Peoria Standard

City of Batavia City Council Met Dec. 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Schielke at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was held remotely on GoToWebinar due to restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. INVOCATION followed by PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

3. ROLL CALL

14 of 14 aldermen were present at roll call.

Aldermen (by ward) in attendance: Jennifer Baerren (1), Michael O’Brien (1), Alan Wolff (2), Martin Callahan (2), Elliot Meitzler (3), Dan Chanzit (3), Tony Malay (4), Joe Knopp (4), Abby Beck (5), Mark Uher (5), Michael Russotto (6), Nicholas Cerone (6), Keenan Miller (7) and Drew McFadden (7)

Also attending were the following:

City Clerk Ellen Posledni

City Attorney Roman Seckel

City Administrator Laura Newman

Public Works Director Gary Holm

Assistant City Administrator Anthony Isom

Finance Director Peggy Colby

Community Development Director Scott Buening

Human Resources Director Wendy Bednarek

4. REMINDER: Please speak into the microphone

Mayor Schielke reminded everyone to use their microphones.

5. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED

Ald. Chanzit requested moving Item F on the Consent Agenda to 9a.

6. CONSENT AGENDA

Ald. Chanzit read the Consent Agenda as follows.

Accept and Place on File:

A. Committee of the Whole Minutes October 26, 2020

B. Historic Preservation Commission September 28, 2020

Approvals:

C. Payroll November 27th is $917,681.28

D. Accounts Payable Check Register $8,520,333.90

E. City Council Minutes for November 2, 2020 and November 16, 2020

F. APPROVAL: Class D-1 (Restaurant – All Liquor) Liquor License Application for Windmill Grille and Pizzeria located at – 90 N. Island Ave, Batavia. (DME 11/13/20 COW 12/01/20 12/0) GS

G. ORDINANCE 20-71: Declaring Certain Property to be Surplus and Authorizing Sale Thereof (SH 11/17/20 COW 12/01/20 13/0)

H. RESOLUTION 20-132-R: Authorizing Task Order #5 with Baxter & Woodman for Construction Engineering Services for 2021 Ward 1 - Phase 4 (TG 11/23/20 COW 12/01/20 13/0) CD

I. ORDINANCE 20-65: Revocation of a Conditional Use for a Planned Development Granted by Ordinance 08-23 (DMR 11/20/20 COW 12/01/20 13/0) CD

J. RESOLUTION 20-128-R: Accepting Utility and Drainage Easement Agreements (DMR 11/20/20 COW 12/01/20 13/0) CD

K. ORDINANCE 20-66: Amending the Text of the Zoning Code (DMR 11/18/20 COW 12/01/20 13/0) CD

L. RESOLUTION 20-130-R: Approving a Variation to the Subdivision Regulations (City Code Title 11) Regarding the Front Building Line at 1111 Newton Court (corner of Newton Avenue) Michael Blankenship, property owner and applicant (JLS 11/20/20 COW 12/01/20 13/0) CD

M. ORDINANCE 20-74: An Ordinance Regulating the 2021 Payment for ESDA Volunteer Members (WCB 12/01/2020 COW 12/01/20 12/0) GS

N. ORDINANCE 20-73: An Ordinance Regulating the 2021 Wages and Salaries for the Paid on-Call Members of the Fire Department (WCB 12/07/2020 COW 12/07/20 12/0) GS O. RESOLUTION 20-133-R: Authorizing Execution of the Temporary Construction Easement Agreement with the State Bank of Geneva (Shodeen Group) related to the Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project (JPB 11/23/2020 COW 12/01/20 12/0) PU

P. RESOLUTION 20-134-R: Approving a construction contract with Electric Conduit Construction to build a Fiber Hut/Critical Infrastructure Communication Node Shelter at Paramount Substation for an amount not to exceed $266,677 which includes 10 percent contingency amount (RB 11/23/20 COW 12/01/20 12/0) PU

Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 14 yea/ 0 nay/ 0 absent.

7. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC: (For Items NOT on the Agenda) Roy Bailey addressed the Council regarding the Batavia ACCESS Toy Drive. He revealed that he believed this fall that the Toy Drive would need to be canceled this year due to the pandemic, but his daughter refused to concede. She said they would hold the drive in their front yard if necessary. Fortunately, the city was able to arrange for the drive to be held in the former Sam’s Club building. The community has continued to donate toys even though many donation locations, like schools, are closed. The event will be held December 13, and every child will get a toy, game, large gift, small gift, hat, mittens and gloves. It starts at 12:00 and ends at 3:30. This year, recipients will drive up and their gifts will be brought out to their car to minimize contact. Thank you to the Batavia Police Department and Fire Department for their support again this year. Donations are still being accepted, with the biggest need for teens.

Mayor Schielke thanked Mr. Bailey as well as his family and the Dubis family for their continued support of this event for so many years. The Toy Drive was started by the Batavia Fire Department, which would fix broken toys, and then the Rotary Club would deliver them to children in town.

8. PRESENTATION: Boardwalk Shops – Bob Hansen

Administrator Newman shared that because the shops will remain open in December, Mr. Hansen will instead present the year’s final tallies in January.

9. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

President and CEO Margaret Perreault thanked the mayor for participating in the Mayor’s Breakfast recently. The Chamber continues to provide information and services to help companies navigate the pandemic. Downtown retailers are now selling goods online and restaurants are doing carry-out food. Grant money is still available from the government and will be awarded on a rolling basis; information is available on the Chamber’s website. Ms. Perreault shared some upcoming events.

The Batavia Community Guide and Membership Directory will be mailed in January. Three new businesses have joined the Chamber.

Ongoing initiatives involving the Chamber include the Home for the Holidays promotion with MainStreet and the We Side With Batavia restaurant competition. Chamber Bucks are available in $10 denominations. A second round of Holiday Bucks will be released that will expire in March 2021. There is a $50 limit per household. The Chamber is doubling the value of Holiday Bucks up to $2,500 total to help support local businesses.

Maria Kuhn from Kuhn Counseling provided an update on the Batavia Counselor’s Collaborative. The group put together a Mental Health Matters booklet that has been provided to schools and other organizations. Free services are being offered to residents in the Batavia Apartments who are struggling without transportation, internet access or health insurance. Aurora University interns are assisting people, especially those who have a language barrier. A Town Hall Video series has been produced in 15-minute segments. The first video focuses on coping with the holidays.

December 7, 2020, Minutes of the Batavia City Council, Batavia, Illinois Page 3 of 13

The Longest Night event will be held at 6 p.m. on December 21 as a joint venture with the Batavia Ministerial Assn. People are asked to go out on their porch at that time and ring a bell and/or light a candle in solidarity with those who are struggling.

9a. APPROVAL: Class D-1 (Restaurant – All Liquor) Liquor License Application for Windmill Grille and Pizzeria located at – 90 N. Island Ave, Batavia. (DME 11/13/20 COW 12/01/20 12/0) GS

Ald. Beck left the meeting at 8:09 p.m.

Mayor Schielke shared that a new restaurant has requested approval of a liquor license. The owners have had a successful venture in Springfield. One of the owners addressed the Council and said they hope to have their menu online soon to begin fulfilling orders for carry-out. They will share updates on their website and Facebook.

Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Wolff, to approve the license as requested. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

Ald. Beck returned to the meeting at 8:13 p.m.

10. ORDINANCE 20-64: An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a First Amendment to an Annexation Agreement Recorded as Document No. 2009K054749, Betweeen the City of Batavia and R Russell Builders Inc., John & Dorothy Pitz, Owen D. Beckley Living Trust Dated 4/4/1996 & Tracey C. B Beckley Living Trust Dated 4/4/1996 (DMR 11/20/20 COW 12/01/20 13/0) CD

Ald. Callahan introduced the item related to the former Catherine’s Cove development. A Public Hearing was held last week. Changing the annexation requires a 2/3 majority vote.

