[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6271115,"mediaKeyId","3029455-9470a1bee4a34af7331b57c0580d5152","parentId",3029455,"title","Council committee reviews loans from transformation fund to finish Terminal Building and back downtown restaurant plan","audioSeconds",839,"startMs",1527000,"endMs",2366000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029455-9470a1bee4a34af7331b57c0580d5152&start=1527&end=2366","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029455-9470a1bee4a34af7331b57c0580d5152/thumbnail_1527000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6271115/Aurora/DuPage-County/Illinois/Council-committee-reviews-loans-from-transformation-fund-to-finish-Terminal-Building-and-back-downtown-restaurant-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271115-6840f1cecf8995bcdf978d0794645f17/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156030&Signature=kCspgQ9~TLvFt3xjR7C67BOreL5J41KuRlmYrZPrcj0B5LQiJ43jPMhoJRk0DXqWugQTdGwpOuGk42Y0cO4zwwqr6zVSBW~j~3DMHXjq0xlsgeVVlkh~HSGm0rZ-Tc9VJlpC03LW06CiNaQ3zb2DogM~lHKDbesiHFS1OOBCFhBFT3Im~uw4k0ChZQrQOsBJmplyyHbHvpUoqh7DMEmfFptGPSpReG4kQU-0mF0GmcQod1r1I6XPHtMHjRSIZERdM1HFCJjcPWifc0-YKwWl7gmUocGbKP8zzAkmQxNkTv5xL-h5JW1iE0NYyj7eQBHTuQWexvcPWHVpM4RlK92uog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Aurora, IL","date","2025-04-17T01:05:21.407Z","article","A finance committee discussion at the Aurora Committee of the Whole on March 4 reviewed proposed city loans and amendments intended to finish the Terminal Building’s ground‑floor commercial space and to support a restaurant tenant, chef Jamie Gilmore.

The proposal discussed would use money from the city’s transformation fund to make two city loans: a $200,000 loan to Urban Equity Properties (the building owner) and a $250,000 loan to restaurateur Jamie Gilmore (operating as LJ Hospitality Group) to finish the shell and kitchen for a restaurant the parties referred to as Lizzie Jays. Chris Minnick, Aurora’s chief financial officer, told the committee the loans are being structured as receivables in the transformation fund, with Urban Equity’s loan earning about 5.5 percent interest and the loan to Gilmore paid from pledged sales‑tax and food‑and‑beverage tax receipts at 3.75 percent. Minnick said loan repayments are expected to begin March 1, 2026, and modeled payback periods of roughly nine to 10 years.

The transformation fund was described as the source of the incentives. Minnick said the fund originated from a $16 million recapture payment tied to development near Eola Road and I‑88; council allocations left about $9 million set aside to make revolving loans and incentives for economic development. Minnick said the city has already earmarked other portions of the original $16 million for regional economic alliances, historic preservation and façade work, and that the loans under discussion would be receivables on the city’s books that return principal and interest to the transformation fund.

Developer Urban Equity and chef Jamie Gilmore described their roles. David Debo, the city’s director of economic development, summarized the proposed deal: Urban Equity would contribute additional equity toward the building, the city would take loans as described above, and Gilmore would put capital into tenant improvements. Jeff Orduna, chief operating officer for Urban Equity, and Justin Fern, Urban Equity principal, described the building’s long vacancy on the ground floor and the extra construction costs that arose during COVID and later. Orduna said Urban Equity previously invested about $2.8 million in the project and is proposing additional investment; he said the new incremental work to fully finish the restaurant would cost roughly the $900,000 package described in the meeting (developer equity plus city loans plus a $50,000 finish‑line grant referenced by staff).

Gilmore, who described her restaurant business (LJ Hospitality Group) and sales projections, told the committee the tenant expects about $35,000 in monthly revenue initially at the Aurora location and projected first‑year revenue of roughly $1.5 million once full service and a bar are operating. Gilmore confirmed a personal guaranty for the loan; staff said she offered a personal guarantee that includes her home as collateral in case the pledged tax streams prove insufficient to cover debt service.

Council members asked about schedule, historic‑preservation reviews, lease and rent terms, prevailing wage obligations and default remedies. Chris Minnick and project representatives said historic preservation reviews add time; staff and the developer said the target opening window is late 2025 into early 2026, with repayment modeled to start March 1, 2026. Justin Fern said the proposed lease for the tenant is a 10‑year commercial lease with monthly rent near $3,500. Aldermen asked whether the original redevelopment agreement contemplated a white‑box finish for the ground floor; staff and the developer said the original work was intended to produce a partial white box and that additional funds were always expected to complete tenant improvements.

Outcome/status: the loan and redevelopment amendment (agenda item 25‑0182) was discussed at length in finance committee and returned to be placed under unfinished business for further formal action at a later council meeting. No final council approval was recorded in this transcript segment.

