City Council

City Hall - 5th Floor City of Aurora Conference Room 44 East Downer Place Aurora, IL City Council Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday November 14, 2023 6:00 PM Members of the public wishing to provide public comment for this meeting must be physically present at the meeting and registered to speak prior to the meeting being called to order. Please call the City Clerk's Office at (630) 256-3070 with questions. ROLL CALL Mayor Irvin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and the roll was called. Present: 13 - Alderman Emmanuel Llamas, Alderwoman Juany Garza, Alderman Ted Mesiacos, Alderman Bill Donnell, Alderman Carl Franco, Alderman Mike Saville, Alderman Brandon Tolliver, Alderwoman Patty Smith, Alderman Edward Bugg, Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Alderman John Laesch, Alderman Ron Woerman and Mayor Richard Irvin APPOINTMENT OF SERGEANT-AT-ARMS A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to appoint a Sergeant-at-Arms for this meeting. The motion carried by voice vote and Officer Sullivan served as Sergeant-at-Arms for this meeting. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by 3rd grader Ayush Prashanth. INVOCATION The Invocation was led by Rama Gangasani and Harsha Gangasani. City of Aurora Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2023 MAYOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS PRESENTATIONS Mayor Irvin presented a Mayoral Proclamation and the Mayor's Award of Excellence to HSS Aurora and wished a Happy Diwali to all. Mayor Irvin presented a Mayoral Proclamation to the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley in recognition of 75 years in the City of Aurora, and proclaiming November 23, 2023 as the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Day in the City of Aurora. Julie Christman, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley accepted on behalf of the Foundation. Clayton Muhammad, Chief Communications and Equity Officer - City of Aurora, discussed the Winter Lights Parade that will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023 in downtown Aurora. Mr. Muhammad also announced the winner of the 2023 Winter Light's Outstanding Window Design award and presented the award to Fatimah Kahiga, the owner of Pure Skin Solutions at 26 S Stolp Avenue. Ms. Jamie Lee, Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow, was introduced. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS 23-0815 A Resolution approving the appointment of Michael Zepeda to the Aurora Veteran's Advisory Board. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Laesch to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Laesch, Alderman Woerman Enactment No: R23-323 23-0817 A Resolution appointing three inaugural members Daryl Silberman, Tiffany Hall and Alvin Watkins for a three-year term to the Music, Events and Entertainment Commission (MEE). A motion was made by Alderwoman Garza and seconded by Alderwoman Smith to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Laesch, Alderman Woerman Enactment No: R23-324 City of Aurora Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2023 23-0835 A Resolution appointing four inaugural members Didi Foley, Michael Summers, Alex Benitez and Braden Smith for a two-year term to the Music, Events and Entertainment Commission (MEE). A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Franco to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Laesch, Alderman Woerman Enactment No: R23-325 23-0837 A Resolution appointing four inaugural members John Sargent, Nina Arme Rosa, William Small Jr. and Aaron Lechuga for a one-year term to the Music, Events and Entertainment Commission (MEE). A motion was made by Alderwoman Garza and seconded by Alderman Franco to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Laesch, Alderman Woerman Enactment No: R23-326 PUBLIC COMMENT The City Clerk read the Rules of Public Comment and the following individuals presented comments to the City Council: Deepaknidu Peddinti spoke on behalf of the Borgen Project regarding awareness of global poverty. Adam Pauley spoke regarding the 6-year anniversary of being appointed to the Aurora Youth Council. Curtis Wilson spoke regarding EV batteries, the MEE Commission, and the Disability Commission. Steve Hendry spoke regarding the Logman House and other topics. CONSENT AGENDA The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda and the Direct to Council Consent Agenda in full. A motion was made by Alderwoman Garza and seconded by Alderwoman Smith to approve the Consent Agenda and the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Laesch, Alderman Woerman City of Aurora Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2023 23-0416 A Resolution approving the Invest Aurora and Ward 3 Façade and Site Improvement Grant Program. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-327 23-0512 A Resolution authorizing a two-year grant program in the amount of $50,000.00 per year in partnership with Rebuilding Together Aurora (RTA) and The Neighbor Project to assist qualified residents with projects in the Third Ward. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-328 23-0769 A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to purchase fire hose from Air One Equipment of South Elgin IL for the amount of $177,223. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-329 23-0818 An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Sec. 2-491 "Music, Events and Entertainment Commission". This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O23-076 23-0840 A Resolution authorizing the execution of real estate contracts to purchase properties and appropriating REBUILD Illinois Bond Funds required for the Indian Trail Signal Modernization and Resurfacing (Edgelawn to Highland) Project in the amount of $23,600.00. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-330 23-0843 An Ordinance amending Chapter 27, section 27-168, Stopping, Standing or Parking Prohibited. This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O23-077 23-0857 A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to increase a Purchase Order with Oxie Valley Electric Supply to an amount not to exceed $70,000 for supplies needed for the Electrical Division. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-331 City of Aurora Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2023 23-0859 A Resolution authorizing the City to accept a grant award of $85,630.00 from the Illinois Attorney General's Office as part of the Attorney General's Organized Retail Crime Grant Program. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-332 23-0892 A motion authorizing and directing the Chief Human Resources Officer to execute a settlement agreement on behalf of the City in Workers Compensation Claim #189999617-001. This Recommendation was approved on the Consent Agenda. 23-0903 A Resolution authorizing an agreement for a three-year subscription with two option years for a complete website redesign and existing digital services from Granicus, Denver, CO for a total amount of $1,277,459.69. