City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met Nov. 15.
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, Russotto, Beck, Chanzit (remote), Solfa, Baerren (joined meeting at 7:04pm), Leman, Ajazi (remote), Malay, Uher (remote), Vogelsinger
Members Absent: Ald. Connelly and Cerone
Also Present: Mayor Schielke; Laura Newman, City Administrator; Rahat Bari, City Engineer (remote); Drew Rackow, Planning and Zoning Officer (remote); Anthony Isom, Assistant to the City Administrator; Scott Buening, Director of Community and Economic Development (remote); Gary Holm, Director of Public Works; Howard Chason, Director of Information Technology (remote); and Jennifer Austin
Smith, Recording Secretary (remote)
2. Reminder: Please speak into the microphone for BATV recording
3. Approve Minutes for: October 11, 2022 and October 25, 2022
Motion: To approve the minutes for October 11 and October 25, 2022
Maker: Solfa
Second: Malay
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Solfa, Wolff, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto, Chanzit
Nay:
11-0 Vote, 3 Absent, Motion carried.
4. Items to be Removed/Added or Changed
None.
5. Matters from the Public (For Items NOT on Agenda)
None.
6. Public Hearing 7:05pm: 2023 Annual Budget
Chair Wolff opened the Public Hearing at 7:05pm. There were no comments from the public.
Motion: To close the Public Hearing
Maker: Malay
Second: Solfa
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:07pm.
7. Resolution 22-112-R: Accepting a Deed for Lands in and Adjacent to the Winding Creek Development off McKee Street (SCB 11/3/22) CD
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 22-112-R: Accepting a Deed for Lands in and Adjacent to the Winding Creek Development off McKee Street
Maker: Wolff
Second: Solfa
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
8. Ordinance 22-55: Grant of Modification from the City Code (Mobile Home Parks Title 3, Chapter 9) American Mobile Homes Communities, LLC Applicant (2 Oak Terrance Court) (DMR 11/9/22) CD
Rackow discussed the memo with the Committee.
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-55: Grant of Modification from the City Code (Mobile Home Parks Title 3, Chapter 9) American Mobile Homes Communities, LLC Applicant (2 Oak Terrance Court)
Maker: Wolff
Second: Malay
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
Ald. Leman exited the meeting at 7:13pm.
9. Resolution 22-101-R: Awarding Façade Improvement Grant to Batavia Enterprises (BEI) for 2-8 W. Wilson St. (AI 11/15/22) CD
Isom discussed the memo with the Committee. Staff is recommending awarding the $5,000 façade grant to BEI. Wendy, BEI, addressed the COW. She stated that the building is otherwise known as Riverside Commons. She stated that she appreciates the consideration for this grant. Chair Wolff asked if the iron work was still okay and Wendy responded that everything looked good.
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 22-101-R: Awarding Façade Improvement Grant to Batavia Enterprises (BEI) for 2-8 W. Wilson St.
Maker: Wolff
Second: Solfa
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
11-0 Vote, 3 Absent, Motion carried.
Ald. Leman returned to the meeting at 7:19pm.
10. Ordinance 22-61: Proposing the Disconnection of Property from Special Service Area Number 11 (SB 11/10/22) CD
Chanzit summarized the memo.
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-61: Proposing the Disconnection of Property from Special Service Area Number 11
Maker: Wolff
Second: Russotto
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
11. Ordinance 22-60: An Ordinance Amending Ordinances Adopted by the City Council of the City of Batavia, Kane and DuPage Counties, Illinois, Authorizing and Providing for the Issue of Sewer Revenue Bonds (IEPA) of said City (PC 11/9/22) GS Chanzit summarized the memo.
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-60: An Ordinance Amending Ordinances Adopted by the City Council of the City of Batavia, Kane and DuPage Counties, Illinois, Authorizing and Providing for the Issue of Sewer Revenue Bonds (IEPA) of said City
Maker: Chanzit
Second: Malay
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
12. Resolution 22-110-R: Approving Authorization to Bind Insurance for Property, Liability and Workers Compensation (PC 11/9/22) GS
Colby presented “City of Batavia – Insurance Program Renewal, 12/1/2022-2023 Premium Comparison” to the Committee. Colby recommended the COW pre-pay for the workers comp. We have the cash on hand and available. Chair Wolff said that is the better option in case the insurance goes up the following year. Colby will provide the updated resolution for the City Council Meeting.
Motion: To recommend approval of Resolution 22-110-R: Approving Authorization to Bind Insurance for Property, Liability and Workers Compensation including a second year pre-pay on the Excess Workers Compensation
Maker: Wolff
Second: Chanzit
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto, Chanzit, Solfa
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
13. Presentation: 2022 Tax Levy
Colby presented the “2022 Tax Levy for Collection 2023” PowerPoint that contained the following information:
• Equalized Assessed Value
• Levy Ordinance 22-56
• Estimated Rate
• Impact to Homeowner
• Estimated Rate (per $100/EAV)
• Levy Ordinance 22-56 – amended
• Tax Levy – hold rate the same
Uher stated that he is in favor of leaving the rate the same and he would like to designate some funds toward infrastructure. Malay agreed that there are benefits to keeping the rate the same.
