Peoria Standard

City of Batavia City Council Met Jan. 4.

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. Ald. Wolff 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 Public Works Director Gary Holm

City Administrator Laura Newman Community and Economic Development Director Scott Buening Information Services Director Howard Chason Economic Development Consultant Chris Aiston

4. REMINDER: Please speak into the microphone

Mayor Schielke reminded everyone to use their microphones.

5. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED

None.

6. CONSENT AGENDA

Ald. Chanzit read the Consent Agenda as follows.

Accept and Place on File:

A. December 25, 2020 Payroll $882,182.19

B. Accounts Payable Check Register $541,108.68

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) None.

8. PRESENTATION: Encore Batavia – Britta McKenna

Ms. McKenna shared a presentation on Encore Batavia, which was created out of a research project studying Batavia’s strengths and weaknesses. The organization’s goal is to create a tighter community. It is organized under the Parks Foundation. Officially launched in July 2020, the organization is directed by a multigenerational advisory council with members aged from their 20s to 70s. It includes three teams: Purpose, Placemaking, and Programs. She described a variety of projects underway, including Engage Cards that will help connect volunteers with like minded organizations. It can also serve an advisory role for local organizations looking for a multigenerational perspective. It has a Facebook page and can be reached at encorebatavia@gmail.com.

9. PRESENTATION: Batavia Community Diversity Initiative – Chris Lowe Mr. Lowe is a 20-year resident of Batavia and member of the Batavia School Board. He was joined by Kathleen Meeks, a teacher in the district and board member of BCDI.

Ms. Meeks explained the group organized last summer, sparked by the Black Lives Matter protests. Membership is diverse, and includes adults and students. It began with a Facebook post and some Zoom calls, and is now organized. She said Batavia has a deep history of supporting abolitionists and women’s rights, and this group is just a modern extension of those movements. The group has thus far conducted an LRC audit of materials in grade schools and is coordinating diversity and inclusion training for teachers.

Mr. Lowe shared that the group has had strong support from many local organizations and legislators. They expect 501(c)3 status to be conferred soon. They have established a board structure, and were recently granted $12,000 from the Racial Healing Initiative, one of 179

groups out of 500 applicants. The group is project-based and wants to help as many members as possible pursue projects aligned with the group’s mission. They held voter registration drives before the last election and have a video series coming out. They are working with the Park District and the Depot Museum to promote the museum’s Black History exhibit. They have started a Freedom Library and a book club.

Grant funds will go toward diversity and inclusion training, and historical preservation of Batavia’s diverse history. The group will also sponsor “government field trips” punctuated by small group meetings with legislators.

BCDI can be found at bataviacdi.org and Batavia Community Diversity Initiative on Facebook. Its monthly meetings are held on Zoom and open to all.

Mayor Schielke thanked the group for their efforts and said they are a valuable asset to Batavia. The pending expansion at Fermilab is expected to draw 2,000 new employees from all over the world, which will be a very diverse population that could benefit from this work.

10. PROCLAMATION: 100th Anniversary Fox Valley Board of Realtors Ald. Chanzit read the proclamation.

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

11. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Chamber President and CEO Margaret Perreault said business support continues during the pandemic. Downtown retailers and restaurants are selling online and offering curbside pickup. The federal government has approved new PPP funds for small businesses. The Chamber will share information about the program ASAP. Upcoming events:

• Jan. 6, 8 am, Not-for-Profit Forum

• Jan. 13, 8 am, BC2 breakfast networking

• Jan. 20, 4:30 pm, evening Networking-It

• Jan. 21, 9 am, weekly boot camp to help business owners become networkers 

Register online or contact Ms. Perreault to participate in Chamber events.

The 2020 Citizen of the Year is Bob Hansen, owner of Funway. The Spirit of Batavia Award goes to the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. The Batavia Impact Award goes to two organizations, Taking Care of Our Caretakers and the Batavia Peace Rally, held June 3 and organized by Isabella Irish and Katia Smith. The awards will be given during a ceremony in May 2021.

The new Chamber directory is mailing soon. Chamber Bucks are still available. Since June, more than $17,000 have been sold, plus $5,000 more have been donated by the Chamber. Many sales have come from out of state to be gifted to Batavia residents.

The We Side With Batavia Restaurants competition continues.

