Peoria Standard

City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met Jan. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Roll Call:

Present: Barazza, Lanci, Beck, Pieper, Malone, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger

Absent:

Also Present: Director of Community and Economic Development, Scott Buening; Assistant City Administrator, Max Weiss; Planning and Zoning Officer, Drew Rackow; Director of Public Works, Gary Holm; Electric Superintendent, Steve Allen; Police Chief Blowers, Information System Director, Howard Chason; Engineering Manager, Rahat Bari; Mayor Schielke; Ellyn Theis

2. Reminder: Please speak into the mic for BATV

3. Approve Minutes For: January 14, 2025

Motion: Approve minutes

Maker: Solfa

Second: Leman

Voice Vote: 14-0, 0 Absent, Motion Carries

4. Items Removed/Added Changed

None

5. Matters From the Public (For Items Not on The Agenda)

Third Ward resident Brian Sanchi requested an exemption to replace the smart meters at his home with older analog versions due to health concerns. He cited his wife’s worsening multiple sclerosis symptoms and his own blood disorder, which he believes have been exacerbated by the electromagnetic frequencies emitted by the smart meters. City staff explained that while the water meter’s transmitting device is largely dormant and only activates briefly when needed, the electric meter transmits constantly and does not have an analog alternative due to changes in manufacturing standards. Mr. Sanchi initially discussed these concerns with his alderman, Ald. Malone, who encouraged him to bring the matter before council to open a dialog to find a comfortable and practical solution.

6. Consent Agenda:

a. Resolution 2025-011-R: Accepting a Plat of Dedication of Part of South Van Buren Street (SCB 1/21/25) CD

b. Resolution 2025-014-R: ESRI Enterprise Agreement (MK 1/23/25) GS

c. Resolution 2025-016-R: IT Equipment Purchase (HC 1/23/25) GS

d. Resolution 2025-017-R: IT Equipment Maintenance Renewal (TD 1/23/25) GS

e. Resolution 2025-010-R: Authorizing the Execution of a One-Year Renewable Contract for the 2025-2029 Janitorial Services for City of Batavia Facilities with Vega Building Maintenance, Inc. of Romeoville, Illinois (SH 01/15/25) CS

f. Approval: COW Executive Session Minutes for November 26, 2024 – Setting the Price of Land for Sale & Personnel, December 12, 2024 – Collective Bargaining and January 14, 2025 – Litigation & Workers Compensation

Motion: Approve Consent Agenda as Presented

Maker: Beck

Second: Solfa

Voice Vote: 14-0, 0 Absent, Motion Carries

7. Resolution 2025-012-R: Approval Of Master Agreement For Professional Services With The Brattle Group, Inc. (GH 1/23/25) PU

Gary Holm discussed items 7, 8 and 9 together as they are all related to the city's strategic initiative for environmental leadership and sustainability, specifically addressing long-term planning for the electric utility. This effort stems from the city’s adoption of a five-year strategic plan in early 2024.

The key focus is on four interconnected studies: Integrated Resource Planning (IRP), Infrastructure Resiliency, Cost of Service, and Rate Design. The IRP involves long-term planning to balance the city's power needs with market conditions, generation resources, and future load demands, though Batavia’s current contracts provide stability until 2042.

The Infrastructure Resiliency study assesses ways to upgrade aging infrastructure, especially with projections of widespread transformer failures by 2030. The Cost of Service and Rate Design studies examine utility costs for customers and propose adjustments to rates, including flexible rate structures to support solar adoption and electric vehicle (EV) charging.

Council members emphasized these studies in making data-driven decisions for future rate increases, planning equipment upgrades, and responding to increasing demand for tailored rate options. They noted that while the studies require a $400,000 budget amendment for 2025 and an additional $200,000 for 2026, the costs will be covered by utility reserves without needing immediate rate hikes. Some council members expressed concern about the timing and cost, but were reassured that delaying the studies could lead to missed opportunities or more expensive requirements if state legislation mandates similar studies.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Cerone

Second: Malay

Voice Vote: 14-0, 0 Absent, Motion Carries

8. Resolution 2025-013-R: Approval Of Task Order #1 With The Brattle Group, Inc. For Integrated Resource Planning, Infrastructure Resiliency, Cost Of Service And Rate Design For The Electric Utility (GH 1/23/25) PU

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Malay

Second: Ajazi

Roll Call Vote

Aye: Barazza, Lanci, Beck, Pieper, Malone, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Vogelsinger

Nay: Uher, Cerone

Voice Vote: 12-2, 0 Absent, Motion Carries

9. Resolution 2025-019-R: Approval Of Budget Amendment To Facilitate Performance Of Integrated Resource Planning As Well As Infrastructure Resiliency, Cost-Of-Service, And Rate Design Studies For The Electric Utility (GH 1/23/25) PU

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Malay

Second: Ajazi

Roll Call Vote

Aye: Barazza, Lanci, Beck, Pieper, Malone, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Vogelsinger

Nay: Uher, Cerone

Voice Vote: 12-2, 0 Absent, Motion Carries

10. Ordinance 2025-009: Extension Of A 180 Day Moratorium On The Acceptance And Processing Of Certain Building And Zoning Applications For LI-Light Industrial And GI – General Industrial Properties In The SRS – South River Street Gateway Overlay District (DR 1/23/25) CD

Drew Rackow presented an ordinance extending a 180-day moratorium on certain building and zoning applications within the South River Street Gateway overlay, light industrial (LI), and general industrial (GI) zones. The extension allows time for the ongoing area study to be completed without disruption from development applications. The study, which has made significant progress, includes public outreach, stakeholder interviews, and preliminary assessments for TIF and business improvement districts.

