Kane County Reporter

City of Batavia City Council met Dec. 2

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

2. INVOCATION followed by PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ald. Cerone led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. ROLL CALL

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

Attending remotely: Lanci

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 October 16, 2024

B. Historic Preservation Minutes October 14, 2024

C. Building Reports October 2024

Approvals:

D. November 22, 2024 Payroll $1,070,013.12

E. Accounts Payable Check Register $3,806,625.66

F. RESOLUTION 2024-148-R: Authorizing Execution of Task Order No.48 with Engineering Enterprises Inc. for Design Engineering Services of the Year 3 Lead Service Line Replacement Project (JPB 11/20/24 COW 11/26/24 13/0) PU

G. RESOLUTION 2024-147-R: Authorizing Mayor to Execute Mutual Release of Claims with Michaels Signs Inc. for Termination of Contract (GH 11/20/24 COW 11/26/24 13/0) CS

H. RESOLUTION 2024-150-R: Authorizing Agreement with Apptegy to Develop Website and Mobile App for City of Batavia (LB 11//20/24 COW 11/26/24 13/0) GS

I. ORDINANCE 2024-058: Amending Land Cash Ordinance (SCB 11/18/24 COW 11/26/24 13/0) CD

Ald. Beck read aloud the Consent Agenda.

Motion by Ald. Beck, seconded by Ald. Solfa, to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 13 yea/ 0 nay/ 1 absent.

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

Roy Bailey rose to address the Council. He spoke about his mother, Mildred Bailey, and her contribution to Batavia, especially through the Batavia ACCESS Toy Drive. This year marks the 75th consecutive year of the toy drive, including during the COVID pandemic response. He recalled one year, 31 years ago when Mildred Bailey’s house was on fire. The house was destroyed, but among the possessions was the list of children to be served by the toy drive that year. Bailey asked Mayor Schielke to try to save the list and the fire department ensured that the list was safely retrieved so that no one would be overlooked.

Bailey asked Batavians to support the toy drive with donations of gift cards, cash, and other items to help meet the needs of local families. Donations are accepted until December 25th at the fire stations, the Batavia Public Library, the Police Department, and Batavia Parcel. He expressed his gratitude for all the support already received.

Mayor Schielke offered his thanks and gratitude to the Bailey family for their many contributions to Batavia over multiple generations.

8. PRESENTATION: Batavia High School Hosts Students from Tokyo for Unity Concert

Chris Owen, Batavia High School Band Director and Chair of the Fine Arts Department rose to address the Council. He spoke about the successful season of the Batavia Marching Band, who won 2nd place this year at the State Marching Band Championships.

He presented information about an upcoming concert to be held at the Batavia Fine Arts Center. The concert will feature the Inagakuen Sogo High School Wind Orchestra, visiting from Japan. Visiting students will be hosted by local families. Tickets to this unique concert are complimentary, but must be reserved in advance.

9. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

President Maragret Perreault delivered her report on the recent and upcoming activities of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. She remarked on how wonderful the Bailey family and the Batavia Toy Drive are, and spoke about the ways the Chamber members support the drive. Please review the recording for comments in full. Bob Hubbard was selected as the Batavia Citizen of the Year. His contributions will be highlighted at the Inspire awards Thursday April 24, 2025.

Chamber Bucks and Gindo’s Hot Sauce are available at the Chamber. Chamber Bucks are gift certificates accepted at Batavia retailers. The hot sauce is a community collaboration and funds raised will support the food pantry.

She introduced her guests, Ben and Fred from ASH Equipment, which specializes in temperature control systems. The business has been located on South River Street for over 20 years. The company supplies heating and cooling for manufacturing processes. Ben expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities to grow the business, including taking advantage of the scholarship program.

10. RESOLUTION 2024-140-R: 2025 Budget Resolution (PC 11/07/24 COW 11/12/24 8/5)

Ald. Wolff introduced the Resolution. He noted that after discussion, the measure on the table would draw more heavily from city reserves and keep the tax rate lower.

Ald. Malay noted that drawing more funding from reserves for this budget cycle will start the next budget cycle in a $3M deficit.

Mayor Schielke noted that new construction is taking place in Batavia which he said he hopes will increase the EVA. Ald. Malay noted that new development incurs infrastructure expenses as well as generating revenue.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Leman, to approve the resolution. Motion carried 14 yea/ 0 nay/ 0 absent.

11. ORDINANCE 2024-067: 2025 Tax Levy (PC COW 11/26/24 7/6)

Ald. Wolff introduced the ordinance.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Solfa, to approve the ordinance. Motion carried

8 yea/ 6 nay/ 0 absent.

12. ORDINANCE 2024-068: SSA #30/ Storm Water Detention Area Tax Levy (PC COW11/26/24 13/0)

Ald. Wolff introduced the ordinance.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Solfa, to approve the ordinance. Motion carried 14 yea/ 0 nay/ 0 absent.

13. ORDINANCE 2024-069: SSA #42/Storm Water Detention Area Tax Levy (PC COW 11/26/24 13/0)

Ald. Wolff introduced the ordinance.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Solfa , to approve the ordinance. Motion carried 14 yea/ 0 nay/ 0 absent.

14. ORDINANCE 2024-070: SSA #62/MainStreet Program Tax Levy (PC COW 11/26/24 13/0)

Ald. Wolff introduced the ordinance.

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Lanci, to approve the ordinance. Motion carried 14 yea/ 0 nay/ 0 absent.

15. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

Administrator Newman delivered her report on the recent and upcoming initiatives of the City of Batavia. Andrea Podraza has been promoted to Assistant City Engineer. Bill Kellum, Streets Superintendent, is planning his retirement after 37 years of service.

Please review the recording for comments in full.

16. OTHER BUSINESS

None seen.

17. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Schielke delivered his report. He explained the tradition of some of Batavia’s long standing city holiday decorations, including the tree on Clark Island and the community tree lighting ceremony. Today Batavia is starting a new tradition of the community decorating trees along the Riverwalk. He spoke about the caring spirit of Batavia that he says makes Batavia a special place. He thanked the aldermen for their work to make Batavia a strong community.

Please view the recording for comments in full.

18. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ald. Wolf , seconded by Ald. Solfa, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12022024-2348