Chamber member Jill Equi of Gia Bella Designs addressed the Council. The business has opened in the Newton House after relocating from a previous location in spring 2020. It sells handcrafted home décor and gifts, with artisans as far away as Hawaii. Ms. Equi’s husband Jason said they opened in Batavia in June and the community has opened its arms to them. They have already expanded, and they hope to hire employees to replace the volunteer artisans who work there now. The business is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 3 pm. The website is giabelladesigns.com, and they are on Facebook and Instagram. The store is at 11 North Batavia Ave.

12. DISCUSSION: One Washington Place Construction Access and Street Closures (LN 12/31/20)

Administrator Newman opened the discussion by explaining that OWP is a public-private partnership, and her greatest wish is that it is a tremendous success for everyone involved, including the city, the developer, the citizens and the local businesses. She noted that businesses have important concerns but they are not insurmountable. She hopes this conversation will put minds at ease.

Access to North River Street has been addressed in agreements since 2016. She read the current language in the RDA regarding closures. The city has made clear to the developer the importance of keeping North River Street open, and the developer has expressed its commitment to avoiding North River Street as much as possible.

Dave Patzelt from Shodeen showed a map of the development area noting the areas of expected construction impact. State Street will be closed and reconstructed, and construction traffic is intended to be kept to State Street whenever possible. Construction may impact River Street during brief periods during materials delivery. This is expected to be a two-year project. A similar project in Oswego is ahead of schedule. Street closures there were more extensive because they reconstructed three streets.

Administrator Newman suggested establishing a good communication plan with business owners and the public. City staff and developers will meet with area property and business owners regularly as the project advances. She hopes the city will rally support for impacted businesses.

Ald. Cerone noted the language in the provision read by Administrator Newman is vague and would like to see it tightened up for better assurances regarding River Street. Mr. Patzelt said he did not have objection to adding/tweaking that language and reiterated his company’s commitment to being a good partner. He said they met with business owners in 2017 when they thought the project was going to begin. They hold meetings in Oswego every two weeks. They want businesses to succeed, and encourage local restaurants to provide lunch for workers.

Ald. Cerone said every good partnership starts with good intentions. He asked whether outdoor dining on River Street would be still be possible. Mr. Patzelt said yes, and added that they could plan work so as not to interrupt any special events as well and ensure the site is secure.

Ald. Uher asked if River Street work will be warranteed. Mr. Patzelt said it would.

Ald. Cerone asked if all of State Street needed to be closed for the whole project if the reconstruction will be at the end of the project. Mr. Patzelt said it would need to be closed at least for the first year, but exact timing will depend on how the project progresses. He said they want to open it as soon as possible.

Ald. Knopp shared concerns about garbage pickup for adjacent businesses who will lose access to the alley. Mr. Patzelt said those arrangements will need to be coordinated, noting that totes could be wheeled to/picked up on Wilson Street. Ald. Knopp noted that not all refuse can be wheeled in totes. Administrator Newman said garbage needs were addressed in 2017. Ald. Knopp asked if there would be additional cost for special garbage arrangements, and Administrator Newman said the city does not want businesses to have to absorb this expense.

Ald. Malay asked what the vehicle weight limits are on the woonerf. Administrator Newman says they regularly see large delivery trucks on River Street. The developer said the city can post No Construction Traffic signs to discourage that kind of traffic, and that River Street may be closed entirely. Ald. Malay said he is concerned about construction deliveries and offloading equipment. Public Works Director Gary Holm noted that this block is two street, with underlying pavement and brick on top. However, the intersection is permeable pavement, so that may be more of a concern. He said anything over 80,000 pounds may be a problem, and deliveries on River Street should be limited.

Ald. Russotto said construction will take a toll on all of the roads and asked if the city has funds for repairs, or if that would fall on the developer. Director Holm noted that Wilson Street and 25 are both state road, and State Street reconstruction is part of the project already.

Ald. Baerren asked if work would be carried out on Saturdays, whether workers would be taking parking spaces downtown and how this would impact the Farmers Market. Mr. Patzelt said work would be done on Saturdays, and that work crews often park within the fenced-in construction site, and some may park off-site. He noted that workers are likely to shop the Farmers Market, and that construction often attracts people who want to come and watch. He said the Farmers Market should not get in the way of construction.

Ald. Baerren suggested there be a parking plan for construction workers. She also said that TIF 1 has budgeted $50,000 for lighting on River Street, but perhaps that should be delayed in order to use those funds on local business support. Mr. Patzelt said the new building will also have lighting, so it would be best to coordinate all of the lighting for River Street.

