Peoria Standard

City of Batavia City Council met Jan. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Hybrid Meeting

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 Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

2. INVOCATION followed by PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ald. Malay led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. ROLL CALL

Aldermen in attendance at roll: Barraza (7), Lanci (6), Pieper (4), Malone (3), Wolff (2), Solfa (1), Baerren (1), Leman (2), Ajazi (3), Malay (4), Uher (5), Cerone (6) Vogelsinger (7).

Attending remotely: Barraza

4. REMINDER: Please Speak Into The Microphone For BATV Recording Ald. Uher arrived at 7:03 pm

5. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED

none seen

6. CONSENT AGENDA

Accept and Place on File:

A. Committee of the Whole Minutes December 10, 2024

B. Historic Preservation Minutes December 9, 2024

C. Building Reports December 2024

Approvals:

D. January 3, 2025 Payroll $1,105,670.40

E. Accounts Payable Check Register $4,617,775.62

F. City Council Minutes for January 6, 2025

G. RESOLUTION 2025-002-R: Authorizing the Purchase of Three (3) 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Hybrid Utility AWD Vehicles from Currie Motors of Frankfort, Illinois for an amount not to exceed $147, 315.00 (MJ 12/20/24 COW 1/14/25 12/0)

H. RESOLUTION 2025-003-R: Authorization to purchase Four (4) 2025 Ford Trucks from Morrow Brothers Ford for $228,740.00 (SH 12/27/24 COW 1/14/25 12/0)

I. RESOLUTION 2025-008-R: Authorizing Execution of a One-Year Renewable Contract with W.A. Management, Inc. for 2025 East Side Property Maintenance (SH 1/8/25 COW 1/4/25 12/0)

J. RESOLUTION 2025-007-R: Approval of Truck Equipment Purchase from Diversified Fleet (SH 1/8/25 COW 1/14/25 12/0)

K. RESOLUTION 2025-004-R: Approving Task Order #2 with BHMG Engineers, Inc. to Provide Engineering Services for 34kV Circuit Extension (SA 1/2/25 COW 1/14/25 12/0)

L. ORDINANCE 2025-001: Amending Variance Application Fees and Revising Title 9 Amending Building Permit Fees (SCB12/18/24 COW 1/14/25 13-0)

M. ORDINANCE 2025-002: Authorizing Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition at 112 North River Street (SCB 12/23/24 COW 1/14/25 13/0) CD

N. ORDINANCE 2025-005: Annexing and Zoning Properties on South Raddant Road and Wagner Road (SCB 12/30/24 COW 1/14/25 12/0) CD

Ald. Solfa read aloud the Consent Agenda.

Motion by Ald. Solfa, seconded by Ald. Malay, to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

7. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC: (For Items NOT On The Agenda) none seen

8. PROCLAMATION: National Law Enforcement Day – January 9, 2025 Ald. Wolff presented a proclamation recognizing National Law Enforcement Day.

Mayor Schielke thanked the officers and leadership of the Police Department. Chief Blowers accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Department.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Malay, to approve the proclamation as read. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

9. OATH OF OFFICE: Police Sergeant Bradford Wicks

Chief Blowers introduced Bradford Wicks, who will be taking the role of Police Sergeant. He spoke about Wicks’s service and qualifications for the role.

Mayor Schielke administered and Bradford Wicks swore the Oath of Office.

10. RECOGNITION: 2024 Firefighter of the Year – Derek Heisler

Chief Hanson introduced Derek Heisler, 2024 Firefighter of the Year. He spoke about Heisler’s unwavering dedication and exemplary service. In one notable instance, he provided urgent intervention in a severe mental health crisis. Heisler administered effective care, stabilized the patient and ensured a safe outcome. Hanson said that Heisler demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and leadership by mentoring new recruits. Hanson said Heisler’s collaborative spirit helps build trust in the department. His approachable demeanor has made him a valuable ambassador to the community during public safety events. Hanson said that Heisler’s actions and attitude set a standard for excellence among the department. He was nominated and selected by a confidential poll of his peers in the department.

Chief Hanson thanked all the members of the department for their continued commitment to excellence.

Mayor Schielke thanked Heisler for his service.

Heisler offered his thanks to his family and the rest of the department for their support.

