Batavia Illinois – The 5th Ward

Full agenda on this one! Breast cancer awareness proclamation, immigrant rights presentations, new alderperson sworn in and more!

I. Meeting Opening and Formalities

• Call to Order, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance [00:08]: The regular meeting of the Batavia City Council for October 6, 2025, was called to order. An invocation was given, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Roll Call [01:39]: A roll call was conducted to confirm attendance of council members.
• Agenda Review [02:17]: Item five, concerning changes to the agenda, was addressed with no modifications proposed.

II. Oath of Office

• Robert White, Seventh Ward Alderman [02:25]: Robert White took the oath of office as the new replacement for Alderperson Volgelsinger, who resigned due to family issues. His family was present for the ceremony.

III. Consent Agenda

• Approval of Consent Agenda [04:53]: The consent agenda was read and approved, covering various reports and resolutions, including:
  • August 2025 building report.
  • Committee of the Whole minutes from September 9, 2025.
  • Payroll fund totals for September 26, 2025 ($1,078,538.38).
  • Accounts payable total for the October 6 City Council meeting ($6,284,495.9940).
  • City Council minutes from September 15, 2025.
  • Executive session minutes from July 29, 2025, August 26, 2025, and September 15, 2025.
  • Resolution 2025-113-R: Authorized 2026 contract price increase for Drenle and Jansen’s Law Group.
  • Resolution 2025-117R: Task order 37 with GZA for proposed limited subsurface investigation supplemental remediation services.
  • Resolution 2025-116-R: Contract with Alpine Demolition Services for pre-demolition abatement, partial building demolition, underground tank removal, and soil remediation.
  • Resolution 2025-115-R: Subdivision variance for 1222 Beckman Lane for a front porch.
  • Ordinance 2025-47: Amending title 2 of the municipal code.
  • Resolution 2025-119-R: Resolution authorizing an agreement with TKB Associates for document scanning services not to exceed $20,000.
  • Ordinance 2025-49: Certificate of appropriateness for building demolition at 23 Northwater Street.

IV. Public Comment and Presentations

• Matters from the Public (Non-Agenda Items) [08:30]: No members of the public wished to address items not on the agenda at this point.
• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights: Know Your Rights Presentation [08:48]:
  • Introduction [08:56]: A presentation on immigrant and refugee rights was introduced as a suggestion from city council members.
  • World Relief Overview [09:16]: A speaker from World Relief discussed their international non-profit organization, which has offices in Aurora and Chicago and provides various services to immigrants and refugees, including family case management, children and youth support, volunteer services, immigration legal services (general consultations, citizenship, DACA renewals, green card, asylum), housing support, employment services (English classes, resume help), and a counseling center. It was highlighted that refugees receiving support often contribute significantly more in taxes than they receive in aid [10:46].
  • Aurora Rapid Response Team Presentation [17:23]: A speaker  from the Aurora Rapid Response Team, a volunteer-powered group under the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, discussed federal policies and immigrant rights. Key points included:
    • The absence of a sanctuary city ordinance in Aurora, but the presence of the Illinois Trust Act and Illinois Way Forward Act which define interaction between local law enforcement and Homeland Security [19:06].
    • The team receives no funding and operates on a people-powered model [20:04].
    • Concerns about federal executive orders designed to oppress immigrant communities and the increasing presence of ICE at sensitive locations like schools and courthouses [20:15].
    • Threats of self-deportation by DHS regardless of immigration status and the presence of other federal agencies (ATF, DEA, FBI, IRS) in communities, including impersonators [21:58].
    • The US Constitution guarantees rights regardless of immigration status, and citizens have even been kidnapped [23:30].
    • The importance of the right to remain silent, speaking with an attorney (local attorneys are at capacity), and due process [24:13].
    • The Department of Homeland Security’s history and its manifestation of xenophobia and immigration enforcement [25:16].
    • The deputization of additional federal agents, including USPS and IRS, for immigrant information [26:56].
    • The right to migrate is a human right and not criminal [28:08].
    • The right to ask law enforcement why they are stopping or detaining individuals, and to record interactions [28:54].
    • Distinction between judicial and administrative warrants [30:29].
    • A hotline for Illinois families in need of assistance: 855-435-7693 [33:34].
  • Council Member Comments and Questions on Immigrant Rights [34:57]:
    • A request was made to share the presenters’ information and presentation with all council members [35:14].
    • The Batavia Police Department strongly adheres to the Trust Act, protects community safety for all regardless of immigration status, and does not assist ICE [35:32]. The importance of belonging and treating everyone fairly was emphasized [36:07].
    • A council member thanked the presenters, highlighting War Relief’s global impact and the importance of common humanity [36:46]. The value of the police department adhering to the Trust Act was also reiterated [37:20].
    • Interest was expressed in further research on municipal powers to create and enforce “sensitive locations” [38:30].
    • The pledge of allegiance, ending in “justice for all,” was invoked to emphasize fair treatment for everyone [39:01].
    • The Mayor reiterated Batavia’s commitment to treating everyone equally regardless of background, citing the city’s history as a haven for runaway slaves [39:23].
  • Public Comments on Immigration Presentation [01:19:56]: Several members of the public expressed diverse views on the immigration presentation:
    • Concerns were raised about a presenter’s t-shirt having derogatory language [01:20:36].
    • A citizen stated that the back of the 2nd presenter’s shirt had profanity (“F*** Immigration Enforcement” in spanish), this was not visible to city council while she was speaking, showing hostility towards laws and officers. Advocated for ICE or Border Patrol to present their side for balanced information.  
    •  [01:22:00].
    • Another citizen thanked the city for the “know your rights” training, emphasizing diversity as a strength and expressing concern about federal government actions and “kidnapping” due to skin color or language [01:23:40].
    • A citizen argued that laws are not suggestions, cities should not pick which federal laws to follow, and that funding benefits for “illegally here” individuals is an injustice to tax-paying citizens and veterans [01:24:46].
    • A citizen encouraged others to volunteer with World Relief and become host families. They also drew a parallel between uninvited guests in a home and undocumented immigration, emphasizing that the system is “broken” and “overloaded” with recent migrant numbers, urging the board to take a serious look [01:27:41].
    • A volunteer with World Relief shared experiences of helping terrified families who followed processes, advocating for human dignity and embracing diversity [01:31:39].
    • A resident spoke about assisting a family from El Salvador during its civil war, but also emphasized the importance of the immigration process and concerns about dangerous journeys and economic impacts [01:33:19].

