Kendall County Times

City of Batavia Committee of the Whole met Sept. 30.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

9/30/25

Page 1

City of Batavia Special Committee of the Whole

1. Roll Call

Present: Barazza, Lanci, Beck, Malay, Malone, Solfa, Wolff, Baerren, Leman, Lohman, Pieper, Farenbach, Anderson

Absent: None

2. Reminder: Please Speak Into The Mic for BATV

3. Items Removed/Added/Changed

None

4. Matters From Public

5. Interview: Candidates for the Vacancy of Ward 7 Alderperson

Interview 1

Bob White

Bob White introduced himself as a resident of Batavia for the past 17 months, having recently relocated from Minnesota with his wife and two sons—an eighth grader and a kindergartener. Professionally, he works in OEM sales as a sales engineer, providing parts to companies like Caterpillar and John Deere.

He expressed interest in continuing his involvement in the community, noting his current role on the Active Transportation Advisory Commission. Bob emphasized his support for Parks and Recreation and described himself as a "common sense" person who asks thoughtful questions to encourage deeper consideration of decisions.

Bob shared that his motivation to get involved stems from his pride in Batavia’s small-town values and community spirit, such as neighborhood connections, local events like the farmers market and homecoming game, and a welcoming atmosphere. He also mentioned a desire to follow in his parents' footsteps in civic service and to set an example of community involvement for his children.

Question 1: What motivated you to apply for the city council vacancy, and what unique perspective, qualifications and experience would you bring to the role?

Bob reflected on the unique opportunity of being considered for a position without running a traditional campaign, noting it's not something that often comes up, especially for older individuals.

He highlighted his unique perspective as a relatively new resident, having lived in Batavia for only 17 months but already having purchased two homes—first near Mooseheart and now in the Winding Creek subdivision, both in the 7th Ward.

Bob also shared that while he’s an advocate for active transportation—enjoying running, walking, and biking (including biking to work weekly)—he’s also a car enthusiast, and was surprised to discover that many others on the Active Transportation Committee share that dual interest.

Question 2: What do you see as the top priorities for Batavia in the next 3-5 years, and how should the City Council address them in alignment with the strategic plan?

Bob emphasized that he would approach the role with an open mind and a commitment to preserving Batavia's small-town feel. He acknowledged the challenge of maintaining that character amid growth and expansion, as well as the need to support existing businesses. He noted this would be an ongoing effort, not just over the next few years, but well into the future.

Question 3: What are your views on preservation or redevelopment of older homes, commercial properties in downtown Batavia? What level of investment should the city have in these efforts?

Bob expressed support for redevelopment in Batavia, highlighting its potential benefits, but stressed the importance of balancing pros and cons. He pointed to recent proposals on the east side of the river south of downtown as an example—acknowledging the good design but questioning whether they’ll attract the right tenants, businesses, and residents. While he admitted to sounding somewhat pessimistic, he described himself as an optimist overall. Bob believes that with a strong, vibrant community, Batavia can continue moving in a positive direction and attract quality redevelopment, particularly in housing.

Question 4: How do you engage with residents, including through social media? How would you respond to feedback or concerns from the community? How do you handle conflict when working on a team?

Bob explained that he regularly deals with business-related conflicts, particularly in his new role as a Facebook moderator for the Active Transportation group, where discussions can quickly become contentious — especially around issues like e-bikes, which he has previously addressed before the City Council. His main strategy for handling these challenges is to remain calm and step back when conversations become heated, advice he recommends for others as well.

Interview 2

Tom Connelley

Tom Connelly thanked the council for holding a special meeting to fill the vacancy and expressed appreciation for the chance to interview. He noted his prior experience representing the 4th Ward on the Batavia City Council, which gave him familiarity with the issues the council faces and how to address them. He also served on the Batavia Chamber of Commerce board and the Tricom Central Dispatch board, where he built relationships with key regional stakeholders in business and public safety.

