Kane County Reporter

City of Batavia City Council met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER 

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.

2. INVOCATION followed by PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

Ald. Cerone led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. ROLL CALL 

Aldermen in attendance at roll: Lanci (6), Beck (5), Pieper (4), Chanzit (3), Wolff (2), Solfa (1), Bearren (1), Leman (2), Ajazi (3), Malay (4), Cerone (6).

Ald. Chanzit attended the meeting remotely. There is a vacancy in the 7th Ward Alderman’s seat.

4. REMINDER: Please Speak Into The Microphone For BATV Recording 

5. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED 

None seen.

6. CONSENT AGENDA 

Accept and Place on File:

A. Plan Commission Minutes August 16, 2023

B. Historical Preservation Minutes August 28, 2023

C. Building Reports September 2023

D. City Council Financial Reports August 2023 and September 2023

Approvals:

E. October 27, 2023 Payroll $992,914.53

F. Accounts Payable Check Register $3,413,264.50

G. City Council Minutes October 2, 2023

H. ORDINANCE 23-51: Amending the City of Batavia Subdivision Code Title 11 of the City Code (DMR 10/24/23 COW 10/24/23 10/0) CD

I. RESOLUTION 23-120-R: Approving Task Order #8 with Engineering Resource Associates Inc, (ERA) for an amount not to exceed $39,890 to design and obtain construction permit for Fox River Stabilization (RB 10/19/2023 COW 10/24/23 10/0) PU

J. ORDINANCE 23-47: Amending the Liquor Code for the Creation of a Class E-6 Liquor License for Sale and Consumption at an Arts, Crafts, Cooking, or Entertainment Studio, and Other Purposes (MW 10/24/23 COW 10/24/23 10/0) GS

Ald. Chanzit read aloud the Consent Agenda. 

Motion by Ald. Chanzit, seconded by Ald. Solfa, to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 11 yea/ 0 nay/ 3 absent. 

7. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC: (For Items NOT On The Agenda) 

Susan Russo from the League of Women Voters Kane County rose to address the City Council. She shared information about an upcoming presentation on “The Tri-Cities' Coal Problem and What We Can Do About It” to be held at the Baker Community Center on Wednesday, November 17th at 7:00 pm. Mayor Shielke expressed his regrets that he would not be able to attend, but encouraged aldermen to attend if possible.

8. PROCLAMATION: Keenan Miller 7th Ward Alderman 

Mayor Schielke informed the council that former Alderman Keenan Miller had offered his resignation to the Mayor’s Office.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Malay, to accept Ald. Miller’s resignation. Motion carried 9 yea/ 1 nay/ 1 abstain/ 3 absent. 

He read aloud a proclamation recognizing the good work of Ald. Miller during his time on the City Council. Ald. Miller offered his thanks to the Council members and City staff. He encouraged the Aldermen to attend as they are able.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Malay, to approve the proclamation. Motion carried 9 yea/ 1 nay/ 1 abstain/ 3 absent. 

9. PRESENTATION: Fermi Lab Upcoming Site Work 

Ald. Vogelsinger arrived at 7:13 pm. 

Steve Brice, Kennedy Hartsfield, John Szott, and Becky Thompson rose to address the Council on behalf of Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory. Brice presented an update on the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE).

November 6th, 2023, Minutes of the Batavia City Council, Batavia, Illinois 2 of 4

This will be the largest international physics project hosted by the US Department of Energy with the stated goal to solve big questions about the origin of matter in the universe. Brice explained the impact of upcoming preliminary construction work.

Ald. Wolff asked about the plans to replace cut trees with new plantings. Hartsfield answered that the facility will work on an appropriate plan.

Ald. Baerren asked if there were any anticipated changes to the entrance gateway for the facility? Brice explained that this project will not change the main entrance for the facility.

Mayor Schielke commented that the City of Batavia can take great pride in being home to the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory.

10. APPROVAL: Class D-1 (Restaurant – All Alcohol) For Thorabellas Located At 15 E. Wilson Street, Batavia, IL (SM 10/26/23) CS 

Chief Mazza presented the results of his investigation into the request for a liquor license for Thorabella’s.

Motion by Ald. Vogelsinger, seconded by Ald. Malay, to approve the license. Motion carried 12 yea/ 0 nay/ 2 absent. 

11. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

President Perreault delivered her report on the recent and upcoming activities of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. She welcomed new businesses who have joined the Chamber recently. She thanked Mayor Schielke and Holmstad for hosting the annual Mayor’s Breakfast. The Chamber is now accepting nominations for the Batavia Citizen of the Year award. The Chamber is again offering Chamber Bucks and encouraging participation in the program by doubling funds.

For additional details please visit the Chamber of Commerce website https://www.bataviachamber.org/. Please view the recording for comments in full.

Perreault introduced her guests, Lisa Farley from Accurate Door, and Karen Hollis from K. Hollis jewelers. Farley thanked the Chamber for their support and spoke about her experience becoming a leader in business. Hollis also thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their support.

12. ORDINANCE 23-42: Amending The City Of Batavia Subdivision Code Title 11 Of The City Code, Establishing Tree Preservation Regulations (ZE 9/20/23 COW 10/24/23 10/0) CD 

Chad Rigsby rose to address the Council regarding his concerns about Ordinance 23-42 as written. He said he was concerned that there was no mechanism in the ordinance to address plans changing “on the fly”. He said that the term certified arborist as defined in the text does not specify accepted accreditations. He also asked how closely city staff worked with the Batavia Tree Commission to write the amendments to the Ordinance.

Ald. Leman asked Rigsby to share his credentials. Rigsby responds that he holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences, and is an educator and researcher with The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, currently stationed at Morton Arboretum. Mayor 1Schielke invited Rigsby to submit his resume for consideration of appointment to the Tree Commission.

Ald. Beck asked how Rigsby’s concerns could be addressed by changes to the Ordinance. Discussion ensued.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Malay, to table the item. Motion carried 12 yea/ 0 nay/ 2 absent. 

13. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT 

Administrator Newman delivered her report. Please review recordings for comments in full.

14. OTHER BUSINESS 

none seen.

15. MAYOR’S REPORT 

Mayor Schielke delivered his report. Please view the recording for comments in full. 

16. EXECUTIVE SESSION: (Entered Executive Session at 8:15 pm) A. Litigation 

B. Purchase of Real Estate 

17. ADJOURNMENT 

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Solfa, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:33 pm. 

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11062023-2168