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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Sandra Strueber, Aldermanic Chief of Staff, Aldermen's Office
DATE: March 18, 2019
SUBJECT:
To date, the Ward 1 Alderman and the Committee received 11 applications from business owners within Ward 1 for exterior and other improvements to their buildings or property, as approved by the Committee. The property must have a business zoning or equivalent and be operated as such. The business must be located within the Ward 1 boundaries of the City of Aurora.
PURPOSE:
In response to the overwhelming interest this year, the Alderman and the Ward Committee have decided to increase the budget from $20,000 to $60,000. Any business located in Ward 1 may apply for a matching grant up to $5,000 for the purpose of upgrading or improving the exterior of their property. The business property must have a business zoning or equivalent and be operated as such within the Ward 1 boundaries of the City of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
The business grant is a 50/50 match up to a maximum of $5,000 per project per year. Applications will be accepted on Ward 1 forms, reviewed and approved subject to available money in the Ward 1 Business Grant Program. Applicants must provide a minimum of three bids or estimates where possible for the proposed work, along with their application.
DISCUSSION:
$60,000 has been allocated for this program in Ward 1 account 311-1350-419.50-99: Note: This program will not be extended past the current Alderman’s term, therefore, all applications must be complete and approved for reimbursement prior to April 30, 2019.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
N/A
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Approve the amendment to the Ward 1 Business Grant Program increasing the budget from $20,000 to $60,000, with the current guidelines.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing an Amendment to the Ward 1 Business Grant Program to increase the budget for the program to $60,000, with current guidelines.
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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, To date, the Ward 1 Alderman and the Ward Committee have received 11 applications from business owners within the Ward 1 boundaries of the City of Aurora for exterior and other improvements to their buildings or property, as approved by the Committee. The property must have a business zoning or equivalent and be operated as such, and
WHEREAS, the interest in the program has been unprecedented. The budget will be amended from $20,000 to $60,000, which has been allocated for this program in Ward 1 account 311-1350-419.50-99, and
WHEREAS, this program will not be extended past the current Alderman's term, therefore, all applications must be complete and approved for reimbursement prior to April 30, 2019, and
WHEREAS, the Ward 1 Alderman and Committee will receive and approve applications from business owners within Ward 1 for exterior and other improvements to their buildings or property.)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: Amend the Ward 1 Business Grant Program to increase the budget from $20,000 to $60,000 due to the overwhelming interest and applications received, with the current guidelines.