City of Batavia City Council met Dec. 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
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 meeting was called to order by Mayor Schielke at 7:30 p.m.
2. INVOCATION followed by PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Schielke offered a brief invocation. Ald. Salvati led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
13 of 14 aldermen were present.
Aldermen (by ward): Michael O’Brien (1), Scott Salvati (1), Martin Callahan (2), Alan Wolff (2), Elliot Meitzler (3), Dan Chanzit (3), Tony Malay (4), Joe Knopp (4), Mark Uher (5), Abby Beck (5), Michael Russotto (6), Drew McFadden (7), and Keenan Miller (7) were present. Nicholas Cerone (6) was absent.
Also present were BATV and members of the press, public and the following:
City Attorney Roman Seckel
City Clerk Ellen Posledni
City Administrator Laura Newman
Police Chief Dan Eul
Fire Chief Randy Deicke
Director of Public Works Gary Holm
Finance Director Peggy Colby
Director of Community Development Scott Buening
Information Systems Director Howard Chason
4. REMINDER: Please speak into the microphone for BATV recording Mayor Schielke reminded all in attendance to use the microphones.
5. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED
None.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Ald. Chanzit read the Consent Agenda as follows:
Accept and Place on File:
A. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes for October 14, 2019 and October 28, 2019
B. Committee of the Whole Minutes for October 15, 2019 and October 29, 2019 Approvals:
C. November 29, 2019 Payroll $885,342.04
D. Accounts Payable Check Register $1,610,980.77 E. City Council Minutes for November 18, 2019
Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.
7. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC: (For Items NOT on the Agenda) None.
8. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Chamber President and CEO Margaret Perreault said the Chamber is selling copies of Batavi-O- Poly and replicas of the Batavia United Methodist Church for holiday gift-giving.
The not-for-profit forum will meet again this Wednesday in Council Chambers.
Upcoming events:
December 5: Ribbon-cutting for Bulldog Nutrition at 4 pm
December 10: Women in Business Holiday Luncheon at Riverside Banquets, collecting toys for the ACCESS Toy Drive and United Way
December 11: BC2 at 7:30 am at Comfort Inn & Suites, open to all, $10 in advance of $15 at the door
December 11: Ribbon-cutting for Red Hive Market at 4 pm
December 18: Networking-It at K. Hollis, open to members and non-members, 5-7 pm
January 23: Inspire Awards, Citizen of the Year is Nan Phillips, and Chip In Batavia will be given the Spirit of Batavia Award – register online at bataviachamber.org
Michelle Meyer, executive director of Mutual Ground, presented information on the organization, which is involved in prevention, intervention and ongoing services for victims of domestic violence. They do school presentations and operate an emergency shelter with 28 beds. They have a 24/7 hotline and respond to hospitals when requested. Last year they served 1,500 clients, including 400 children. They have 50 employees. They recently acquired Breaking Free, an organization that provides substance use disorder services. Counseling is offered in Batavia, and posters are available to post in local businesses/public restrooms.
The hotline is 630.897.0080.
Mayor Schielke noted that Mutual Ground helps a lot of people and provides a service that no other organization does.
9. PRESENTATION: Tri-Cities Jank Ambassador – Joseph Maldonado
Joseph is the current Tri-Cities Jank Ambassador and shared what he has learned about leadership through the program thus far. Mayor Schielke said he expects the student will go far in life and has a lot to offer the world.
10. PRESENTATION: Access Toy Drive – Jeannie Bailey
Roy Bailey offered an updated on the Toy Drive. He said that Dottie Fletcher hosted a fundraiser at the Moose Club, and was grateful for the many local businesses who donated to the event. He thanked Ms. Fletcher and Rudy and Marilyn Dubis for their help. There are 13 days left until the shopping event. The biggest shortage is likely to be for boys and girls ages 6 to 10, and they are expecting more than 150 teenagers. The event will be held at the Newton House this year on December 15 at 2 p.m.
Mayor Schielke thanked Mr. Bailey and his family for the many years they have made this event possible. He also thanked BEI for donating the space over the years, as well as the Police and Fire Departments for their efforts to make this event possible. It’s been held at 28 locations over the years.
11. PRESENTATION: Fox Valley Robotics Team
The Robo Llamas Fox Valley Robotics Team (Connor, Aidan and Owen) will be competing in a competition on Saturday and will be judged on robotics and teamwork with a theme of “city shapers.” The project they decided upon was to improve accessibility in Batavia, and they discovered that some parts of the bike trail downtown are not accessible for wheelchairs, strollers and bikes. They came up with a plan for a lift down the steps next to the pedestrian bridge. The project is estimated to cost $15,000.