11. RECOGNITION: Fire Department Deputy Chief John Lucas and Lieutenant Richard MacDonald for Receiving a Humanitarian Service Award from MABAS for their Florida Hurricane Deployment

Chief Hanson introduced Deputy Chief John Lucas and Lieutenant Richard MacDonald and spoke about their volunteer work on a MABAS Hurricane response Strike Team. He thanked them for their service above and beyond and for representing the City of Batavia in their response.

Mayor Schielke thanked Lucas and MacDonald for their service.

12. PRESENTATION: Update on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project – Jerry Ruth, Trotter & Associates

Jerry Ruth delivered his report on the progress of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project. The contractor is continuing to work on interior projects. Ruth shared photographs of the project progress.

Cost to date is just over 31.6 million. There are no change orders to review or approve. The new UV building is the next major milestone, which is on schedule for completion in January 2025.

Please visit https://www.bataviail.gov/673/Wastewater-Reconstruction-Project for more information.

13. 7:05 PM PUBLIC HEARING: Establishing an Amendment to SSA 17 for Hazelwood Pointe Phase 1 and 2 Subdivision

Mayor Schielke opened the public hearing. Scott Buening introduced the Amendment to SSA 17.

Motion by Ald. Solfa, seconded by Ald. Wolf , to close the public hearing. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

14. ORDINANCE 2025-007: Establishing an Amendment to Special Service Area 17 – Hazelwood Pointe Phase 1 and 2 Subdivision (DMR 1/8/25 COW 1/14/25 13/0) CD

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Solfa, to approve the ordinance. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

15. MAINSTREET MINUTE

Director Beth Walker delivered her report on the recent and upcoming activities of Batavia MainStreet. In 2023, the organization more than doubled advertising investments to 20K plus an additional 5K from Illinois MainStreet. With this funding, MainStreet purchased additional ads in the Batavian, WGN, radio spots, and issued more press releases. Direct email newsletters have also increased through soliciting emails from raffles.

Hosted MainStreet conference. 82K active users up 150% from 2023. 176K website views, increase 140%. At least 100 scans per month of new users scanning the Restaurant Guide. Holiday Gift Guide 45% increase to 1,300 unique views.

Boardwalk Shops continue to see success. There have been 1.8 million in sales generated by the project so far.

Goals for 2025 are to expand regional marketing, build a resource guide for businesses, develop a new event for winter/spring 2026, grow the Wednesday night farmer’s market, and begin work on the Limestone Trail to connect businesses.

Ald. Wolff said that he is looking forward to the development of the Limestone Trail. Ald. Leman noted that the MainStreet staff and board are working well together and doing a great job. Ald. Lanci said he thinks MainStreet is a very worthwhile effort to support.

Please review the recording for comments in full.

16. ORDINANCE 2025-004: Conditional Use Permit for a Recreational Cannabis Dispensary in the GC, General Commercial District Dutchess Cannabis, 144 South Randall Road Rubino Ventures, Applicant (DMR 1/8/25 COW 1/14/25 11-1, 1 abstention) CD

Scott Buening introduced the applicant and conditional use permit. Mayor Schielke invited the applicants to address the Council. They said they would be available to answer questions. Ald. Baerren invited the applicants to introduce their business.

Dutchess Cannabis is a woman owned business with two locations. The owners have been in the industry for many years, and operate responsibly in Morton Grove and Oak Park.

Ald. Malay noted that this is the second time the issue of cannabis dispensaries has come to the Council and offered background on the previous discussion. He said that criminalizing cannabis has had a disproportionate negative impact on communities of color. He said he would support the ordinance as a step towards social justice.

Ald. Wolff said he liked that the company operates on a smaller scale and seeks to support small, local producers. He also said he thinks there has been enough time to observe the impacts of legalization and is satisfied that the laws are being enforced safely.

Ald. Malone questioned whether this company is a good fit for Batavia, and said that after reviewing application documents he believes that this is a responsible, well established, considerate dispensary.

Ald. Vogelsinger agreed with statements by the other aldermen. She noted that the applicants will be renovating an existing building in Ward 7.

Ald. Baerren said that residents she’s spoken with have said they are looking forward to being able to access this product and the increased sales tax revenue.

