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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Katrina Boatright, Manager, Senior and Disability Services
DATE: 9/11/2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution to Approve Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt as Contractors for Snow Removal and Ice Control Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $128,000.00 for the Operation Senior Shovel Program
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval for the Seniors and Disabilities Services Division to enter into agreements with Tavarez & Sons Lawn Care and Guardian Asphalt, both located in Aurora, Illinois, to provide snow removal and ice control services under the Operation Senior Shovel Program, which supports eligible senior residents and individuals living with disabilities who are physically or financially unable to clear snow and ice from their driveways and walkways during the winter season.").
BACKGROUND:
The Operation Senior Shovel Program was officially established in 2021 by the City of Aurora's Seniors and Disabilities Services Division (SDSD) to support older adults and residents living with disabilities by providing safe, timely, and reliable snow removal and ice control services during the winter months. This essential program was developed in response to the physical challenges many of these residents face in maintaining their property during inclement weather, which can result in hazardous conditions and limit access to medical care, groceries, and other critical needs.
In its early stages, the program relied primarily on City resources and volunteer support to meet service demands. However, as the need for snow removal services has grown-driven by an aging population, increased demand, and the time-intensive nature of snow events-SDSD expanded the model to improve sustainability and service quality.
In 2022, the program transitioned to a hybrid model, blending the continued recruitment of community volunteers with the strategic use of contracted local service providers to ensure greater coverage, reliability, and responsiven...
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