Batavia Committee of the Whole Meeting - October 14, 2025 - Batavia Illinois

Cost of living wage increases for non-union employees, landscape repairs on water street, and annexing some “orphaned” lots into the city.

(00:00) Call to Order & Roll Call: The meeting is called to order and a quorum is established through a roll call.
(00:41) Approval of Minutes: The minutes for the meeting on September 23, 2025, are approved without correction.
(01:45) Agenda Changes: A motion is passed to add an executive session for personnel matters to the agenda.
(02:21) Consent Agenda: The consent agenda is approved. Key items include the approval of executive session minutes from two prior meetings, a contract for pole replacement at 400 Sheamay Avenue, and a site host agreement with the Batavia Public Library for a Level 3 EV fast charger.

(03:31) Public Hearing for 02 South 972 Wagner Road: A public hearing is held for an annexation agreement for the property. This is the last property on Wagner Road to be annexed. The agreement includes special exceptions, grandfathering of existing land uses, and a provision that connection to city utilities is only required upon failure of their current systems.
(05:36) Public Hearing for 03 South 002 Wagner Road: A hearing is held for the adjacent 5-acre property. The agreement is similar, grandfathering agricultural uses, which may include alpacas or mini cows. Aldermen praise the property owners for their cooperation and the unique character of their farm, which includes a garden shaped like a leaf.
(08:15) Approval of Annexation Ordinances: Ordinances 2025-050 and 2025-051, approving both Wagner Road annexation agreements, are passed.

(08:50) Red Hant Road BNSF Crossing Project: The committee authorizes Change Order Number Two with Electric Conduit Construction. It is noted that even with the change order for additional work, the project remains more than $150,000 under budget.
(10:44) South Water Street Erosion Repair: A contract with V3 Construction Group is approved to repair significant erosion on South Water Street near the Park District quarry. The erosion resulted from a combination of a leaking old brick structure and the removal of dead, slope-stabilizing trees. The water has since been rerouted, and the project aims to stabilize the 35-40 foot drop-off to ensure public safety.

(17:49) 2026 Wages for Non-Union Employees: Following a presentation on economic factors, including a current CPIU of 2.9%, the committee approves a 3.5% wage increase for non-collective bargained employees for the year 2026. This increase will also apply to paid-on-call and ESDA (Emergency Services and Disaster Agency) personnel.
(22:11) Council Updates:
- Staff Development: City staff attended conferences on planning and public utilities, and public works supervisors completed a three-year certification program.
- South River Street: The Plan Commission will discuss extending the moratorium on zoning changes to allow for the completion of the South River Street corridor plan.
- Projects: The Peace Bridge ramp was poured, and parkway trees are being installed in various developments.
- Community: Police and Fire departments participated in the “Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day.”
- Upcoming Budget Dates: Key dates for the budget process are announced, with the public hearing on the tax levy planned for November 25th.

(26:27) Executive Session: The committee moves to go into a closed executive session to discuss personnel matters.

Author: Jim Fahrenbach

Batavia Illinois – The 5th Ward