NORTH AURORA VILLAGE BOARD MEETING
VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Monday, June 7, 2021
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.
SILENT PRAYER – MEDITATION – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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 Bill Hannah, Community & Economic Development Director Mike Toth, Village Attorney Kevin Drendel, Public Works Director John Laskowski, Police Chief Dave Fisher.
PUBLIC HEARING- Forest Ridge Townhome Development Annexation Agreement
No Comments, Hearing closed
AUDIENCE COMMENTS – None
TRUSTEE COMMENTS – None
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Village Board Minutes dated 05/17/2021 and Committee of the Whole Minutes dated 05/17/2021
2. Interim Bills List Dated 05/26/2021 in the Amount of $246,015.60
3. Bills List Dated FY 2021 06/07/2021 in the Amount of $54,588.56
4. Bills List Dated FY 2022 06/21/2021 in the Amount of $19,424.86
5. Approval of Executive Session Minutes Dated 12/21/2020, 01/18/2021, 02/15/2021, and 04/19/2021
6. Approval of Resolution for the Closure of State Street for the July 3 Fireworks Celebration
Motion for approval made by Trustee Carroll and seconded by Trustee Curtis. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Carroll – yes, Trustee Guethle –yes, Trustee Lowery – yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz – yes, Trustee Salazar – yes, Trustee Curtis – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of Engineering Agreement with WBK Engineering for the Tanner Trails Conveyance Study in the Amount of $89,430
Director Laskowski commented on the repair made to a sinkhole in the Tanner Trails subdivision in 2019. After repairs were made, it was later discovered that the pvc pipe involved had sustained damage from agricultural equipment and was collapsing in areas, allowing dirt to enter and would eventually cause flooding problems for the area. WBK Engineering was hired to provide solutions to repair the issue, there were four options offered. The solutions offered were to replace part of the 24” diameter plastic pipe with a 36” diameter concrete pipe, to replace the entire 24” diameter plastic pipe with a 36” diameter concrete pipe, to run a smaller pipe parallel to the existing pipe, and the final solution offered was to turn part of the Kane County forest preserve field in to a wet land and divert water there and then on to Lake Run Creek. Ultimately the recommended solution was to replace the entire 24” diameter plastic pipe with a 36” diameter concrete pipe. The Approval sought is to move forward with that solution and to hire WBK to begin design of the project. Due to the costs involved with acquiring a number of permits as well as additional unexpected steps needed to complete the project the estimated cost is higher than the initial $76,000 budgeted for the project.
Motion for approval made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Salazar. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Guethle – yes, Trustee Lowery –yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz – yes, Trustee Salazar – yes, Trustee Curtis – yes, Trustee Carroll – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
2. Approval to Award Bid for the DCEO IL 31 Sidewalk Installation Project to Geneva Construction Company in the Amount of $52,451.80
Director Laskowski explained that several years back the Village received grant funding to install a sidewalk from 113 S. Lincolnway on the East side of Route 31, south to 141 S Lincolnway. Director Laskowski explained that this small section of sidewalk is an initial step in what the Village hopes to be a larger project to provide a sidewalk from Sullivan Road north to the Village’s corporate limits. The Village was able to design the project in house, Geneva Construction Company’s bid was in line with what was expected and will ultimately cost the Village $11,331 beyond the grant funding.
Trustee Carroll asked for confirmation that the additional funding for the project would be derived from TIF funds, which was confirmed by Director Laskowski.
Resident Bill Slaker spoke via Zoom to address a possible conflict with the project as the proposed sidewalk passes through his property.
Administrator Bosco explained that the sidewalk will run through the Slaker property, where the family currently parks their cars. He stated that the Village Engineer would be meeting with Mr. Slaker to discuss possible solutions.
Motion for approval made by Trustee Lowery and seconded by Trustee Curtis. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Lowery – yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz –yes, Trustee Salazar – yes, Trustee Curtis – yes, Trustee Carroll – yes, Trustee Guethle – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
3. Approval to Purchase a New Ford Explorer for the Public Works Department in the Amount of $29,304
Director Laskowski stated that the vehicle that was proposed for purchase would be for the newly hired Village Engineer, he explained that the vehicle to be purchased will replace a vehicle unable to perform the necessary functions needed.
Staff looked in to purchasing a used vehicle, to which they found that a new vehicle purchased through a state bid or collective municipal collaborative would be less expensive.
Trustee Carroll asked if this was an urgent need that needs to be addressed as prices of vehicles are currently high. Director Laskowski stated that the Village could hold off the purchase but run the risk of prices increasing, or delivery estimates to be longer.
Further discussion was had in favor of the purchase, with Trustees agreeing that the price was reasonable and prolonging the purchase would be a risk with delivery.
Motion for approval made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Curtis. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Guethle – yes, Trustee Lowery –yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz – yes, Trustee Salazar – yes, Trustee Curtis – yes, Trustee Carroll – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
4. Approval to Waive Bids to Perform Well #5 Rehabilitation and Maintenance and Well Site Improvements and Award Contract to Layne Christensen Company in the Estimate Amount of $240,000.00 and Not to Exceed $300,000.00
Director Laskowski explained that in regard to the Well #5 Rehabilitation and Maintenance project, there are two components to the request to waive bids. The first being that the well motors contain mercury within the seals of the gaskets, Layne Christensen Company is the only vendor in Illinois equipped to handle that.
Well #5 is going to be receiving extensive site improvements including a pitless adapter which will be installed by Layne Christensen. Director Laskowski explains that it would be cost and time effective to initiate the purchase of the pitless adapter during the rehabilitation step of the project.
Trustee Guethle stated that Layne Christensen has done most of the work on the Village’s wells, to which Director Laskowski agreed, stating that there has only been one other company that has done work on the wells. Trustee Guethle also commented that Layne Christensen is based in Aurora.