Tom continues to stay involved in city affairs through the Historic Preservation Commission and the Batavia Rotary Club, which has helped him understand community needs and how both local organizations and the council can meet them. He emphasized that his goals align with Batavia’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, and he expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of serving again and answering the council’s questions.

Question 1: What motivated you to apply for the city council vacancy, and what unique perspective, qualifications and experience would you bring to the role?

Tom said his motivation to serve comes from his deep love for Batavia. Since moving there, he has made it a priority to stay actively involved in the community. He and his wife chose Batavia as their home — first living in an apartment on Houston Street, then a house in the 4th Ward, and now their forever home in the 7th Ward, where he hopes to represent his neighbors.

He believes his perspective as part of a younger generation of Batavians with school-age children, along with his previous experience on the city council, gives him a valuable viewpoint. This background helps him connect with new families and residents while bringing both fresh insight and institutional knowledge to the role.

Question 2: What do you see as the top priorities for Batavia in the next 3-5 years, and how should the City Council address them in alignment with the strategic plan?

Tom stated that his top priority for Batavia is continued growth and economic development, particularly in the downtown area. He emphasized the importance of attracting a diverse range of businesses and encouraging development that could also expand housing options — including more affordable apartments — to draw younger residents and address housing needs.

On fostering diversity and belonging, he highlighted Batavia’s strong community spirit and the need to build on it. As a council member, he believes the best way to support inclusivity is through active listening, open communication with residents, and creating a welcoming environment at city council meetings where people feel comfortable sharing concerns and ideas and know their voices are heard.

Question 3: What are your views on preservation or redevelopment of older homes, commercial properties in downtown Batavia? What level of investment should the city have in these efforts?

Tom emphasized that Batavia’s historic downtown is one of the main reasons he was drawn to the community. As a current member of the Historic Preservation Commission, he is deeply committed to preserving its character. He believes that any new development or redevelopment should carefully consider the city’s historic nature and strive to balance growth with preservation. Connelly stressed that altering or removing historic parts of downtown should never be taken lightly, and maintaining Batavia’s unique character will remain a top priority for him.

Question 4: How do you engage with residents, including through social media? How would you respond to feedback or concerns from the community? How do you handle conflict when working on a team?

Tom highlighted his commitment to communication and responsiveness, noting that during his previous time on the city council he made it a priority to reply to residents’ emails and connect them with the right city staff when he didn’t have an answer himself. He also pointed to his experience as a lawyer, where he regularly handles conflict and must remain calm and professional, skills he believes will help maintain a respectful, constructive atmosphere during city council meetings — both among council members and with the public — even when disagreements arise.

Interview 3

Kimberly Hanson

Kimberly Hanson introduced herself as a six-year resident of Batavia who moved to the community with her family in search of a strong school system and quickly grew to love the area. A stay-at-home mom, she said she has ample time to dedicate to serving Ward 7 residents. Before that, she worked in healthcare administration, where she developed patience and problem-solving skills. Hanson emphasized her belief that diverse perspectives lead to the best solutions and stated that, if chosen, she would prioritize engaging with community members and encouraging their involvement in local government.

Question 1: What motivated you to apply for the city council vacancy, and what unique perspective, qualifications and experience would you bring to the role?

Kimberly explained that she applied because she wants to become a more active part of the Batavia community and help ensure Ward 7 has a voice in making life stable and secure. She and her husband have decided to make Batavia their permanent home and deeply love the community, which she described as “magical.” While her past involvement has mostly been through volunteer work like donation drives, she now wants to take on a more active and impactful role in supporting and strengthening the community.

Question 2: What do you see as the top priorities for Batavia in the next 3-5 years, and how should the City Council address them in alignment with the strategic plan?