Staff proposed a minor adjustment to the moratorium, allowing applications for rezoning to multifamily residential or general commercial use if the proposed project involves at least 3.5 acres under single ownership. The change aims to accommodate larger, compatible projects that align with the study’s long-term vision. Any development application, even under the revised moratorium, will still undergo the full approval process, including city council review and public hearings.

Motion: Approve Ordinance as Presented

Maker: Uher

Second: Malay

Voice Vote: 14-0, 0 Absent, Motion Carries

11. Resolution 2025-018-R: Approving A Consultant Agreement With TransSystems Corporation To Perform IL Route 31 (Batavia Ave) Pedestrian Safety Improvements And Sidewalk Gap Elimination Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering Study For An Amount Not To Exceed $77,051.00 (RB 1/23/25) CS

Rahat Bari introduced Resolution 2025-018-R, authorizing a $77,500 consultant agreement with TranSystems Corporation for a phase-one preliminary engineering study to improve pedestrian safety and close sidewalk gaps along Illinois Route 31/Batavia Avenue. The study focuses on evaluating key intersections, such as Wilson and Main Street, for improvements like Hawk signals and rapid flashing beacons. It also proposes filling a critical sidewalk gap between Bernadette and Midway Drive to ensure continuous pedestrian access along one side of the road. The project is funded using existing ITAP grant money initially allocated for the road diet project completed last year.

IDOT has a historically lengthy approval process and Rahat acknowledged potential delays due to evolving federal funding uncertainties. The goal is to complete phase one by March 2026, phase two (design documents) by March 2027, and have construction finished by the end of 2027.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Beck

Second: Leman

Voice Vote: 14-0, 0 Absent, Motion Carries

12. Ordinance 2025-008: Establishing Chapter 29 “Prohibition Of Kratom, Synthetic Drugs, Synthetic Cannabinoids, Psychoactive Drugs, And Tetrahydrocannabinol Products Businesses” Of Title 3 Of The Batavia City Code (EB 1/21/25) GS

*Item Tabeled for Further Discussion and Discovery

Police Chief Eric Blowers presented information on the sale of psychoactive drugs, synthetic cannabinoids, and THC products in Batavia; many of which can pose severe health risks such as hallucinations, seizures, panic attacks, and even death. Chief Blowers noted that manufacturers bypass regulations by altering chemical compositions, keeping these products readily available. Unlike regulated cannabis from licensed dispensaries, these products lack mandatory testing for contaminants and can be legally sold to individuals as young as 18, increasing risks to youth. Dispensaries follow strict security protocols, but local smoke and vape shops do not, making underage access easier.

The FDA has reported numerous adverse health events linked to Delta-8 THC, including contamination due to poor production. Many products are marketed as candies and snacks that appeal to minors, with some designed to mimic popular brands. Enforcement is difficult for local police, as verifying the legality of these products requires expensive lab testing, making oversight challenging. The Batavia Police Department has observed traffic crashes in other jurisdictions linked to substances sold in similar shops and is aware of cases where minors as young as 13 were able to purchase these products.

In its investigation, the Batavia Police Department identified and notified 8 local merchants who sold products that would be affected by the passage of this ordinance. Urban Apothecary, owned by herbalist and formulator Cheryl Cryer, has maintained a positive reputation and, by error, was not identified among the 8 merchants by the Batavia Police Department. Due to this notification error and education that was shared by Cryer, the council agreed that it would be inappropriate to vote on an ordinance at this time and would table the discussion for further discovery.

Motion: To Table Ordinance

Maker: Cerone

Second: Malay

Voice Vote: 14-0, 0 Absent, Motion Carries.

13. Discussion: Standing Committees Of The Committee Of The Whole

*Item Tableled

14. Project Status

Max Weiss provided updates on various projects and concerns, with a major focus on the recent federal grant funding freeze ordered by the Trump administration. Weiss noted that staff has spent the last 24 hours assessing potential impacts, including delays or funding gaps for major projects like the $3 million Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry grant, the $7.4 million wastewater treatment plant loans, and $4.1 million in lead service line replacement loans. The situation remains fluid, and efforts to clarify details are ongoing, with involvement from Congressman Foster’s office, state officials, and federal agencies.

Additionally, concerns were raised over federal funding for local nonprofits. Staff are compiling a list of affected grants and working on contingency plans in case the freeze continues. Temporary relief was granted by a federal judge, but long-term solutions remain uncertain.

On a positive note, staff shared updates on city initiatives, including improved communications for city processes, downtown branding collaboration, and new community engagement events. Several bids came in under budget, and progress was made on the city’s asset management system (ViewWorks) and IT integration for AI tools through Microsoft CoPilot.

15. Other

16. Adjournment

Motion: To Adjourn at 10:00pm

Maker: Solfa

Second: Uher

Voice Vote: 14-0, 0 Absent, Motion Carries.

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01282025-2369