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Saturday, July 26, 2025

City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met June 24

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Christopher Solfa, Ward 1 Alderman | City of Batavia Website

Christopher Solfa, Ward 1 Alderman | City of Batavia Website

City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met June 24

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Meeting Called to Order 7:00pm

1. Roll Call

Present:, Lanci, Malone, Malay, Solfa, Lohman, Pieper, Farenbach, Anderson

Absent: Barazza*, Beck, Wolff, Baerren, Leman*, Vogelsinger

Also in Attendance: Peggy Colby, Wendy Bednarek, Max Weiss, Steve Allen, Andrea Podraza, Anthony Isom, Jeff Albertson, Mayor Schielke, Rahat Bari, Chief Hanson, Laura Newman, Ellyn Theis

2. Reminder: Please Speak Into The Mic for BATV

3. Approve Minutes June 10, 2025

Motion: Approve Consent Agenda as Presented

Maker: Malay

Second: Solfa

Voice Vote: 8-0, 6 Absent, Motion Carries.

4. Items Removed/Added/Changed

None

5. Matters From The Public (For Items NOT On Agenda)

None

6. Consent Agenda:

a. Ordinance 2025-036: Declaring surplus property – Transformers (SA 6/17)

b. Resolution 2025-089-R: Authorizing Execution of Contract with Electric Conduit Construction (TF)

Motion: Approve Consent Agenda as Presented

Maker: Solfa

Second: Lohman

Voice Vote: 8-0, 6 Absent, Motion Carries

*Ald. Barazza joined via Zoom at 7:05pm

7. Presentation: 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Statement (ACFR) And Associated Documents By Brian LeFevre, Partner At Sikich CPA LLC

Brian LeFevre of Sikich presented Batavia’s 2024 audit results, highlighting a clean, unmodified opinion on the city’s financial statements, indicating full compliance with accounting standards and no material misstatements. Batavia received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 17th year, a distinction held by less than 1% of local governments. Clean compliance audits were also issued for the city’s three TIF districts and a federal single audit, which reviewed $10.5 million in grant spending, including ARPA and HUD funds. No issues or findings were reported. The city’s General Fund remains above its fund balance target, and its pension plans are well-funded with contributions exceeding requirements. The audit was completed smoothly with no adjustments, a rare and commendable achievement, and city staff were praised for their professionalism.

8. Resolution 2025-085-R: Authorizing Execution Of A Professional Services Agreement With Meech Group For A Study Relating To TIF #7 (SCB 6/5/25)

TIF District #7 would combine parts of expiring TIFs 1 and 3 to support downtown redevelopment. The $34,630 study, funded by TIF 3, will assess eligibility but does not create the TIF yet. If eligible, a formal process would follow, taking 6–9 months. TIF 7 would focus on commercial areas, exclude residential zones, and help fund potential redevelopment of an entire city block. Council and the mayor unanimously supported the plan, noting Batavia’s strong redevelopment potential and alignment with the city’s downtown strategy.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Malone

Second: Anderson

Voice Vote: 9-0, 5 Absent, Motion Carries

9. Resolution 2025-088-R: Agency Agreement Approved (AIJ 6/5/25)

Combined/Discussed with Item 10

The City Council approved Resolution 2025-088-R, allowing Batavia to take over purchase agreements for 102 and 108 Batavia Avenue from Batavia Enterprises. This gives the city and developer control of the full block, clearing the way to plan a mixed-use redevelopment project.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Lanci

Second: Anderson

Voice Vote: 9-0, 5 Absent, Motion Carries

10. Resolution 2025-090-R: Accepting The Assignment Of The Real Estate Contract Interest Agreement (AIJ 6/5/25)

Combined/Discussed with Item 9

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Lanci

Second: Malone

Voice Vote: 9-0, 5 Absent, Motion Carries

11. Resolution 2025-084-R: Authorizing Execution Of Contract With M3 Electrical Contracting For EV Charging Station Installation (SA 6/17/25)

*Ald. Leman joined the meeting at 7:35pm

The City Council approved Ordinance 2025-084, authorizing a contract with M3 Electrical Contracting to install Level 3 EV charging stations at Batavia High School and the city’s Shamway Road lot. The project is funded by a state grant requiring high-speed CCS1 chargers, which allow 20–30 minute charging times. Though CCS1 is being phased out in favor of a new standard (NACS), staff noted the grant requires CCS1, but cables can be swapped later if needed. M3 will also provide 5 years of maintenance, as required by the grant. The chargers will be city-owned and publicly accessible, helping attract downtown visitors and EV users.

