City of Batavia City Council met July 6.
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 7:32 p.m.
2. INVOCATION followed by PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Schielke offered a brief invocation. Ald. Knopp led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
13 of 14 aldermen were present at roll call.
Aldermen (by ward): Michael O’Brien (1), Jennifer Baerren (1), Alan Wolff (2), Dan Chanzit (3), Joe Knopp (4), Mark Uher (5), Abby Beck (5), Michael Russotto (6), and Keenan Miller (7) attended in person.
Elliot Meitzler (3), Tony Malay (4), Nicholas Cerone (6), and Drew McFadden (7) attended by phone.
Martin Callahan (2) was absent.
Also present were members of the public and the following:
City Attorney, Roman Seckel
City Clerk, Ellen Posledni
City Administrator, Laura Newman
Community Development Director, Scott Buening (via phone)
4. REMINDER: Please speak into the microphone
Mayor Schielke reminded everyone to use their microphones.
5. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED
None
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Ald. Chanzit read the Consent Agenda as follows.
Accept and Place on File:
A. Committee of the Whole Minutes May 26, 2020, June 2, 2020, June 9, 2020, June 16, 2020 and June 23, 2020
B. Plan Commission Minutes June 3, 2020
C. Historic Preservation Commission April 13, 2020
Approvals:
D. June 26th Payroll for $936,376.96
E. Accounts Payable Check Register $5,367,041.84
F. City Council Minutes for June 15, 2020
G. APPROVAL: May 2020 City Council Financial Report
H. APPROVAL: COW Executive Session Minutes July 30, 2019, September 10, 2019, October 22, 2019, October 29, 2019, December 3, 2019, December 10, 2019, January 28,2020, February 11, 2020, February 25, 2020 and April 14, 2020
I. ORDINANCE 20-40: Rescinding Ordinance 19-06 To Authorize the Execution of an Annexation Agreement for Annexation and Development of the Winding Creek Subdivision Property, 2500 and 37W330 McKee Street, MI Homes of Chicago, L.L.C., applicant (JLS 6/16/20 COW 6/23 12/0) CD
J. ORDINANCE 20-39: Amendment to the Official Zoning Map to the GI General Industrial District 1501 North Kirk Road, City of Batavia, applicant (JLS 6/16/20 6/23 COW 12/0) CD
K. ORDINANCE 20-36: Surplus Property Police Vehicles (SM 6/08/20 COW 6/16/20 13/0) CS
L. ORDINANCE 20-42: Declaring Surplus Properties (RD 6/24/20 COW 6/30/20 12/0) CS
M. RESOLUTION 20-086-R: Authorizing a Representative to Sign State Revolving Loan Fund Documents (PLC 6/26/20 COW 6/30/20 12/0) GS
N. RESOLUTION 20-083-R: Approval for exception to City Employee Handbook Policy Regarding Maximum Carryover Hours (WB 6/16/20 COW 6/16/20 13/0) GS
Mayor Schielke noted that item I has arisen out of no fault of the city. There was a disagreement between the property owners and the developer. The proposal had a lot of positive features, and he encourages the next developer to follow a similar model.
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 reported that COVID-19 continues to impact the business community, but the Chamber is helping with several support programs to help them navigate the pandemic. They are in close contact with other Chambers and continue to work with government officials at the local and state level to bring relief to businesses.
The Batavia Reconnected small business grant program is helping businesses that have incurred expenses in order to comply with COVID-19 safety measures. More than 25 local businesses have received grant funds to date.
Mayor Schielke participated in a ribbon-cutting video celebrating Illinois moving into Phase 4. More than 20 local Chamber members participated as well.
A ribbon-cutting for the Batavia Boardwalk Shops will be held on Wednesday, July 15, followed by a networking event in the Wilson Street Tavern tent across the street.
Ms. Perreault reviewed a list of upcoming Chamber events, noting that some will be online and some will be in person. The Chamber’s annual golf outing at Orchard Valley is still scheduled to be held August 28. Hole sponsorships are still available. A complete list of events is on the Chamber website.
Chamber Bucks can be purchased in $10 increments to be used at participating businesses in Batavia.
9. RESOLUTION 20-056-R: Approving Service Agreement with Koloni Inc. for Bike Share Program (LN 6/12/20 COW 6/16/20 13/0) CS
Ald. Wolff introduced the item related to a bike share program, which he noted has been discussed for the past year. The program was paused due to the pandemic. He said this offers another way to connect with public transportation in Geneva and Aurora.
Administrator Newman explained that the program will cost $13,000 for seven electric bikes. The annual fee will cover the cost of the bikes, care, maintenance and storage of bikes for the winter. The service will balance the number of bikes available every 24 – 48 hours to help ensure bikes will always be available in Batavia. The cost does not cover a bike rack, so the city may look to Barco Products in Batavia for this rack, as they donated $10,000 worth of tables for city use downtown during the pandemic.
Ald. Knopp noted that bikes are hard to come by right now and asked whether bikes are actually available. Administrator Newman indicated that city staff told the company early on how many they thought they would want, so the bikes have already been purchased.
Ald. Baerren asked which communities are participating in the program. Administrator Newman indicated the following towns will be initial participants, with expansion expected: Elgin; South Elgin; Shodeen developments in Mill Creek, St. Charles and Elburn; Aurora; and Montgomery. They hope next year’s program will be even more robust. The Kane County Government Center by the Geneva Metra station may also be participating.