Kimberly outlined several priorities she would focus on as a council member. She wants to attract more young adults aged 20 to 29 — currently only about 9% of Batavia’s population — by encouraging the development of affordable apartment housing with amenities, which she believes would boost diversity, economic vitality, and downtown businesses. Another key goal is resolving the long-standing dam issue by finalizing a decision and securing funding with the Army Corps of Engineers to protect the riverfront and support businesses along it. Hanson also emphasized improving accessibility downtown for people with disabilities by working with the historical society to create better entrances and reduce barriers, making the area more inclusive and beneficial for local shops. Finally, she supports enhancing transportation safety and accessibility for all, citing successful improvements like the road diet on Route 31 and suggesting safer pedestrian crossings near Randall Road, where foot traffic is high.

Question 3: What are your views on preservation or redevelopment of older homes, commercial properties in downtown Batavia? What level of investment should the city have in these efforts?

Kimberly shared her appreciation for Batavia’s historic character, noting that she lives in an old house and values preserving historic buildings that are still in good condition. However, she believes the city also needs to embrace new development and modernize its downtown by investing in new buildings, such as mixed-use developments with apartments, businesses, and parking structures. While these changes might initially look out of place compared to Batavia’s historic aesthetic, she emphasized that growth and modernization are essential for the city’s future, and over time, this balance of old and new will strengthen the downtown area and attract more businesses.

Question 4: How do you engage with residents, including through social media? How would you respond to feedback or concerns from the community? How do you handle conflict when working on a team?

Kimberly discussed how she would communicate with residents if chosen for the council. She praised existing community communication efforts like the 5th Ward blog and said she would refer people to those resources rather than duplicate them. For Ward 7-specific updates, she suggested creating a quarterly or monthly newsletter and possibly a Facebook page to keep residents informed. Hanson emphasized the importance of thanking community members for their feedback, responding respectfully even in difficult conversations, and following up within a week if she doesn’t have an immediate answer — after consulting experts or researching the issue to provide accurate information.

Interview 4

Linda Hatfield

Linda Hatfield introduced herself as a Batavia resident since December 2019. Before moving, she lived most of her life near O’Hare Airport in Park Ridge and Des Plaines. When her company relocated to Glendale Heights, she decided to move closer to work but ultimately chose Batavia, a place she now loves living in. She shared that she is an empty nester with two adult daughters and works as a customs broker, where she deals frequently with tariffs.

Question 1: What motivated you to apply for the city council vacancy, and what unique perspective, qualifications and experience would you bring to the role?

Linda explained that she has been involved in local politics as a Democratic precinct committeeperson, which gave her initial experience in community engagement. When she saw the city council vacancy, she felt it would be a great opportunity to build on that experience and contribute more to the community. As an empty nester and divorcee with plenty of free time, she views her availability and commitment as one of her greatest strengths for serving in the position.

Question 2: What do you see as the top priorities for Batavia in the next 3-5 years, and how should the City Council address them in alignment with the strategic plan?

Linda said that one of her top priorities would be continuing to develop Batavia’s downtown area. While she acknowledged she hasn’t yet thought through the specific steps to achieve that goal, she emphasized its importance to the city’s future. Linda Hatfield shared that diversity and inclusion are deeply important

to her, noting that her oldest daughter is transgender. She emphasized the importance of making all people feel welcomed and that fostering a sense of belonging in the community is something she would strongly advocate for as a council member.

Question 3: What are your views on preservation or redevelopment of older homes, commercial properties in downtown Batavia? What level of investment should the city have in these efforts?

Linda said she values Batavia’s older, historic properties and would like to see more preservation where possible. However, she acknowledged that maintaining such properties can be challenging and that some may be beyond saving. She also expressed concern about developments that feel overcrowded, such as the PTE project, and indicated a preference for thoughtful growth that balances new development with historic preservation.

Question 4: How do you engage with residents, including through social media? How would you respond to feedback or concerns from the community? How do you handle conflict when working on a team?