Local bookstore owner James Joseph said he is glad to know there will be no crane on River Street. He said keeping the street open and carrying on with special events are critical during construction. He thinks the project is tood big. He said communication will be key. He said he appreciates the $50,000 to help businesses but lighting at night on River Street is critically important. He said any impacts on local businesses impact him as well. Post COVID, this has to be handled well. He added this plan will severely affect Classic Tattoo on State Street.

Mr. Patzelt said the best way to communicate is face-to-face meetings regularly to answer questions. He and the project manager would attend. He understands the concerns about State Street but it will be the least impactful way to complete the project. He said signage could be installed directing patrons to the business and noting the sidewalks are open.

Administrator Newman said construction fencing could have skin advertising local businesses as well.

Mr. Joseph asked for sign ordinance leniency for impacted businesses. Community and Economic Director Scott Buening noted that local ordinances offer such leniency during construction projects.

Ald. O’Brien recommended starting weekly meetings and that everyone should have the superintendent’s phone number so he can respond to concerns and questions immediately.

Ald. Callahan asked if business signage like this would be reimbursable with TIF funds. Administrator Newman said the language is very specific with regards to legal TIF expenses. The city could consider reimbursing signage expenses through the general fund. Mr. Patzelt noted that marketing and advertising is a line item the TIF, so city staff could pursue what that means specifically. Ald. O’Brien noted that the city and developer should bear the expense of signage to support local businesses impacted by the project.

Melissa Monno, owner/operator of River’s Edge Bar and Grill, said she is not confident her business is going to survive. In fact, this will be her last week in operation for a while due to the impact of the pandemic. She had questions about the project timeline, hours of construction and utility disruption, and said business owners are getting no information. Voting no to the TIF will allow the city to explore other options. She said the Boardwalk Shops grew organically and were a huge success because the city was excited about them. She wondered who was excited about this project. She said she had faith her concerns would be addressed before now, but they have not been.

Mr. Patzelt said he doesn’t expect there to be impact on the water main. If water needs to be shut off, the city would inform her. The same goes for electricity He said they will be neighbors and should be communicating, noting that he has met with the property owners in the past, but she has not been present. He said the beer garden redevelopment should be done before construction begins. He added that construction workers will likely be regular patrons at her restaurant.

Administrator Newman noted that the city website has a calendar of all city meetings, and agendas are released the Friday before the meeting, including all documents related to the agenda. She said there won’t be a project timeline until the TIF is approved. It will take several months to get a building permit issued. They want to start talking to business owners six months before the project begins. Ald. Callahan suggested holding some of those meetings at River’s Edge. Ald. O’Brien said all of the meetings should be held at local businesses or City Hall. Administrator Newman suggested virtual meetings might work best. She said the work in Area 3 project communication was carried out with weekly meetings and was very successful. Ms. Monno said in-person meetings would be better, and Ald. O’Brien agreed.

Property owner Laura O’Brien said she met with Mr. Patzelt in his office, followed up with an email and never got another response from him. She said her property will be moving from TIF 1 to TIF 6, and that the beer garden project is already done.

Owner of Six+Cypress Kasey Hoag said she 100% agrees with Ms. Monno. She said while workers may eat at restaurants, they are not going to be buying women’s clothing. This project will take away all of her parking, and 60% of her business comes from in-store sales. She said River Street staying open is critical. She said her business is barely hanging on, and construction will drive people away. She is concerned about long-term damage. She said there are sustainable businesses downtown, but a long-term project may drive them away, and she may need to reconsider her location.

Michael Gonin said he relocated to Illinois in August 2019, and River’s Edge was one of the first places he went. He believes the project will be an eyesore and is concerned about the impact on schools. He said he just learned about the project a couple of months ago and believes more public meetings should have been held. He said this project doesn’t make him want to call Batavia home.

Denise Espinoza, owner of Soma Yoga Studio located above Six+Cypress, said she loves Batavia and believes the project will eventually be beneficial, but she is concerned about short- and long-term parking issues as well as the disruption of her studio with construction noise. Director Buening said construction hours are limited to 7 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, and 8 am to 9 pm on Sundays.

Administrator Newman said parking will be open to everyone. Residents of OWP will have overnight permits. A parking study was done to determine parking needs. The Larson Becker lot will remain open until the project is complete.