Director Buening noted that this is the last document needed to unwind the Catherine’s Cove project and allow status quo for the existing homes.

Motion by Ald. Callahan, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the item as presented. Motion carried 14 yea/ 0 nay/ 0 absent.

11. RESOLUTION 20-131-R: Adoption of 2021 Budget (PC – No Memo COW 11/17/20 7/6) GS

Ald. Chanzit introduced the item to adopt the 2021 budget. Administrator Newman explained that at the last COW meeting, Council members directed staff to cut $150,000 from the budget to balance out the 2.5% pay increase for staff. These proposed cuts could be reconsidered in mid 2021 once the financial impacts of the pandemic are better understood. The proposed item now reflects the following cuts ($152,000 in total):

• $60,000 for monument entrance signs at city entry points

• $72,000 for the columbarium at the West Side Cemetery

• $20,000 for business recruiting consulting work

Administrator Newman noted that they hope to fill the business development manager role in early 2021 and allow that person to help guide investments related to business recruiting.

Ald. Uher asked if state grant money was going to be used for the city entryway signs. Administrator Newman said no, that signage was always part of the Streets and Sanitation budget.

No members of the public indicated a wish to be recognized to make comments.

Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. McFadden, to approve the resolution as presented. Motion failed 6 yea/ 8 nay/ 0 absent.

Administrator Newman asked what changes need to be made to the item for passage. She said the Council had directed staff to cut $150,000, and the proposed budget reflects those cuts.

Ald. Cerone said since last week’s COW, many residents had offered feedback expressing concerns about pay raises during the pandemic. He acknowledged that the budget is balanced, but he was unsure if passing the budget means that everything within the budget, including pay raises, is automatically approved as well.

Director Colby noted that approving the budget doesn’t mean that everything in it is automatically approved if those items are separate ordinances, including the pay raises.

Administrator Newman said she thought the Council directed staff to make $150,000 in cuts, and staff did as requested. Ald. Cerone acknowledged that is true, but that resident feedback has impacted decisions about the budget.

Director Colby asked if the Council could specifically discuss the budget, noting that the tax levies could not pass tonight unless the budget passes, and the timeline is tight to get those done.

Ald. Chanzit said the vote has been taken. He asked if the item now has to go back to the COW for further discussion, adding that he has never seen a budget not pass. Attorney Seckel said that procedurally, budget changes can be discussed if a “nay” voter makes a motion to amend the item.

Ald. Wolff said he understood that if staff found $150,000 in cuts, the budget would pass. Ald. Uher said his concerns have always been about the wage increases, noting that he feels this is overspending that is not appropriate in today’s economic climate. Ald. O’Brien noted that the wage increases could be addressed separately while still passing the overall budget.

Attorney Seckel said someone can make a motion to reconsider the budget item and then consider the wage ordinance separately.

Motion by Ald. Russotto, seconded by Ald. Miller to reconsider the vote on Resolution 20- 131-R.

Ald. O’Brien noted that Council can pass the budget even if the wage ordinance fails. Administrator Newman noted that even if the budget passes, the Council must still approve expenditures throughout the year as they come before the body. The budget is merely a plan.

Ald. Russotto agreed that the wage ordinance is a separate issue and should be considered separately. Ald. Callahan noted that the budget did not actually pass out of the COW: the vote was 7-7. He said concerns were raised all along about the level of spending, and it is not up to Council to propose cuts – that is the job of staff. He added that this is an unusual year with the pandemic, but the cuts made were to items that seem to be removed every year. They are not extraordinary cuts. He said staff continues to cut things that shouldn’t have been in the budget anyway. He said the budget overall is too high in light of the facts they are dealing with.

Ald. Wolff asked if there were other things that could be cut. Administrator Newman suggested the lighting on River Street could be taken out. Ald. Callahan reiterated that Council’s job is not to micromanage cuts, and that staff should be making these proposals. He said if the cuts were easy to make, they should not have been in the budget to begin with.