Linda described herself as open-minded and able to understand different perspectives. Although she currently serves as a Democratic precinct committeeperson, she grew up in a strongly Republican family, which exposed her to a range of viewpoints. She noted that she often leans toward the middle on various issues, which she believes helps her approach decisions with balance and openness. Linda also mentioned Alderperson Farenbach’s Facebook page as a positive example.

Interview 5

Bob McQuillan

Bob McQuillan introduced himself by sharing that he and his wife grew up in the Philadelphia area and met in college. They moved to Illinois in 1997, first living in Geneva before settling in Batavia in 2015. Married for 45 years, he has three adult children, all married, and six grandchildren. Now retired, Bob keeps busy with a few part-time jobs and lightheartedly noted that they help keep him active and social.

Question 1: What motivated you to apply for the city council vacancy, and what unique perspective, qualifications and experience would you bring to the role?

Bob explained that his motivation to apply comes from his long-standing involvement and interest in local politics. Having lived in the Fox Valley area for nearly three decades and in Batavia for the past 10 years, he has closely followed local government issues, even running for mayor in Geneva and for the Kane County Board in recent years. Although he had previously decided not to run for office again, this city council opportunity inspired him to reconsider because he still feels engaged and wants to contribute his perspective.

Bob believes his experience and familiarity with Batavia’s recent history give him valuable insight. He described himself as a critical thinker who researches issues thoroughly and has learned to embrace nuance rather than seeing things as purely black or white. He emphasized his focus on offering solutions rather than just identifying problems and believes this practical, solution-oriented approach would help him make a meaningful contribution to the council.

Question 2: What do you see as the top priorities for Batavia in the next 3-5 years, and how should the City Council address them in alignment with the strategic plan?

Bob outlined several key priorities and concerns he would focus on as a city council member. First and foremost, he identified voter apathy as a major issue, noting that many residents only react after decisions are made rather than participating beforehand. He believes improving communication is essential but acknowledges the challenge of figuring out the most effective way to reach people — whether by email, text, blogs, or other means — especially with ward-specific information.

He also emphasized the importance of budget transparency and fiscal responsibility, including clearly showing residents how tax increases are balanced with cost-cutting efforts. Addressing the future of the dam is another major priority, as it’s a long-standing issue with multiple options to consider in terms of cost, maintenance, and viability. He stressed the need for continued investment in infrastructure, particularly given Batavia’s age, and praised recent progress with sidewalks and road repairs.

Bob also raised concerns about public awareness of major developments, such as the recently approved data center, suggesting most residents are unaware of such decisions — a reflection of the broader engagement problem. He highlighted the growing housing affordability crisis, pointing out that new homes are often priced far beyond the reach of many families and suggesting the city explore ways to encourage housing below $300,000. He also warned of a potential housing bubble similar to the 2007–2008 crisis.

Lastly, Bob questioned Batavia’s identity and direction for the future, comparing it to nearby cities like Geneva and St. Charles, which have defined themselves through dining and nightlife. He believes Batavia needs to decide what it wants to be known for — whether focusing on its historic downtown, the Randall Road corridor, or another defining feature — as part of shaping its long-term vision.

Question 3: What are your views on preservation or redevelopment of older homes, commercial properties in downtown Batavia? What level of investment should the city have in these efforts?

Bob emphasized the importance of defining Batavia’s future identity and differentiating it from neighboring communities. He noted the city’s historic roots — from its homes and businesses to its riverfront industry — and suggested exploring redevelopment north of River Street, potentially transforming existing industrial areas into something unique, such as a recreational attraction or destination venue. He stressed that any development must be carefully planned and well-executed.

Bob also highlighted the need to enforce zoning laws and ensure existing properties are properly maintained, as unexpected repair costs can discourage new businesses. Regarding economic development, he expressed skepticism about direct tax rebates but supported the strategic use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts to attract investment. While acknowledging that TIFs may reduce tax revenue for a time, he believes residents would support them if they see meaningful development and long-term benefits. In his view, leveraging tools like TIF is essential, as the city doesn’t have the financial capacity to offer large upfront incentives to developers.

