Batavia is on track to hit 30,000 people and is in the “high growth” area of the state, new business opening up downtown near Riverside, and more!
Call to Order and Opening
The meeting was called to order one day late due to a national holiday. The invocation focused on the current national climate of debate and asked for blessings on the Council to make decisions that benefit the city, noting Batavia’s reputation as a fast-growing community.
- Roll Call: The City Clerk confirmed 11 members present and 3 absent, establishing a quorum to conduct business.
Public Comments
A representative from the Tri-Cities Clean Energy Group and Bright Future Batavia presented a petition to the Council.
- Petition Details: The petition urged the Council to ensure the upcoming Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) prioritizes renewable energy, avoids fossil fuels, and incorporates solar and battery storage.
- Signatures: The petition had 290 signatures. The speaker noted that while not all signers are Batavia residents, the regional nature of climate change makes their input relevant
- Next Steps: The petition remains open online for further signatures.
Consent Agenda
The Council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes, payroll, accounts payable, and various resolutions regarding vehicle purchases, tree trimming contracts, and budget amendments. Two items received specific discussion:
- Redevelopment Agreement (15 East Wilson Street): An Alderperson noted that the building owner is contributing $100,000 to the project and requested that itemized cost estimates be provided to the Council for transparency should future funding requests arise. The building owner and partners expressed excitement about revitalizing the property and aiming for a late summer opening
- Liquor License (Rosewood Farm): The owner of a local organic farm and market requested a license to serve beer and wine at their new downtown location. The owner clarified they do not intend to be a nightclub but wish to offer drinks during cooking classes and small events12. Council members praised the business’s products and contribution to the downtown revitalization.
Presentation: Batavia Main Street
A representative from Batavia Main Street presented the findings of their 2025 retention and expansion visits.
- Business Feedback: Businesses reported that January through May are the slowest months, while summer and holidays are the strongest. Critical challenges include weather sensitivity, street closures, and unpredictable foot traffic.
- Priorities and Pain Points: Top priorities for businesses include increasing sales, marketing, and adding e-commerce. Major pain points identified were limited pedestrian flow, poor signage, vacant storefronts, and rising rents without corresponding building improvements.
- City Processes: Businesses expressed frustration with city permitting processes, citing a lack of clarity and delayed approvals.
- Requests for Support: Businesses requested more assistance with marketing (SEO/social media), facade grants, and “hand-holding” through city processes.
Council Discussion on Downtown Revitalization
Following the presentation, the Council engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the downtown area:
- Streetscape: There was significant discussion regarding the aesthetics of downtown plantings. Some businesses felt the native plantings looked “weedy,” and the Council discussed finding a balance between native plants and colorful, vibrant perennials to improve curb appeal.
- Communication & Registry: A major point of concern was the disconnect between the city and business owners. It was revealed that the city does not have a comprehensive contact list for all businesses, while Main Street maintains its own list. The Council discussed the need for a “Business Registry” to better facilitate communication and create a central repository of contact information.
- Engagement: Ideas were proposed to improve engagement, such as holding “office hours” for businesses at City Hall or conducting evening walking tours for Council members to visit properties and industrial buildings.
Planning and Zoning
- TIF District #7 Registry: The Council approved a resolution creating an “Interested Parties Registry” for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District #7. This is a statutory requirement to ensure transparency and allow the public to stay informed about the new TIF district, which encompasses the area south of Wilson Street and north of Union.
- South River Street Corridor Plan: The Council adopted the South River Street Corridor Plan as an element of the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
- Business Concerns: There was discussion regarding feedback from businesses in the “Southern Gateway” area who felt threatened by conceptual plans (Concept A and B) that seemed to eliminate their properties. An Alderperson clarified that the “Preferred Concept” retains these businesses.
- Stakeholder Outreach: Council members debated the effectiveness of the outreach process. Some suggested future vendor contracts should include specific “Statements of Work” regarding communication to prevent stakeholders from feeling blindsided. Staff maintained that significant outreach (letters, open houses) had occurred.
Administrative Reports
The City Administrator and staff provided several updates:
- ESDA Open House: The Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) is hosting an open house to recruit volunteers for emergency response and weather spotting.
- Police & Safety: The Police Department is implementing e-citation software to improve efficiency. Additionally, a senior tech safety program regarding online scams is scheduled for March.
- Development: A public hearing is scheduled to consider a multi-family development at 400 South River Street.
Mayor’s Report
The Chair shared insights from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP):
- Regional Growth: Western Kane County is identified as a high-growth area. Batavia has added approximately 800 new living units recently.
- Population Cap: The city’s population is approaching 30,000. It is projected that growth may plateau near this number due to land constraints caused by Fermilab to the east and Forest Preserves to the west, limiting further expansion..
- Reputation: The Chair noted that other mayors in the region are looking to Batavia as a model for successful management and downtown development.
Executive Session
The Council voted to enter an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of real estate.
Author: Jim Fahrenbach
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