cover
TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Daniel Anderson, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation
DATE: August 16, 2016
SUBJECT:
Authorizing the City of Aurora to Enter into a Residential Lease Agreement for 900 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL.
PURPOSE:
Resolution Authorizing the City of Aurora to Enter into a Residential Lease Agreement with Margaret J. Bowen, Zoo Manager.
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 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; 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 through September 30, 2017 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. The rent is $500 per month which is a substantial increase over what the previous tenant paid in 2016.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This agreement will provide cost savings on multiple fronts while preserving the City’s asset.
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 with Margaret J. Bowen."
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing the City of Aurora to Enter into a Residential Lease Agreement for 900 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL.
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, 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, Margaret J. Bowen, city employee, in exchange for below market rental rates, has agreed to assume caretaking duties typically not associated with leasing residential property.
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 Margaret J. Bowen for 900 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL 60505.