Peoria Standard

City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met March 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Meeting Called to Order 7:15pm

1. Roll Call

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

Also in Attendance: Zach Ewoldt, Drew Rackow, Scott Buening, Gary Holm, Rahat Bari, Jeff Albertson, Mayor Schielke, Laura Newman, Ellyn Theis

2. Reminder: Please Speak Into The Mic for BATV

3. Approve Minutes February 25, 2025

Motion: To approve minutes as presented

Maker: Solfa

Second: Ajazi

Voice Vote: 11-0, 3 Absent, Motion Carries.

4. Items Removed/Added/Changed

None

5. Matters from the public for items not on the agenda

None

6. Consent Agenda

a. Approval: COW Executive Session Minutes from February 11, 2025 – a. Personnel and b. Purchase of Real Estate

b. Resolution 2025-042-R: Resolution Approving the 2025 Zoning Map (DMR 3/3/25) CD

c. Resolution 2025-035-R: Approving a Contract with Electric Conduit Construction Company to Install Electric Conduits under the Railroad Track at Raddant Road BNSF Crossing for an amount not to exceed $355,025 (RB 3/7/25) PU

d. Resolution 2025-045-R: Authorizing Payment for Finance Software Maintenance (TD 3/6/25) GS

e. Resolution 2025-044-R: Authorizing the Execution of Task Order No. 16 with Allen Pepa Architects for Professional Engineering and Architectural Services for Fire Station #2 Mechanical Upgrades (SH 3/5/25) CS

f. Resolution 2025-043-R: Authorizing Execution of a One-Year Contract with Clauss Brothers, Inc. for 2025 Code Enforcement Abatement for Lawn Mowing (JA 3/5/25) CD

g. Resolution 2025-037-R: Designating Authority as Banking Agents (PC) GS

Motion: To Approve Consent Agenda as Presented

Maker: Beck

Second: Solfa

Voice Vote: 11-0, 3 Absent, Motion Carries.

7. Discussion: Peace Bridge Bike Ramp (RB)

*Ald. Malay joined the meeting at 7:20pm

This project aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between the east side riverfront trail and River Street, addressing the current issue where cyclists must dismount and carry their bikes up stairs. The selected design minimizes the impact on the adjacent parking lot, preserving land for future development. Coordination is ongoing with the park district for necessary easements, and feedback has been sought from the Environmental and Bike Commissions, as well as local organizations like Main Street, due to potential impacts on events such as the farmers market.

The ramp will feature gentle slopes, range from 10 to 14 feet in width, and include a switchback for ease of navigation. Drainage improvements are also planned, rerouting a stormwater pipe currently running under a building. Construction is set to begin in May 2025 and finish by December 2025, funded by TIF funds. The existing stairs will remain, and the ramp design includes opportunities for public art and appropriate lighting for safety.

Public art for the large retaining wall is already under discussion with the Batavia Public Arts Initiative. Additional bike parking is also being evaluated, with possible expansions near the parking lot and future public restroom area.

8. Ordinance 2025-016: Amendment To The Official Zoning Map For Multiple Properties At 505, 615, 621, 705, 723, 741, 749, 757, 801 Pine Street, And 937 South Raddant Road (ZE 3/6/2025) CD

These properties were annexed into the city over the past decade as part of an effort to incorporate unincorporated areas ("donut holes") from Kane County. Initially zoned under the city’s base designation of R0 (single-family residential), staff proposed rezoning them to R1L (single-family low-density) to align with surrounding properties. There are no current development plans for these parcels, and the rezoning is considered a routine administrative update.

Motion: To Approve Ordinance as Presented

Maker: Lanci

Second: Malay

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

9. Resolution 2025-036-R: Preliminary And Final Plat Of Subdivision Approval For Hemming Subdivision (403 North Avenue & 420 Maple Lane) – Travis Hemming, Applicant (DMR 3/7/25) CD

(Items 9&10 were discussed together)

Drew Rackow introduced Resolution 25-36R and Ordinance 25-17, both related to the Heming Subdivision at 403 North Avenue and 420 Maple Lane. The applicant, Travis Heming, proposed a one-lot subdivision that combines portions of his property and a neighboring property to create a new development lot. Although there are no immediate development plans, the subdivision prepares the site for future construction.

As part of the process, the city also approved a vacation of excess right-of-way on Maple Lane, which was deemed unnecessary for public use after review by utilities and public works. The Planning Commission supported the proposal, recommending a few conditions—such as including language in the plat requiring sidewalk installation during future development and compliance with the city’s tree preservation ordinance.

