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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Gio Santana, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation
Marissa Spencer, Assistant Corporation Counsel
DATE: March 17, 2022
SUBJECT:
A Resolution to enter into a Donation Agreement with the Aurora Rotary Club Foundation (the Foundation Arm of the Rotary Club of Aurora) for their inventory of lights displays.
PURPOSE:
To enter into a Donation Agreement with the Aurora Rotary Club Foundation, for donation of their inventory of lights displays.
BACKGROUND:
The Rotary club of Aurora has been serving the Aurora community for nearly one hundred years and for the past 15 years Rotary as organized and hosted the Festival of lights in conjunction with the City out at Phillips Park. The light show has attracted thousands of holiday visitors annually; raised more than $500,000 to support non-profits in the Aurora area and around the world; and dedicated thousands of hours of service to the event and to the community.
DISCUSSION:
Rotary wishes to donate the light show and all of its inventory to the City so that we can continue with the storied tradition, in addition to the donation of the light displays Rotary will also be sharing and helping with their club members’ insight, expertise, volunteerism, and community support as needed.
City Staff from various divisions will be spearheading the transition of the light show and will establish a committee to ensure continued success.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Not approving the donation agreement could potentially impact the ability to continue the Festival of Lights show at Phillips Park.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends entering into the Donation Agreement.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to enter into a Donation Agreement with the Aurora Rotary Club Foundation (the Foundation Arm of the Rotary Club of Aurora) for their inventory of lights displays.
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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, City of Aurora owns and operates Phillips Park which is three hundred and twenty-five (325) acres and includes a zoo, golf course, and aquatic center; and
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Aurora has served Aurora for nearly one hundred years; and
WHEREAS for the past fifteen years, the Rotary has organized and hosted the successful Festival of Lights at Phillips Park; attracted thousands of holiday visitors annually; raised more than $500,000 to support non-profits in the Aurora area;
WHEREAS the Aurora Rotary Club Foundation wishes to donate its inventory of light displays to the City of Aurora in order for the City to continue the annual Festival of Lights, along with club members’ insight, expertise, volunteerism, and community support as needed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: authorizes the Mayor to execute the attached Donation Agreement with Aurora Rotary Club Foundation (the Foundation Arm of the Rotary Club of Aurora) for their inventory of lights displays.