Back to back double header. Black History month proclamation, e-bikes, Boardwalk shops, post prom events, Batavia is the lunar hose capital of the world, and the Boy Scouts did an awesome job kicking us off!
Call to Order and Opening Ceremonies
The meeting began with a call to order, followed by a brief invocation asking for compassion and understanding among the council members. A local Boy Scout Pack led the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call confirmed a quorum was present with 13 members initially present and one absent.
Consent Agenda
The council reviewed and approved the consent agenda, which included several items:
- Minutes: Acceptance of minutes from the Committee of the Whole, Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council.
- Financials: Approval of payroll fund totals and accounts payable totals for early 2026.
- Tax Abatements: Resolutions regarding tax levy abatements for various bonds (Storm, Electric, Water, Wastewater Treatment).
- Purchases and Agreements: Authorization for IT equipment purchase, a green audit task order, and winter equipment upfitting for a vehicle.
- Appointments: Appointment of FOIA officers and reappointments to the Historic Preservation Commission.
The motion to approve the consent agenda passed with 13 affirmative votes.
Batavia Main Street Report
A representative from Batavia Main Street presented an update on the organization’s recent and upcoming activities:
- Events and Programming: The organization has shifted focus to planning more programming inside businesses, such as an upcoming “Wine Walk” event in March.
- Hype Team: A volunteer “Hype Team” has doubled in size to over 20 members, promoting local businesses through word-of-mouth and social media.
- Boardwalk Shops: The 2026 season for the Boardwalk Shops was announced, featuring 10 new businesses selected from a highly competitive applicant pool. Selected shops include an independent bookstore, a spice shop, and a 1950s-style soda shop.
- Marketing Grant: Main Street was awarded a $5,000 grant to focus on new initiatives, including TikTok, targeted email blasts, and SEO-focused blog content.
- Collaboration: Monthly meetings have been established between Main Street and the city’s Economic Development Department to discuss business retention and grants.
- High School Post-Prom: Funds derived from liquor law violations were donated to the local high school’s post-prom committee to provide a safe, alcohol-free environment for students.
- Sheltered Workshop Prom: A donation was also presented to a local sheltered workshop for their first-ever adult prom for individuals with disabilities. This event is supported by roughly 30 local organizations and will host 100 individuals.
Batavia United Way Update
A representative provided an update on United Way’s impact and data:
- Programs: The “Adopt-a-Family” program served nearly 400 children, and the “Snow Angels” program is actively providing snow removal for seniors. The Imagination Library is providing free books to over 750 children monthly.
- 211 Resource Hotline Data: Data from 2025 indicated that housing assistance (rent/shelter) was the primary reason residents called the 211 hotline (nearly 40% of calls), followed by utility assistance (20%). This data is used to inform grant decisions and program development.
Development Approval: Residences at River Point
The council discussed and approved ordinances regarding a new 72-unit workforce housing development on an old quarry site.
Design Improvements: An alderperson noted appreciation for the developer adding walkable design enhancements, such as improved doorways and benches. Questions were raised about adding shade trees for the seating areas, which the developer agreed to address with their landscape architect.
Approvals: The council unanimously approved three measures:
- A land use amendment changing the property designation from light industrial to residential.
- A zoning map amendment reclassifying the property as multifamily residential.
- The preliminary/final plat for the subdivision.
Black History Month Proclamation
A proclamation observing Black History Month was presented. A speaker accepted the proclamation and shared personal history regarding the Underground Railroad, noting how quilts were used to communicate codes to escaping slaves. The speaker emphasized pride in their ancestry and the importance of unity.
Administrative and Historical Reports
- City Administrator’s Report: Updates were given on the construction of a self-cleaning public restroom on North River Street, expected to be completed by mid-to-late summer. Several job openings were announced, including positions for electric linemen.
- Historical Report: The mayor highlighted the city’s connection to the U.S. space program. It was noted that the mother of the second person to walk on the moon attended school in the city. Additionally, the flexible fuel lines for the moon landing rocket were manufactured in the very room where the council meets.
E-Mobility Discussion (Committee of the Whole)
The council transitioned into a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss local regulations for e-mobility devices.
- Safety Concerns: A presentation highlighted issues with e-mobility devices, including riding on sidewalks, lack of safety gear, and the use of high-speed “e-motos” (electric dirt bikes) that exceed 20 mph without pedaling.
- Regulatory Goals: The objective is to create enforceable local regulations that mirror state laws to keep enforcement in local courts rather than state courts.
Device Classification:
- E-Bikes: State law defines three classes. Regulation would likely mirror these statutes.
- E-Scooters: State law currently only defines low-speed scooters (up to 10 mph). There was discussion about creating a local classification for scooters capable of speeds between 10 and 20 mph to ensure they are regulated.
- E-Motos: High-powered devices often falsely advertised as e-bikes are a primary concern.
Council Feedback & Direction:
- Enforcement: Several alderpersons supported a graduated enforcement strategy emphasizing education and warnings first, followed by fines or community service for repeat offenders.
- Parental Responsibility: There was support for ordinances that hold parents accountable for violations committed by minors.
- Safety Gear: There was consensus on requiring helmets for riders under the age of 18.
- Equipment: An alderperson suggested requiring front and rear lights for safety.
- Consensus: The council directed staff to draft an ordinance similar to a model from Rolling Meadows, adding provisions for youth helmet requirements, lights, and parental responsibility.
Author: Jim Fahrenbach
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