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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Brian W. Caputo, Chief Operating Officer
DATE: April 14, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a License Agreement for the Use of City of Aurora Property for an Outdoor Dining Area on a Portion of 26 North River Street
PURPOSE:
The Administration seeks authority to execute a license agreement for the use of City of Aurora property for an outdoor dining area on a portion of 26 North River Street.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora owns the property at 26 North River Street. A large portion of the property is a parking lot. The property is adjacent to 12 North River Street, where River Street Italian, Inc., operates and Italian restaurant.
DISCUSSION:
A 700 square-foot area of the property at 26 North River Street is suitable for an outdoor dining area for the Italian restaurant at 12 North River Street. The Administration and River Street Italian have tentatively agreed upon the terms and conditions of a license agreement that would permit River Street Italian to use the area concerned as an outdoor dining area.
The proposed license agreement calls for:
>A one-year term.
>Automatic annual renewal unless one of the conditions described in Section 15 or 18 of the license agreement arises.
>$500 annual license fee.
>$10,000 security deposit in case the structure that River Street Italian has built around the dining area must be demolished.
>Termination with 30 days' written notice.
River Street Italian, Inc., has no past-due balances on its accounts with the city.
The annual license fee will be recorded in account no. 101-2523-322.08.00 (Licenses/Other).
The security deposit will be held in account no. 101-0000-229,50-99 (Security Deposit).
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The approval of this license will facilitate the growth of a downtown business.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council approve the attached resolution providing for the execution of a license agreement for the use of City of Aurora property for an outdoor dining area on a portion of 26 North River Street.
cc: Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a License Agreement for the Use of City of Aurora Property for an Outdoor Dining Area on a Portion of 26 North River Street.
body
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 ("the City") owns the parcel of land at 26 North River Street; and
WHEREAS, a 700 square-foot area of the parcel at 26 North River Street, adjacent to the north side of the building at 12 North River Street ("the Outdoor Dining Area"), is suitable for outdoor dining for the patrons of 12 North River Street; and
WHEREAS, River Street Italian, Inc., operates a restaurant at 12 North River Street; and
WHEREAS, River Street Italian, Inc., desires to use the Outdoor Dining Area in the course of its business; and
WHEREAS, the City and River Street Italian, Inc., have mutually agreed to terms and conditions under which River Street Italian, Inc., may use the Outdoor Dining Area as reflected in the license agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the Mayor of the City of Aurora or his designee is authorized to execute Exhibit A, the attached license agreement for the use of a portion of the City of Aurora Property at 26 North River Street as an outdoor dining area.