V. Proclamation: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• Proclamation for October 2025 [01:41:26]: A proclamation was read, declaring October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Batavia, recognizing the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center for its compassionate care and comprehensive support to cancer patients and their families.
• LivingWell Cancer Resource Center Presentation [01:44:27]: Representatives from LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, including a founding board member and the Program and Outreach Coordinator, spoke about their 20 years of providing free programs and services to cancer patients, caregivers, and families. They highlighted their fitness, nutrition, counseling, art, and therapeutic touch services, and announced their 20th-anniversary celebration at their annual walk/5K on October 11th.
• Council Member Comments [01:50:50]: The mayor reflected on the development of the medical community in the Fox River Valley, including the hospital on Randall Road, and praised LivingWell as a positive program that spun off this development.

VI. Commission Updates

• Batavia Environmental Commission (BEC) Quarterly Report [53:10]:
  • Strategic Plan [55:15]: The BEC formally approved its three-year strategic plan, focusing on promoting natural landscaping and wildlife habitat, limiting pesticide use, and developing robust education programs (short videos, library programs, partnerships).
  • Recognition Program [56:53]: The BEC will recognize residents, businesses, and organizations leading in sustainability efforts.
  • Dark Skies Initiative [57:09]: The commission is interested in a dark skies initiative.
  • Local Cleanups and Rebate Programs [57:15]: Continued promotion of cleanup events and a proposal for rebate programs to encourage citizen participation in environmental initiatives.
  • Art of the Fox Landscape Update [58:03]: An update was given on the “Art of the Fox” native landscape project. The initial 500 square-foot “butterfly wing” design will be prepared this year for planting in the spring, with hopes to expand to 1,000 square feet next year. Volunteer opportunities for planting will be promoted.
  • Collaborations and Education [59:42]: The BEC is collaborating with other cities on sustainability initiatives and rebates. They are developing educational programs on invasive species, highlighting the impact of honeysuckle and buckthorn in local forest preserves and the success of restoration efforts in opening up views of the river. Volunteer workdays are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and interested individuals can find information on the BEC Facebook page and Kane County Forest Preserve restoration workday schedule [01:03:53].
  • High School Liaison Ordinance [01:04:22]: The ordinance was updated to include three high school students with full voting rights on the commission, aiming to involve younger voices and the high school Eco Club.
  • Riverwalk City and Bag Fee Funds [01:04:47]: The BEC attended a “Riverwalk City” concert. Discussions are ongoing regarding the future use of bag fee funds, with a preference for green space beautification and city improvement.
  • Future Openings [01:06:37]: There will be two future openings on the BEC, and applications are being accepted through the Batavia City website’s commissions page. Meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM in City Hall [01:07:02].
  • Volunteer Experience [01:08:26]: A council member shared a positive experience volunteering for a workday, highlighting tips for avoiding poison ivy and the enjoyment of working with others. The variety of volunteer opportunities, including seed collection, garbage cleanup, and river cleanup, was also mentioned [01:09:30].
• Chamber of Commerce Update [01:10:30]:
  • Alderman Meet and Greet [01:10:48]: The Chamber hosted a successful meet and greet for aldermen and board members.
  • State of the County Event [01:11:10]: A successful “State of the County” event was coordinated with Kane County Board Chair Karen Perog, with 150 attendees.
  • State of the Community Event [01:11:28]: The 2025 “State of the Community Breakfast” with Mayor Sheli as the keynote speaker is scheduled for Thursday, November 6th, at 7:00 AM at Covenant Living at the Homestead.
  • Citizen of the Year Award [01:11:55]: Nominations are open for the 2025 Batavia Citizen of the Year Award, with a deadline of Friday, November 7th.
  • Upcoming Events [01:12:21]:
    • Ribbon cutting ceremony for “Gifts and Amore” tentatively scheduled for October 24th at noon at 103 East Wilson Street.
    • “Succession Planning: Passing the Torch, Turning Your Business into a Legacy” seminar on October 30th at 8:00 AM at the Batavia Public Library.

