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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alderman Carl Franco, 5th Ward
DATE: March 6, 2018
SUBJECT:
Ward 5 Residential and Nonprofit Grant Program including homeowner and condo association that are organized under Illinois law and in good standing with the Secretary of State. The grant is not for the primary or the exclusive benefit of the association or its members.
PURPOSE:
A Committee comprised of 5th Ward residents (Ward Committee) and their Alderman shall receive, review and approve requests for grant funding towards community enhancements and/or improvements in the 5th Ward. The enhancements/improvements shall be for public use, demonstrate a benefit for the immediate area, and promote the character and integrity of the neighborhood and community.
The Committee may also consider other information when approving or denying grant requests such as previous approvals, past history, and future development plans.
BACKGROUND:
The Ward Committee comprised of 5th Ward residents and their Alderman shall receive, review and approve application for grants with a minimum threshold of $1,000.00 up to $15,000.00 for community enhancements and/or improvements.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and funds will be distributed based on availability of annual budgeted funds at the discretion of the 5th Ward Committee and their Alderman. The grant period is based on calendar year and funds will not be carried over from year to year. (See attached Guidelines for details.)
Grants will not be considered for public improvements or enhancements if applicant is also utilizing an existing city program whereby applicants are receiving assistance or compensation from said program. Also grants are not meant for commercial use and hence requests for such will not be considered.
DISCUSSION:
The applicants being residents of the 5th Ward or nonprofit organizations performing the work in the 5th Ward, will be paid from the Ward 5 Special Programs Account 315-1350-441.50-50, not to exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) annually.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Approve the 5th Ward Committee’s Residential and Nonprofit Grant Program with the current guidelines. Landscaping performed which has some public benefit and purpose beyond those enjoyed purely by the Association is eligible. To that end, the grant program would allow grants to homeowner and condo associations that are organized under Illinois law and in good standing with the Secretary of State so long as the grant is not for the primary or exclusive benefit of the association or its members. In other words, a homeowners association would have to demonstrate that the grant has a benefit beyond the associations’ property and is not for the exclusive or primary benefit of the Association (e.g. repairs to a swimming pool or renovation of the interior of a club house.) It would also have to be registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State.
Item will be placed on the Finance Committee Agenda on March 13, 2018, for subsequent approval by City Council.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Mervine, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing the Ward 5 Residential and Nonprofit Grant Program including Homeowner and Condo Associations that are organized under Illinois Law and in good standings with the Secretary of State. The grant is not for primary or the exclusive benefit of the Association or its members.
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, a Resolution authorizing the Committee comprised of 5th Ward residents (Ward Committee) and their Alderman to receive, review and approve requests for grant funding to be used towards community enhancements and/or improvements in the 5th Ward. The enhancements/improvements shall be for public use, demonstrate a benefit for the immediate area, and promote the character and integrity of the neighborhood and community. The committee may also consider other information when approving or denying grant requests such as previous approvals, past history, and future development plans.
WHEREAS, $25,000.00 has been allocated for this program with a minimum threshold of $1,000.00; and
WHEREAS, a set of Guidelines has been written to implement the grant program for the Ward 5 Residential and Nonprofit Grant Program, a copy of which Guidelines is attached hereto and made a part thereof; and
WHEREAS, cost is determined by each invoice received; and
WHEREAS, funds for these projects will be allocated from each individual invoice as each application is completed and will be paid out through the Ward 5 Special Programs Account 315-1350-441.50-50, not to exceed $25,000.00 dollars annually.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois as follows: does hereby authorize a revision to the 5th Ward Residential and Nonprofit Grant Program changing the stipulation to include homeowner and condo associations that are organized under Illinois law and in good standing with the Secretary of State. The grant is not for primary or the exclusive benefit of the association or its members.