Administrator Newman explained that $4.5 million was cut from the budget last year. A large donation was made to the city to build the columbarium, and the West Cemetery is running out of space to build it. The donor regularly inquires about when it is going to be built. She added that staff has considered other suggested cuts, such as to maintenance and road repairs, but those will end up costing the city more money down the road. She added that as a matter of fairness, the 2.5% wage increase for non-collective-bargaining staff matches what the collective bargaining staff is getting for 2021.

Ald. O’Brien said this discussion should be happening at the COW meeting. He said the issue across the board is wage increases. In a pandemic, the city is losing businesses, retail taxes are being depleted, people are losing their jobs, and the city is being tone deaf if they give raises right now. Taxpayers could be losing their homes. He said he has never not voted for wage increases. He added that they need to pass the budget and discuss the wage ordinance later. He also wondered why the wage ordinance passed the COW 12-0.

Administrator Newman added that two wage ordinances already passed tonight as part of the Consent Agenda.

Ald. Wolff said if the city’s finances are so dire, they should go to the unions and ask them to delay the wage increases. Administrator Newman asked Director Colby how much the city’s revenues were off of projections. Director Colby said projections are not off by much for sales taxes. Administrator Newman said there hasn’t been much of a reduction in revenue. Ald. Russotto said he thought revenues were down 23%. Administrator Newman said that is originally what was projected, but people have been shopping a lot. Director Colby said that drop in revenue was just one month.

Ald. Callahan said the city may not be feeling it now, but other communities are feeling deep impacts, and 2/3 of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck; that includes residents of Batavia. He said no one knows where the city will be financially this winter, but he sees storm clouds on the horizon.

Administrator Newman said with so many people hurting, it is odd that wage increases is the part of the budget the Council wants to cut. Ald. Callahan said no, half of the Council was asking for spending cuts. Administrator Newman said they also should consider that cuts will impact the level of service that residents get in the city.

Director Colby said it was never made clear that more budget cuts were needed. Staff followed the directive to cut $150,000, and that was done. These discussions should have happened earlier.

Ald. Callahan said he is not suggesting the budget is reckless. He said they are trying to find a middle ground: one said says the city will be OK financially, the other side wants to put the brakes on. Director Colby said she is disappointed that the directive to cut even more is coming tonight so that the budget won’t pass.

Ald. Baerren said she shared last week that the city has spent reserves every year for the last four years. If there is so much in reserves to tap into, how can the city take more from taxpayers? She said this is the time to use reserves; when times are tough, you have to keep going. You can’t delay maintenance, and there are other projects that the Council wants to get done. You can’t put everything on hold. She added that staff does an excellent job of coming in under budget. She added that the budget is a tool, not the final projection of how spending will unfold.

Ald. Malay said he could not be at last week’s COW, and no recording or results sheet were available to review. He asked if the directive to cut $150,000 was tied to approving the wage increase. Administrator Newman affirmed that, and noted the wage increase passed 12-0. Ald. Malay said he has no issue with the 2.5% increase for all staff, but he has concerns about adjusting the pay grades for several employees to the top level.

Administrator Newman said the pay grade adjustment only makes them eligible for a step increase above their current salary. Ald. Malay asked if employees at Grade 25 step G would be going to Grade 27 step G. Director Bednarek explained they would move to Grade 27 step F. Ald. Malay said even moving back a step would result in more than a 2.5% wage increase. Director Bednarek affirmed that assertion in some cases.

Ald. Malay asked what the total cost of the wage increases would be. Administrator Newman said it would $130,000, and staff has cut $152,000 to balance it. Ald. Malay asked why this discussion did not happen at the COW meeting.

