City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met Nov. 30.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Chair Wolff called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
1. Roll Call
Members Present: Chair Wolff; Ald. Miller, Russotto (remote), Beck (remote), Connelly, Chanzit (remote), Solfa, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi (remote), Malay (remote), Uher, Cerone (remote), and Vogelsinger (remote)
Members Absent:
Also Present: Mayor Schielke; Deputy Chief Blowers, Batavia Police Department (remote); Laura Newman, City Administrator; Gary Holm, Director of Public Works; Jeff Albertson, Building Commissioner (remote); Peggy Colby, Director of Finance (online); Scott Buening, Director of Community and Economic Development (remote); Wendy Bednarek, Director of Human Resources (remote); Anthony Isom, Assistant to the City Administrator (remote); and Jennifer Austin-Smith, Recording Secretary (remote)
2. Reminder: Please speak into the microphone for BATV recording
3. Approve Minutes for September 28, 2021
Motion: To approve the minutes for September 28, 2021
Maker: Solfa
Second: Miller
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger, Miller, Russotto, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit
Nay:
14-0 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.
4. Items Removed/Added/Changed
There were no items removed, added or changed.
5. Matters From the Public (For Items NOT on the Agenda)
There were no matters from the public
6. Discussion: One-Way Conversion of N. River Street (CS)
Newman presented the pre-final engineering drawing titled “City of Batavia Wilson Street and River Street Geometric Improvement Plan” to the Committee. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is requiring that the pavement be extended on the northeast corner of the intersection so that the crosswalk can be made perpendicular and also to further discourage the westbound traveler on Wilson Street from making a northbound maneuver onto North River Street.
Newman reviewed the drawing with the Committee. She stated staff is ready to resubmit our request for a permit to reconstruct this intersection in this manner. City Council’s primary purpose in making this change was so that the City would be in control of being able to close this street because when it is one-way southbound in order to close the street for activities and events we need only close the north side of that block at State Street. However, changing this to a one way would result in westbound vehicles being unable to go around the block. It was our economic development manager brought up the point that is a disadvantage to those businesses located on Wilson Street. If there aren’t immediate places to park the vehicle would have to proceed all the way across the river before they have an opportunity to turn their car around and come back to visit those businesses.
The Committee of the Whole (COW) discussed how there would no longer be a need for the type three barricade and jersey barriers, traffic flow, emergency access for vehicles, signage, working around construction, and helping local businesses.
John Hamill, business owner, stated that he knows southbound has been the preferred way to direct traffic. As a business owner on River Street, southbound traffic is essentially used when there is an accident on Fabyan Parkway. The northbound traffic is the most desirable. The egress is challenging the way it is proposed.
Chair Wolff explained that the benefit of one-way south is the City’s ability to have full control over closing the street for events. If it were not southbound traffic we would have to go to IDOT every time we wanted to close the street if we had it go north.
Missy Hartmann, owner of the Tea Tree, addressed the Committee. Hartmann discussed her main concern with State Street being closed during construction. She shared she has calls on a daily basis on where do I park and how can I get to you because the road has been closed. Everyone is waiting for River Street to be opened again. There is an issue for getting over the bridge, once you go past River Street, customers would just go home. Sales with the road closure have gone down from last year. Not many people park in the parking lot near her store and she feels like not many people know that it is there. There needs to be more signs and signs stating businesses are open. She shared that the two businesses that are open during the day do not reap the benefits of the closed road. The road should be closed if everyone is participating but if the businesses are closed the road should be open. She needs the car traffic and the walkers and bikers.
The Committee continued discussion on supporting the business during construction, keeping the northbound lane, closing the street for special events and application process for special events.
Newman asked if the COW would like this in place so if there is construction going on when the Farmer’s Market needs to start. If that were the case, staff would need to submit the application to IDOT as soon as possible. Newman noted that applying for the permit is not a commitment to building it. It would be wise to continue with the process and apply for the permit. The general consensus of the committee was for staff to proceed.
7. Ordinance 21-72: Annexing and Zoning 520, 524, 534, 604, 509, 527, 603, and 605 McKinley Street and 1121, 1132, 1122, 1128 and a Vacant Lot South of 1114 Morton Street (SCB 11/8/21) CD
Buening summarized the memo with the COW. Chair Wolff opened the floor for public comment.
