Alderman renews Ward 10 residential grant; committee adds preference for at least one Aurora contractor bid

Aurora — The Rules, Administration and Procedure Committee voted to renew the Ward 10 residential grant program on Aug. 19 and accepted a friendly amendment asking that applicants submit at least one bid from an Aurora contractor when seeking multiple bids.

Why it matters: The grant program pays for small community enhancements and repairs in Ward 10 that affect neighborhood safety, drainage and infrastructure. Requiring at least one local bid is intended to direct some project work to Aurora businesses.

Alderman Bade, sponsor of the program, told the committee the Ward 10 residential grant provides one-time funding for projects such as landscaping, pond maintenance (including aerators and diffusers), guardrail repair, neighborhood drainage and safety lighting. The program requires applicants to demonstrate an immediate neighborhood benefit, and applicants must typically submit three bids unless infeasible.

During the meeting committee members proposed and the sponsor accepted a friendly amendment adding language to item 7 of the program rules to request that at least one of the three bids be from an Aurora contractor. The committee’s attorney indicated the change was acceptable. The committee approved the program renewal by voice vote.

Ending: The program will remain open for applications under its existing rules with the added solicitation preference for Aurora contractors; staff and the alderman said the change is intended to encourage local business participation but does not require all bids to be local.