Mayor Schielke applauded the students for raising this issue with the Council, noting it has been an ongoing discussion. The long-term goal is to extend the bike path up to the parking lot. He said it’s important for people to keep pushing their ideas.
Ald. Callahan said he’s very proud of the boys for the thoughtful process they followed for this project. Ald. Chanzit said he was surprised at how low the estimate was for such a lift, and suggested the Council pursue it as a temporary solution. He recommended they discuss it at an upcoming COW meeting.
12. ORDINANCE 19-81: Conditional Use For U-Haul Commercial Vehicle/Equipment Sales And Rental In The GC General Commercial District, 1921A West Wilson Street (JLS 11/14/19 COW 11/19/19 13/0)
Ald. Callahan introduced the item and Shawn Viland, the applicant, addressed the Council. He has been operating against code without realizing it.
Mayor Schielke said this is a high-profile location on Wilson and Randall, so he asked that Mr. Viland maintains the property so it stays clean. He suggested the city may need more stringent policies if companies don’t do a better job maintaining properties, but added that this applicant has not been a problem.
Mr. Viland noted that the U-Hauls are well maintained and any work they need done is performed off-site. They have been part of the rental business since 2017. While shipping is the main part of the Batavia Parcel business, the rentals keep it profitable.
Motion by Ald. Callahan, seconded by Ald. Salvati, to approve the Ordinance as presented. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.
13. RESOLUTION 19-120-R: Council Chambers Video Upgrade (HC 11/25/19) GS
Ald. Chanzit introduced the item related to the video system upgrade. Howard Chason noted that the current projectors were purchased in 2008 and are now outdated. BATV upgraded its equipment four months ago and it is no longer compatible for direct feed from the city’s projectors. An RFP yielded six proposals: The lowest was $34,000 and the highest was $105,000. Three companies were chosen to come in to discuss their proposals. The city selected Fathom Media. The plan is to install two widescreen projectors with wider, motorized screens. The projectors are brighter with a higher resolution that should allow attendees in the back of the room to see the screens. They will also install a 65-inch monitor in the middle of the room for people in the back of the room. There will be a small screen at the podium for the presenter to see, and multiple inputs to plug in an external computer. A Blu-Ray player will also be incorporated into the system, and a control pad will be installed on a beam next to the podium.
Ald. Chanzit asked if the side screen was still needed if a separate monitor would be installed in the middle of the room, but Mr. Chason noted that some people at the front of the room need the side screen. He added that the system can be expanded in the future as needed. Ald. Chanzit also asked if there would be monitors for crowds that may spill over into other rooms. Mr. Chason explained that would not be needed because they would be able to watch the live stream from BATV.
Ald. Uher said the materials chosen are appropriate and the cost is reasonable. He added that this could cut down on the need to have printed agendas.
Ald. Callahan noted that $4,000/year is worth it for such an important part of the city’s transparency efforts.
Ald. O’Brien asked if the audio would also improve. Mr. Chason said audio is not part of this project.
Mayor Schielke noted that Batavia is a leader in publicly sharing democracy in action.
Ald. Knopp asked if this project is in the 2019 budget. Mr. Chason said it is.
Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Callahan, to approve the Resolution as presented. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.
14. ORDINANCE 19-77: Amendment To Video Gaming Code (LN 11/15/19 COW 11/19/19 8/5) GS
Ald. Chanzit introduced the item related to amending the video gaming code. The amendment would raise the fee to $15,000 and allow Funway to install video gaming consoles.
Ald. Meitzler said he wanted the amendments split into two items. He supports the higher fee but, despite trusting that Funway would handle video gaming well, he does not want to see it expanded in Batavia.
Ald. Beck agreed with Ald. Meitzler, noting that gambling is an addiction.
Ald. Callahan said he understands the concerns around gaming. He voted against the initial ordinance several times. However, now that it is legalized, he believes that Funway should have been allowed initially, as it is a place for playing games. He said he is against expanding video gaming to other types of establishments, but this one makes sense.
Ald. Uher said he is also against the expansion. He said he does not want this to be conditional use and would like to cap the number of video gaming establishments in Batavia.
Ald. O’Brien said people need to be held accountable for their own actions. The city is operating at a negative. Although the city has good revenue and reserves, he said they can’t keep attacking reserves every year. This offers another way to generate revenue.
Ald. Salvati agreed with Ald. Callahan. He also voted against video gaming initially, but he said if any business should have been included in the initial ordinance, it’s Funway. The gaming area would be physically separated there. While he does not want to expand video gaming in Batavia, he does not see this as an expansion.
