Kendall County Times

City of Yorkville City Council met April 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Purcell called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

City Clerk Behland called the roll.

Ward I Koch Present

Transier Present

Ward II Plocher Present

Soling Present

Ward III Funkhouser Present

Marek Present

Ward IV Tarulis Absent

Corneils Present

Staff in attendance at City Hall: City Administrator Olson, City Clerk Behland, Chief of Police Jensen, Attorney Orr, Public Works Director Dhuse, Community Development Director Barksdale-Noble, Finance Director Fredrickson, Parks and Recreation Director Evans, Assistant City Administrator Willrett, Economic Development Coordinator Gregory, Economic Development Director Dubajic Kellogg, EEI Engineer Sanderson, and Superintendent of Parks Scott Sleezer.

Members of the public were able to attend this meeting in person as well as being able to access the meeting remotely via Zoom which allowed for video, audio, and telephonic participation.

A meeting notice was posted on the City's website on the agenda, minutes, and packets webpage with instructions regarding remote meeting access and a link was included for the public to participate in the meeting remotely:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82644359356?pwd=EEcBfGtQyUbad509gCA3GDdC5cBOOj.1.

The Zoom meeting ID was 826 4435 9356.

QUORUM

A quorum was established.

AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA

None.

PRESENTATIONS

None.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

None.

CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS

Dr. Joan McArthur, a property owner south of the Beecher Solar project, expressed her concerns about the glare from the solar panels. She mentioned that she has horses in training and is worried about their reactions to the glare. She noted that there has been a litigated case regarding this matter. She would prefer the panels to be below the 10-foot mark, beneath the fence. Dr. McArthur stated that while she does not mind the solar farm's presence, she does not want it to impede her business.

Brett Stauffacher, representing Local 150, shared with the Council that the Climate Equity Jobs Act has been instrumental in advancing renewable energy initiatives in Illinois, notably through community solar programs. A key component of "CEJA" is its labor protections, which provide workers with fair compensation and promote local labor. He shared that IEOU Local 150 stands ready with a highly trained and experienced workforce capable of executing all facets of solar energy projects. They possess the skills and expertise to ensure that these projects, like Beecher and Corneils Road, are entirely safe, efficient, and of the highest standards. He stated that employing local labor will support the local economy and foster career opportunities for the next generation of workers. He shared that they are eager to work with Nexamp to ensure the Beecher and Corneils Road solar project and the adjacent approved projects.

Brett Tunnel, a Yorkville Local 150 apprentice, shared with the Council that ensuring the workers are local men and women on these projects is extremely important.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. Minutes of the Regular City Council - March 25, 2025

2. Minutes of the Regular City Council - April 8, 2025

3. Minutes of the Special City Council - April 9, 2025

4. Bill Payments for Approval

$ 1,335,276.50 (vendors)

$    419,638.32 (payroll period ending 4/11/25)

$ 1,754,914.82 (total)

5. Resolution 2025-48 MFT Supplemental Resolution - Bulk Rock Salt - authorize the Mayor

City Clerk to execute 

(PW 2025-36)

6. Resolution 2025-49 Approving a Change Order Relating to the Well No. 10 Project - authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute 

(PW 2025-44)

Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve the consent agenda. So moved by Alderman Soling; seconded by Alderman Corneils.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Koch-aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye

MAYOR'S REPORT

REPORTS

Poppy Days Proclamation 

(CC 2025-29)

Mayor Purcell proclaimed May 5 - 11, 2025, may serve as Poppy Awareness Days in the United City of Yorkville 

Motorcycle Awareness Proclamation 

(CC 2025-30) 

Mayor Purcell proclaimed the month of May 2025 as Motorcycle Awareness Month in the United City of Yorkville

Ordinance 2025-36

Authorizing the Acquisition of Certain Easements for the Construction of Improvements to the City's Water System (Killian) 

(CC 2025-31)

Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Certain Easements for the Construction of Improvements to the City's Water System (Killian) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to Execute. So moved by Alderman Transier; seconded by Alderman Koch.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye

Ordinance 2025-37

Amending Title 3, Chapter 2 of the Yorkville City Code (Grocery Tax)

(CC 2025-32)

Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 2 of the Yorkville City Code (Grocery Tax) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to Execute. So moved by Alderman Marek; seconded by Alderman Funkhouser.

