City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met Aug. 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Roll Call
Present: Barazza, Lanci, Beck, Malone, Malay, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman (remote), Lohman, Farenbach, Anderson.
Absent: Pieper, Vogelsinger
Recorder: Ellyn Theis
2. Reminder: Please speak into the microphone for BATV recording 3. Items removed, added, or changed
4. Matters from the Public (For items NOT on the Agenda)
5. Consent Agenda
The consent agenda is made up of items recommended by city staff that require recommendation to the full City Council by the Cow. This agenda is placed as a separate item of the COW agenda. The items on the consent agenda are usually minor items, already budgeted, standard non-policy activities or outgrowths of earlier meetings and are voted on as a “package” in the interest of saving time on non-controversial issues.
However, any council member may, by simple request, have an item removed and placed on the “regular” agenda
Approvals
5.1 Approve Minutes July 21, 2025 – Special Meeting and July 29,
5.2 Resolution 2025-101-R: Variation to the Subdivision Regulations (City Code Title 11) for 947 Britta Lane Nathan Jahnke, Applicant (DR 8/08/25) CD
5.3 Ordinance 2025-039: Changing the Name of Lockwood Court to Jefferson Court (SCB 7/23/25) CD
Consent Action
Carried
Move to Approve Consent Agenda As Presented
Motion: Baerren
Second: Solfa
Voice Vote
6. Regular Agenda
6.1 Public Hearing: TIF #4 Ten Year Report
The public hearing was opened to review the 10-year report on the TIF district and to allow the public to comment. The report included revenue generated, expenditures made, goals for the district, and future plans. So far, the TIF has had limited spending, with most funds reserved for a large upcoming water main project. The project will replace undersized infrastructure, provide fire protection, and support redevelopment, which could encourage new investment. Aside from one grant for a building renovation, there has been little TIF spending, partly because expected redevelopment along Main Street and the old nursery site never happened, and because some property was taken off the tax rolls when purchased by the school district.
Council members noted that the area is unique but underdeveloped. They discussed the possibility of using TIF funds for marketing, though it is unclear if that qualifies. TIF money can be used for rehabilitation, streetscape, or cleanup but not for building new structures. Several properties in the area are vacant or overpriced due to the costs of needed improvements, though one redevelopment is being planned. The area has a history of major fires, which has added to its challenges. Members suggested environmental cleanup might be funded through the TIF to help attract buyers. A resident also commented that the TIF report should be posted online at the same time as the legal notice is published in the paper to make it easier to find. Following this discussion, the hearing was closed.
Move to Close the Public Hearing
Maker: Wolff
Second: Malay
6.2 Approval: City to Display Suicide Prevention Awareness Flag the Month of September 2025 (Alderperson Fahrenbach)
Alderman Farenbach suggested a proposal to fly the suicide Prevention Awareness flag in September 2025. The request was made to honor Suicide Prevention Services, a long standing nonprofit in Batavia that provides crisis hotlines, counseling, support groups, school programs, and community outreach at no cost, largely through volunteers.
Supporters of the flag emphasized the organization’s positive impact, the importance of raising awareness, and the personal toll suicide has taken on families in the community. Some members shared emotional stories and stressed the need to make resources more visible.
Others raised concerns about whether flying the flag aligned with the city’s flag policy and worried about setting a precedent that could lead to many groups requesting to display their flags. Some suggested alternative ways to show support, such as proclamations, ribbons, or community events, while others questioned whether a more nationally recognized suicide prevention symbol should be used instead of a local organization’s logo. Several council members argued that only government flags should fly on city poles to avoid legal issues or perceptions of favoritism.
The discussion reflected both strong support for suicide prevention awareness and caution about the broader implications of flag displays.
The council decided to split the motions for clarity and voted on them separately. The first motion was to issue a proclamation for Pediatric Cancer Awareness in September, which passed. The second motion was for a proclamation recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness in October 2025, which also passed. Both proclamations were approved, and members noted that everyone will have an opportunity to read something during the year.
