. The Expense Account is 101-4430-418.50-99. The Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund guidelines require City Council approval to apply for a grant.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
With the resulting beautification of the Plaza, even more residents and visitors to downtown Aurora will be encouraged to spend time at this relaxing Fox River overlook. Thousands of people pass by the Plaza every day-- including the patrons of the Paramount Theatre and Copley Theater who park in the City's Stolp Avenue parking garage just to the south of Millennium Plaza. Also benefiting from this project will be students who assist the City Horticulturist in downtown planting projects throughout the year. The student-assistance program run by the City Horticulturist provides students with hands-on knowledge about plants, gardening, and the importance of protecting the environment. The Horticulturist will be assisted by these students in the upkeep and maintenance of Millennium Plaza.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request City Council approval for the Maintenance Services Division to apply for and accept a Kane County Riverboat Fund grant in the amount of $16,089 to purchase and install native plants and an environmentally friendly pathway at Millennium Plaza.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing the City to apply for and accept a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund grant to help improve the environmental condition of Millennium Plaza.
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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 existing gardens and pathway at Millennium Park have deteriorated, and need to be replaced with native plants and a pathway made of environmentally friendly materials, which is desirable adjacent to the Fox River; and
WHEREAS, improving the environmental condition of Millennium Plaza will also increase its beauty, making it an attraction for residents and visitors to downtown Aurora; and it will be an educational opportunity for students who assist the City Horticulturist in downtown planting and garden maintenance; and
WHEREAS, Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund grants are targeted specifically for projects which involve the Environment, Economic Development, and Education, all of which are addressed by this Millennium Plaza project.
WHEREAS, if the grant is awarded, the City agrees to accept the grant funds and provide a contribution of $8,045 to complete the project. The Revenue Account for this project is 101-4430-337.30-10. The Expense Account is 101-4430-418.50-99.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the City of Aurora is hereby authorized to apply for a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund grant in the amount of $16,089.00 for the above described improvements at Millennium Plaza.