Peoria Standard

City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met Aug. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Meeting Called to Order 7:00pm

1. Roll Call

Present: Lanci, Beck, Malay, Malone, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Lohman, Pieper, Farenbach, Anderson, Vogelsinger

Absent: Barazza, Leman

2. Reminder: Please Speak Into The Mic for BATV

3. Items Removed/Added/Changed

Motion: Add Executive Session for Purchase and Sale of Electricity

Maker: Solfa

Second: Lanci

Voice Vote

12-0, 2 Absent, Motion Carries

4. Matters From Public

None

5. Consent agenda

5.1 Approve Minutes August 12, 2025

5.2 Resolution 2025-108-R: Surplus IT Equipment old Cisco Phones (HC)

5.3 Resolution 2025-109-R: Network Switch Purchase for Electric SCADA and City InterGov (HC)

5.4 Resolution 2025-105-R: Authorizing Fiber Software Agreement with 3GIS (SA)

5.5 Resolution 2025-106-R: Approving an Agreement with Quad Plus Testing for NE Distribution Substation Maintenance (SA)

5.6 Ordinance 2025-044: Amendments to the Official Zoning Map - Multiple Properties at 103 and 107 Union Avenue, 180 and 198 Water Street- CD-ZE

Motion: Approve Consent Agenda as Presented

Maker: Baerren

Second: Solfa

Voice Vote

12-0, 2 Absent, Motion Carries

6. Regular Agenda

6.1 Presentation: PFAS Settlement Representation - Thomas Gardiner, Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona

The presentation explained that Batavia is part of a national class action lawsuit involving PFAS, a chemical used in firefighting foam manufactured by 3M, DuPont, and others. These chemicals seeped into groundwater across the country, leading to widespread litigation that was consolidated into a class action. 3M and DuPont have acknowledged responsibility and established a $13.6 billion settlement fund to be distributed to eligible municipalities, including Batavia. While the city’s drinking water is safe, municipalities qualify for funds because the settlement also covers potential future issues.

The amount each city receives depends on factors such as PFAS levels in water sources and system flow rates, with an average of about $50 per resident. For Batavia, the money will go to the city’s water utility rather than directly to residents and will likely be used to offset future EPA compliance costs, such as installing treatment equipment, helping to protect ratepayers from higher bills. Residents could still bring individual claims if they have direct PFAS exposure, such as firefighters.

Payments are expected to begin in late 2026, with most funds from 3M arriving within the first three years and DuPont paying in a lump sum. Council members emphasized that this is an important opportunity, describing it as “found money” for the community, and stressed the importance of transparency so that residents understand how the funds will be used.

6.2 Presentation: Economic Development Presentation

The Economic Development Manager, Anthony Isom, gave an update on current projects, new businesses, and ongoing challenges. He described his role in supporting business growth, guiding owners through permits and licenses, and connecting them with resources like the SBDC and Illinois DCEO. Partnerships with Batavia Main Street, the Chamber, and the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau were highlighted as key to attracting and retaining businesses.

Project updates included Tesla renovations underway with a late-fall target, a data center with approved electric agreements but no permits yet, Ashton Ridge adding 159 homes, South River Street housing awaiting submittals, Batavia 31 moving forward with land acquisition and a TIF 7 study, Ignite nearing opening, and Aldi’s renovating and expanding its headquarters.

New businesses in 2025 include Warehouse 55, Everdine’s Grilled Cheese, NXT Nutrition, Seaspeaks Style, Bird is the Word under new ownership, and Grand Appliance & TV. The reopening of Berkeley’s as Cinco de Mayo Market was noted as a major success.

Several businesses also moved locations, while closures included CaDo & Co., Hearth & Hammer, Pretty Pages, Gun Barrel Coffee, and Thorbella. A downtown occupancy dashboard is in development with GIS, and an RFP for an economic development strategic plan is planned for late 2025.

