City of Batavia City Council met Oct. 5.
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. Chanzit led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
13 of 14 aldermen were present at roll call.
Aldermen (by ward):
Jennifer Baerren (1), Michael O’Brien (1), Dan Chanzit (3), Michael Russotto (6), and Keenan Miller (7) attended in person.
Alan Wolff (2), Martin Callahan (2), Elliot Meitzler (3), Tony Malay (4), Abby Beck (5), Mark Uher (5), Nicholas Cerone (6) and Drew McFadden (7) attended by phone.
Joe Knopp (4) 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 (by 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.
Approvals:
A. October 2, 2020 Payroll $896,506.29
B. Accounts Payable Check Register $1,493,432.80
C. August 2020 City Council Financial Report
D. City Council Minutes September 16, 2020 and September 21, 2020
E. RES 20-111-R: Accepting 10 feet sidewalk easement from Covenant Church for the purpose of construction a 5 feet sidewalk along the East side of the church property (RB 9/18/2020 COW 9/22/20 11/0) CS
Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Miller, 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 continuing to provide information to business members to help them navigate the pandemic. The Chamber is serving as a conduit for information on grant funds, and information is on the Chamber website. Networking continues online and in person.
• Ms. Perreault shared a list of upcoming events.
• Businesses continue to join the Chamber despite the pandemic.
• Chamber Bucks in $10 denominations continue to be sold. They would make great holiday gifts.
• Batavia Mothers’ Club coat drive is ongoing, and the Chamber has a drop box at 106 W. Wilson Street. Hats, mittens and boots are also being collected.
Jason Stoffels from Enticing Cuisine shared information about his full-service catering business, which opened in 2007. They are doing a lot of pre-packaged box lunches during the pandemic. They also do family-style meals for carry-out on Wednesday nights, and will be opening a banquet hall by the first of the year. Both Administrator Newman and Ald. Cerone attested to the great food and service from Enticing Cuisine.
9. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Newman said the Joint Review Board met October 1 and recommended the establishment of TIF #6 in a 6-2 vote. The next step is a Public Hearing November 2 at 7:30 pm at the start of the City Council meeting.
New lighting is in place on River Street. It is a temporary solution while the city considers permanent catenary lighting to be installed in 2021.
IDPH has released guidelines for Halloween, which are posted on the city website. For those who wish to participate, trick-or-treating will be 4 to 7 pm.
Brush pickup will be the week of October 12 on the east side and October 19 on the west side. Please keep leaves and other debris away from sewer grates.
Great progress is being made on major construction projects on Main and Prairie streets. Prairie Street will undergo final surfacing on October 7 – 8, and motorists are encouraged to avoid the area on those days.
On South Batavia Ave., the storm sewer is being installed and sidewalk work will be done in late October. Businesses will be notified well in advance.
Ald. Uher asked about video gaming being on the agenda. Administrator Newman made a note to add it to the next City Council meeting agenda.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS
None.
11. OTHER BUSINESS None.
12. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Schielke said that Roy Bailey will be at the next City Council meeting to discuss the next Batavia ACCESS Toy Drive. A record number of children may need support this year because of the pandemic’s impact on the economy. The group has already received many donations, but cash donations are always needed for older children and families. Distribution will be held at the old Hubbard store. Batavia Fire Department will once again move donations, and Aldi has once again donated a large number of toys.
Batavia Fire Department has been using the Hubbard store for training thanks to Batavia United Methodist Church, which now owns the building. There are a lot of interesting training opportunities and history within the building. In 1912, Batavia won the state basketball championship in the gym inside the building. The original floor markings are still there, and the Mayor was able to take photos that he will provide to the Depot Museum, Batavia High School and other interested organizations.
The Batavia Police Department has faced a large volume of difficult calls recently. A lot of cybercrime is hitting Batavia.
The city has acquired a large number of face masks to make available for those who need them. Several packages have already been donated to local organizations, churches and senior facilities. Public safety officers have them in their vehicles as well.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ald. O’Brien seconded by Ald. Russotto, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
https://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10052020-1619
Alerts Sign-up