Director Colby said sometimes wage ordinances cover two or three years, and sometimes they come before or after the budget is decided. Staff makes estimates about wages, but the budget and the wage ordinances don’t always come at the same time, and she noted that wage increases have a minimal impact on the city’s overall budget. She is concerned that the consensus seems to be to cut more from the budget.

Ald. Malay said he intended to support the original budget, but he is concerned about the new cuts. He said he is in favor of the budget that was presented two weeks ago.

Director Colby said she discussed cuts with the department heads. Cuts to Streets were discussed, but she noted that there is a lot of Streets work that needs to be done.

Ald. Uher said he can’t imagine that the city would be in disrepair if some of the streets and sewer work was delayed a year. He said he hopes that the city’s finances will be back on track in 2022.

Mayor Schielke said he has sat in on many budget discussions over the years, and that the budget is always a day-to-day work in progress. City Council has the authority throughout the year to decide how to spend funds. The budget is merely a broad outline, and staff has put together a solid outline this year. He said he hates to see the city’s welcome signs delayed. He said the city is not in bad shape: New businesses are moving in, people are asking for zoning amendments. There is a lot of work ahead. He said he has had six conversations in the past three weeks with people who want to open businesses downtown. The city just got CARES funding. His understanding was that $150,000 should be removed from the budget, and then they would see how the year unfolds. He said the city is on top of whether it can afford certain projects. He added that a 207,000-square-foot building in the industrial park has just broken ground, and new single-family permits are being issued. He further added that passing this budget does not raise any taxes, noting that if the Council wants to cut taxes, that would be a different conversation. He noted that Batavia’s taxes are on the low end, and that some surrounding communities have a much higher tax rate. He said Batavia’s rate is about $0.73 while others are over $2.00.

Administrator Newman said in 2020, the city demonstrated how nimble it can be with the budget. Staff delayed $4.5 million in spending in this year’s budget. She said they have shown they can make a course correction if needed.

Ald. Callahan said he appreciates the discussion, but they need to remember than a City Council meeting vote is final, while a COW vote is not. Administrator Newman suggested staff was not given proper direction. Ald. Callahan said the public hears the COW discussion and then adds their voice to the discussion before the final vote at City Council. They have had resounding feedback from the public about spending concerns. Aldermen are trying to incorporate what the community is saying, and he said they need more time to figure that out.

Ald. Cerone agreed, noting that his vote changed from last week after hearing from so many constituents and learning how much people are hurting. Ald. Callahan added that he is not voting based on polls but based on his conscience. Administrator Newman asked if the concern was not dollars but the desire to see the 75 non-collectively-bargained city employees suffer. Ald. Uher said it’s not suffering; it’s sacrifice. Administrator Newman clarified it’s a sacrifice for these 75 employees.

Ald. O’Brien said the city is being tone deaf, noting that no one working for the city is suffering. He added that 10 or 11 years ago, everyone was asked to take a pay cut due to the economic downturn. Administrator Newman said the city is not experiencing that type of impact on revenue now. Ald. O’Brien said it doesn’t look good to give pay raises when people are suffering. He said they have good people working for the city, and this is not an attack on them, but that money could be used to help others who need it.

Director Bednarek said if the City Council is saying the city is in a dire situation and can’t give pay raises, raises should be denied across the board for all employees. She explained that the city has always tried to be equal across the board for employee groups. If the city is at a point where pay raises can’t be approved for one group, they should be denied for all groups.

Ald. O’Brien agreed, and suggested they could go back to the unions to freeze the pay increase. He added that the city is good place to work. Ald. Chanzit suggested they don’t want union contracts to go to arbitration. Director Bednarek said in arbitration, the city would have to prove financial hardship, and she believes they would lose. Ald. Chanzit said this would be a disastrous mistake. Ald. McFadden agreed.

Ald. Malay said moving some employees from Grade 25 step G to Grade 27 step F would be a 6% raise. Administrator Newman said a step is about a 5.5% increase, excluding COLA. They followed internal and external benchmarking to determine a fair wage for those employees. Ald. Malay said he is in favor of reconsidering the budget with the proposed $150,000 in cuts.

