Aurora Infrastructure Committee Approves Water System and Cybersecurity Upgrades

The Aurora Infrastructure and Technology Committee on July 13 approved a one-year security service contract worth $90,296.43 for Fortinet firewalls and a roofing replacement at the river intake building capped at $61,713.75.

These decisions come as the city maintains aging water infrastructure that switched to Fox River water in 1992 and refreshes cybersecurity tools through a new managed security provider. Committee members reviewed bids and renewal pricing during the session streamed by the City of Aurora.

The river intake facility sits on the Fox River and supplies raw water to Aurora's treatment plant. Staff noted the original membrane roof had begun to deteriorate, prompting spot repairs by city crews and outside contractors before the full replacement was budgeted last year.

Firewall support moves to new vendor

IT staff explained the security purchase covers patches, 24/7 support and upgrades for existing firewalls. This marks the first purchase from World Home Exchange Inc., selected through cooperative Omnia pricing after the city began working with a new managed security services provider. Members asked about multi-year options but were told three-year terms would be explored later once switch and gear upgrades are complete.

Roof project stays on budget

Four bids came in for the roofing work. Anthony Roofing Tecta America LLC submitted the low bid, which aligned with the approved decision package amount. The replacement uses the same rubberized EPDM material as the original. A standard one-year labor and materials warranty applies. Committee members noted the 1992 installation date and expressed hope the new membrane would last another three decades.

Both items passed by voice vote after brief discussion. The resolutions now advance to the full city council for final action, allowing the firewall service to begin and the roofing contractor to schedule work at the river intake building.