14. Ordinance 22-56: 2022 Tax Levy (LP 11/9/22) GS
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-56: 2022 Tax Levy modified to leave the rate the same that would have an additional $200,000 entered under the corporate levy
Maker: Chanzit
Second: Malay
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
15. Ordinance 22-57: SSA #30 Tax Levy (LP 11/9/22) GS
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-57: SSA #30 Tax Levy
Maker: Chanzit
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
16. Ordinance 22-58: SSA #62 Tax Levy (LP 11/9/22) GS
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-58: SSA #62 Tax Levy
Maker: Beck
Second: Malay
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Beck, Russotto, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller
Nay:
12-0 Vote, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
17. Ordinance 22-59: An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code of the City of Batavia by Adding a New Chapter 5D to Title 3 Implementing a Retail Single-Use Bag Program (LN 11/10/22) GS
Newman discussed the memo with the Committee. She noted that staff looked at the Woodstock Ordinance as a model for this program. Members of the Environmental Committee also looked this over and had the opportunity to make any changes. The effective date of this would be July 1, 2023. The COW would have the opportunity at any point, prior to the effective date, to repeal the ordinance. Uher asked if another exemption could be made for establishments where the bag is part of the identity of the establishment. The bag would be part of the gift. Beck stated that a gift wrap bag could be written in as part of the exemption.
Motion: To recommend approval of Ordinance 22-59: An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code of the City of Batavia by Adding a New Chapter 5D to Title 3 Implementing a Retail Single-Use Bag Program
Maker: Beck
Second: Wolff
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Beck, Russotto, Chanzit, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi, Malay, Vogelsinger, Miller
Nay:
11-0 Vote, 1 Present, 2 Absent, Motion carried.
Ald. Uher was the Present vote.
18. Discussion: N. River St. Plans for 2023
Newman stated that at the request of Ald. Leman we have put this on the agenda to discuss the future plans for North River Street. We are at the time of the year now when we open up the road because snow is coming. We would like to have discussion on the vision for this street going forward.
Newman asked do we want to continue to close the street as we have in the past three years or if we want to return to the previous times where the street was open except for festivals and farmer’s market, or have the outdoor public dining in the areas that we can while converting to a one-way street. Newman noted that we do have a pending application to permanently convert North River Street to One-Way southbound from Spring Street to Wilson Street.
Holm announced that staff is waiting to hear back from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on the Traffic Signal Plan. The COW discussed southbound traffic, audible signals, pedestrian signal installation, alcohol sales and alcohol consumption.
Uher stated that he would like to see River Street as one-way southbound. That would allow for traffic to flow, we could close the street when we want to, and outdoor dining could still continue. Chair Wolff opened the floor for public comment.
Don Blant, fourth ward resident, stated that he is worried about the safety if made into a one-way road. River Street is a family gathering place and has worked out very well these past few years. A lot of people are utilizing all of the Batavia area restaurants at the same table. He believes the street should be left as it is.
Nick Nagle, two-year resident of Batavia, shared that they had such a wonderful experience on River Street for the Octoberfest they decided to move to Batavia. He shared that it was the best displays of community spirit he had ever seen. Having his kids being able to run down River Street and enjoy a meal without having to worry about them being hit by a car is a wonderful place to be as a parent. The Woonerf is a true treasure of Batavia and should be dedicated to bring residents a unique, safe, and fun outdoor atmosphere that is unique to the Fox River. He asked the COW to consider converting River Street to a one-way southbound road, closing to traffic permanently and allocating funds to complete the project.
Missy Hartman, Owner of the Tea Tree, addressed the COW. She is fine with the street being closed one-way. Having the road closed completely during the summer does hurt the retail side of the street. She has seen sales go down that may have to do with the road being closed. She stated if there is some way to have one-way that would be beneficial to her business. She is known to have her business on the “closed road” which is not the best way to be known as. She stated that the one-way would bring more of the walking and biking traffic back. She is in support of the road being closed northbound.
Baerren suggested the City collect traffic data to help with this decision. Chair Wolff stated that we would wait to get the answer back from IDOT and then we could make the decision on what to do with River Street. Chair Wolff asked that City staff contact our elected officials to expedite the answer from IDOT.
19. Project Status
Newman reported on the following:
• Scott Buening has been selected to be a part of the EV Readiness checklist
• Remodeling project at City Hall is on schedule
• Leaf pickup is underway
20. Other
Don Blant asked about the City’s lead project. Newman answered the Lead Line Survey respondents will be contacted for work that will be done next year.
21. Executive Session:
a. Setting the Price of Land for Sale (SCB)
Motion: To enter into Executive Session regarding setting the price of land for sale
Maker: Malay
Second: Solfa
Roll Call Vote: Aye: Malay, Uher, Vogelsinger, Miller, Beck, Russotto, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Ajazi
Nay:
11-0 Vote, 3 Absent, Motion carried.
The COW entered executive session at 9:20pm and exited at 9:50pm.
22. Adjournment
There being no other business to discuss, Chair Wolff asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:51pm; Made by Russotto; Seconded by Malay. Motion carried.
http://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11152022-2016
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