Administrator Newman added that everyone within a pay grade is receiving an increase; it is not exclusive to these five individuals. Ald. Malay said they would be creating additional lanes for people for future pay increases. Administrator Newman said wage increases affect employee morale, especially when they are not in line with their peers.

Ald. Baerren asked if the people moving up in pay grades would also be getting the 2.5% wage increase. Director Bednarek confirmed that all pay grades will increase by 2.5%. If they stay on their current grade, they will get a 2.5% increase. Ald. Baerren asked how these salaries compare to other cities with similar populations and job responsibilities. Director Bednarek explained that the city completes studies based on EAV, sales tax and population to identify comparable cities, and then look at the salaries for comparable positions. They aim to be at the median level within that group. She added that internal equity also plays a role.

Mayor Schielke said if the Council votes to reconsider the budget, they will be able to discuss it again. He would hate for the budget to fail tonight. Ald. Uher said the budget item will probably pass, but the problem will be pay raises.

Director Colby said they should not push the budget through just because of the timeline; she noted they could discuss at the next COW, but asked for specific direction on cuts so the budget can still pass at the next City Council meeting.

Mayor Schielke added that the Council has not voted on Item 16 yet related to the wage ordinance. Director Colby added that if the budget does not pass, they can’t pass the tax levies tonight.

Ald. Callahan asked if the $152,000 reduction is permanent or stipulated. Mayor Schielke said it is permanent until City Council changes it.

Motion by Ald. Malay, seconded by Ald. Miller, to call the question. The motion to reconsider the vote on Resolution 20-131-R passed 10 yea/ 3 nay/ 1 absent.

Motion by Ald. Malay, seconded by Ald. Wolff, to approve the resolution as presented. Motion carried 9 yea/ 4 nay/ 1 absent.

12. ORDINANCE 20-67: Tax Levy (PC 11/13/20 COW 11/17/20 13/0) GS Ald. Chanzit introduced the tax levies for consideration. Ald. Callahan asked if any members of the public wished to address the Council. No attendees indicated a desire to be recognized.

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

13. ORDINANCE 20-68: Tax Levy SSA #30 (PC 11/13/20 COW 11/17//20 13/0) GS

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

14. ORDINANCE 20-69: Tax Levy SSA #62 (PC 11/13/20 COW 11/17/20 13/0) GS

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

15. ORDINANCE 20-59: Municipal Cannabis Retailers Occupation Tax (LN 11/13/20 COW 11/17/20 12/1) GS

Ald. Chanzit explained the item would set the tax rate on cannabis facilities. Neighboring communities have set the rate at 3%.

Motion by Ald. Malay, seconded by Ald. Callahan, to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

16. ORDINANCE 20-72: An Ordinance Amending the 2021 Wage and Salary Ordinance for Non-Collective Bargained Employees. (WCB 12/01/20 COW 12/01/20 4/8 Amended 12/0) GS

Ald. Chanzit introduce the item, which includes title changes, and wage and salary increases. Ald. Uher noted that this item needs more discussion, and this is not the time for it.

Ald. Wolff said not passing wage increases for a certain segment of employees sends a terrible message considering all that employees have endured this year. All employees have always been treated equitably, which is why the city has such a solid workforce. This is $130,000 of the budget, and they should not have waited until the last minute to hash this out. If the union contracts were approved, then this ordinance should be approved. The budget can be adjusted at any time. Through the past five or six years, the city has had deficit budgets that rely on spending reserves, but they usually don’t end up needing the reserves. Staff does a great job of saving money. He said if he was an employee hearing this discussion, he would not have faith that the City Council has their backs. This item has no effect on taxpayers; it only affects reserve spending.

Ald. Malay said he agrees with the 2.5% increase, but now is not the time to adjust steps. Ald. Wolff agreed that the optics of that are bad. Ald. Malay said he understands the step adjustment is needed to stay competitive, but now is not the right time.