Why it matters: staff framed the deal as an example of using the transformation fund to catalyze downtown private investment, preserve active ground‑floor retail and attract an experienced operator; council members pressed on timing, repayment security and neighborhood impacts.

Aldermanic questions, staff clarifications and developer responses about cost escalations, historic‑preservation timelines and repayment mechanics dominated the discussion and will inform final council consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Streaming LIVE: Aurora Committee of the Whole | 03-04-2025","oneSentenceSummary","A finance committee discussion at the Aurora Committee of the Whole on March 4 reviewed proposed loans that would use the city’s transformation fund to finish the Terminal Building’s ground‑floor commercial space and back restaurateur Jamie Gilmore’s lease.","taxTitle","Aurora, DuPage County, Illinois","taxId",2648,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6271105,"Public commenters ask for donations for APD retired K‑9s and criticize mayoral conduct",315,391000,706000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029455-9470a1bee4a34af7331b57c0580d5152&start=391&end=706","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029455-9470a1bee4a34af7331b57c0580d5152/thumbnail_391000.jpg","/articles/6271105/Aurora/DuPage-County/Illinois/Public-commenters-ask-for-donations-for-APD-retired-K9s-and-criticize-mayoral-conduct","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271105-ea2471313d8c249ca62cdb3d5404b30f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156030&Signature=fsqhgF8PKca5e19C3NxvRXMU8W0DFhOgcAS9PbUT2mvOaYic2JlbBvcfbGnWwVnF0hGrI4qMOQUpM4Ejhf1dM4Fy~IKtaxTvGej2bO89Gkr6GVqBpNpoGYtVu~1SxYTh7dsIJ~HXCTX1QUHHpzsaluuXzmZY3IaJAxsZkLrjmVqs73EQv7yx2AwwmaZ-6uHhPro73Db7ksoDUVOHNv6CM4IHGdiGXpJVk7vDrVUVXSJ-wyBNbM0hOBKYs9pZKxGdj82KJtHhTsPNMIDoCZ8tbFJDW9qdx02EuByEtSB93t5G0IRWfmAN7E1pmgj7a1FDX2cQW6seDRaGxRizdepdyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the Committee of the Whole public‑comment period on March 4, several members of the public addressed the council.

Citizens Police Association: Denny Mora (identified as past president of the Citizens Police Association Auxiliary/CPAAA) and a second speaker representing the CPAAA described the organization’s volunteer and fundraising work in support of the Aurora Police Department. The speakers said the CPAAA has more than 300 members, provides training and community outreach, and raises funds for items outside the police department’s budget — including supporting K‑9 officers and helping pay for K‑9 medical and food needs after retirement. The organization publicized a summer fundraiser called the “Give Back Gala” to be held at the Aurora Country Club on Friday, June 13, and asked council members for personal and financial support; a giving‑levels card and a letter were circulated to the council, the speaker said.

Resident criticism of mayoral conduct: Rick Lawrence spoke during public comment and criticized the mayor’s response to a constituent’s complaint about a campaign/yard sign and described a pending court date for that constituent. Lawrence urged aldermen to be more responsive to constituents, accused the mayor of travel and personal activity at public expense, and urged the council to hold elected officials accountable. His remarks were delivered as public comment and no formal council action followed from the statements recorded in the transcript.

Clerk’s procedures: The clerk read rules for public comment at the start of the period (three minutes per speaker; maximum 30 minutes total), and staff were directed to follow up with members of the public on matters within the city’s authority after the meeting.

Why it matters: The CPAAA request is a civic fundraising and community‑relations matter tied to public‑safety volunteers; the resident complaint raised concerns about constituent communication and perceived responsiveness by elected officials. Public‑comment remarks do not by themselves change policy but can prompt staff follow‑up or later agenda items.","Speakers during the public‑comment period included members of the Citizens Police Association seeking donations for their June \"give back gala\" to support retired Aurora Police Department canines, and a resident who criticized the mayor's conduct and raised a constituent complaint about enforcement of a sign dispute.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6271110,"Committee of the Whole places multiple ordinances, redevelopment modifications and contracts on consent; most items advanced without debate",2947,754000,3701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029455-9470a1bee4a34af7331b57c0580d5152&start=754&end=3701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029455-9470a1bee4a34af7331b57c0580d5152/thumbnail_754000.jpg","/articles/6271110/Aurora/DuPage-County/Illinois/Committee-of-the-Whole-places-multiple-ordinances-redevelopment-modifications-and-contracts-on-consent-most-items-advanced-without-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271110-bd112317a44693193cdf578d381992eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156030&Signature=f0KMHSmdu-S~tavbSuretLIdk8ec04GWWLotF5l0L4kocYQ7BPFTJ-gY1pIkBX5DqIskmC3IXfz6iMz614kEy5BfYonVu-u6gHt0qgaySktCTCOaVE3FaKOjrY0aDUpk~L3huaRBi8e2KnUFnC~aWZxn7~y~jS9qKOA11XO~W-eCrGvPldD5pycybZ-AZbJ9srPlPQsDIAgwe9UNSuzLx5Y8LBlxu7FgjC0LR2CI43-ZLBA8qPMb7A5w4vZ2S1k64xtzdUhdJd~C7dRmsiMvSZ72dJj5gzUf068-VBRNqBqEEH~Nx9MypSOaEWIJa6i3u3-ySwIt8CLk46zP7MhSfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Aurora Committee of the Whole on March 4 recorded numerous items placed on the consent calendar across multiple standing committees. Committee chairs read a series of ordinances, resolutions and contract awards and the body indicated consent for most items. The meeting transcript shows the following items were placed on consent or otherwise advanced as noted below.

