VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 2, 2022
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village Board meeting was conducted live remotely
via telecommunications.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gaffino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
In attendance: Mayor Mark Gaffino, Trustee Mark Carroll, Trustee Laura Curtis, Trustee Mark Guethle, Trustee Mike Lowery, Trustee Todd Niedzwiedz, Trustee Carolyn Salazar
Staff in attendance: Village Administrator Steve Bosco, Finance Director Jason Paprocki, Community & Economic Development Director Mike Toth, Village Attorney Kevin Drendel, Public Works Director John Laskowski, Police Chief Dave Fisher.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS – See below
TRUSTEE COMMENTS – None
DISCUSSION
1. 2022-23 Strategic Plan
Administrator Bosco reminded the Board that in March 2022 the Strategic Plan Workshop was held. Since the workshop staff has made revisions and additions to the Strategic Plan based on feedback. Administrator Bosco detailed the revisions to the Strategic Plan.
There were two major goal and objective changes, the goal of “Maintain and Strengthen the Village’s Strong Financial Position” was removed and the single objective beneath it was moved under the goal of “Efficient and Effective Delivery of Core Services”. The second major change was the renaming of “redevelopment and Enhancement of the Route 31 Corridor” to “Revitalize the Route 31 Corridor and Create a Community Focal Point”. All objectives relating to the Route 31 corridor, block one and North Aurora Riverfront Park were transferred to this goal.
Under the goal of Community Vitality, the additional objective of “pursue opportunities for green initiatives” was added. As well as “establish a dog park in North Aurora”.
Economic Development added the objectives of “review zoning use classifications for all non-residential districts” and “enhance the Towne Centre Development” as well as adding “explore ways to market vacant properties” to the “facilitate economic and business development activities” objective.
The Objective of “review potential opportunities for a future Village Hall site” was added to the “Efficient and Effective Delivery of Core Services” goal. The objective of “facilitate community event outreach programs in the Police Department, enhance crime prevention programs and interactions, and explore expanded use of technology and methods” had “explore ways to engage the community in conversation” to its’ action plan.
The final Goal was a revision to “Revitalize the Route 31 Corridor and Create a Community Focal Point”. The Objectives include “explore redevelopment options to create a focal point of the Route 31 corridor between John and Oak Streets and between Route 31 and Route 25”, Evaluate alternate uses and partnerships for the silo on the Fox River”, “develop amenities along the riverfront and enhancements to North Aurora Riverfront Park”, “remove Fox River dam”, “Monitor progress visible indicators and accomplishments of redevelopment on Route 31, including streetscape improvements and/or private redevelopment”, Utilize Village TIF Districts for redevelopment projects” and “Coordinate efforts with Illinois Department of Transportation on corridor enhancements”.
The changes were received favorably by the Village Board.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Lowery. All in favor. Motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jessi Watkins
Village Clerk
