[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6214990,"mediaKeyId","3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f","parentId",3663044,"title","Batavia advisory commission reports progress on bike-ped planning, pushes state updates for e-bikes and post-fatality studies","audioSeconds",318,"startMs",4715000,"endMs",5033000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f&start=4715&end=5033","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f/thumbnail_4715000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6214990/Batavia/Kane-County/Illinois/Batavia-advisory-commission-reports-progress-on-bike-ped-planning-pushes-state-updates-for-e-bikes-and-post-fatality-studies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214990-4adbf36e133f37d929337ea17742e261/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968107&Signature=MQbkIsi8RJbwlgPrfJbDtQ6sXcBPp6qPH6pwcfgndCIk8pxXQ-e4za8~c3XPVatorl6qbxD3-DN4XwLQ4NFyW06OKVYQUefzenKrqBc27aHef2tJ0oiS1CHRG0K7IzfHpfC81Gx44psT9VJ2hzwke9dOYdyZfAaF-PhoZo80S8NrNlxbhBFM4uOBm~owbN18L3Ek5EfaSAnRp0UH6tbKOMGQwepw1zWGr-G5hAHSczai-~s1oZABRtv~5fvjUI-2T9aFLfpZibfI8UOJSLUaQ4X3mQv-7~X~m9~D5PfXKxJKzDvoVMoZ~5oFG6lAq~FqmmJ7wiOlkkLqW8~A8~QILQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Batavia, IL","date","2025-06-03T19:06:16Z","article","Commissioner Liam McKay presented the Batavia Transportation Advisory Commission (BATAC) quarterly report, describing education, outreach and policy initiatives for walking and cycling in Batavia.

McKay said BATAC is pursuing a League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community certification (currently bronze) and is working with city staff on a 10-year strategic plan to increase walking and cycling. He described ongoing data collection using camera-based counts to identify where infrastructure is working and where new facilities are needed.

On legislative priorities, McKay asked for updates at the municipal level and said BATAC advocates updating the state definition of \"bicycle\" to reflect e-bikes and three-wheel bikes used by riders with balance issues; he also urged that a traffic study be required when a cycling or pedestrian fatality occurs so municipalities can better identify infrastructure or behavioral causes. McKay said BATAC coordinates with Kane County and regional partners for mapping and network continuity.

Why it matters: The commission's work informs the city's active-transportation planning and could shape future capital and policy requests. The commission requested continued staff partnership and data-sharing.

Discussion vs. decision: BATAC provided advice and requested continued staff coordination; no formal council action or budget allocation was taken at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Batavia City Council Meeting. June 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","BATAC commissioners reported on outreach, bicycling counts, League of American Bicyclists certification efforts, and proposed state-level changes including an updated legal definition of bicycles for e-bikes and a mandate for traffic studies after pedestrian or cyclist fatalities.","taxTitle","Batavia, Kane County, Illinois","taxId",69049,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214995,"City adopts ordinance restricting sale of kratom and hemp-derived products",90,5521000,5611000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f&start=5521&end=5611","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f/thumbnail_5521000.jpg","/articles/6214995/Batavia/Kane-County/Illinois/City-adopts-ordinance-restricting-sale-of-kratom-and-hemp-derived-products","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214995-ffda62987637ad7ae6376508e1b09750/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968107&Signature=jipwDEygR-GKEXf1zztP4ojWlxIV-SxvM0yCXhZ~PuC7srZoUB6s2gISdCOEeyOtlR4403OsgroiON2jvzx~-gAu4MjgKEDynwuNfcyi64~BskJFm9b4fi7bHzzfhug5zHd5o9EkPs3dzMjc~N0xTa3-WhDKstkhcg7fkK72DyH6trhzJ4psdYkivcdt1aIkcyaOtZcT3F0XQDBq2SC7WdpQ1lsmOMPigHFhIcA6~RdZOEcxMfNz5bGA6pgftjqsQ6rQmBsq5TTMbjN-m9Ae2KFCj1Ticig~M7RI~IbU2SbGQcdIZ6DyngylZZAqv4LTPJzZ~zexc6xxYadClH3I5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Batavia City Council adopted an ordinance restricting sales of kratom and certain hemp-derived products.

