TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Beth Beatty, City Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Joliet for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
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BACKGROUND:
Staff is seeking City Council approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau (HCCVB) for Grant Funds of up to $117,000.00 under the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) - Rt 66 Program in 2023 Round 2 (Rt 66 Grant - Rd 2) 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 for years to come. 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 two locations - the Old Joliet Prison property and the Broadway Greenway.
The Public Service Committee will review the matter.
CONCLUSION:
The grant program was 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 award for the community of Joliet under the Rt 66 Grant - Round 2, of $117,000.00 includes up to 6 charging stations at both the Old Joliet Prison site and the Broadway Greenway. The grant for the EVCS will cover the project costs and will not require matching funds. All payments will be made by the HCCVB. The City’s responsibility under the MOU is to: obtain two (2) quotes, manage the installations, and take possession of the chargers along with operation and maintenance. There is no local match required for acceptance of the grant funds; however, approval of the MOU with the HCCVB obligates the City to make a one-time payment of thee thousand dollars ($3,000.00) to the HCCVB to cover project management costs for the exhibit. The City has funding available to cover this fee through its Fleet Services Professional Services budget (Org 01016000; Object 523300, $3,000.00).
The attached MOUs formalizes the City’s partnership with the HCCVB in this economic development opportunity and outlines the commitments of the City and HCCVB regarding the procurement and installation of these signs and objects. The project must be completed by June 30th, 2024.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends the Mayor and City Council approve the attached resolution that would authorize staff to receive grant funds up to $117,000.00 (non-matching) to install EVCSs at the Old Joliet prison and Broadway Greenway.
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