Ald. Beck asked if there is work that needs to be done on the River’s Edge patio. Mr. Patzelt said he discussed pending work with the property owners years ago. He said the ideal time to do that work would be in coordination with the OWP, but it wouldn’t be required. Ald. Beck asked what the process would be if River Street needed to be temporarily closed. Administrator Newman said the request would go to the Community Development Department would review it for safety concerns. Ald. Beck said the community and business owners get the sense that there is no reassurance about not shutting down River Street, and she felt the same concern. She said communication is essential.

Ald. Knopp noted that the parking study was done years ago. During the last nine months, the pandemic has greatly impacted employment habits and a lot of people are now working from home. How will that impact parking? Administrator Newman responded that modeling has likely not caught up to the pandemic, and that the Larson-Becker lot will act as a safety net for parking. Ald. Beck said a parking garage now is not as good of an investment as it was two years ago. She said the garage may be full of residents, which means the Larson Becker lot would need to be kept, which ties up prime riverfront property. Director Buening said the hope was a shared parking model. If the city determines a long-term lot needs to be kept in addition to the new parking garage, it would not necessarily be the Larson-Becker lot.

Administrator Newman asked Mr. Patzelt about expected parking demands for OWP. He replied that for similar projects in Geneva and St. Charles, the average was 1.1 to 1.25 cars per apartment.

Ald. Wolff said certain groups are circulating propaganda to stir up “no” votes the way they did for Home Rule and for the marijuana referendum. When those issues went on the ballot, the votes were overwhelmingly favorable. Support doesn’t get a lot of press. He said communication has always been key, and this project is one of the best things to do for the town. The building has to be this big to pay for the parking garage. He said if we want people walking downtown every day, patronizing businesses, people need to live downtown. If we don’t make this project happen, how will we make the next one happen? He said Shodeen would not continue pursuing the project if they didn’t think it would be successful.

Ald. O’Brien said the project will not cost the city anything. He said people living there will be spending money downtown. He said people against the project are sharing half-truths and obstruct everything the city does that might raise taxes. Now this project won’t impact taxes, and the city hasn’t raised taxes in three years. He said revenue needs to come from somewhere, and this project will drive revenue.

Ald. Callahan raised a point of order, noting that the agenda item is only for public discussion of parking issues.

Resident Sylvia Keppel said if the project won’t cost anything, why did the School District vote against the new TIF? She said it’s because this will cost schools money. She said if her information is wrong, then correct her. She said residents are smarter than they are being given credit for.

Administrator Newman said TIF 5 generates $7,000 in taxes each year and $100,000 over the next 20 years. This project will generate $750,000 per year for schools.

13. ORDINANCE 21-01: An ordinance Dissolving Tax Increment Financing District No. 5 (Washington-Wilson Redevelopment District) (SCB 11/24/20 COW 12/01/20 8/5) CD Ald. Callahan introduced the item. He said to create TIF 6, parts of existing TIFs need to be adjusted. Director Buening explained that Ordinances 21-01, 21-02 and 21-03 involve dissolving TIFs or disconnecting properties, while 21-04, 21-05 and 21-06 create the new TIF 6.

Ald. Callahan noted that these ordinances do not directly relate to OWP, but TIF 6 must be created to make OWP financially viable. Director Buening said the TIF is slightly larger, including more than just OWP, but does not include businesses on the east side of River Street. Ald. Callahan said TIF 5 has 20 years left, while TIF 6 would extend to 23 years. If TIF 6 fails, the developer would need to decide if the financials work.

Ald. Knopp said at the end of the TIF, the city will get $80,000 a year. The School Board said no. The project may not impact the city’s property taxes, but it will likely impact school taxes. He said we are hearing from hundreds of people speaking loudly against OWP and we should listen. He said by voting for this, aldermen are implying that the people who aren’t speaking up are the people they should listen to, the silent “yes” votes. He added that Home Rule was not related to this project.

Ald. Wolff said part of the redevelopment agreement is that if students are generated from OWP, the School District will get funds for those students.

Ald. Beck said they know the people who usually object, but this time, new voices are speaking out, some of whom are definitely well aware of the project details, they are informed and engaged, and share her values. She said if this RFP were being put out in 2021, it would be different. She said if the Boardwalk Shops continue to be incubators, the city could grow slowly, on a smaller scale, and if smaller projects failed, it would not tank the entire downtown. She said the city should be taking smaller risks.

Ald. Malay said the overwhelming email received are different from what they have heard in the past. He read more than 100 emails today, and more than 25% of them were from Ward 4. Not only is the project enormous, it will block the entire view of downtown for people in Ward 4. The materials are not stately and do not match to beautiful limestone buildings downtown. He added that the sun will never shine again on the Farmers Market. Both Ward 4 aldermen are against this because their constituents strongly oppose it.

