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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Brian Katamay, Long Term Control Plan Project Assistant
DATE: August 24, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute an engineering services contract with Strand Associates, Inc. in the amount of $173,000 for the design of HVAC and building modifications at the City's CSO Treatment Facility.
PURPOSE:
To enter into a contract with Strand Associates for the design of HVAC and building modifications for the City's combined sewer overflow facility at 400 N. Broadway as well as assistance in bid review for construction.
BACKGROUND:
The City maintains a combined sewer overflow facility at 400 N. Broadway that takes and treats excess sewer flow during storm events as required by the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This facility was constructed in 1997 as part of the City's Long Term Control Plan to reduce sewer flow into the Fox River. The facility is owned by the City but operated by the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District through an IGA.
With the building systems and equipment reaching their end-of-useful-life, Public Works used an on-going professional services contract with Strand Engineering to perform a Needs Assessment in 2024 of the building envelope, building systems, and process equipment. The assessment found deficiencies in some of the pumping and treatment equipment, the electrical equipment, and the facility's heating and ventilation system. Of note, the building's air exchange rate for an enclosed space with sewer gases was designed per an older standard and does not meet current National Fire Protection Association 820 standards.
DISCUSSION:
Strand's quoted engineering services totals $173,000. The project is budgeted under account 510-4063-511-32.24 for CIP IB020. The CIP has a total budget of $2,000,000 for 2026, which is sufficient for the project. Funding is provided by the City's Long Term Control Plan rider on Water Bills.
This project was excluded from formal bidding per City code Sec. 2-336. Strand Associates completed the initial Needs Assessment for the facility between 2024-2025 which provides them with most of the foundational knowledge to perform the design work. Additionally, Strand Associates completed the City's revised Long Term Control Plan in 2022 and maintains active design contracts with the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District. They have in-depth knowledge of the facility's operations and flow profiles.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
As a design project, no operational impact will occur to the facility or the surrounding area. The project will require coordination with Fox Metro Water Reclamation District as the operators of the facility.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I recommend the proposed Resolution be adopted.
cc: Infrastructure and Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute an engineering services contract with Strand Associates, Inc. in the amount of $173,000 for the design of HVAC and building modifications at the City's CSO Treatment Facility.
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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, in compliance with the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit IL0048518, the City maintains a combined sewer overflow facility at 400 N. Broadway, and
WHEREAS, the facility underwent a needs assessment in 2024 that identified aging building systems that no longer comply with current NFPA regulation, standard 820 for fire protection in wastewater treatment and collection facilities, and
WHEREAS, Strand Associates, Inc. was selected to perform the design of the building modifications as well as assist the City in the bid process for construction for the amount of $173,000 under account 510-4063-511-32.24 for CIP IB020, and
WHEREAS, this project was excluded from formal bidding per City code Sec. 2-336 as Strand performed the initial needs assessment and has in-depth knowledge of facility operations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: The Director of Purchasing is authorized to execute a professional services contract with Strand Associates, Inc. in the amount of $173,000 for the design of HVAC and building modifications at the City's CSO Treatment Facility.