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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Ian Wade, Capital Projects Manager
DATE: July 16, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to open a Purchase Order in the amount of $292,027.05 for Blink Network, LLC to furnish and install a total of nine (9) dual-port electric vehicle (EV) chargers across three city-owned locations utilizing rebate vouchers allocated to the city by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program in the amount of $211,320.
PURPOSE:
To authorize the Director of Purchasing to open a Purchase Order for the city's contracted EV charging equipment vendor, Blink Network, LLC, to furnish and install a total of nine (9) dual-port chargers across three city-owned locations. This work will be partially reimbursed utilizing EECBG rebate vouchers.
BACKGROUND:
In 2023, city staff was notified that $211,320 in rebate vouchers had been allocated to the City of Aurora by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program (see attached allocation notice and voucher terms and conditions).
To establish a relationship with a reputable vendor of EV charging equipment, software, and service to support the ongoing expansion of demand for EV charging throughout the city and its facilities, a Request for Qualifications was sent in August 2024 directly to vendors holding Sourcewell and/or Omnia Cooperative Purchasing contracts. Following a review of the three sets of qualifications received, Blink Network, LLC was identified as the City's preferred vendor and the attached 5-year agreement was executed. (R24-396)
DISCUSSION:
Upon notification of the voucher allocation, city staff began discussing how best to utilize these vouchers and has been working with Blink over the past two years to identify and analyze various city-owned facilities that not only benefit and will sufficiently utilize the EV chargers, but will also provide the requite access and adjacent electrical infrastructure required to support cost-effective installation. After extensive meetings and site visits, the following locations were determined to be feasible and appropriate for Blink to furnish and install a total of nine (9) dual port chargers: Garfield Park (2), Aurora Police Department (3), and the Parking Garage at 5 E. Downer (4). The cost breakdown for each location is attached.
A budget amendment has been approved in the interim to front fund this project using account number 340-4020-418.38-01 (Repairs & Mtce. Services/Equipment) and eventually deposit the voucher reimbursement into account 340-4020-331.11-14 (Oper./Categorical-Direct/Block Grant EECBG). The non-reimbursable portion of the fees ($80,707.05) will be transferred into the expense account (340-4020-418.38-01) from account 340-4040-431.65-06 (Supplies-Repairs/Mtce/Streets & Bridges).
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Utilizing the EECBG vouchers to install EV chargers at these locations will offer improved charging opportunities for residents and visitors at a considerably reduced cost to the city.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to open a Purchase Order in the amount of $292,027.05 for Blink Network, LLC to furnish and install a total of nine (9) dual-port chargers across three city-owned locations utilizing rebate vouchers allocated to the city by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program in the amount of $211,320.
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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 2023, city staff was notified that $211,320 in rebate vouchers had been allocated to the City of Aurora by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program; and
WHEREAS, In 2024, a Request for Qualifications was sent directly to vendors holding Sourcewell and/or Omnia Cooperative Purchasing contracts and Blink Network, LLC was selected as the preferred vendor to furnish and install electric vehicle chargers to the City of Aurora (R24-396); and
WHEREAS, Blink recently provided pricing in the amount of $292,027.05 to furnish and install a total of nine (9) dual-port chargers across three city-owned locations, a portion of which will be reimbursed to the city utilizing the EECBG vouchers; and
WHEREAS, A budget amendment has been approved in the interim to front fund this project using account number 340-4020-418.38-01 (Repairs & Mtce. Services/Equipment) and eventually deposit the voucher reimbursement into account 340-4020-331.11-14 (Oper./Categorical-Direct/Block Grant EECBG); and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Director of Purchasing is authorized to open a Purchase Order in the amount of $292,027.05 for Blink Network, LLC to furnish and install a total of nine (9) dual-port chargers across three city-owned locations utilizing rebate vouchers allocated to the city by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program in the amount of $211,320,