Alderman Transier asked which fund this was allocated to in the budget, to which City Administrator Olson replied that it was in the general fund. Alderman Transier inquired whether this money could go towards water debt services as discussed by Oswego, to which City Administrator Olson affirmed. Alderman Soling questioned how long this had been in place. City Administrator Olson noted that since 1970, the state has withdrawn it, allowing the municipalities to approve it independently. This is not a new tax.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye

Ordinance 2025-38

Authorizing the United City of Yorkville, Kendall County, Illinois to Borrow Funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program

(CC 2025-33)

Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Authorizing the United City of Yorkville, Kendall County, Illinois to Borrow Funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to Execute. So moved by Alderman Transier; seconded by Alderman Soling.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye

Ordinance 2025-39

Water, Sewer, and Road Infrastructure Fee Renewal

(CC 2025-34)

Amending the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee for Water and Sanitary Sewer Service

Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Amending the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee for Water and Sanitary Sewer Service and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to Execute. So moved by Alderman Koch; seconded by Alderman Soling.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye

Ordinance 2025-40

Amending the Termination Date of the Motor Vehicle Tax

Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Amending the Termination Date of the Motor Vehicle Tax in the United City of Yorkville and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to Execute. So moved by Alderman Marek; seconded by Alderman Corneils.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye

Resolution 2025-50

Approving an IntraFi Cash Service

Deposit Placement Agreement

(CC 2025-35)

Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve a Resolution Approving an IntraFi Cash Service Deposit Placement Agreement and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to Execute. So moved by Alderman Funkhouser; seconded by Alderman Marek.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye

Resolution 2025-51

Authorizing the Purchase of a Bucket Truck from Altec, in an Amount Not Not to Exceed $161,105 (CC 2025-36)

Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a Bucket Truck from Altec, in an Amount Not to Exceed $161,105 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to Execute. So moved by Alderman Koch; seconded by Alderman Soling.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Koch-aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT

Resolution 2025-52

Approving a Vegetation Management Contract with ENCAP in an Amount Not to Exceed $42,150

(PW 2025-37)

Alderman Koch made a motion to approve a Resolution Approving a Vegetation Management Contract with ENCAP in an Amount Not to Exceed $42,150 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute; seconded by Alderman Marek.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye

Resolution 2025-53

Approving an Engineering Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (Yorkville Public Works Building - Construction Engineering)

(PW 2025-38)

Alderman Koch made a motion to approve a Resolution Approving an Engineering Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (Yorkville Public Works Building - Construction Engineering) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute; seconded by Alderman Transier.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye

Resolution 2025-54

Authorizing the Acceptance of Bids and Approval of Notice of Intent to Award Bids for the Northwest Elevated Tank Project and the North Receiving Station Project

(PW 2025-40 & PW 2025-42)

Alderman Koch made a motion to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of Bids and Approval of Notice of Intent to Award Bids for the Northwest Elevated Tank Project and the North Receiving Station Project and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute; seconded by Alderman Soling.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye

Resolution 2025-55

Approving an Engineering Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (Northwest Elevated Water Storage Tank - Construction)

(PW 2025-41)

Alderman Koch made a motion to approve a Resolution Approving an Engineering Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (Northwest Elevated Water Storage Tank - Construction) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute; seconded by Alderman Soling.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye

Resolution 2025-56

Approving an Engineering Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (North Receiving Station - Construction Engineering)

(PW 2025-43)

Alderman Koch made a motion to approve a Resolution Approving an Engineering Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (North Receiving Station - Construction Engineering) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute; seconded by Alderman Marek.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0

Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye,

Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

No report.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT

Ordinance 2025-41

Amending the Code of Ordinances Regulating On-Street Parking (Grande Trail)

(PS 2025-09)

Alderman Koch made a motion to approve an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances Regulating On-Street Parking (Grande Trail) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute; seconded by Alderman Marek.

Chief Jensen reported that this will limit parking on school days only, while school is in session.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT

No report.

PARK BOARD

Margaritas En Mayo

Parks and Recreation Director Evans announced that Margaritas En Mayo will be held on Thursday, May 22, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Downtown Yorkville & Riverfront Park. He also mentioned that all summer events are starting soon!

