A new TIF district is being proposed for Batavia’s near southwest side, long-awaited changes to the historic district may soon take place, there are plans for a pedestrian crossing on Randall Road, South River Street strategic planning, and Batavia continues to support its manufacturing sector.
Administrative Matters
- Roll Call and Agenda: The meeting began with a roll call, noting fourteen members present and one absent. The agenda was amended to move two vehicle purchase items to the consent agenda and to shift the order of the South River Street Corridor Plan discussion.
- Consent Agenda: The committee approved the consent agenda, which included an electric tree trimming contract, a budget amendment for property purchases, the purchase of a Ford truck for $58,326, and a sewer cleaner for $588,174.
TIF District 7 Registry
- Proposal: City staff introduced a resolution to create an “Interested Parties Registry” for a proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 7.
- Context: The proposed district is located on the southwest side of downtown. It covers areas formerly in expired TIF districts and targets specific properties ripe for redevelopment. Staff explained that the city is moving toward smaller, project-specific TIF districts rather than large areas.
- Outcome: The resolution serves as the first statutory step in the creation process. The motion to recommend approval carried.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation
- Change Order: The committee reviewed Change Order No. 6 for the Phase 2A rehabilitation of the wastewater treatment plant.
- Details: The cost increase is approximately $232,000 for site safety, accessibility, and stormwater runoff improvements. Staff noted that despite the large scope of the original project ($42 million+), change orders have been minimal, and the project is nearing substantial completion.
- Outcome: The motion to approve the change order carried.
Redevelopment Agreement (15 East Wilson Street)
- Project Overview: A local restaurant owner proposed opening a third establishment in a vacant downtown building. The project requires significant interior redesign, including structural work and staircase replacement, with total expenses exceeding $400,000.
- City Incentive: The agreement provides a $150,000 grant: $100,000 payable upon cost incurrence and $50,000 paid over five years contingent on the business remaining open.
- Discussion: Staff highlighted alignment with the strategic plan, projected sales tax revenue of $24,000 annually, and increased foot traffic. Some Alderpersons questioned the lack of financial contribution from the property owner, suggesting the owner benefits without risk. Others noted the property owner risks the building condition if the tenant fails and that the city needs to put “skin in the game” to revitalize difficult properties.
- Outcome: The motion to authorize the agreement carried.
South River Street Corridor Plan
Plan Presentation: Consultants presented the final draft of the South River Street Corridor Plan. Revisions were made following a November public hearing to address concerns regarding the “Southern Gateway” sub-area. The “Preferred Concept” was updated to explicitly show existing industrial buildings remaining, clarifying that alternative redevelopment concepts (A and B) are hypothetical options should owners choose to sell.
Public Comment: Several business and property owners from the industrial park spoke.
- Owners expressed relief that the “Preferred Plan” now retains their buildings but remained concerned about the inclusion of alternative plans that show their properties being demolished or replaced.
- Concerns were raised regarding “land use amortization,” fearing it could force businesses to close over time, and potential eminent domain, though staff clarified these are optional tools not currently planned for use.
- Speakers emphasized the economic value of the industrial park, noting zero vacancy and high employment.
Council Discussion: Alderpersons reassured business owners that the city supports existing manufacturing and has no intention of displacing successful businesses. They explained that the alternative plans exist to guide potential future development only if owners decide to sell. Clarification was provided regarding Special Service Areas (SSAs) and future zoning updates.
Outcome: The ordinance to adopt the plan was approved.
Randall Road & Main Street Pedestrian Crossing Study
Feasibility Study: Consultants presented a study on a grade-separated crossing (bridge or underpass) at Randall Road and Main Street, a location identified as difficult for pedestrians.
Recommendations: The study analyzed 11 alignments and recommended three options, all located south of Main Street due to topography and right-of-way constraints. Costs ranged from roughly $2 million (underpass) to $4.3 million (bridge).
Council Feedback:
- Multiple Alderpersons argued that a crossing south of Main Street would not be used because the primary pedestrian traffic (teenagers) moves between the high school and commercial areas north of Main Street.
- Concerns were raised that placing the crossing too far south creates “indirection,” leading pedestrians to jaywalk rather than use the facility.
- There was strong interest in re-evaluating “Alternative 6” (a northern underpass), despite potentially higher costs or engineering challenges, to ensure the facility is actually utilized.
- The mayor noted that funding is highly competitive and political, suggesting this is a long-term vision rather than an immediate project.
Next Steps: Staff was directed to re-engage with the County Department of Transportation to determine the feasibility of northern options before proceeding to Phase 1 engineering.
Public Works Reorganization
Proposal: The Public Works Director proposed a reorganization to address staffing gaps left by departures in the electric utility and operations management.
Plan: The plan involves posting an internal position for an Operations Manager to facilitate succession planning and knowledge transfer, particularly regarding the electric and fiber utilities.
Council Reaction: Alderpersons expressed agreement, noting the increasing complexity of the city’s utility networks and the difficulty of finding qualified external candidates.
Project Status and Other Business
General Updates: Staff provided updates on the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), the Economic Development Strategic Plan RFP, and a hearing for a new workforce housing development. It was noted that the Ignite Medical Resort has received state approval to open.
Historic Preservation: Staff mentioned upcoming code amendments regarding the Historic Preservation Commission. One Alderperson spoke in favor of a new “submission matrix” to streamline approvals, citing past examples where businesses faced unnecessary delays for minor repairs.
State Transparency List: An Alderperson raised a question about a state “transparency list” that identified a $160,000 allocation to the city as potential waste. Staff responded that the city is often unable to access such state appropriations despite them being listed and Batavia never received the funds listed.
Randall Road Crossing Presentation: https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/document/9e94c4ab-d39f-46e2-a3e1-38d65d4f7e48
South Corridor Plan: bataviail.community.highbond.com/document/33aa9e8a-3907-432f-a7ae-fb3754f272f9/
Author: Jim Fahrenbach
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