Jeff Donnelly, 1128 Morton Street, shared his biggest concern is the financial hardship it could cause them if their well and septic did fail. It would be over one hundred thousand dollars to bring water and septic back there. Donnelly noted that he spoke with the Environmental Health Supervisor in Kane County who informed him that they could make repairs just not if something catastrophically fails. They would like to keep ComEd because of their service and cost.
Eric Cline, 1122 Morton, shared when he purchased the property they already were into the sewer and then the well was not doing good and he was told that he could not add another well. He then hooked up to the City water system and paid to do that. He did not have an option except to do that. He chose this property because it is unincorporated. He understands the point of wrapping things up but it does not benefit him. He is not a big fan in doing this. He loves Batavia. He feels that there is a lot of pressure to do this when he does not want to do. He likes how it is right now and if he had a choice he would rather not. He expressed how he does not want new rules to be imposed on him.
Bailey Mahoney asked if there is going to actually be any benefits. She has a sidewalk, does not need any street lights, and she has had fast response from the Sheriff. She is wondering if there is any benefit of them moving into the City. Buening answered the City Police Department, permitting through the City rather than the County, City street maintenance on the roadway, and ability to connect on to City utilities. Mahoney stated that the financial benefit is not there. Working with the County has been a very easy process and it feels like this would be more of a financial burden on us when our taxes are due. Other people have expressed these concerns as well who were unable to come. We choose to live on this property for a reason.
Lauren Carlson, 604 McKinley Street, stated that the others tonight have stated her views as well. She shared she grew up in Batavia and did not realize when she purchased this house that it was unincorporated. After a few months she realized the benefits of having it unincorporated. She does not appreciate having so much overreach on little details for permitting. Being with the County allows for more freedom and she appreciates that. Even with something as small as parking on the street overnight is fine with the County, versus the City where you have to call for special permission. All of the benefits that were listed for switching are honestly viewed as negatives. To be told we are going to get a 4% increase to our taxes and we are not seeing any benefits to it does not sit very well. She is not thrilled about this and why she did not sign the petition to be annexed into the City. She also likes having no streetlights and she likes that feeling. If streetlights and sidewalks were added it would change the feel of the neighborhood from what it is right now.
Eliot Bortner remotely addressed the Committee. He shared he owns the vacant lot on McKinley Street. He asked if there would be any expectation to hook up to any utilities. Buening answered the parcel is vacant and could be left as is unless you were to build a home there.
Chanzit asked for discussion on the process and procedures for annexation discussed at a future Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting. Chair Wolff stood with Chanzit’s request.
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 21-72: Annexing and Zoning 520, 524, 534, 604, 509, 527, 603, and 605 McKinley Street and 1121, 1132, 1122, 1128 and a Vacant Lot South of 1114 Morton Street
Maker: Wolff
Second: Baerren
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger, Miller, Russotto, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
14-0 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.
8. Resolution 21-114-R: Authorizing Task Order #13 with Allen+Pepa Architects for Professional Architectural & Engineering Services Related to Government Center Remodeling Project (SH 11/22/21) CS
Holm discussed the resolution with the COW.
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 21-114-R: Authorizing Task Order #13 with Allen+Pepa Architects for Professional Architectural & Engineering Services Related to Government Center Remodeling Project
Maker: Russotto
Second: Uher
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Russotto, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger, Miller
Nay:
14-0 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.
9. Resolution 21-109-R: Authorization to Purchase a 2020 Titan Pro Plus Leaf Machine from Bonnell Industries, Inc. for $50,812.00 (SH 11/19/21) CS
Holm discussed the memo with the COW.
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 21-109-R: Authorization to Purchase a 2020 Titan Pro Plus Leaf Machine from Bonnell Industries, Inc. for $50,812.00
Maker: Russotto
Second: Uher
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Russotto, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger, Miller
Nay:
14-0 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.
10. Resolution 21-110-R: Authorizing Execution of a Master Service Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc. (SH 11/23/21) CS
Holm reviewed the memos for Resolution 21-110-R through Resolution 21-113-R with the Committee.