Ald. Callahan said he was excited about the discussion items tonight: Batavia Encore and BCDI are trying to engage people who have not been heard. The city says its doing this project for business owners, but four of them tonight expressed concerns. He said the Council is deciding for next generations. He was for the project until 2016 when it became something he didn’t want anymore. Neighbors are saying no. None of the naysayers say they want nothing; they just want something different. This year has taught us we need to think differently: Nobody is building malls anymore. Demographics of what people want are changing.

Ald. Uher said he had also changed from a supporter to an opponent. He said it’s not Batavia. We should have something the right size that is unique to Batavia.

Administrator Newman said the developer did add the bell tower element in a nod to the First Baptist Church that stood on the property. Windows for retail on Wilson Street complement the windows at Six+Cypress. Ald. Uher said those are tokens, and not enough.

Ald. Cerone said a few years ago, everyone was excited about the project. It was going to help our struggling downtown. The excitement has been replaced by fear. Residents are afraid it will be ugly. Businesses are afraid of the impact.

Ald. Baerren said she supports the project because of the economic impact and new revenue source. When St. Charles did their First Street project, there was also a lot of fear, but it has been successful. The project will not cut off access to businesses or negatively impact traffic. She added that there are only so many developers to work with, and the city has invested considerable time and money into this project already.

Ald. Beck said she is concerned about the anger and distrust brewing among citizens and business owners. Will new small businesses want to come here? Slow growth is not as exciting, but this town was built slowly, block by block.

Ald. Malay said he is not fearful, he knows it will be a bad building. The colors don’t match the downtown. This is not being built to look like a mixed-use building. The fear-mongering is, if we don’t take this, we won’t have anything else come along.

Ald. Cerone said he is not fearful either way. He said this building or the lack of it will not define Batavia.

Ald. Russotto said a more vibrant downtown was a big issue six years ago, and that desire remains. Businesses do well in the summer, but not in the winter. The project expects 28% of households will be one person and 35% will be two people. Parking won’t be an issue. Traffic has been an issue for decades.

Ald. Callahan said everyone was excited about the Boardwalk Shops and made them happen. People want more of that kind of development, not OWP.

Administrator Newman said she hopes in the future we can have a balance of projects to generate enough of a financial impact.

Ald. O’Brien said when he presented the woonerf idea in 2011, push-back was tremendous, but the project has been very successful. The same could be said about building the Batavia Public Library. And the OWP project is using 50-year siding.

Ald. Malay reiterated his concern that the building would be placing a shadow over North River Street.

Ald. Chanzit said when they first heard about this project in an Executive Session, everyone was excited. The first plans were for townhomes, and then condos. Aldermen liked the density. The third plan included a lot of units, and he went home that night very excited because it seemed like it was really going to happen. Now five years have passed. Mr. Patzelt has come to every meeting when asked. Enthusiasm has waned, and communication has been poor. He wishes it had broken ground three years ago. He is still a ‘yes’ vote, still willing to take the risk.

Ald. Miller said density downtown is good, but this is not the right project, and this is the time to get out. He is against the new TIF and believes other developers will step in.

Resident Michael Bonin said both sides have made good points. Won’t the new comedy club bring revenue to the city? Boardwalk Shops bring revenue. He is just opposed to the size of the project, but will continue to support the downtown.

Resident Jamie Saam said she appreciates the business owners speaking up tonight. Their fear is valid: fear of what will happen to their businesses. The climate was different two years ago; they are still navigating the pandemic.

Administrator Newman said having 400 new residents downtown will have a tremendous economic impact. She is sad that business owners think this will be fatal for their businesses.

Ms. Keppel said she heard them say massive construction will be fatal to their businesses, not small projects. She conducted a survey on the social media site Next Door, and 86% voted no. She surveyed 10 neighborhoods in Batavia. Respondents said it’s too big and out of character. People have a right not to want this in their town. She shared details about cost overruns on the Oswego project. She said this project is being built on a “If you build it, they will come” mentality that isn’t realistic. How many businesses have signed leases in Oswego? Geneva recently turned down a similar project after listening to constituents.

Jay Kozak, a 22-year resident of Batavia, said if we build this project, we will be defined by it. Blocking sunlight on River Street is a good point. The property will be developed eventually, but this project is too big and too risky.

