City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met Nov. 1.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
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. They 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. They may not reference some of the individual attendee’s comments, nor the complete comments if referenced.
Chair Wolff called the meeting to order at 7:01pm.
1. Roll Call
Members Present: Chair Wolff; Ald. Miller, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit (remote), Solfa, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi (remote), Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger (joined at 7:04pm)
Members Absent: Ald. Russotto and Cerone
Also Present: Mayor Schielke; Laura Newman, City Administrator; Zach Ewoldt, Planner (remote); Scott Buening, Director of Community and Economic Development (remote); Rahat Bari, City Engineer; Peggy Colby, Director of Finance (remote); Wendy Bednarek, Director of Human Resources; Howard Chason, Director of Information Technology; and Jennifer Austin-Smith, Recording Secretary (remote)
2. Reminder: Please speak into the microphone for BATV recording
3. Items to be Removed/Added or Changed
None.
4. Matters from the Public (For Items NOT on Agenda)
None.
5. Consent Agenda
(The Consent Agenda is made up of items recommended by city staff that requires recommendation to the full City Council by the COW. This agenda is placed as a separate item on the COW agenda. The items on the Consent Agenda are usually minor items, already budgeted, standard non-policy activities or outgrowths of earlier meetings and are voted on as a “package” in the interest of saving time on non controversial issues. However, any council member may, by simple request, have an item removed and placed on the “regular” agenda.)
a. Approval: COW Executive Session Minutes: September 27, 2022 – Setting the Price of Land for Sale
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented
Maker: Malay
Second: Solfa
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
6. Discussion: Carriage Crest 2022 Study Update – Rahat Bari
Bari reported that the subcommittee for the Carriage Crest subdivision met last Monday. Bari stated that the discussion included the cost of the project. The project was estimated to cost three million dollars and now with inflation the project cost is somewhere between six and seven million dollars. Bari shared with the COW the cost efficient options that were discussed at the subcommittee meeting, notably the pumping options for the subdivision.
Vogelsinger stated that Ald. Beck brought up the possibility of naturalizing the current basin for natural options for absorbing the excess water. Vogelsinger stated that such an option is in line with the climate committee’s goals. She asked if this is something that could be discussed as we consider options. Bari answered that this could be discussed when we get to that stage.
Chair Wolff asked staff to look into pumping the excess water into the marshland. That would be something that could work better to help the marsh constantly flowing through instead of becoming a flat bog. Bari stated that the marsh is a shorter distance so staff would look into that option. Chair Wolff stated that many homeowners have several sump pumps. He asked staff to make sure the system around the houses works correctly so that we are not pumping water in a big circle.
The Committee discussed lifecycle cost, stormwater routes, adding flow to routes that already exists, individual surveys to see where the water is flowing, existing systems, groundwater issues, and ensuring the existing system works correctly.
The general consensus of the COW was to move forward with exploring the option of the pumping system and alternative areas for drainage.
7. Ordinance 22-47: Amending the Zoning Code Batavia City Code Title 10 Related to Sign Regulations (ZE 10/27/22) CD
Ewoldt discussed the memo with the Committee.
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-47: Amending the Zoning Code Batavia City Code Title 10 Related to Sign Regulations
Maker: Wolff
Second: Solfa
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
8. Ordinance 22-54: Annexing and Zoning Part of NICOR Right-of-Way Between Fabyan Parkway and Barker Drive (SCB 10/24/22) CS
Buening discussed the memo with the Committee.
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-54: Annexing and Zoning Part of NICOR Right-of-Way Between Fabyan Parkway and Barker Drive
Maker: Wolff
Second: Malay
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
9. Resolution 22-108-R: Approving a resolution Accepting Public Utility Easements at 1459 Louis Bork Drive (CCB 10/25/22) CS
Bari discussed the resolution with the Committee.
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 22-108-R: Approving a resolution Accepting Public Utility Easements at 1459 Louis Bork Drive
Maker: Wolff
Second: Malay
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
10. Resolution 22-109-R: Approving a Resolution Accepting Public Utilities Easement at 225 S. Harrison Street (RB 10/6/22) CS
Bari discussed the memo with the Committee.