Council members urged faster vacancy data, clearer landlord engagement, and more attention to industrial and Randall Road developments. They raised concerns about high costs for historic building build-outs and asked for updates on Duchess Cannabis, which is still under slow construction. Staff emphasized stricter code enforcement, the need for new funding sources after TIF 1 ended, and the importance of transparency and collaboration to keep business growth moving forward.

6.3 Resolution 2025-110-R: Authorization to Execute First Amended Master Services Agreement Between the City of Batavia and Batavia DC Corp. (LN)

The council reviewed Resolution 2025-1110R, which amends the master services agreement with Batavia DC Corp to include water and wastewater provisions for the planned data center. The amendment limits water use for cooling to 1,000 gallons per day, about the equivalent of a large household, with monitoring on both intake and discharge to ensure compliance. While staff emphasized this is a very small amount compared to other industrial users, some aldermen raised concerns about the possibility of the facility trucking in large volumes of water, which could impact regional aquifers.

Questions were also asked about the logistics of transporting or sourcing 450,000 gallons of deionized water needed for initial system fills, with suggestions that on-site tanks or rail transport might be more practical. Discussion also focused on the types of computing activities permitted, with crypto and blockchain mining explicitly prohibited. Some members argued that restrictions on AI workloads should be added based on earlier conversations and resident concerns, while others noted the facility is not large enough to host large-scale AI operations and that AI is too broad a term to regulate effectively.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker:

Second:

Roll Call Vote

Aye Lanci, Malay, Malone, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Pieper, Farenbach, Anderson, Vogelsinger

Nay Beck Lohman

10-2, 2 Absent, Motion Carries

6.4 Ordinance 2025-041: Dissolving TIF No 1 Fund and Terminating Designation as an Economic Development Project Area (SB)

Ordinance 2025-41 formally dissolves TIF District 1 at the end of 2025 after 35 years. Scott Buening reflected on the major improvements funded by the district, including public-private redevelopment projects, new housing such as Quarry Stone and Waterford Townhomes, streetscape upgrades, bike path repairs, and public restrooms downtown. They noted that TIF 1 transformed a blighted industrial area into one of the city’s most valuable neighborhoods and provided significant environmental cleanup.

Once dissolved, the increment of over one million dollars per year will return to taxing bodies such as the school district, park district, library, and city, proportionate to their levy shares. Council members requested a summary of total revenues generated and examples of how much each district will now gain, emphasizing the importance of showing residents the long-term benefits of TIFs.

While some suggested breaking down increases by individual properties, staff cautioned that would be labor intensive and recommended providing broader figures. The discussion concluded with agreement that a clear overview highlighting the district’s positive impact would help the public understand the value of TIFs, especially as future districts are considered.

Motion: Approve Ordinance as Presented

Maker: Solfa

Second: Vogelsinger

Roll Call Vote

Aye Lanci, Beck, Malay, Malone, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Lohman, Pieper, Farenbach, Anderson, Vogelsinger

Nay

12-0, 2 Absent, Motion Carries

6.5 Resolution 2025-103-R: Authorizing Change Order No. 1 with Electric Conduit Construction for the 130 Shumway Ave Conduit Installation Project (AF)

The council reviewed a change order related to a Riverwalk reconstruction project within TIF 1. As part of the work, the electric utility was installing conduit to eventually relocate overhead lines that cross the river south of Wilson Street. During construction, crews discovered a main feeder line buried directly without conduit, creating a potential conflict. The change order reroutes the feeder inside the substation to avoid future issues. The cost is $18,938.37, funded by TIF 1, and remains under budget. Officials noted it was far more cost effective to address the problem now than after the concrete is poured.

