Author: Jim Fahrenbach – Batavia Alderperson
Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation with a packed city council chambers, wastewater treatment plant update, and Batavia staff honored!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRfGHZEHpLI
Meeting Opening and Invocation
- [21:23] The meeting of the Batavia City Council for Monday, September 15, 2025, is called to order. Attendees are asked to rise for an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.
- [22:33] The invocation expresses thanks for the unity, support, and love evident in Batavia, highlighting the success of community events.
- [23:06] A special thanks is given for Batavia being a friendly and caring place that “shines in the face of the earth.” The speaker also asks for blessings for community members serving abroad in the military and for the city council as they conduct business.
Roll Call and Agenda
- [24:16] The city clerk calls the roll, confirming 12 members are present and two are absent, establishing a quorum.
- [24:43] A reminder is given for anyone wishing to address the council to use the podium microphone for the benefit of the television broadcast.
- [25:03] Item five on the agenda, “Items to be removed, added or changed,” is addressed. A motion is made and seconded to add an executive session for the purchase and sale of electricity under item 12A. The motion is approved by a 12-0 vote.
- [26:11] The consent agenda (item six) is read by an Alderperson, including minutes from various meetings, payroll and accounts payable totals, and resolutions/ordinances for a subdivision variation, zoning map amendments, and the 2025-2026 meeting calendar.
- [28:51] The consent agenda is approved by a 12-0 vote.
- [29:20] There are no matters from the public for items not on the agenda.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project Update
- [29:28] A speaker provides a monthly update on the wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation project. The overall project includes a new headworks facility, primary clarifiers, and improvements to the sludge handling building.
- [30:33] Photos show project progress, including utility installations, light pole installations, and window installations in the headworks building.
- [31:46] The purpose of the primary clarifiers is explained: to settle suspended solids and remove about 50% of them before the biological treatment process.
- [32:15] Trder details the new pump station, which has three purposes: plant drain, replacing Island Avenue sewer, and future side stream treatment.
- [33:08] The installation of chopper pumps in the anaerobic digestors is mentioned.
- [33:39] It is stated that the project, with a city investment of nearly $43 million, is 96% complete, having used only 72% of the project schedule. The total change orders to date are only 2% of the contract, and there have been no time extensions.
- [34:49] The schedule is ahead of its June 2026 completion date, with an anticipated early spring completion, about four months ahead of schedule.
- [35:47] The mayor notes that other cities are interested in the project as a model for water treatment plant construction and management.
Batavia Main Street Update
- [37:12] A representative from Batavia Main Street provides an update. She highlights a successful block party at the end of August, mentioning collaboration with community partners like the depot museum, mother’s club, and congregational church.
- [37:51] She discusses year-round collaborations with other downtown organizations, including the Batavia Public Art Initiative for a mural project and Water Street Studios for the Winterfest Art Market.
- [38:31] The organization has hosted over 45 non-profit organizations at the farmers market this season.
- [38:52] Updates on the Boardwalk Shops are given: Jacqueline Sue Boutique has opened a brick-and-mortar location in Lamont, and applications for the 2026 season open October 1st.
- [40:02] Other promotions include an interactive sign board at the Fox Valley Ice Arena, a bi-monthly editorial in the Batavian magazine, and free pop-up opportunities for downtown businesses at the farmers market.
- [40:50] Two training courses are mentioned: a scholarship from Main Street America and a real estate redevelopment series from Illinois Main Street.
Proclamations and Appointments
- [42:07] A motion is made and approved to appoint Laura Newman to the police pension board for a two-year term.
- [42:49] A motion is made and approved to appoint Doug Elderkamp to the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term.
- [43:46] A proclamation is read to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, 2025.
- [45:59] The proclamation acknowledges the rich diversity within the community and differentiates between terms like Hispanic, Latino, and Latinex.
- [48:50] The proclamation states that Hispanic and Latin American residents make up approximately 8% of Batavia’s population and have enriched the community’s cultural, civic, educational, and economic vitality.
- [50:36] It is noted that Hispanic and Latin American educators and city employees contribute significantly to the community.
- [51:40] The late Charles “Charlie” Chis, a U.S. Army veteran and water department foreman, is honored for his Mexican heritage and for starting the tradition of decorating a holiday tree with red lights.
- [55:14] The proclamation is approved, and the mayor shares personal stories about Mr. Chis. Family and community members are invited to accept the proclamation and speak.
- [1:12:12] A proclamation recognizing Information Technology Professionals Day, the Batavia Fire Department, Finance Week, and Human Resources Professional Day is read.
- [1:14:41] The IT department is praised for answering 1,150 service requests and managing technology for 254 employees in 2024.
- [1:15:21] The Batavia Fire Department is honored for responding to 1,930 fire calls and 3,337 medical calls in 2024.
- [1:16:06] The Finance Department is recognized for processing 151,080 utility bills and issuing 5,737 checks in 2024.
- [1:16:59] The Human Resources staff is honored for their support in recruitment and employee development.
- [1:18:18] The proclamation is approved, and council members commend the dedication and passion of the city’s staff.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Ordinance
- [1:23:09] Ordinance 2025-048, which amends the municipal code to modify rates for EV charging stations, is discussed.
- [1:24:17] Alder person proposes a discussion about adding a cap to the per-minute charge for overstaying at Level 3 charging stations to prevent excessive fees. A maximum charge of $120 is proposed.
- [1:34:02] A discussion also takes place about a flat fine for non-electric vehicles using the EV parking spots. It is noted that state statute allows for a fine of up to $100.
- [1:35:54] The ordinance is amended to include a $120 cap for an overstaying electric vehicle and a $100 fine for a non-electric vehicle parking in an EV spot.
- [1:38:57] The amended motion is approved.
- [1:39:30] The council is informed that the two new charging stations at the high school should be operational by the end of the month.
City Council and Mayor Reports
- [1:40:02] An administrator’s report is given, mentioning the approval of three certificates of appropriateness by the Historic Preservation Commission.
- [1:40:41] It is noted that the Tesla dealership at 501 North Randall Road is progressing toward its opening.
- [1:41:06] The report mentions two new hires and roof repair at city hall.
- [1:41:36] The city has become aware of ICE activity in West Chicago and will put information on their website to alert Batavia residents of their rights.
- [1:42:27] The mayor’s report highlights the Community Development Department’s success in bringing new businesses to Batavia, including a new grocery store at the former Berkeley’s and Warehouse 55.
- [1:43:36] The mayor mentions that the Olmstead building will be put up for sale on October 1st.
- [1:44:21] The Batavia Farmers Market is praised, with the mayor stating that other mayors are interested in seeing it.
- [1:45:09] The meeting concludes by moving to an executive session to discuss the purchase or sale of real estate and the sale of electricity.
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