Motion: To Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Ajazi

Second: Malay

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

10. Ordinance 2025-017: Approving A Plat Of Vacation For A Portion Of Maple Lane (DMR 3/7/25) CD

(Items 9&10 were discussed together)

Motion: To Approve Ordinance as Presented

Maker: Ajazi

Second: Malay

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

11. Resolution 2025-040-R: Authorizing Execution Of Task Order No. 52 With Engineering Enterprises, Inc. For Construction Engineering Services Of The Year 3 Lead Service Line Replacement Project (JB 3/6/25) PU

The city is currently in Year 2 of the project and preparing for Year 3, which has already gone out for bid. The associated engineering services cost of $598,724 will be fully covered by a 30-year, 0% interest loan from the State of Illinois.

The project is considered a model for other municipalities in Illinois, and council members expressed pride in being potentially the first city in the state to fully complete lead service line replacements.

Motion: To Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Malay

Second: Malone

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

12. Resolution 2025-041-R: Authorizing Execution Of The Notice Of Intent To Award The Year 3 Lead And Galvanized Steel Water Service Line Replacement Project To Miller Pipeline, LLC (JB 3/6/25) PU

The Notice of Intent to Award the Year 3 Lead and Galvanized Steel Water Service Line Replacement Project to Miller Pipeline LLC is a required interim step in the EPA loan funding process and is not the final contract award, which will come later once the loan is fully executed.

The project is eligible for a $7 million, 30-year, 0% interest loan, and there is a possibility that part of the work may qualify for principal forgiveness under a future Year 4 loan tied to a specific census tract. If so, some work may be shifted accordingly.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Malay

Second: Beck

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

13. Discussion: Illinois House Bill 5021 – Municipal And Cooperative Electric Utility Planning And Transparency Act (GH)

Gary Holm introduced a discussion on the proposed Utility Planning and Transparency Act (House Bill 2901), which would impose new requirements on municipal electric utilities across Illinois. The bill is still in the draft and negotiation stage, with several concerns raised by city staff, including the loss of local control, duplicate planning costs, state agency oversight, and unfunded mandates.

Key concerns included:

● Mandating submission of Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) to the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), which could diminish local authority over utility planning.

● Requiring dual IRPs from both municipal utilities and their joint action agencies (e.g., NIMPA), potentially doubling costs.

● Obligating utilities to follow provisions of the Public Utilities Act, which traditionally governs private investor-owned utilities like ComEd—not municipalities.

● Requiring disclosure of proprietary computer models used in energy planning, raising intellectual property concerns.

● Language requiring utilities to identify "all" eligible funding sources under the Inflation Reduction Act, seen as overly burdensome.

● A requirement to issue RFPs for energy costs during the IRP process, which is not standard practice.

● Changes to the Open Meetings Act, which could impact confidentiality in contract negotiations.

Resident Susan Russo, who is directly involved in the negotiation process, urged the council not to oppose the bill prematurely. She explained that multiple concerns raised by the city had already been addressed in negotiations, such as the removal of dual IRP requirements, adjusted timelines, and clarification of IPA’s review role. Russo emphasized that the bill’s intent is not to take control from municipalities but to increase transparency, consistency, and provide tools for better utility governance, especially for small communities with limited resources.

The council acknowledged the value of early engagement while also stressing the need for clarity, transparency, and local input in the legislative process. Staff will continue monitoring the bill and reporting back as negotiations progress.

14. Project Status

The Communications Department issued an RFP for the Tin Shop building, which has gained attention on social media and in news outlets. While there’s strong public interest in seeing the building revitalized, no formal proposals have been submitted yet.

In response to a request from the Batavia Active Transportation Commission, the city purchased a pop-up tent using general funds. The tent will be shared for use at events by the city and various commissions.

The three-story section of the Government Center is scheduled for a roof replacement in late spring or early summer.

The Finance Department has applied for Round 3 loan funding for the lead service line replacement project.

Peggy Colby was recognized for her in-house investment skills, notably purchasing a T-note just before interest rates dropped—saving the city money without needing an outside consultant.

The city is awaiting $3 million in HUD funds awarded in 2023 to move the Batavia Food Pantry to a new location at 916 First Street. Though HUD has authorized the Treasury to disburse funds, the city has not yet received the reimbursement. If not received within two weeks, the city plans to escalate through federal representatives. The funding has a deadline of 2031, so there's no immediate risk to the project, but continued delays are a concern.

15. Other

None

16. Adjournment

Motion: To Adjourn the Meeting

Maker: Solfa

Second: Ajazi

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

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03112025-2388