Peoria Standard

City of Batavia City Council Met March 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Schielke at 7:32 p.m.

2. INVOCATION followed by PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

3. ROLL CALL

13 of 14 aldermen were present at roll call.

Aldermen (by ward) in attendance in person: Jennifer Baerren (1), Michael O’Brien (1), Michael Russotto (6), Nicholas Cerone (6) and Keenan Miller (7)

The following aldermen attended via the internet: Alan Wolff (2), Martin Callahan (2), Dan Chanzit (3), Elliot Meitzler (3), Joe Knopp (4), Tony Malay (4), Abby Beck (5), and Drew McFadden (7)

Absent: Mark Uher (5)

Also attending were the following:

In person:

City Clerk Ellen Posledni City Administrator Laura Newman

Via internet:

City Attorney Roman Seckel Public Works Director Gary Holm

Community and Economic Development Director Scott Buening Police Chief Dan Eul

Fire Chief Randy Deicke Finance Director Peggy Colby

Building Commissioner Jeff Albertson

4. REMINDER: Please speak into the microphone

Mayor Schielke reminded everyone to use their microphones.

5. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED

Mayor Schielke noted that representatives from Batavia United Way were in attendance and should be added to the agenda as item 7a after Matters From the Public.

6. CONSENT AGENDA

Ald. Chanzit read the Consent Agenda as follows.

Accept and Place on File:

A. Committee of the Whole Minutes February 9, 2021 and February 16, 2021 

B. Building Reports February 2021

Approvals:

C. March 5, 2021 Payroll $950,492.15

D. Accounts Payable Check Register $1,305,659.22

E. City Council Minutes for March 1, 2021

F. RESOLUTION 21-023-R: Authorizing Purchase of Ford F150 Pickup Truck for Community Development Department Not to Exceed $29,275.00 (JA 3/1/21 COW 03/09/21 14/0) CS

G. RESOLUTION 21-025-R: Authorizing Execution of a Contract with Denler, Inc. for the 2021 Crack filling Program (TFG 2/24/21 COW 3/09/20 14/0 ) CS

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.

7a. Batavia United Way

Bonnie Baumgartner of Batavia United Way shared an update on the organization’s COVID-19 fund, as well as its funding sources and mission. Batavia United Way supports several programs such as Adopt a Family and Success by 6, which helps children get early childhood education. It allocated $125,000 to nonprofits last year. The COVID-19 fund has provided rent assistance, groceries and microgrants to help those impacted by the pandemic. It has issued $40,000 in assistance, with only $13,000 of that money coming from state and federal grants.

Lisa Foydel, Batavia United Way board member, presented information on the Kane County 211 program spearheaded by Batavia United Way. Batavia is No. 4 in call volume, which as spiked during the pandemic. Housing and shelter were the greatest needs over the past year, with people experiencing significant homelessness last summer because shelters were not able to help due to COVID-19. The service has secured 50% of its required funding for the next three years from the Kane County Board. Batavia Township has provided some funding, and the organization is tapping other townships to donate as well. Cook County is looking to launch 211 as well, which could help be an impetus for a statewide 211.

Nick Negli, Batavia United Way board member, introduced himself as a new resident of Batavia who quickly became involved with the organization, which he calls “a charity for charities.” More information is available at info@bataviaunitedway.org.

Administrator Newman said that Batavia United Way was an essential partner in establishing the Community Cares program to assist older adults in Batavia during the pandemic. Most of the group’s needs were met by Batavia United Way. The city also connects residents to United Way for assistance paying for utilities.

Ald. Cerone said 211 is a great resource that nobody knows about. He asked who staffs the program.

Ms. Foydel said the service is paid for by the Dunham Fund, and she is the marketing manager, whose position is grant-funded. She gives presentations across communities to promote it. Anyone can call 211, and people who don’t have a standard phone can call a toll-free number to connect. They are also setting up text messaging capabilities. Information is sent home through schools, distributed at festivals and shared with police departments. They also have created business cards in English and Spanish that can be handed out to residents in the community.

Administrator Newman said 211 is also working with Kane County Health Department to book COVID-19 vaccine appointments. She noted Illinois is one of only two states in the U.S. without a statewide 211.

Mayor Schielke thanked the group for coming tonight, adding the sky is the limit for how much 211 can grow. He said this community is facing a mental health crisis, and this is a particularly valuable service at this point in time.

Ald. Beck left the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

8. APPROVAL: Class D-1 (Restaurant-All Liquor) Liquor License Application for the Columbian Club located at 1117 N. Washington Ave., Batavia, IL 60510 (DE 2/25/21 COW 3/09/21 13/0)

Ald. Chanzit introduced the item regarding a request for a new liquor license. All required documents have been submitted, and approval is recommended.

Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Wolff, to approve the item as presented. Motion carried 12 yea/ 0 nay/ 2 absent

9. PROCLAMATION: 30th Anniversary of the Gulf War

Mayor Schielke read the proclamation.

Motion by Ald. O’Brien, seconded by Ald. Cerone, to approve the proclamation as read. Motion carried 12 yea/ 0 nay/ 2 absent

Mayor Schielke presented the proclamation to Carl Dinwiddie of VFW Post 1197. Mr. Dinwiddie thanked the city for recognizing this important anniversary and Gulf War veterans. He said the proclamation will hang in a prominent place in the VFW hall. He shared some history of the Gulf War and the VFW. He noted VFW Post 1197 is family-oriented and all are welcome. You can learn more about the post at vfw1197.com.