Motion: Approve Ordinance as Presented

Maker: Vogelsinger

Second: Malay

Voice Vote

12-0, 2 Absent, Motion Carries

6.6 Resolution 2025-104-R: Authorizing Change Order No. 1 with Electric Conduit Construction for the Raddant Road BNSF Crossing Project (AF)

During excavation, crews encountered massive rocks beneath the BNSF tracks, requiring additional casing, conduit, grouting, and specialized monitoring to ensure rail stability. These unforeseen conditions increased costs by about $194,000, bringing the revised contract to roughly $549,000, but the project remains within the $800,000 budget. Officials emphasized that addressing the issue now avoids long-term risks and that the scope will be adjusted, with further conduit work postponed to future years.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Lanci

Second: Malay

Voice Vote

12-0, 2 Absent, Motion Carries

6.7 Resolution 2025-107-R: Personnel Request (HC)

The council revisited a proposal to add an IT staff position that was originally approved in the 2024 budget but later tabled. After advertising and interviewing candidates, the position remained unfilled, and staff workload continued to grow.

IT Director, Howard Chason, explained that the department manages around 100 support requests per month, along with numerous delayed projects, while also maintaining critical infrastructure and cybersecurity requirements.

Howard emphasized the need for someone with software implementation and programming skills to support operations, improve efficiency, and provide backup in case of staff turnover. Council members expressed strong support, highlighting the department’s reputation for excellence, the importance of succession planning, and the growing demands of city technology. Some suggested that managed service firms could also be considered for future flexibility, but agreed that this position is needed now.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Malay

Second: Vogelsinger

Voice Vote

12-0, 2 Absent, Motion Carries

6.8 Discussion: City of Batavia Municipal Electric Utility Energy Policy

Max Weiss revisited a draft energy policy that incorporated feedback from earlier discussions as well as elements from the Greenest Region Compact and the Kane County Climate Action Plan. The updated draft included references to renewable energy, decarbonization goals, carbon neutrality by 2050, and stronger support for demand response and efficiency programs. Some council members felt specific numerical targets belonged more in goals than in policy, since market conditions and state requirements may change over time.

Max explained that policies provide an ideal framework to guide decisions, while goals can be updated more frequently through integrated resource planning. Council members agreed the draft is a strong starting point that can be amended as needed and expressed appreciation for the revisions that clarified direction. Several emphasized that policies are guidelines rather than rigid mandates, and the council voted to move the draft forward for approval.

Motion:

Maker: Lohman

Second: Malay

Voice Vote

12-0, 2 Absent, Motion Carries

7. City Council Updates

7.1 Project status

Laura Newman provided city project updates, beginning with IT improvements. The new Zoom-based phone system was rolled out successfully, offering clearer sound, voicemail-to-email transcription, and smooth implementation. The IT team is also upgrading network switches for both the electric utility and regional public safety connections.

Staff attended a recent cybersecurity and GIS-focused conference and enhanced emergency operations center equipment. Public works projects include ongoing road resurfacing, sidewalks scheduled after Labor Day, and roof construction at the government center beginning soon.

The food pantry relocation to 916 First Street is on track for mid-September, supported by federal funding, and a celebratory grand opening is planned.

Phase two of lead service line replacements is complete, with phase three starting shortly and road restoration continuing through fall.

Laura also shared a resident’s letter praising cemetery staff for their compassion and professionalism during a difficult time, recognizing longtime employees and newer staff for their dedication to maintaining Batavia’s cemeteries with care and dignity. The meeting concluded with a motion to move into executive session for collective bargaining and electricity purchase discussions.

7.2 other business

None

8. Executive Session

Motion: Enter Executive Session for Purchase and Sale of Electricity and Collective Bargaining

Maker: Wolff

Second: Lanci

Voice Vote

12-0, 2 Absent, Motion Carries

9. Adjournment

With no further matters to discuss, the meeting's Executive Session concluded and Regular Meeting adjourned at 10:30pm. The motion was carried unanimously 12-0 with a roll call vote.

https://bataviail.community.diligentoneplatform.com/document/435a3a3b-780b-47c4-8d7f-1123e5e2dd10/