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Solfa

Second: Lohman

Voice Vote: 10-0, 4 Absent, Motion Carries

12. Ordinance 2025-035: Amending Title 8 Chapter 1 Of City Code Related To Renewable Generation Facilities (SA 6/17/25)

Combined/Discussed with Item 13

Ordinance 2025-034 is an amendment to Batavia’s solar policy, allowing all customers, including larger commercial and nonprofit entities, to install solar panels, provided systems only offset on-site energy use. The change removes previous restrictions and responds to community requests, including from the Congregational Church of Batavia. Council members supported the move as a step toward greater renewable energy access and alignment with future state legislation.

Motion: Approve Ordinance as Presented

Maker: Lanci

Second: Leman

Voice Vote: 10-0, 4 Absent, Motion Carries

13. Resolution 2025-091-R: Amending Customer Self-Generation Net Billing Policy (SA 6/20/25)

Combined/Discussed with Item 12

Motion: Approve Resolution as Presented

Maker: Malone

Second: Lanci

Voice Vote: 10-0, 4 Absent, Motion Carries

14. Discussion: Peace Bridge Plaza And Public Restrooms Design Concepts

Council members reviewed two design concepts for the Peace Bridge Plaza and public restrooms project, following a contract with Upland Design Group. Both concepts aim to transform the space currently occupied by the Tin Shop and Main Street shed.

● Concept A features warm materials (brick, wood, metal), cohesive with River Street’s current aesthetic. It includes seating, trellises, art by local artists, pollinator gardens, and a self-cleaning restroom facility with features like bottle fillers, security alerts, and auto-locking.

● Concept B is more modern and organic, with flowing paths, curved planters, and a proposed illuminated misting sculpture, along with more colorful materials like decorative concrete or tile.

The council overwhelmingly preferred Concept A for its timeless design, year-round usability, and better alignment with River Street’s look and feel. They also discussed shade options, long-term maintenance, and the potential reuse of materials from the Tin Shop. Direction was given to proceed with Concept A for full design development.

15. Discussion: Impact Of PJM Capacity Market Increase On Electric Bill

Council members discussed rising electricity costs due to a sharp increase in PJM capacity market prices, which are tied to supply and demand for electricity. Capacity costs dropped between 2021 and 2024 due to added solar, EV adoption, and nuclear energy, but are now climbing because of coal plant closures and rising demand (especially from data centers and AI). Batavia’s monthly capacity charges have jumped significantly, leading to a projected $500,000 annual increase.

To recover these costs, the city will adjust the Power Purchase Adjustment Factor (PPAF) on customer bills starting in August, increasing average monthly bills by $8–$10. The city is taking steps to reduce future demand, including expanding solar access, exploring battery storage, and educating residents on energy savings.

16. Project Status

The city is analyzing over 750 responses from its recent energy survey, which will inform upcoming policy discussions at a special Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting planned for after the July 7 City Council meeting. A commercial and industrial electric town hall is scheduled for the next morning, hosted by Vetti in the industrial park. Planning is also underway for a kids’ emergency preparedness mini camp on July 16, featuring OEM staff, local police, and a station tour. 

The city’s traffic safety social media campaign set a new record with nearly 40,000 views, helping raise awareness around distracted driving. City departments participated in the Homestead’s 50th anniversary parade, and repairs to River Street string lights and South Batavia Avenue roadwork are nearing completion, with the road expected to fully reopen in two weeks.

Officer Webb and River attended the Special Olympics and will appear at this week’s farmers market. Finally, an early review of Route 31's road diet shows a promising 26% drop in crashes, though more data is needed for a full assessment.

17. Other

None

18. Executive Session: Workers Compensation

Motion: Enter Executive Session at 8:30 PM

Maker: Malone

Second: Leman

Roll Call

Aye: Barazza, Lanci, Malone, Malay, Solfa, Leman, Lohman, Pieper, Farenbach, Anderson

Nay: None

10-0, 4 Absent, Motion Carries

19. Adjournment

Motion: Exit Executive Session and Adjourn Regular Session

Maker: Solfa

Second: Leman

Roll Call

Aye: Barazza, Lanci, Malone, Malay, Solfa, Leman, Lohman, Pieper, Farenbach, Anderson

Nay: None

10-0, 4 Absent, Motion Carries

https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06242025-2431

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