Ald. Callahan asked what message it sends to the community to pass wage increases. He said their job is to represent the residents, and there is great concern among them right now. Waiting for the crash to make adjustments is not the right strategy. The City Council is trying to make a point: It’s not Us vs. Them. The message at the COW was that this is a questionable time for giving raises. Going back to adjust contracts was never offered as an option. This is an emotional time for the community. It’s not that the Council doesn’t care about staff; we do need to spend reserves this year, but that money won’t be there next year, and no one knows what next year will bring. He said aldermen are not listening to residents. He added that every year, aldermen are told to question the budget. This year they are questioning it because of extenuating circumstances. He said this is the wrong time for wage increases.

Ald. O’Brien said Ald. Wolff makes a lot of sense, and he agrees with Ald. Malay. He said if they are giving something to union employees, then they should not leave the rest of the employees behind. He would not go along with the grade increases for upper management. He added he will continue to vote his conscience.

Ald. McFadden said they have a responsibility to the community, and part of that is to recognize that this situation is temporary, albeit tough. He said they need to make sure the city is well positioned when the pandemic ends, and that includes having staff in place. Growth is on the horizon, and they need to make sure they are ready to take advantage of opportunities coming up. Everyone is differently affected by the pandemic; some are getting crushed, and some are doing well. The city is well positioned moving forward, and he doesn’t think they should hamstring themselves just because other communities are struggling.

Ald. Russotto said he understands the points being made. Being in lending, he has seen people losing houses, healthcare workers getting furloughs and pay cuts. He has processed PPP loans. People are hurting, and they are looking at a further lockdown coming. He doesn’t want to send the wrong message to those who are struggling.

Motion by Ald. Malay, seconded by Ald. Wolff, to amend the ordinance to eliminate the change in pay grades. Motion carried 12 yea/ 2 nay/ 0 absent.

Motion by Ald. Malay, seconded by Ald. Baerren, to approve the ordinance as amended. Motion carried 12 yea/ 2 nay/ 0 absent.

17. ORDINANCE 20-70: Amending the Municipal Code Relating to Water Usage Rates (GH 11/16/20 COW 12/01/20 12/0) PU

Ald. Wolff introduced the item. He explained that the city’s Water Enterprise Fund is used for water improvement projects, several of which are expected to begin in 2021. The ordinance seeks a 3% rate increase, which would result in an average $1.18/month increase for residents. Often water projects run into unexpected issues resulting in additional costs; this fund makes sure the city can absorb those costs.

Motion by Ald. Wolff, seconded by Ald. O’Brien, to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried 14 yea/ 0 nay/ 0 absent.

18. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Newman said she has toured the new Windmill Landings senior living development across from Windmill Manor. While Windmill Manor is for independent living, Windmill Landings has different levels of care. It is a $40 million project and is expended to bring $30 million in spending to the community.

The city has budgeted $15,000 for outdoor tables and umbrellas to support outdoor dining next year.

The online billing platform is undergoing testing.

Administrator Newman offered an update on the Main Street project. The city hopes to restore Hwy. 31 to four lanes of traffic for the winter, and have opened Main Street to through traffic.

The Batavia Police Department has received Federal Use of Force certification from the Department of Justice to support safe policing for safe communities. This makes them eligible for discretionary grant funding through November 2023.

New printers have been obtained and installed in all city departments. IS is also creating an internal SharePoint platform to enhance collaboration among city staff.

19. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ald. Callahan reported that the next Plan Commission meeting next week would consider an item regarding recreational cannabis dispensaries.

20. OTHER BUSINESS

None.

21. MAYOR’S REPORT

The mayor encouraged the Council members to come to the Toy Drive on Sunday at 11 or 11:30 to see how it is set up. People have donated a significant amount of money for the drive this year, and the generosity of Batavians makes him very proud.

22. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ald. Knopp, seconded by Ald. O’Brien, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:24 pm.

http://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12072020-1651