Mayor Schielke said that he was a strong opponent of adding a dispensary to Batavia when it was first considered. He said that he has reached out to the officials in the towns where Dutchess operates and has been satisfied to hear that they are a responsible, law-abiding company.

Mayor Schielke invited members of the audience to speak.

Lois Dahlstrom rose to address the Council. She said she feels the Council will vote to pass the proposed ordinance. She said she believes cannabis is a gateway drug that will affect the community negatively. She said the results of legalization have not been good.

Sylvia Keppel rose to address the Council. She said that the last time the Council discussed this issue, they discussed locating the business in the industrial park. She asked what the Council’s vision is for Randall Road. She said that she believes that cannabis is a gateway drug that has negative social impacts.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Malay, to approve the ordinance. Motion carried 11 yea/ 1 nay/ 1 absent/ 1 abstain.

17. ORDINANCE 2025-003: Authorizing Approval of Certificates of Appropriateness for Buildings at 106 N. River Street (SB 12/23/24 COW 1/14/25 8/5) CD

Scott Buening introduced the ordinance.

Ald. Malay asked what issues are driving the urgency to pass the COA. Buening responded that a clear site is more marketable, and that the location is under consideration as a site for new city restrooms, which would be funded by the TIF, unless it expires first.

Ald. Wolff said that a quick decision will preserve the integrity of whatever may be salvageable.

Ald. Solfa said that the salvage value is the only real value left in the building.

Ald. Malone said that the process seems backwards. He said he wants to see the site itself. He said he would like to see a robust plan for the salvage process before approving demolition. He said he’s not clear how much effort has gone into marketing the property as is.

Administrator Newman said that the plan commission reviewed the site, and offered that the city could hire a structural engineer to review the property. She also noted that signs advertising the availability of the site were prominently displayed for over eight years and only one proposal for the site was made in that time.

Discussion ensued.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Solfa, to approve the ordinance. Motion carried 9 yea/ 4 nay/ 1 absent.

18. APPROVAL: Waive Formal Bidding for the Purchase and Installation of Equipment for the Rehabilitation of the Challenge and Harvell Lift Stations

Ald. Wolff introduced the upcoming resolution. He invited Zac Bonesz, superintendent of the wastewater system, to explain the improvement that would be made in the system with the new Challenge and Harvell lift stations.

Ald. Cerone asked why the request has been made to waive the bidding. Bonesz responded that there are not many companies prepared to do the required work and the company selected already has valuable working knowledge of the facility and public works staff that will make the construction process go more smoothly.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Malay, to waive formal bidding. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

19. RESOLUTION 2025-005-R: Approval of Purchase of Overwatch Lift Station Systems at WWTP, for Challenge and Harvell Lift Station Rehabilitation with a cost not to exceed $105,423.35 (ZB 1/7/25 COW 1/14/25 12/0)

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Malay, to approve the resolution as read. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

20. RESOLUTION 2025-006-R: Approval of Installation of Overwatch Pump Systems by Dahme Mechanical Industries, Inc. for the Challenge and Harvell Lift Station Rehabilitation in the amount not to exceed $376,000.00 (ZB 1/7/25 COW 1/14/25 12/0)

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Malay, to approve the resolution as read. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

21. ORDINANCE 2025-006: Amending Title 3, Chapter 3 (Liquor Control) and Title 3, Chapter 26 (Video Gaming Devices) of the Batavia Municipal Code (MW 1/4/25 COW 1/14/25 13/0)

Max Weiss introduced the ordinance.

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

22. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

Administrator Newman delivered her report on the recent and upcoming initiatives of the City of Batavia. She reported that the Community Foundation has approved a grant to install additional historic marker plaques at notable historic sites. She said that Batavia is working to be a “Salt Smart” city and encourages residents to be conscientious with salt use for ice and snow removal.

Please review the recording for comments in full.

23. OTHER BUSINESS

Ald. Cerone requested a discussion of new Chair roles and assignments for committees.

24. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Schielke delivered his report. He said that the Lincoln Inn is being sold. Please review the recording for comments in full

Ald. Beck arrived at 8:45 pm.

25. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Purchase of Real Estate (8:52 pm)

Motion by Ald. Solfa, seconded by Ald. Malay, to enter executive session. Motion carried 13 yea/ 1 nay/ 0 absent.

26. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ald. Solfa, seconded by Ald. Malone, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01212025-2366