Ald. Wolff said when the ordinance was first voted on, he considered how it would help small businesses, and that is still how he views it. Ald. Russotto agreed.
Ald. O’Brien said Funway is a responsible company. Ald. Chanzit agreed that if any company can manage this properly, it is Funway.
Mayor Schielke noted he is lukewarm on video gaming in general, but if it’s going to be in Batavia, Funway would be the best place to have it. He added that several other businesses have inquired about bringing video gaming to Batavia, so it’s important that the Council weigh in on what they will and will not allow. Some businesses just want a storefront with machines and sell beer on the side. They tend to open near senior citizen communities, and this is an area of growth for Batavia. He suggested the Council revisit this topic in 2020 with the Police Department and city attorney to decide how to handle future requests. Ald. Chanzit said he’s like to discuss that in committee.
Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Salvati, to approve the Ordinance as presented. Motion carried 8 yea/ 5 nay/ 1 absent.
15. RESOLUTION 19-114-R: 2020 Budget (PC 11/15/19 COW 11/19/19 13/0) GS Ald. Chanzit introduced the next four items related to the 2020 budget and tax levies.
Mayor Schielke noted that after being involved in 39 city budgets, this one is probably the one that has been discussed most in-depth. He said the aldermen left no stone unturned, and the city is fortunate to have a Finance staff that worked so hard to get all questions answered. He said everyone did a great job putting this together.
Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the Resolution as presented. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.
16. ORDINANCE 19-73: 2019 Tax Levy (LP COW 11/19/19 13/0) GS
Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the Ordinance as presented.
Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.
17. ORDINANCE 19-74: SSA #30 Tax Levy (LP COW 11/19/19 13/0) GS
Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the Ordinance as presented. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.
18. ORDINANCE 19-75: SSA #62 Tax Levy (LP COW 11/19/19 13/0) GS
Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the Ordinance as presented.
Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.
19. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Administrator Newman offered several updates:
• Leaf pickup will resume for one more week after operations were suspended for winter weather. Remaining leaves can be bagged and put on the curb for free pickup during the month of December.
• Area 3 asphalt is complete.
• Batavia MainStreet and the Chamber of Commerce got together for a debrief after the small business forum. The organizations decided they would like to do more focused, quarterly meetings.
• The city would like to host a brokers’ tour in the spring or summer to show real estate brokers the commercial properties available in Batavia.
• MainStreet will present at the COW tomorrow night on the proposed boardwalk shops.
• The new logo will also be discussed tomorrow night.
• IEPA soil remediation action plan approval is expected this month. City staff is looking at ways to support downtown businesses during the One Washington Place construction.
• The city will once again prepare a Budget in Brief, a summary of the city budget for easier reading for residents. They are currently working on the document and are open to feedback on last year’s document. It’s expected to be released in January.
• Shout out to Mayor Schielke for running in the Fox and Turkey 4-mile race on Thanksgiving. The Mayor gave full credit to his trainer.
Ald. Knopp noted that residents who have questions about leaf pickup can check city progress on the leaf program map on the city website.
Mayor Schielke shared that the city’s “leaf problem” likely stems from the efforts of the Batavia Tree Commission, which was launched after the city was devastated by Dutch Elm disease in 1954. When new homes were built, builders were encouraged to plant at least two trees on the lot. There are now an estimated 20,000 trees in Batavia. They are good for the environment and the city’s excellent Public Works Department does a good job of managing the leaves.
20. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Government Services: Ald. Chanzit said tobacco regulations would be discussed at the next COW.
City Services: Ald. Wolff said Prairie Street reconstruction would be discussed at the next COW. Community Development: Ald. Callahan said there will be three public hearings at the Plan Commission meeting on December 4.
21. OTHER BUSINESS
Ald. Salvati announced he will be resigning from City Council due to relocation. He said he has served on the Council for 19 years and has always done what he thought was best for the city.
Mayor Schielke thanked Ald. Salvati for his service to Batavia. He hopes to fill the seat quickly, and asked that any interested resident of Ward 1 who is 18 years or older and a registered voter should indicate their interest this week. Applicants will be invited to the December 10 COW meeting for interviews with the aldermen and mayor. They would decide on the appointment that evening, and the new alderman would be sworn in at the December 16 City Council meeting. The new alderman would serve until May 2021, at which point the unexpired two-year term would be filled by election.
22. MAYOR’S REPORT
The Celebration of Lights event was held last night, and Santa arrived under a light snow. It was a nice evening for all attendees.
23. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ald. O’Brien, seconded by Ald. Salvati, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice
vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
https://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12022019-1474
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