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 21-110-R: Authorizing Execution of a Master Service Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc.
Maker: Russotto
Second: Uher
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Russotto, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger, Miller
Nay:
14-0 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.
11. Resolution 21-112-R: Authorizing Execution of Task Order No. 1 with Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc. for Engineering Services to Design and Prepare Bid Documents Related to the City Hall Three-Story Ridge Rail Fall Protection System in an Amount Not to Exceed $24,500.00 (SH 11/23/21) CS
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 21-112-R: Authorizing Execution of Task Order No. 1 with Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates, Inc. for Engineering Services to Design and Prepare Bid Documents Related to the City Hall Three-Story Ridge Rail Fall Protection System in an Amount Not to Exceed $24,500.00
Maker: Russotto
Second: Uher
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Russotto, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger, Miller
Nay:
14-0 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.
12. Resolution 21-113-R: Authorizing Execution of Task Order No. 2 with Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates Inc. for Engineering Services to Design and Prepare Bid Documents Related to the City Hall Single-Story Railing/Guardrail Protection System in an Amount Not To Exceed $16,500.00 (SH 11/23/21) CS
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 21-113-R: Authorizing Execution of Task Order No. 2 with Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates Inc. for Engineering Services to Design and Prepare Bid Documents Related to the City Hall Single-Story Railing/Guardrail Protection System in an Amount Not To Exceed $16,500.00
Maker: Russotto
Second: Uher
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Russotto, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger, Miller
Nay:
14-0 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.
13. Resolution 21-107-R: 2022 Annual Budget (PC 11/17/21) GS
Uher commented that he is not a fan of borrowing from our reserves. Chair Wolff agreed and added he is not happy to spend savings on daily operations. We have to look at how we have to start saving for other things we want done next year. Uher stated that he would like this discussion held at the beginning of the year. Chair Wolff asked that this be discussed in February. Uher stood with that request. Newman stated that she is in full support of having this discussion to put ourselves on a path of small, measurable steps. Currently, with the structure of the budget, just with the expected increase in cost brings us below our policy so we do need to have this discussion.
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 21-107-R: 2022 Annual Budget
Maker: Chanzit
Second: Uher
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger, Miller, Russotto, Beck, Connelly
Nay:
14-0 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.
14. Resolution 21-111-R: Tow Contract (DE 11/21/21) GS
Chanzit and Deputy Chief Blowers reviewed the memo with the COW.
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 21-111-R: Tow Contract
Maker: Chanzit
Second: Uher
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger, Miller, Russotto, Beck, Connelly
Nay:
14-0 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.
15. Discussion: Staff Appointments (GH 11/22/21) GS
Holm discussed the memo with the Committee. He explained that there is concern with new applicants with the need to be appointed every year. Staff does not feel that positions below the director level need to be appointed and that is why this is being brought forward for guidance from the COW. If the COW would like the ordinance revised, staff would bring it back at a later date. The Committee directed staff to move forward.
16. Discussion: Creation of Assistant Electric Superintendent (GH 11/22/21) PU Holm reported that this is not a new position. This position was already approved by City Council back in September 2021. Before the committee tonight is a job title difference in regards to the Senior Electrical Engineer to Assistant Electric Superintendent it provides the career path and may attract additional candidates. There is no increase in salary, it is just advertising with the new job title. Holm noted that they have been searching for someone to fill this position for over two years time. The Committee directed staff to move forward.
17. Project Status
Newman reported on the following:
• A meeting with the Park Board is being scheduled for further discussion on moving forward.
• Shumway Project developer is providing more information to our financial advisors to make an incentive that would be recommended on the project.
18. Other
None.
19. Executive Session: Pending Litigation
Motion: To enter into Executive Session for Pending Litigation
Maker: Uher
Second: Solfa
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Uher, Cerone, Vogelsinger, Miller, Russotto, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay
Nay:
14-0 Vote, 0 Absent, Motion carried.
The Committee entered executive session at 9:50pm and exited at 10:12pm. Roll call was made when re-entering regular session and there was no change in attendance.
20. Adjournment
There being no other business to discuss, Chair Wolff asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:13pm; Made by Uher; Seconded by Solfa. Motion carried.
http://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11302021-1837
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