TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Beth Beatty, City Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Heritage Corridor Destinations for Grant Funds under the IL DCEO Rt 66 Program up to $117,000.00
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BACKGROUND:
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Equal Opportunity (DCEO) is providing grants for the purchase and installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) along Route 66. The Heritage Corridor Destinations (HCD) is eligible to receive grant funds of up to $117,000.00 for the purchase and installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS). This project will help to preserve and attract tourists along Rt 66 now and in the future. The $117,000.00 is a non-matching grant and will be used to order and install up to six (6) Level 2 EV Charging units at the Old Joliet Prison property.
This memo has been tabled from the April 1, 2024 Public Service Committee meeting and April 16, 2024, City Council meeting for clarification requests.
The attached Memorandum of Understanding establishes responsibilities of the City and the HCD regarding the acceptance of the grant and the installation of the charging stations.
The Public Service Committee will review the matter.
CONCLUSION:
The grant program is open to Illinois’ Certified Conventions and Visitors Bureaus with the money being directed towards the development of tourism, education, preservation, and promotion leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026, with a focus on future transportation and tourism trends such as electric vehicles (EVs).
The grant award of up to $117,000.00 includes the installation up to six (6) charging stations at the Old Joliet Prison site, for both Public and Private use. The grant will cover the entire project costs and will not require matching funds. All payments will be made by the HCD.
The City’s responsibility under the MOU is to: obtain two (2) quotes to install the charging stations, manage the installations, take possession of the chargers after installation, and assume responsibility for their operation and maintenance.
There is no local match required for acceptance of the grant funds; however, approval of the MOU with the HCD obligates the City to make a one-time payment of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) to the HCD to cover project management costs. Funding is available to cover this fee through the Fleet Services Professional Services budget (Org 01016000, Object 523300, $3,000.00).
The attached MOU formalizes the City’s partnership with the HCD in this economic development opportunity and outlines the commitments of the City and HCD regarding the procurement and installation of these charging stations. The project must be completed by June 30th, 2024.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the attached resolution authorizing staff to receive up to $117,000.00 in non-matching grant funds to install EVCS at the Old Joliet Prison.
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