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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Daniel Anderson, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation
DATE: December 2, 2017
SUBJECT:
Resolution Authorizing the City of Aurora to Enter into a Residential Lease Agreement for 900 Ray Moses Drive.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval to enter into a new residential lease agreement through December 31, 2018 should both parties mutually agree, for city owned property located at 900 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks & Recreation Division is interested in leasing the city-owned property at 900 Ray Moses Drive also known as the "Phillips Park Caretakers" house in order to preserve our residential asset and ensure oversight of Phillips Park (325 Acres) and the Park Zoo. This property was previously leased from 1997 to 2016 by City of Aurora employee Randy Johnson. Employee tenants are required to perform duties not normally associated when renting residential property, including reporting of ordinance violations and maintenance issues at the park; locking and unlocking park gates; assist in the investigation of security alarm activations at Phillips Park facilities (12 separate buildings); advising park users when the park is closed; etc. In exchange for these services, the tenant pays below market rental rates.
DISCUSSION:
This residential lease term is one year and runs through December 31 2018, after which time it becomes a month to month lease with annual rent increases of 3%. In addition, there is a 60 day termination clause which provides the City the ability to review rental rates and duties on a periodic basis. Danny Powell, the new City Zoo Manager is interested in renting and living at the caretakers' house. The rent is $590 per month along with certain additional duties as outlined in the lease agreement and Exhibit A (attached), this is a substantial increase over what the tenant paid in early 2016. This house is the second largest rental home of the three in the Park Division.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This agreement will generate revenue and provide cost savings on multiple fronts while preserving the City’s asset. The biggest benefit however, is that it will provide much needed oversight of Phillips Park and Zoo, especially during the hours when the park is closed.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
In the interest of preserving this residential asset and to have a City employee keep a watchful eye on the Phillips Park property, I am recommending the City Council approve this residential lease agreement.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Mervine, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing the City of Aurora to Enter into a Residential Lease Agreement for 900 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL.
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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 has previously leased the property located at 900 Ray Moses Drive to City employees to preserve our residential asset and ensure oversight of Phillips Park and the Park Zoo; and;
WHEREAS, Danny Powell, city employee, in exchange for below market rental rates, has agreed to assume caretaking duties typically not associated with leasing residential property as set forth in the attached lease agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the attached lease between the City of Aurora and Danny Powell for 900 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL 60505 in the same or substantially similar form.