Motion For The City to Display Suicide Prevention Awareness Flag the Month of September 2025 (Alderperson Fahrenbach)
Maker: Farenback
Second: Malay
Roll Call Vote
Aye: Farenbach, Malay, Wolff
Nay: Barazza, Lanci, Beck, Malone, Solfa, Baerren, Leman, Lohman, Anderson
3-9, 2 Absent, Motion Denied
6.3 Approval: City to Display Cancer Awareness Flag the Month of October 2025 (Alderperson Wolff)
The council discussed a proposal to fly a cancer awareness flag in October. The request came from a resident who lost both parents to cancer and has a sister who is a breast cancer survivor. He offered to cover the cost of the flag and argued that cancer affects nearly every family, making it a cause that represents the whole community.
Some aldermen supported the idea, saying the city should be able to recognize important causes and that representative democracy gives them the authority to decide what values to display. Others, however, raised concerns similar to those voiced during the suicide awareness flag debate.
They worried about setting a precedent that could lead to endless requests, questioned whether flags are the best form of awareness, and suggested alternatives like proclamations, ribbons, or community events.
Several members stressed the need to revisit or clarify the city’s flag policy to avoid legal or fairness issues. Despite differing views, the matter was moved forward with a motion to approve displaying the cancer awareness flag for October.
The council decided to split the motions for clarity and voted on them separately. The first motion was to issue a proclamation for Pediatric Cancer Awareness in September, which passed. The second motion was for a proclamation recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness in October 2025, which also passed. Both proclamations were approved, and members noted that everyone will have an opportunity to read something during the year.
Motion For The City to Display Cancer Awareness Flag the Month of October 2025 (Alderperson Wolff)
Maker: Woflf
Second: Malay
Roll Call Vote
Aye: Farenbach, Malay, Wolff
Nay: Barazza, Lanci, Beck, Malone, Solfa, Baerren, Leman, Lohman, Anderson
3-9, 2 Absent, Motion Denied
6.4 Ordinance 2025-042: Amending the Text of the Zoning Code for Sign Regulations Relating to Wall Signs above the First Floor in the LI and GI Districts – Aldi Inc., Applicant (DR 8/02/25)) CD
Drew Rackow reviewed Ordinance 2025-042, which amends the zoning code to allow wall signs above the first floor in the LI and GI districts. This change was requested by Aldi as part of updates to their headquarters campus, where they want to display brand identity on their building. Previously, such signs were prohibited in these districts since 2010, though similar allowances have been made in other zones.
The Plan Commission held a public hearing and supported the change but decided not to extend it to service business or office districts due to concerns about potential impacts on nearby residential areas, especially from lighting. A minor clerical correction was also made to remove outdated language from the ordinance.
Motion to Approve Ordinance 2025-042: Amending the Text of the Zoning Code for Sign Regulations Relating to Wall Signs above the First Floor in the LI and GI Districts – Aldi Inc., Applicant (DR 8/02/25)) CD
Maker: Malay
Second: Anderson
Voice Vote; All In Favor, Motion Carries.
6.5 ORD 2025-043 Amending the 2025 Wage and Salary Ordinance (LN 8/8/25) GS
Laura Newman explained that the departure of the assistant director of public works and city engineer created an opportunity to restructure staffing in the department. The proposal promotes Tim Grim to city engineer and eliminates the assistant city engineer position.
Steve Allen, currently electric superintendent, would be promoted to assistant director of public works for electric, while the positions of electric superintendent and assistant director of public works city engineer would be eliminated.
The new structure places responsibility for the electric utility under the assistant director of public works for electric and leaves the engineering department under the city engineer, who reports to the director of public works. In addition, the department will replace an open engineering assistant role with a civil engineer, since it has been difficult to find qualified candidates for the assistant position and the workload requires more engineering support.
The changes result in a net cost savings of $147,166. Staff requested approval to amend the 2025 wage and salary ordinance to reflect these updates.
