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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Alayne Weingartz, Corporation Counsell
DATE: April 10, 2014
SUBJECT:
Seeking approval of a lease agreement with Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Inc. for the purpose of installation and operation of an ongoing community garden to benefit the Food Pantry.
PURPOSE:
Alderman Saville has negotiated this lease agreement to benefit the community as well as the Food Pantry recipients.
BACKGROUND:
The several vacant lots all existing on the East side of North Highland Avenue and owned by the City have been vacant and unused for a period of time. Alderman Saville has had several discussions with Board members of the Pantry, and those discussions have resulted in the lease agreement that is attached hereto for approval .
DISCUSSION:
By utilizing these vacant lots on Highland across from the Food Pantry for this community garden purpose, there will be both the benefit of fresh food for Pantry recipients, but also, members of the community will be volunteering together for the benefit of this project. The Food Pantry Board has approved this project, and has already gotten the support of other like-minded civic organizations and community volunteers to bring this project to fruition.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Pursuant to the terms of the lease agreement, the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry will assume maintenance responsibilities for these lots, as well as the removal of snow and ice in the winter months.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Approval by the BGI Committee is sought, and ultimately the City Council, of the attached Ordinance and Lease Agreement.
cc: Alderman Peters, Chairman
Alderman Garza
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Saville, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance authorizing the lease of vacant city-owned property with Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Inc, for a community garden.
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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 City of Aurora is authorized to lease its real property under Section 11-76-1 of the Illinois Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to lease certain vacant City-owned property on Highland Avenue to the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Inc., pursuant to a written Lease Agreement for the purpose of establishing a community garden.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Kane, Kendall, DuPage and Will Counties, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That the Mayor and City Clerk be and are hereby authorized to execute the lease of City-owned property to the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Inc., a copy of which lease is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A".
Section Two: That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage, approval and publication as provided by law.
Section Three: That all ordinances or parts of ordinances thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of any such conflict.
Section Four: That any Section or provision of this Ordinance that is construed to be invalid or void shall not affect the remaining sections or provisions which shall remain in full force and effect thereafter.
PRESENTED TO the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, on the _____ day of _______, 2014.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, on , 2014.
AYES ____ NAYS ____ NOT VOTING ____ ABSENT ____
APPROVED AND SIGNED by the Mayor of the City of Aurora, Illinois, on ___________
ATTEST:
____________________________ __________________________
City Clerk Mayor
City of Aurora
Law Department
44 East Downer Place
Aurora, IL 60507
(630) 256-3060