VII. Regular Agenda

• Axon Body Worn Cameras and Digital Evidence Management Systems [01:12:56]:
  • Resolution 25114R [01:13:04]: A resolution was presented and passed to authorize a 5-year contract for the purchase of Axon Enterprise Inc. body-worn cameras, in-car cameras, and associated digital evidence management systems.
  • Strategic Investment [01:14:20]: Chief Blowers highlighted this as a strategic investment to improve efficiency, utilize AI tools for drafting reports and redactions, enhance communication with translation tools, and improve officer safety with real-time GPS tracking.
  • Language Component [01:15:20]: The live translation tool can translate up to 50 languages, improving communication with the public and officer safety by allowing officers to keep their eyes on their surroundings.
  • FOIA Requests and Redaction [01:16:56]: The police department receives over 300 FOIA requests annually, many including body-worn camera footage. Axon’s redaction software will significantly reduce the 2-hour per hour of video staff time currently required for redactions, alleviating the burden on the records division.
  • Integration with State’s Attorney’s Office [01:17:57]: The new system will allow direct sharing of evidence with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, which already uses Axon, improving efficiency in complying with discovery orders.

VIII. Administrator’s Report

• EV Chargers at High School [01:35:56]: Two EV chargers have been installed and are operational at Batavia High School, a joint project with the Batavia public schools.
• Plan Commission Meeting [01:36:27]: The Plan Commission will meet on October 15th to discuss a three-month extension to the South River Street moratorium on property use changes, pending the completion of the South River Street corridor plan.
• Flu Shot Clinic [01:37:06]: Human Resources hosted a successful flu shot clinic at Public Works and City Hall.
• New Water and Sewer Operations Manager [01:37:19]: Michael Glack was welcomed as the new Water and Sewer Operations Manager, starting September 29th.
• Wilson and 31st Intersection Improvements [01:37:31]: Lane closures occurred last week to remove existing brick and install a concrete sidewalk on the north side of the Wilson and 31st intersection to address trip hazards in a heavily trafficked area.
• Food Pantry Move [01:38:08]: The food pantry move was completed smoothly with the help of many volunteers, particularly Scott Haynes, Public Properties and Services Superintendent, who spearheaded the renovation project.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade [01:39:00]: Zach Bonish oversaw the successful online integration of new equipment at the wastewater treatment plant.
• New ADA-Accessible Boat Launch [01:39:25]: A new, ADA-accessible boat launch has been installed adjacent to Clark Island Recreational Area on the east bank of the Fox River. This project, organized by Kane County using American Rescue Plan Act funding ($1.2 million), is part of establishing the Fox Water Trail as a national water trail. Ribbon-cutting celebration is planned.

IX. Mayor’s Report

• Batavia High School Class of 1965 Reunion [01:41:36]: The Mayor shared a story about the 60th reunion of the Batavia High School Class of 1965, who were highly complimentary of the transformed downtown Batavia, including the building, Peg Bond Center, and Riverwalk. He credited Mayor Robert Brown for having the vision to acquire the property, including Depot Pond, years ago [01:42:34].
• Old Furnace Electric Property Redevelopment [01:43:30]: The former Furnace Electric property at Van Nortric and Houston Street has undergone a major cleanup and redevelopment into a subdivision that is receiving positive reviews.
• Mooseheart Property for Senior Living [01:44:49]: The 497-acre Mooseheart property, annexed years ago, is zoned to allow for a future senior living community of about 830 units.
• Dick Young Forest Preserve Expansion [01:45:14]: The Kane County Board is assembling the Dick Young Forest Preserve, which will be the largest forest preserve in Kane County at over 1,600 acres, offering long-term recreational possibilities.
• Batavia’s Appeal to Realtors [01:45:56]: Realtors are finding it easy to sell Batavia due to the new developments, good ideas, and thoughtful planning, creating a “very bright spot” for the city.