Question 4: How do you engage with residents, including through social media? How would you respond to feedback or concerns from the community? How do you handle conflict when working on a team?

Bob outlined how he would approach communication and conflict resolution as a council member. He believes the most effective way to engage residents is through direct, proactive outreach, such as walking the ward to meet people and using voter records to build contact lists. He suggested creating an email update after every council meeting summarizing key decisions and upcoming issues in clear, concise bullet points to make information quick and easy to read. He also recommended simplifying lengthy documents, like the city’s 410-page strategic plan, into brief summaries that highlight short- and long-term goals on a single page.

On handling conflict within the council, Bob emphasized the importance of open dialogue, where everyone expresses their opinions and asks questions before reaching a decision. While reaching consensus among many members can be challenging, he believes that once a vote is taken, the council should publicly present a united front and stand behind the decision, even if individual members maintain different personal views. This approach, he said, strengthens teamwork and builds public confidence in the council’s decisions.

Interview 5

Mike Costanzo

Mike Castanzo introduced himself as a lifelong Batavia resident, born and raised in the community after his parents moved there in the late 1970s / early1980s. He graduated from Batavia High School and later lived in several places, including Indiana and Iowa, but ultimately decided to return with his wife, Betsy — also from Batavia — to raise their family. Mike expressed deep pride in his hometown and a strong desire to give back by serving the community in a new capacity.

Question 1: What motivated you to apply for the city council vacancy, and what unique perspective, qualifications and experience would you bring to the role?

Mike said his motivation to serve comes from his deep roots in Batavia and his family’s tradition of community involvement. His father served on the fire department for 19 years, and Mike wants to follow that example by giving back to the community that helped shape him. He also hopes to set an example for his children by showing them the importance of contributing to and supporting the place where they live.

Question 2: What do you see as the top priorities for Batavia in the next 3-5 years, and how should the City Council address them in alignment with the strategic plan?

Mike highlighted several priorities he would focus on as a council member. He pointed to lingering development projects, such as the recently canceled housing plan near Pal Joey’s and the potential redevelopment of the former sandstone quarry site, noting that these areas present opportunities to generate new tax revenue, attract new residents, and support those looking to downsize or relocate within Batavia.

On fostering diversity and belonging, Mike emphasized the importance of teamwork and open, honest conversations among council members, who bring different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Drawing from his professional experience in construction — where he manages projects across seven states and works with people from many walks of life — he stressed his commitment to ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and that all residents are treated equitably as the city grows and evolves.

Question 3: What are your views on preservation or redevelopment of older homes, commercial properties in downtown Batavia? What level of investment should the city have in these efforts?

Mike said he views downtown development as a two-way street between the city and the community. He praised recent improvements and initiatives, such as the Batavia Main Street project and efforts to support small businesses by helping them establish brick-and-mortar locations. He believes the city should continue backing projects that encourage both new businesses to open and existing ones to expand, which will drive further growth in retail, residential development, and community activity while attracting more people and perspectives to Batavia’s downtown.

Question 4: How do you engage with residents, including through social media? How would you respond to feedback or concerns from the community? How do you handle conflict when working on a team?

Mike admitted that he currently doesn’t use social media much, as he prioritizes spending time with his family. However, he said that if serving on the council required it, he would be willing to use social platforms to engage with the community. He emphasized that his approach would focus on thoughtful, respectful communication — responding with care and treating everyone with dignity rather than engaging in negativity or hostility.

5.2 Executive Session: Decision

Motion: To enter Executive Session for voting

Maker: Malone

Second: Lanci

5.3 Announcement of Decision

Using a digital voting platform, and without discussion, council casted their votes and determined Bob White won the seat of 7th Ward Alderman.

7. City Council Updates

7.1 Project status

7.2 other business

9. Adjournment

https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/document/278c6b53-9af6-4ba8-973b-61f6a319baad/