Upcoming events:

• March 27 Easter Egg Hunt

• May 1 Loyalty Day Picnic

• May 15 Gardening Sale

• May 22 5K Run

• May 29 – 30 Poppy Sales

Mr. Dinwiddie noted that last year’s poppy sales in Illinois raised enough money to purchase a TV for every veteran in the Illinois Veterans’ Home.

Ongoing events include live concerts every two weeks and a kids’ parade on July 4. Mayor Schielke thanked Mr. Dinwiddie for the vital work of Post 1197.

10. MAINSTREET

Executive Director Beth Walker shared that Restaurant Madness is going on this week and next (Sunday through Thursday), with participating restaurants offering 10% off.

Phase 2 of the Boardwalk Shops is underway, with new shops being built at Batavia High School. On-site work is expected to begin in April.

Events are being planned for the upcoming year.

11. ORDINANCE 21-22: Authorize Execution of a Redevelopment Agreement w/Marco Limited Partnership, LLC Relating to the Building Improvements at 18 E. Wilson (LN 3/03/21 COW 13/0) CD

Ald. Callahan introduced the item regarding an RDA for building improvements. The agreement includes a $25,000 grant and a $75,000 low-interest loan for the remaining four years of the TIF. Most of the funds will be used for installing a fire suppression system. The redevelopment of the is property has included significant investment from both the building owner and the business owners who plan to occupy the building.

Motion by Ald. Callahan, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried 12 yea/ 0 nay/ 2 absent.

Ald. Beck returned to the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

12. RESOLUTION 20-026-R: Approval of 2021 Zoning Map (SCB 3/09/21) CD Ald. Callahan explained that this item is a standard annual approval of the zoning map.

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

13. ORDINANCE 21-21: Creating Parklet/Pedlet Program (LN 3/03/21 COW 3/09/20 14/0) GS

Ald. Chanzit introduced the item related to the creation of small temporary seating areas out of parking spaces for downtown businesses. The program incorporates ideas from other towns with similar programs. Participation will require an application fee.

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

14. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Newman shared that Code Enforcement Officer Rhonda Klecz is retiring and the city is advertising for her replacement. Ms. Klecz has served the city for 17 years, and she will be missed.

The Plan Commission will have a Public Hearing on March 17 to consider several amendments to the zoning code.

The March 23 Committee of the Whole meeting will discuss changes to the peddler/solicitor/food vendor ordinances. The council will examine how to regulate food trucks, considering their impact on brick and mortar businesses.

The full Menard’s permit is expected to be issued soon for their expansion project. Due diligence is underway on the North Raddant Public Works building.

Main Street construction is expected to resume by mid-April.

The Police Department is working with public safety partners to plan for the mass vaccination site at the former Sam’s Club building. The Kane County Health Department is expected to have a link available by mid-week for people to begin signing up for vaccination appointments at the site.

Ald. O’Brien praised Mayor Schielke and Kane County Board member and former Batavia alderman Dave Brown for the part they played in getting the vaccination clinic set up in Batavia.

Several positions are now open in the city and interviews are underway.

Ald. Callahan said when the pandemic began, a solicitation ban was in effect. He asked if that ban has expired. Administrator Newman said that permits are once again being issued for solicitation.

15. COMMITTEE REPORTS

None.

16. OTHER BUSINESS

None.

17. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Schielke thanked everyone in the community who has helped to set up the vaccination clinic in Batavia. He particularly praised Kane County Board Chairwoman Pierog, who has worked very hard on this. There are a lot of high-level politics happening with regard to vaccines. The site is expected to open March 19 at 7:30 am, and the Illinois National Guard will be operating the clinic. Chief Eul has been deeply involved as well. You will need to pre-register for vaccination, and officials estimate 400,000 people may ultimately be vaccinated there. It could be in operation through November. Chief Deicke has also been involved and has worked with Tri-City Ambulance to ensure ambulance coverage in case any patients have an adverse reaction. Fortunately, the Batavia and Geneva west side stations are equidistant to the clinic, so coverage should not be a problem.

Mayor Schielke said some Batavia residents have traveled considerable distances to get vaccinated, including some going to Chicago. He said this has been a political experience unlike any he has encountered. He said ultimately this clinic is about helping keep people safe. He hopes everyone is vaccinated by mid-summer. Local businesses have also offered support for the clinic, and the mayor noted that we are fortunate to have so many generous citizens and business owners in Batavia.

He said questions have arisen around who will pay the electric bill for the clinic. He said Batavia would cover that cost, and will likely be able to have those funds reimbursed by the government. The clinic site is well-suited for this purpose, with a large refrigeration system and bank of bathrooms, a large parking lot and plenty of local restaurants.

Ald. O’Brien said even if the city does not get refunded for electricity, they would cover the cost anyway. He thanked the mayor for taking a leadership role in getting this clinic online.

Mayor Schielke noted there should be some sales tax benefit to bringing so many people to the area for vaccination.

18. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ald. O’Brien, seconded by Ald. Cerone, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.