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-333 DIRECT TO COUNCIL CONSENT AGENDA 23-0866 A Resolution Accepting the Dedication of an Easement located at 805 Enterprise Street, being Lot 1 of Meridian Business Campus, Phase II, Unit 9. This Resolution was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-334 23-0867 A Resolution Accepting the Dedication of an Easement located at 925 Enterprise Street, being Lot 3 of Meridian Business Campus, Phase II, Unit 9. This Resolution was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-335 23-0871 Approval of the Minutes of the Tuesday, October 24, 2023, City Council Meeting. The Minutes were approved and filed as presented on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. 23-0875 A Resolution accepting the improvements and maintenance security for Gramercy Square Unit 3, Gramercy Ave and South Commons Dr. This Resolution was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-336 City of Aurora Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2023 23-0878 A Resolution accepting the improvements and maintenance security for Hobbs Building, 2,6,12 S River. This Resolution was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-337 23-0880 A Resolution accepting the improvements and waiving the maintenance security for Take 5 Chicago, 2857 Kirk Rd. This Resolution was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-338 23-0889 A Resolution Accepting the Dedication of an Easement located at the Intersection of McCoy Drive and Cheshire Drive, being Lot 224 and Lot 225 of Fox Valley East, Region II, Unit No. 30 Oakhurst, and Lot 151 and Lot 152 of Fox Valley East, Region II, Unit No. 33A Oakhurst. This Resolution was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R23-339 UNFINISHED BUSINESS 23-0800 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 - Division 8-IV-1 Pertaining to Amusement Devices Generally. Alderman Woerman recused himself from discussion and vote on this item and left the room during discussion and vote. A motion was made by Alderwoman Garza and seconded by Alderman Franco to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid and Alderman Laesch Enactment No: O23-078 23-0801 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 - Article 8-IV, Division 8-IV-5 Pertaining to Video Gaming. Alderman Woerman recused himself from discussion and vote on this item and left the room during discussion and vote. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid and Alderman Laesch Enactment No: O23-079 City of Aurora Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2023 23-0803 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 29 - Article 29-IV, Division 29-IV-2 Pertaining to Gambling. Alderman Woerman recused himself from discussion and vote on this item and left the room during discussion and vote. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid and Alderman Laesch Enactment No: O23-080 23-0806 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 - Division 8-IV-6 Pertaining to Video Gaming. Alderman Woerman recused himself from discussion and vote on this item and left the room during discussion and vote. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Garza to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid and Alderman Laesch Enactment No: O23-081 23-0855 An Ordinance pertaining to the paid leave policies and practices applicable to employees of the City. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid and Alderman Woerman Nay: 1- Alderman Laesch Enactment No: O23-082 23-0865 A Resolution updating the snow parking violation fee pertaining to Chapter 27, Sec. 27-8 “Fees, Fines and Penalties” of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances Entitled "Motor Vehicles and Traffic". Ruthy Harris, Property Standards Manager - City of Aurora, presented and responded to questions regarding this item. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Franco to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Aurora Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2023 Aye: 10 - Alderman Llamas, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid and Alderman Woerman Nay: 1- Alderman Laesch Enactment No: R23-340 NEW BUSINESS A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Franco to suspend the rules to hear items of new business. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Laesch and Alderman Woerman 23-0856 A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement with Electric Conduit Construction in the amount of $399,388 for electrical improvements along Pinney Street in Ward 6. Ken Schroth, Director of Public Works, presented and responded to questions regarding this item. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Saville to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Laesch and Alderman Woerman Enactment No: R23-341 23-0916 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor or the Aurora Police Department Chief of Police to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Aurora, Illinois and Chicago Premium Outlets, LLC. Aurora Police Lieutenant, Andy Wolcott, presented briefly regarding this item. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid and Alderman Woerman Nay: 1- Alderman Laesch Enactment No: R23-342 City of Aurora Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2023 REPORT There were no reports at this meeting. APPROVAL OF THE BILL SUMMARY AND LARGE BILL LIST 23-0927 Bill Summary and Large Bill List. A motion was made by Alderman Franco and seconded by Alderwoman Smith to approve and pay the bills. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Laesch and Alderman Woerman CLOSED SESSION A closed session was required pursuant to Sec. 2(c)(11) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss pending or imminent litigation. ADJOURN A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Franco to enter into closed session and thereafter adjourn the City Council meeting with no further action or public business to take place. The motion carried by the following vote and the open session of the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. after which the City Council met in closed session from 7:24 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. Aye: 12 - Alderman Llamas, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Donnell, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Tolliver, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Laesch, Alderman Woerman The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Submitted by: ____________________________________ Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk Any individual with a disability requesting a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a public meeting should contact the City Clerk’s Office at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. The City Clerk’s Office can be reached in person at 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora Illinois, via telephone at 630-256-3070, or via e-mail at cityclerk@aurora-il.org. Every effort will be made to allow for meeting participation. City of Aurora Page 9