Motion to Approve Ordinance 2025-043 Amending the 2025 Wage and Salary Ordinance (LN 8/8/25) GS
Maker: Solfa
Second: Malay
Voice Vote; All In Favor, Motion Carries
6.6 Discussion: City Energy Policy
The council discussed the draft city energy policy, which was designed to simplify prior discussions and provide clear guidance for the Brattle Group as it develops the Integrated
Resource Plan. Members agreed that the policy struck a good balance of being specific without locking the city into long term commitments, given the uncertainty of future energy developments. Suggestions included changing wording for clarity, avoiding numbered lists that imply priorities, and emphasizing both regulatory and environmental obligations. Several members highlighted the importance of adaptability, affordability, reliability, and sustainability, and some stressed learning from past mistakes such as long-term contracts like Prairie State.
Resident Susan Russo presented a revised version that reorganized the policy into an outline format with categories for resource planning and investment decisions, which her group felt made the policy clearer. She also suggested adding the term resiliency, adjusting language around capacity resources, and including climate change liabilities. Council members appreciated her input and agreed to consider both her draft and the original draft with modifications. The next steps will be to prepare two versions incorporating feedback, bring them back for council consideration at the next meeting, and finalize one version to guide Brattle’s work.
Once Brattle delivers the draft IRP, further public hearings and adjustments will follow, potentially leading to future
infrastructure investments.
7. City Council Updates
7.1 Project Status
• Green Program
o Funded by the bag fee to incentivize energy efficiency improvements for residents.
o Over 120 people applied, only 25 slots available.
o All applicants received energy-saving tips.
o Hope to repeat the program in the future.
• Art of the Fox Garden
o Site conflict with Cocktails in the Park resolved.
o Garden moved closer to the government center building.
o New design is an arc shape, approximately 70 feet long.
o Proposal to be finalized and implemented in the fall.
• South River Street Corridor Plan
o Consultant (Lavin) hosting a pop-up open house at Batavia Farmers Market on August 23.
o Draft plan and information available on the city website.
• Infrastructure Updates
o EV charger installation underway at the high school.
o Ashton Ridge paving of McKee and Van Nortwick to be completed in time for school start.
o Wastewater treatment plant successfully transitioned equipment to new systems.
o Project is 95 percent complete, ahead of schedule, with expected completion by end of October.
• Budget Process
o Departments preparing capital improvement project budgets.
o Presentation planned for the next Committee of the Whole to preview the city’s budget process and financial outlook.
• Contractor Concerns
o Multiple residents reported issues with the same contractor.
o Discussion to be scheduled at a future
Committee of the Whole meeting.
o Framing of discussion suggested as “how to best address wayward contractors” rather than “whether to register contractors.”
o City attorney and staff to be present; reference materials and ordinances from other municipalities to be included.
• Van Nortwick and School Traffic Concerns
o Construction near HC Storm School wrapping up, signs and closures to be managed carefully.
o Grandparent pickups raised as a community sensitivity.
o Suggestion for police presence on first days of school to manage traffic flow.
o Ongoing monitoring with school district transportation staff.
o Concerns raised about grass damage from signs and unfinished patching.
o Plans for rapid flashing beacons at crossings.
• Carriage Crest Storm Water Basin
o Residents reported standing water.
o Staff to investigate if pumps and drainage are functioning properly.
o Pond still in maintenance period.
• Local Business Updates
o Arby’s undergoing conversion; no reopening date yet.
o Old 7-Eleven delayed due to family emergency but moving forward with buildout.
o Berkeley’s (Cinco de Mayo) under new ownership; awaiting state liquor license before full reopening.
o Plans to keep the delicatessen, add a bakery, and create an ice cream area.
o Warehouse 55 moving into the former Hearth & Hammer location, targeting mid-October opening.
7.2 Other Business
8. Adjournment
With no further matters to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. The motion was carried unanimously (12-0) by a roll call vote.
https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/document/e6dffec6-927c-436c-be41-50f9f567ea65/