Votes at a glance (agenda ID, short description, outcome):

- 25‑0168 — Approval of minutes (Committee of the Whole meeting, Feb. 18, 2025): approved (motion carried).
- 25‑0152 — Ordinance establishing a conditional‑use planned development (Abbey Meadows) and amending zoning map: placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0153 — Ordinance amending zoning map for 0.01 acres near Rendon Road/Mesa Lane: placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0154 — Resolution approving preliminary plan for Abbey Meadows subdivision (lots 1–51): placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0165 — Ordinance vacating a city easement at 4173 Ogden Ave (DuPage County): placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0177 — Resolution initiating public hearing to consider revisions to Aurora’s comprehensive plan: placed on consent/approved.
- 24‑0915 — Resolution authorizing contract with Upland Design Limited (Plainfield, IL) for Garfield Park design up to $160,000 (includes contingency): placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0147 — Resolution authorizing a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant loan for roof replacement at North Island Apartments (preserves 56 affordable senior units): placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0148, 25‑0149, 25‑0150, 25‑0151 — Four resolutions authorizing modifications to redevelopment agreements to adjust loan terms for Project HOME properties (various owners): placed on consent/approved (each read and placed on consent).
- 25‑0171 — Service agreement between the City and Kendall County (demand‑response transportation through 2027): placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0181 — (listed in finance committee) held to next Committee of the Whole meeting (not acted on).
- 25‑0163 — Broadway Avenue source separation project award to Performance Construction & Engineering LLC for $3,338,777: placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0162 — N. Kings Point Drive and Kangaroo Place watermain replacement contract (~$1,048,165): placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0143 — Award for 2025 sanitary sewer CIPP lining to National Power/Ruth Lynn Corp., $894,315: placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0164 — One‑year renewal for DocuSign CLM subscription with CarShop Technology Corporation, not to exceed $94,720.80: placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0170 — Memorandum of understanding with Fox Valley Museum Foundation for 2025: placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0137 — Appointment of Brad Banks to the Sister Cities Commission: placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0141 — Ordinance amending board/commission obligations (section 2‑185): placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0157 — Appointment of Gretchen Tim to the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau board: placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0187 — Motion authorizing settlements in workers’ compensation claims (human resources): placed on consent/approved.
- 25‑0108? / 20‑5‑1088 (documented as a resolution) — Agreement with Kane County Health Department for an opioid overdose‑reversal vending machine at the Aurora Transit Center: placed on consent/approved.

Items noted as unfinished or held for further consideration:

- 25‑0182 — Resolution authorizing a loan and third amendment to the Terminal Building redevelopment agreement (loan items and terms were discussed at length in finance committee; the committee returned the item to unfinished business for further council action).
- 25‑0075 — 2025 quality‑of‑life grants ($910,773): recorded by the PHSNT committee as placed under unfinished business for additional review; an alderman noted a required recusal for part of the discussion.
- 25‑0135 — Recommended changes to aldermen mileage reimbursement policy: moved to unfinished business by RAP committee.

What happened in practice: committee chairs read items and asked for consent; where questions arose staff answered on the record. Items with technical questions (for example, the quality‑of‑life grants item and the mileage policy) were set aside for unfinished business or further review; multiple capital contracts and zoning actions moved forward on consent without separate roll‑call debate in this meeting.

Why it matters: placement on consent expedites approval of routine contracts, capital projects and zoning changes, but items moved to unfinished business signal the need for additional review, recusal management or further council discussion.","At the March 4 Committee of the Whole meeting, the council’s committees placed a sizable set of ordinances, rezoning requests, redevelopment modifications, contracts and capital project awards on the consent calendar; several items were held or moved to unfinished business for later action.","actionData","errors"]

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Council committee reviews loans from transformation fund to finish Terminal Building and back downtown restaurant plan

Public commenters ask for donations for APD retired K‑9s and criticize mayoral conduct

Committee of the Whole places multiple ordinances, redevelopment modifications and contracts on consent; most items advanced without debate