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 22-109-R: Approving a Resolution Accepting Public Utilities Easement at 225 S. Harrison Street
Maker: Wolff
Second: Malay
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
11. Ordinance 22-51: 2023 Wages and Salaries for Non-Collectively Bargained Employees (WB) GS
Bednarek reviewed the memo with the Committee. Bednarek stated that staff is recommending a cost of living increase of 4%. Bednarek explained that they review and watch throughout the year the economic indicators such as CPIU, cost of living, social security, and average arbitration hearings.
Bednarek reviewed proposed changes to the positions:
• Administrative Assistant in the Administration Department to Deputy Clerk Administrative Assistant
• Human Resources part-time Administrative Assistant position to a full-time position as a HR Coordinator
• HR Specialist to a HR Generalist
• IT Systems Manager to Assistant Information Technology Director
• IS Technician to IT Network Administrator
Bednarek discussed Battalion Chief Holiday Pay proposed increase due to the additional holiday. Bednarek stated that in the ordinance, we currently have an internal employee who handles the Police and Fire Commission Recording Secretary duties. In the past we have used outside people as an outside contractor. If we are using someone inside to do those duties we give them an additional stipend of $3,500 that is paid throughout the year so they do not receive overtime for those duties and the time that they spend to do that.
Uher stated that having this discussion during the budget discussion would be beneficial. The Committee discussed the proposed changes of the positions.
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-51: 2023 Wages and Salaries for Non Collectively Bargained Employees
Maker: Solfa
Second: Beck
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit
Nay: Uher
11-1 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
Uher stated that he voted no because he would like to see this in context with the budget. The four percent was fine with him because of where we are at in the world. However, he does not want to vote on this until there is a whole budget in front of him. Connelly asked when memos have this information in it to include what the actual cost would be. For example, from a level eight to ten what their current salary is to what their future salary would be. Newman stated that could be ready for City Council.
12. Ordinance 22-52: 2023 Wages and Salaries for Paid on Call Members of the Fire Department (WB) GS
Bednarek stated that the 4% increase is discussed within the memo.
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-52: 2023 Wages and Salaries for Paid on Call Members of the Fire Department
Maker: Solfa
Second: Leman
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
13. Ordinance 22-53: 2023 Payment for Emergency Services Disaster Agency Volunteer Members (WB) GS
Bednarek reviewed the memo with the COW.
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-53: 2023 Payment for Emergency Services Disaster Agency Volunteer Members
Maker: Wolff
Second: Solfa
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
14. Presentation: Climate Action Plan – Alderman Beck
Handouts were distributed to the Committee. The Environmental Commission presented a PowerPoint presentation to the Committee titled “Climate Action Plan Recommendations for Discussion” that included the following information:
• Targets that Support Regional Climate
• Accomplishments to Date
• Summary of Survey Results
• Mitigation
• Mitigation Recommendations Summary
o Demonstrate sustainability in municipal operations, purchasing and through public events
o Electrify the City
o Waste Management/Reduction
o Water Management/Conservation
o Sustain Ecosystems to Sequester Carbon
• Adaption
o Engage and Educate the Community
o Incorporate Equity and Inclusion
o Collaborate and Build Capacity
o Code updates
o Adapt Operations & Investment
• Education Needed
o Staff education
o EV Readiness checklist
• Overarching Goal: Establish Local Sustainability
The COW discussed the presentation. Baerren stated that she would like to revisit the EV Readiness Checklist and highlight our top three.
15. Other
None.
16. Executive Session: Personnel Matters
Motion: To enter into Executive Session regarding personnel matters
Maker: Malay
Second: Uher
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Connelly, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
The COW entered executive session at 9:03pm and exited at 9:58pm.
17. Adjournment
There being no other business to discuss, Chair Wolff asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:58pm; Made by Malay; Seconded by Connelly. Motion carried.
http://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11012022-2008
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