Kane County Reporter

City of Batavia City Council met Jan. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER 

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 

2. INVOCATION followed by PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

Ald. Malay led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

3. ROLL CALL 

Aldermen in attendance at roll: Barraza (7), Lanci (6), Beck (5), Pieper (4), Wolff (2), Solfa (1), Bearren (1), Leman (2), Ajazi (3), Malay (4), Uher (5), Cerone (6). 

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

5. ITEMS REMOVED/ADDED/CHANGED 

None seen 

6. CONSENT AGENDA 

Approvals: 

A. December 12, 2023 Payroll $993,100.66 

B. Accounts Payable Check Register $2,470,446.47 

C. City Council Minutes December 18, 2023 

D. ORDINANCE 2024-001: Appointing FOIA Officers (MW) 

Ald. Uher read aloud the Consent Agenda. 

Motion by Ald. Uher, seconded by Ald. Malay, to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 12 yea/ 0 nay/ 2 absent.

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

none seen

8. RECOGNITION: Retirement Of Lieutenant Steve Smit

Fire Chief Hanson introduced Lieutenant Steve Smit, who is retiring. He spoke about the almost 40 year history of service Smit has contributed to the public good. Mayor Schielke presented Smit with a plaque in recognition of his service to the people of Batavia.

Lieutenant Smit addressed the assembly and thanked his family for giving him their support throughout his career.

Hanson also debuted a recruitment video for the Batavia Fire Department.

9. SWEARING IN: Lieutenant Brian DiNicola

Fire Chief Hanson introduced Brian DiNicola. He started with the service in 1996 and with this appointment continues a proud career with the Batavia Fire Department.

Mayor Schielke administered the Oath of Office.

Retired Lieutenant Smit transferred his badge and authority to Lieutenant DiNicola and his family pinned on the badge.

10. OATH OF OFFICE: Probationary Police Officer Raymond Williamson IV

Police Chief Maza introduced Raymond Williamson. He noted that he believes Williamson’s education and life experience will be an asset to the police force.

Mayor Schielke administered the Oath of Office.

11. PROCLAMATION: Chris Lowe – 2023 Recipient Of The Tony Burroughs School Board Member Of The Year Award

Mayor Schielke read aloud the Proclamation, highlighting Lowe’s leadership in the Batavia community. He presented the Proclamation to Lowe.

Lowe addressed the Council and encouraged the Alderpeople to advocate for those not individuals not in the room.

12. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

President Perreault delivered her report on the recent and upcoming activities of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. She spoke about the very successful year the organization had in 2023 and the upcoming events planned for 2024.

She introduced Amanda Mistretta, Executive Director of SciTech. She said that the organization will pivot to a new operating model as a mobile STEM education provider rather than a museum.

Please view the recording for comments in full.

13. RESOLUTION 2024-003-R: Approval Of Task Order #29 With GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. For Environmental Investigation Of 330-338 Webster Street For A Not-To-Exceed Amount Of $29,850.00 (GH 12/18/2023)

City Administrator Newman introduced the resolution.

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

14. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

Administrator Newman delivered her report. She announced that the first draft of the Downtown Plan is completed and ready for review. American Public Works Association Fox Valley Branch has awarded the City of Batavia their project of the year for innovation for the environment. She congratulated Jeremy Barkei for his work on this project.

Please review recordings for comments in full.

15. OTHER BUSINESS

None seen.

16. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Schielke delivered his report. He spoke about the growth of Batavia and how it helps to drive economic opportunity. Please view the recording for comments in full.

17. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ald. Malay, seconded by Ald. Solfa, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01022024-2194