Peoria Standard

City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met June 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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. They 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. They may not reference some of the individual attendee’s comments, nor the complete comments if referenced.

Meeting Called to Order 7:00pm

1. Roll Call

Present:, Lanci, Malone, Malay, Solfa, Lohman, Pieper, Farenbach, Anderson

Absent: Barazza*, Beck, Wolff, Baerren, Leman*, Vogelsinger

Also in Attendance: Peggy Colby, Wendy Bednarek, Max Weiss, Steve Allen, Andrea Podraza, Anthony Isom, Jeff Albertson, Mayor Schielke, Rahat Bari, Chief Hanson, Laura Newman, Ellyn Theis

2. Reminder: Please Speak Into The Mic for BATV

3. Approve Minutes June 10, 2025

Motion: Approve Consent Agenda as Presented

Maker: Malay

Second: Solfa

Voice Vote: 8-0, 6 Absent, Motion Carries.

4. Items Removed/Added/Changed

None

5. Matters From The Public (For Items NOT On Agenda)

None

6. Consent Agenda:

a. Ordinance 2025-036: Declaring surplus property – Transformers (SA 6/17)

b. Resolution 2025-089-R: Authorizing Execution of Contract with Electric Conduit Construction (TF)

Motion: Approve Consent Agenda as Presented

Maker: Solfa

Second: Lohman

Voice Vote: 8-0, 6 Absent, Motion Carries

*Ald. Barazza joined via Zoom at 7:05pm

7. Presentation: 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Statement (ACFR) And Associated Documents By Brian LeFevre, Partner At Sikich CPA LLC

Brian LeFevre of Sikich presented Batavia’s 2024 audit results, highlighting a clean, unmodified opinion on the city’s financial statements, indicating full compliance with accounting standards and no material misstatements. Batavia received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 17th year, a distinction held by less than 1% of local governments. Clean compliance audits were also issued for the city’s three TIF districts and a federal single audit, which reviewed $10.5 million in grant spending, including ARPA and HUD funds. No issues or findings were reported. The city’s General Fund remains above its fund balance target, and its pension plans are well-funded with contributions exceeding requirements. The audit was completed smoothly with no adjustments, a rare and commendable achievement, and city staff were praised for their professionalism.

8. Resolution 2025-085-R: Authorizing Execution Of A Professional Services Agreement With Meech Group For A Study Relating To TIF #7 (SCB 6/5/25)

TIF District #7 would combine parts of expiring TIFs 1 and 3 to support downtown redevelopment. The $34,630 study, funded by TIF 3, will assess eligibility but does not create the TIF yet. If eligible, a formal process would follow, taking 6–9 months. TIF 7 would focus on commercial areas, exclude residential zones, and help fund potential redevelopment of an entire city block. Council and the mayor unanimously supported the plan, noting Batavia’s strong redevelopment potential and alignment with the city’s downtown strategy.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Malone

Second: Anderson

Voice Vote: 9-0, 5 Absent, Motion Carries

9. Resolution 2025-088-R: Agency Agreement Approved (AIJ 6/5/25)

Combined/Discussed with Item 10

The City Council approved Resolution 2025-088-R, allowing Batavia to take over purchase agreements for 102 and 108 Batavia Avenue from Batavia Enterprises. This gives the city and developer control of the full block, clearing the way to plan a mixed-use redevelopment project.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Lanci

Second: Anderson

Voice Vote: 9-0, 5 Absent, Motion Carries

10. Resolution 2025-090-R: Accepting The Assignment Of The Real Estate Contract Interest Agreement (AIJ 6/5/25)

Combined/Discussed with Item 9

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Lanci

Second: Malone

Voice Vote: 9-0, 5 Absent, Motion Carries

11. Resolution 2025-084-R: Authorizing Execution Of Contract With M3 Electrical Contracting For EV Charging Station Installation (SA 6/17/25)

*Ald. Leman joined the meeting at 7:35pm

The City Council approved Ordinance 2025-084, authorizing a contract with M3 Electrical Contracting to install Level 3 EV charging stations at Batavia High School and the city’s Shamway Road lot. The project is funded by a state grant requiring high-speed CCS1 chargers, which allow 20–30 minute charging times. Though CCS1 is being phased out in favor of a new standard (NACS), staff noted the grant requires CCS1, but cables can be swapped later if needed. M3 will also provide 5 years of maintenance, as required by the grant. The chargers will be city-owned and publicly accessible, helping attract downtown visitors and EV users.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Solfa

Second: Lohman

Voice Vote: 10-0, 4 Absent, Motion Carries

12. Ordinance 2025-035: Amending Title 8 Chapter 1 Of City Code Related To Renewable Generation Facilities (SA 6/17/25)

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/21985?fileID=16834