Administrator Newman noted the RDA has a backup if the increment is insufficient; the SSA will be implemented so the developer will need to pay the difference.

Mr. Kozak said when the Wilson Street bridge was rebuilt, it took a long time for businesses to recover.

Carrie Wassman said she has lived in Batavia more than 40 years. She cares about the community and is not connected to any group. She respects all positions and hopes residents will be heard on this. Don’t assume silent people are in support. She said we have eyesores downtown now because previous decisions were short-sighted. She suggested a smaller project across the street might make more sense. She said the aesthetics are not good, and the size is a concern. All generations can work together on this. She said people have changed and values have shifted. We will have other developers come forward.

Aaron Kilburg said he appreciates this is a difficult decision. When Batavians get behind an idea, people get involved and get enthusiastic. He feels the pain and fear of the restaurant owners. He said if this project moves forward, those restaurants are going to be out of business or suffer irreparable damage. He was for the project originally, but the world has changed. Boardwalk Shops have been a great success and are a better fit for Batavia. We should move slowly with purpose.

Mayor Schielke said he is proud of everyone regardless of how they vote tonight. This is perhaps the biggest disagreement in City Council history, and we’re all still friends. He is concerned about projections regarding the crash of government spending. It won’t be business as usual in 6 to 8 weeks. This project would establish a strong tax base. He said we are in good

shape now due to Council decisions and Administrator Newman’s management. He is concerned about funding cuts on the state level.

Motion by Ald. McFadden, seconded by Ald. Baerren, to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried 8 yea/ 7 nay/ 0 absent. (Mayor Schielke broke the tie with a yea vote.)

14. ORDINANCE 21-02: An ordinance Amending Ordinance 89-90 Eliminating Property from the Riverfront Redevelopment Area Tax Increment Financing District (TIF #1) (SCB 11/24/20 COW 12/01/20 8/5) CD

Motion by Ald. O’Brien, seconded by Ald. Baerren, to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried 8 yea/ 7 nay/ 0 absent. (Mayor Schielke broke the tie with a yea vote.)

15. ORDINANCE 21-03: An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 04-09 Eliminating Property From The Downtown Redevelopment Area Tax Increment Financing District (TIF #3) (SCB 11/24/20 COW 12/01/20 8/5) CD

Motion by Ald. Baerren, seconded by Ald. Wolff, to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried 8 yea/ 7 nay/ 0 absent. (Mayor Schielke broke the tie with a yea vote.)

16. ORDINANCE 21-04: An Ordinance Approving The Near East Downtown Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment Plan and Program (SCB 11/24/20 COW 12/01/20 8/5) CD

Motion by Ald. O’Brien, seconded by Ald. Baerren, to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried 8 yea/ 7 nay/ 0 absent. (Mayor Schielke broke the tie with a yea vote.)

17. ORDINANCE 21-05: An Ordinance Designating The Near East Downtown District Redevelopment Project Area Of The City of Batavia As A Redevelopment Project Area Pursuant to the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, As Amended (SCB 11/24/20 COW 12/01/20 8/5) CD

Motion by Ald. O’Brien, seconded by Ald. Baerren, to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried 8 yea/ 7 nay/ 0 absent. (Mayor Schielke broke the tie with a yea vote.)

18. ORDINANCE 21-06: An Ordinance Adopting Tax Increment Financing For The Near East Downtown District Redevelopment Project Area (SCB 11/24/20 COW 12/01/20 8/5) CD

Motion by Ald. Baerren, seconded by Ald. McFadden, to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried 8 yea/ 7 nay/ 0 absent. (Mayor Schielke broke the tie with a yea vote.)

19. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Newman reported on December 28, the Federal Highway Authority approved phase 2 of the Prairie Street project. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2023.

Later this month, staff will meet with the Batavia Park District and Hitchcock Design to discuss the Master River Plan.

Kane County Health Department has good information on their website regarding COVID-19 vaccination. You can sign up for informational emails to be notified about when and where vaccines will be available. The city will share the link on its website, social media channels and weekly e-blast.

20. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ald. Callahan reported the COW agenda includes an item on historic landmark designation for a property on Washington Street.

21. OTHER BUSINESS

None

22. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Schielke noted that downtown Batavia was recently featured in Rose Bowl coverage. He said great things are happening in America. He also noted this historic nature of tonight’s vote: He has never voted so many times.

23. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ald. Russotto, seconded by Ald. Miller, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 12:30 am.

http://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01042021-1665