Motion for approval made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Lowery. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Curtis – yes, Trustee Carroll –yes, Trustee Guethle – yes, Trustee Lowery – yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz – yes, Trustee Salazar – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
5. Approval of Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an Annexation Agreement for the Development Known as Forest Ridge Townhome Development
Director Toth explained that the next four items on the agenda are in relation to the Forest Ridge Townhome Development. The development is located on nine acres of land on Oak Street, just west of the Windstone Place subdivision.
Motion for approval made by Trustee Carroll and seconded by Trustee Curtis. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Niedzwiedz – yes, Trustee Salazar, Trustee Curtis –yes, Trustee Carroll – yes, Trustee Guethle – yes, Trustee Lowery – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
6. Approval of Ordinance Annexing Certain Territory to the Village of North Aurora, Illinois to be Known as the Forest Ridge Townhome Development
Motion for approval made by Trustee Carroll and seconded by Trustee Niedzwiedz. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Carroll – yes, Trustee Guethle –yes, Trustee Lowery – yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz – yes, Trustee Salazar – yes, Trustee Curtis – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
7. Approval of Ordinance Zoning 9.05 Acres of Property Situated at 38w229 Oak Street North Aurora, Illinois to the R-3 General Residence Zoning District
Motion for approval made by Trustee Salazar and seconded by Trustee Guethle. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Salazar – yes, Trustee Curtis –yes, Trustee Carroll – yes, Trustee Guethle – yes, Trustee Lowery – yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
8. Approval of Ordinance Granting a Special Use for an R-3 General Residence Zoning District Planned Unit Development on Property located at 38w229 Oak Street North Aurora, Illinois to be Known as the Forest Ridge Townhome Development
Director Toth explained that there are five townhome buildings and one duplex planned for a total of 31 residential units.
Motion for approval made by Trustee Lowery and seconded by Trustee Guethle. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Lowery – yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz –yes, Trustee Salazar – yes, Trustee Curtis – yes, Trustee Carroll – yes, Trustee Guethle – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
9. Approval of Special Event Permit for My Place Hotel
Administrator Bosco explained that the Hotel would like to hold a grand opening event on July 17th from 6 pm-11pm. They are planning on serving alcohol outside as well as offering music until 11 pm.
Motion for approval made by Trustee Salazar and seconded by Trustee Niedzwiedz. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Curtis – yes, Trustee Carroll –yes, Trustee Guethle – yes, Trustee Lowery – yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz – yes, Trustee Salazar – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
10. Approval of Special Event Permit for Wedding Reception on Village-Owned Property
Administrator Bosco explained that this request is for use of property located at 301 Long Ave and the adjacent right away areas for a wedding to be held from 2 pm until 8 pm.
Mayor Gaffino asked if there was any liability issues with allowing the use of the property to which Administrator Bosco explained that the requesting party has already provided a certifiate of insurance.
Motion for approval made by Trustee Lowery and seconded by Trustee Curtis. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Lowery – yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz –yes, Trustee Salazar – yes, Trustee Curtis – yes, Trustee Carroll – yes, Trustee Guethle – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
11. Approval of a Special Event Permit for North Aurora River District Alliance (NOARDA) Summer Concerts/Movies in the Park
Administrator Bosco explained that NOARDA is requesting the use of Riverfront Park on June 24, July 22 and August 12 from 6 pm until 9 pm for both music and movies in the park.
Trustee Salazar commented that she is happy to see the NOARDA event back and has inquiries from residents regarding it.
Motion for approval made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Salazar. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Niedzwiedz – yes, Trustee Salazar –yes, Trustee Curtis – yes, Trustee Carroll – yes, Trustee Guethle – yes, Trustee Lowery – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
12. Approval of a Resolution Designating the North Aurora River District Alliance’s Rhythm on the Riverfront Summer Concert/Movie Series a Village Sponsored Event and Allowing the Consumption of Liquor in North Aurora Riverfront Park
Administrator Bosco explained that when NOARDA requests a BYOB event, the event must be sponsored by the Village.
Motion for approval made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Niedzwiedz. Roll Call Vote: Trustee Guethle – yes, Trustee Lowery –yes, Trustee Niedzwiedz – yes, Trustee Salazar – yes, Trustee Curtis – yes, Trustee Carroll – yes. Motion approved (6-0).
VILLAGE PRESIDENT – Mayor Gaffino complimented the North Aurora Police Department on their great response to the shooting in the Woodman’s parking lot.
TRUSTEES COMMENTS – None
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Administrator Bosco commented on the current HVAC situation in the Board Room. He also spoke about the transition from Waste Management to Groot. Resident complaints have centered around missed toters that weren’t picked up by Waste Management. The third party company had missed entire neighborhoods. Bosco explained that the Village is working with Waste Management to remedy the situation.
Trustee Carroll asked if the Village has disseminated any information to residents about the state moving to phase 5 in regard to Covid protocol. Administrator Bosco stated that the Village has a Covid update page and will update the information there.
Trustee Carroll also asked if there was any information about grants that may be available to residents in relation to the eviction moratorium. Administrator Bosco stated that the Village had posted something recently about rental assistance program that the county was offering. Trustee Guethle added that there is also landlord assistance as well.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT – None
VILLAGE DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. Finance – None
2. Community Development – Director Toth explained that the TIF United District process is moving along nicely. The Public Hearing is scheduled for the next Village Board meeting on June 21, 2021.
3. Police – Chief Fisher thanked the Aurora Police Department as well as the Kane County Sherriff’s office for their assistance in the shooting that occurred in the Woodman’s parking lot.
4. Public Works – None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn was made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Niedzwiedz. All in favor. Motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jessi Watkins
Village Clerk
