Peoria Standard

Batavia City Committee of the Whole met May 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

PLEASE NOTE: These minutes are not a word-for-word transcription of the statements made at the meeting, nor intended to be a comprehensive review of all discussions. Minutes are intended to make an official record of the actions taken by the Committee/City Council, and to include some description of discussion points as understood by the minute-taker. Any references to discussion and /or statements are only to provide greater clarity to the public and they may not reference all, some, or any of an individual speaker’s comments.

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER 

The electronic meeting was held on GoToWebinar due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was called to order by Mayor Schielke at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was configured to allow public participation if requested.

2. INVOCATION followed by PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

Mayor Schielke offered a brief invocation. Ald. Russotto led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. ROLL CALL 

13 of 14 aldermen were present via phone and/or video at roll call. 

Aldermen (by ward): Michael O’Brien (1), Jennifer Baerren (1), Martin Callahan (2), Alan Wolff (2), Elliot Meitzler (3), Dan Chanzit (3), Joe Knopp (4), Mark Uher (5), Abby Beck (5), Nicholas Cerone (6), Michael Russotto (6), Drew McFadden (7), and Keenan Miller (7) were present. Tony Malay (4) was absent at roll call but joined the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

Also present were members of the public and the following:

City Attorney Roman Seckel 

City Clerk Ellen Posledni 

City Administrator Laura Newman 

Director of Public Works Gary Holm 

Director of Information Services Howard Chason 

Fire Chief Randy Deicke

4. REMINDER: Please speak into the microphone 

Mayor Schielke reminded everyone to use their microphones so the audio is clear for all listeners and the recording.

5. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED 

None.

6. CONSENT AGENDA 

Ald. Chanzit read the Consent Agenda as follows.

Approvals:

A. May 15, 2020 Payroll $879,520.87 B. Accounts Payable Check Register $3,152,880.33

Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

7. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC: (For Items NOT On The Agenda) 

None

Ald. Malay joined the meeting.

8. APPOINTMENT: Reappoint Randy Deicke to Batavia Fire Pension Board 

Mayor Schielke requested the reappointment.

Motion by Ald. Wolff, seconded by Ald. Cerone, to approve the reappointments as presented. Motion carried 14 yea/ 0 nay/ 0 absent.

9. PROCLAMATION: Public Works Week 

Ald. Chanzit read the proclamation declaring May 17 – May 23, 2020, to be National Public Works Week in Batavia.

Administrator Newman noted that the Public Works Department is among the city’s first responders, and when the city was hit with tremendous storms over the weekend, crews responded to flooding across the city. Their service is essential.

Mayor Schielke concurred, adding that the volume of calls over the weekend may have set a record.

Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the proclamation as read. Motion carried 14 yea/ 0 nay/ 0 absent.

10. PROCLAMATION: National Gun Violence Awareness Day 

Ald. Chanzit read the proclamation declaring the first Friday in June, June 5, 2020, to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the City of Batavia, suggesting citizens wear orange that day to signify their support for gun violence awareness.

Mayor Schielke noted that a local group of citizens is active in this cause, and while he supports the intent, he added that laws also need to respect the Second Amendment. This is an issue that impacts Batavia.

Ald. O’Brien noted that not enough is being done to solve the problem of gun violence. He said he doesn’t know what the solution is, but too many Americans are being killed by guns. He suggested the government needs to do a better job of recognizing mental health issues and working on solutions. Thoughts and prayers are not enough, and he is disturbed that gun violence has not been curbed in the U.S. He added that better education about gun violence is also important.

Mayor Schielke said it is a problem that needs to be addressed. Ald. Chanzit thanked the Mayor for his leadership on this issue. Ald. Callahan shared a story about witnessing gun violence take a life and the lifelong impact it has on you. Mayor Schielke shared a story about Batavia’s connection to the Newtown shooting and said it was one of the worst tragedies that has ever happened in the U.S.

Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Beck, to approve the proclamation as read. Motion carried 14 yea/ 0 nay/ 0 absent.

11. MAINSTREET 

MainStreet Director Sherri Wilcox Dauskurdas reported that the community raised nearly $13,000 this month for local businesses through two initiatives.

• $100 gift boxes were sold that contained goods from local businesses, raising more than $9,000.

• Black Cactus T-Shirt Shop printed T-shirts with local business logos on them for purchase by the public. The program raised $3,400 for local businesses plus the earnings by Black Cactus.

Taking Care of Our Caretakers continues to purchase meals from local restaurants to deliver to caregivers and first responders in Batavia and surrounding communities.

The Batavia Boardwalk Shops hope to open by the end of May. They plan to open when Gov. Pritzker indicates they can, although they may also be able to do curbside deliveries if the state shutdown continues.

The Indoor Farmers Market continues to operate with curbside pickup, and the outdoor market will open May 30. Steps are being taken to help ensure it’s a healthy and safe environment for shoppers and vendors. The following are some of the intended changes:

• Market vendors will be spaced 10 feet apart down one side of River Street, with overflow in the lot at River and Spring Street.

• Face coverings will be required for everyone.

• Hand sanitizer will be available at all booths, plus volunteers will carry it.

• Pre-orders will be an option for some vendors.

• Gerald Subaru has offered to make home deliveries for those who can’t safely attend in person.

• Cash will not be accepted – all purchases must be credit card or prepaid online.

• No pets will be allowed.

May is an important month for children, with many moving on to new schools and missing rites of passage. MainStreet appreciates them all and congratulates the Class of 2020.

12. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 

Administrator Newman shared that many Committee of the Whole meetings have been canceled, including three in May, because Gov. Pritzker’s Executive Order only allows electronic meetings to be held for necessary items of business, and those agenda items were not deemed necessary at this time.

MainStreet and the Chamber are doing an extraordinary job responding to the pandemic. They are brainstorming with city staff weekly, and recently helped host a virtual Town Hall for local businesses to update them on the city’s pandemic response and resources available. One hundred people participated in the event. More sessions will be scheduled, and the next session in June will allow participants to ask questions of department heads at the city.

The city will be launching a pledge program for local businesses to indicate businesses that pledge to operate using safe practices during the pandemic. Those who sign the pledge will get a certificate they can post in their window so that patrons can feel comfortable entering the business. Griffin Price is working on a branded design for the certificate.

The city’s Comprehensive Financial Report is being prepared.

City staff met with Dave Patzelt from Shodeen to go over the revised plans for One Washington Place that he will resubmit to the Plan Commission for their design approval of the changes presented at the April 28 Committee of the Whole meeting. A new redevelopment agreement was also discussed. Shodeen has asked the design plans for the parking garage to be submitted to the city’s parking construction consultant. They also discussed the process for Shodeen to seek a permit for the left turn lane from northbound Washington Street to westbound State Street.

Revised plans are being reviewed for the Menards expansion project.

In Public Works, the 2019 Area 3 storm-sewer project is finishing, and the 2020 project is starting in a few days.

The Prairie Street project has been delayed due to private utilities issues.

The Main Street project is on schedule, but staging needed to be modified due to utilities issues.

City crews have been busy responding to reports of flooding.

Complaints have been made about fast driving in neighborhoods, so the city will once again roll out its Slow Down campaign. Signs are being updated and should be available in a couple of weeks.

Ald. Cerone asked if the Council could preview the redevelopment plans being submitted for One Washington Place. Administrator Newman said she would provide those. Ald. Callahan asked why the city is paying for the parking garage consultant. Administrator Newman said that money was previously budgeted for the whole project. Director Holm noted they do not have an estimated cost on it yet, and Ald. Callahan again asked why the city is paying for this. Director Holm noted that the project is being done on behalf of the city and will be owned by the city, and it is part of the overall cost of the project. Administrator Newman added that the city’s consultant will be looking out for the city’s best interests in the project.

13. COMMITTEE REPORTS 

Ald. Wolff reminded everyone to keep street drains clear in light of the recent flooding.

Ald. Callahan asked that a timeline on One Washington Place outlining when decisions need to be made be sent to the City Council.

14. OTHER BUSINESS 

Ald. Meitzler thanked Director Holm and Public Works crews for their response to the Carriage Park area flooding, noting that many residents in that area contacted Public Works for assistance in the recent storms. He asked what the status is of the 2019 study of the area. Director Holm said engineers are finishing the Phase I study. A proposed solution would pump groundwater out, so an environmental assessment was required. Phase II is in the 2020 budget, but the project is on the hold list for now in light of budgetary concerns due to the pandemic.

Ald. Chanzit shared that he is personally aware of a recent situation in which someone in need of clean needles in order to be safe was able to get them from Lindsay Hartman at Point to Point. He said he would like to invite her to return to an upcoming City Council meeting to share an update on the service.

15. MAYOR’S REPORT 

Mayor Schielke noted the passing of Jim Benson, who was the city’s building inspector for many years. He started in 1970, and before his retirement, he relayed to the Mayor that he had gone to the Industrial Park recently and was very proud to have been the inspector for all 85 or so buildings in the park at that time. In the 1980 census, Batavia has 12,574 residents, a number that doubled before Benson retired. Mayor Schielke shared that he was a great spokesman for the city and also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Batavia Fire Department. In fact, his office was next to the old fire station, so when he was in his office, he could jump in the truck when he heard the bell ring. The mayor said he served without fanfare but did an excellent job and left his mark on Batavia.

Batavia High School Class of 2020 has the distinction of being the 150th class to graduate from the school, which was formed in 1970. The mayor said it was a shame that the graduation ceremony was canceled due to the pandemic, and the city is trying to determine how to honor the 150th class in some other way. He shared his best wishes and congratulations to all the graduations, saying they represent a proud moment in Batavia history.

The pandemic is one of the most complex and challenging things Mayor Schielke has faced during his tenure. He is proud of how Batavia has handled the crisis, and the city is still determining what can and can’t be done safely this summer. The July 4 fireworks show is unlikely, although he would like to find another way to honor the country in a safe way, perhaps even later in the summer. The city is fortunate to have this City Council serving the city and working so well together during this trying time. They all have the heart and soul of the community in mind.

24. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ald. Wolff, seconded by Ald. Callahan, to adjourn.

Ald. Callahan noted that a graduation parade is being planned in two days, the afternoon that would have been the Batavia High School graduation. The route includes Wards 2, 3 and 7, and he anticipates the city will receive a lot of questions about it.

Mayor Schielke said he did not know anything about the parade. Administrator Newman said neither the School District nor the city were notified, and that the parade supposedly will be led by the Kane County Sheriff. The parade starts at 7 p.m. and families and students are being asked to meet in the Sam’s Club parking lot. Administrator Newman noted that the governor’s Executive Order allows for drive-thru church services, but other types of gatherings don’t comply with the order and are not considered essential travel. Events like this put the public health at risk.

Ald. Callahan noted that some people believe it is a city-sanctioned event.

Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.

http://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05182020-1553