Ald. Cerone asked where the bike rack will be located. Administrator Newman said it will be on the South Plaza at City Hall. More racks will be added as demand grows. Ald. Beck added that geofencing technology can also be used for racks, allowing bikes to be dropped off in temporary locations for events or trial areas.
Motion by Ald. Wolff, seconded by Ald. Beck, to approve the resolution as presented. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.
10. ORDINANCE 20-41: AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Batavia, Kane and DuPage Counties, Illinois, to issue Waterworks Revenue Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,900,000 in evidence of loans issued pursuant to the Public Water Supply Loan Program (PLC 6/26/20 COW 6/30/20 12/0) GS
Ald. Chanzit introduced the item related to Item M on the Consent Agenda. The loan has not been received, but the city is on the approved list. Ald. O’Brien indicated his support of the item, saying utility maintenance is essential. Mayor Schielke added that utility work is being done across the city, and in 50 or 100 years, people will note that it was smart for the city to have done all of this work.
Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Knopp, to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.
11. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Newman said a community survey went out in May to 3,000 homes in Batavia. As of July 1, the survey is now open to all residents: go to the City’s home page and follow the link before July 15.
Brush pickup won’t happen again until August 3 on the East Side and August 10 on the West Side.
Last Tuesday, staff had a conference call with IDNR to maintain their position to receive money for removal of the Batavia dam. On the call, IDNR indicated it would be helpful for elected official to demonstrate their support of the removal. The City should also have an IGA with the Batavia Park District because dam removal will affect the Depot Pond, which is under their jurisdiction.
The One Washington Place project continues to move forward after unanimous approval for a certificate of appropriateness from Historic Preservation and design approval from the Plan Commission. A new redevelopment agreement will be up for consideration later in July or early August.
July 14 at 5 pm, staff will offer a presentation on Mahoney Creek possible improvement measures. This is an opportunity for public to share feedback.
At the July 14 COW, staff and consultants will share next steps on the Carriage Crest improvement project.
Ald. Wolff asked for a status report on the CARES Act funds directed to Kane County. Administrator Newman noted that Kane County Chair Lauzen put together a task force to determine how to disburse the funds. The City’s representative, Metro West, requested the money be disbursed per capita. Last week, the task force indicated it would agree to a per capita disbursement. However, some board members then called an emergency meeting to form a new task force to decide instead.
Ald. Wolff asked if it would help for the City Council to add some pressure to disburse the funds. Mayor Schielke noted that Geneva’s Mayor Burns is the current president of Metro West. He said everyone’s heart is in the right place, but it is a lot of money. The Kane County Board decided it will oversee disbursement. Some argue that the Kane County Health Department should get some funds, and other organizations have also requested funds. The per capita amount came down to $78/person, or $2,045,000 for Batavia, which Mayor Schielke said is close to our rightful share. Further complicating matters is that Aurora is in four counties. The funds will not make the City whole, but it will be as hot in the arm. Some fire protection districts also requested funds, so Kane County is sending them to request funding directly from cities.
Ald. O’Brien said the City can’t spend the money until it’s received, but he supports using some of those funds to support local businesses.
12. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ald. Chanzit noted that video gambling would be on the next COW agenda.
13. OTHER BUSINESS
Ald. O’Brien noted that River Street had little activity over the weekend. The alley with Wilson Street Tavern, Bocadito’s and Oak and Swine is attracting people. He wondered if more can be done so that people know that River Street is pedestrian-friendly. He is concerned people think the road is totally closed.
Administrator Newman said the city and MainStreet are working on more attractive signage. Ald. O’Brien said the tent and lighting for the Wilson Street Tavern area makes it more attractive. Administrator Newman said that is something they may be able to do at the south end, maintaining that the street needs to be accessible for emergency vehicles.
Mayor Schielke said two of the biggest restaurants on River Street are no longer open, so the crowds are not as big as they would have been. But he maintained that River Street is on the right track. Ald. Uher said Water Street has lights and looks attractive, and wondered what the cost would be of doing something similar on River Street. Mayor Schielke said staff has been working on some options and will be recommending adjustments.
14. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Schielke said Batavia is generating a lot of local interest. The bike trail was started in Batavia by Phil Elfstrom, so it makes sense to join the bike share program.
On June 14, a sign was erected on the future site of the Flag Day Monument that will hopefully be built next year.
Fireworks for this year were purchased, but since they could not be used on July 4, they are being held by a company in Melrose Park. He is hoping a small display could be held downtown over Labor Day weekend depending on the state of the pandemic. If they are not used this year, they will be held until next year. This was to be the 70th anniversary of the fireworks show in Batavia, which has always been fully funded by donations.
The first resident of the year made a donation to the ACCESS Toy Drive. Donations this year may be restricted to new purchased due to concerns about the virus. Aldi has already donated 40 boxes of toys as well. This is one example of a generous company in Batavia. Additional donations include the tables and lighting on Water Street provided by Barco Products and BEI. It’s evidence that community spirit is alive and well in Batavia.
Ald. O’Brien said he commends the Mayor’s willingness to bring others into the community to share ideas; it benefits Batavia and other local communities. Mayor Schielke said he had reservations about the Boardwalk Shops due to parking concerns, but it turns out to have been a great project and is generating a lot of local interest.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ald. Wolff, seconded by Ald. O’Brien, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:31 pm.
https://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07062020-1575
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