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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Jim Pilmer, Director of Neighborhood Standards
DATE: June 17, 2015
SUBJECT:
Resolution requesting spending authorization for Professional Services with Wills, Burke, Kelsey Associates (WBK) for the Residential Demolition Program administered by the Department of Neighborhood Standards in the amount not to exceed $25,000.00
PURPOSE:
Wills, Burke, Kelsey Associates wrote the current specifications for demolition of properties in Aurora. Aurora's demolition program includes all phases of demolition with request for qualifications, bid documents, asbestos removal process, permitting, utility disconnect, permitted disposal, construction management and observation to project completion of open green space. The company has an excellent history of providing responsive engineering services to the city of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Neighborhood Services through the Division of Property Standards has made a priority goal of working on blight reduction and code compliance of vacant abandoned properties since 2014. Specifications for demolition were updated, and city divisions collaboratively worked towards this priority goal. Since the fall of 2014 Aurora has demolished 19 residential or small commercial vacant properties. Thirteen demolitions were on vacant abandoned residential properties. I anticipate about 5 additional properties during the current fiscal year. This request is being made due to nearing the limit of the $25,000.00 spending authority for professional services.
DISCUSSION:
Aurora's demolition program was awarded a $250,000.00 grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) for the Blight Reduction Program (BRP). The demolition phases as outlined under the above purpose cost about $1500.00 per project. These services are grant eligible for 50% reimbursement. The funding is budgeted in 101.1727.424.36.25 and 215.1710.417.71.01. Wills Burke Kelsey Associates has no...
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