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Beecher Solar Farm - Special Use and Variance - First Reading

(PZC 2024-22 & EDC 2025-05)

a. Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit Allowing Freestanding Solar Energy Systems on Certain Territory Generally Located North of Corneils Road, West of Beecher Road, and East of IL Route 47 (Beecher Road Solar Expansion)

Attorney Kramer, representing the petitioner Nexamp and the property owners, shared that Matt and Hannah were present with their planning team. He stated that Matt had previously talked to Dr. McArthur but mentioned they would be happy to speak with her again about her concerns. Attorney Kramer also welcomed the gentlemen from the Local 150 union who were present tonight and indicated that Matt would contact them. He also shared that Nexamp will contribute $25,000 to Kendall County Area Transit, which the state will triple, resulting in KAT receiving around $100,000. Matt Kwiatkowski, a developer with Nexamp, clarified that the solar panel height will be 10 feet. They also conducted a glare study, which showed no glare was produced on neighboring properties. To safeguard against any potential glare, they have committed to raising their fence to match the panel height of 10 feet adjacent to the properties in the southeast corner. This will include privacy slats and a double row of evergreen trees in the same area.

Mayor Purcell shared that there was a comment on the panels tilting up to 30 feet in height. Mr. Kwiatkowski stated that the full tilt height would be 10 feet, the maximum. Community Development Director Barksdale Nobel wanted to clarify that their submitted material indicated a 30-foot tilt and asked if this represents a change from their submitted material. Mr. Kwiatkowski explained that the 30-foot height was a standard detail, but their modules will utilize the maximum height of 10 feet.

Alderman Plocher motioned to table until the May 13, 2025, City Council meeting; seconded by Alderman Funkhouser.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 

Koch-aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye

b. Ordinance Granting a Property Line Setback Variance for Certain Territory Generally Located North of Corneils Road, West of Beecher Road, and East of IL Route 47 (Beecher Road Solar Expansion)

Alderman Plocher motioned to table until the May 13, 2025, City Council meeting; seconded by Alderman Funkhouser.

Motion unanimously approved by a viva voce vote.

Ordinance 2025-42

Granting a Sign Variance for a Property Located at the Northeast Corner of State Route 47 and State Route 71 in Yorkville, Illinois (QuikTrip)

(PZC 2025-03 & EDC 2025-27)

Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Granting a Sign Variance for a Property Located at the Northeast Corner of State Route 47 and State Route 71 in Yorkville, Illinois (QuikTrip) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute. So moved by Alderman Koch; seconded by Alderman Transier.

Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-6 Nays-0 Present-1

Funkhouser-present, Transier-aye, Soling-aye, Marek-aye, Corneils-aye, Koch-aye, Plocher-aye

904 S. Bridge Street - Variance - Informational

(PZC 2025-06 & EDC 20255-28)

Community Development Director Barksdale-Noble reported that there was a request for a variance at the property located at 904 S. Bridge Street. They are requesting only a variance for the front yard setback. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved this variance, allowing their setback to be adjusted to 42 feet, compared to the previous requirement of 50 feet.

CITY COUNCIL REPORT

No report.

CITY CLERK'S REPORT

No report.

COMMUNITY & LIAISON REPORT

Yorkville Bristol Sanitary Sewer District

Alderman Soling shared that he had just attended the YBSD board meeting, where it was announced that they are increasing rates for residential and non-residential properties.

Bristol Kendall Fire District

Alderman Soling also shared that he attended the BKFD board meeting, where it was announced they have been approved to levy local property taxes up to a maximum of 6.3%.

STAFF REPORT

No report.

MAYOR'S REPORT (cont'd)

Public Works and Parks Department Facility Update (CC 2025-08)

City Administrator Olson reported that they broke ground on the Public Works and Parks Department Facility on April 7, 2025. Topsoil stripping has been completed, driveways have been stoned, site fencing has been added, and the building pad is taking shape. Water main work began last week. Concrete and foundation work will start in mid to late May. There have been two change orders under the contingency allowance.

Lake Michigan Water Project Update

(CC 2025-09)

No report.

250th Anniversary of the Midnight Ride

Mayor Purcell shared that April 18, 2025, marks the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's Ride from Lexington to Concord. He then read a portion of the poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow titled "Paul Revere's Ride."

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

None.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

None.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to adjourn the City Council meeting. So moved by Alderman Plocher; seconded by Alderman Transier.

Motion unanimously approved by a viva voce vote.

Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

https://www.yorkville.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6242