Alderman Wolfe introduced the ordinance, which staff and the police chief reviewed with local business owners in an effort to balance public-safety objectives and the ability of retailers to sell lawful products. Wolfe said the ordinance aims to protect young people while regulating retail sales.

The ordinance was approved on a recorded roll call after a motion by Alderman Wolfe and second by Alderman Vogelsinger; the roll-call showed 13 ayes and one absent. No amendments were recorded on the council floor.

Why it matters: The ordinance puts municipal restrictions in place on certain psychoactive or youth-targeted products sold in retail outlets and reflects local regulation of products that state or federal law may also address. The council noted staff and police coordination during drafting.

Discussion vs. decision: Council adopted the ordinance (formal decision). No specific enforcement details or fines were discussed on the floor beyond staff and police review.","The Batavia City Council adopted an ordinance restricting the sale of kratom and hemp-derived products after staff consulted with local businesses and the police department; council approved the ordinance on a recorded roll call.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6215000,"Council approves contract for Batavia Food Pantry remodel; pantry says $3 million federal grant funded purchase",2757,2512000,5269000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f&start=2512&end=5269","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f/thumbnail_2512000.jpg","/articles/6215000/Batavia/Kane-County/Illinois/Council-approves-contract-for-Batavia-Food-Pantry-remodel-pantry-says-3-million-federal-grant-funded-purchase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215000-d263b41e50f456cb3f3da0de7964a7be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968107&Signature=bhfmDZ84N1P7QJuTx39SGiVTQCsJj8tIkb3BtpscmK2jSeAZpPkP2r3ixkFwbWk~7a0pN8fTLF4SzxtkKSdyQYTQ92ipLZy9LrhmLFd0eq9C0Rx9f1auZVkA5w5i2g0gkvQSpyHY6GDtmdwFK7aZTk5ImNUvi7OnCIEX7rsvV5l5yozbi6cNNoeq~j8ZhvvfE9AVX6W~Zq26EMXSTODZQx7P1ITHUJZ70nyobmI7P3LUlVpYllLH3snYudsMKeJrXAUR5EznpuynlCD-X4ulyJ5FVC1ZFH6IbUvyZNr89GbGZrdgRAI77CvU8vEKrV5px8wHSn2qIuuWe9Mav2XemQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Batavia City Council placed a resolution on the consent agenda and approved a contract not to exceed $833,696 with KWCC Construction Inc. for remodeling work at the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, 916 First Street.

The resolution (2025-81-R) authorizing the contract was included in the consent agenda and approved during roll call (motion on consent passed; roll-call recorded 13 yes, 0 no, 1 absent for the overall consent action). The procurement and contract award were presented as part of the consent package read by Alderman Beckham.

Eileen Pacero, executive director of the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, spoke to the council during the chamber/agency presentations. Pacero said the pantry purchased the building with help from a $3,000,000 federal grant secured from then-Congresswoman Underwood and would use approximately $833,696 of the funds for the approved remodeling. She said the new space will be about 14,000 square feet and the pantry plans to relocate and open at 916 First Street on Oct. 1; their current lease ends Sept. 30. Pacero also said the pantry served 847 local families in 2024 (about 2,600 individuals, including 969 children and 467 seniors) and that volunteers perform roughly 80% of pantry operations.

Why it matters: The council's contract approval advances a capital project that aims to expand the pantry's capacity and consolidate food and clothing services. The project was presented as already funded principally by a federal grant, with remodeling set to begin after contract award.

Discussion vs. decision: Council approved the contract by consent; no separate discussion or amendment on the council floor was recorded beyond the consent roll call. The pantry director provided an operational timeline and service statistics during her presentation.","On the consent agenda the council authorized a contract not to exceed $833,696 for remodeling the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry at 916 First Street; pantry leadership said a $3 million federal grant funded the building purchase and hopes to open the new site Oct. 1.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6215005,"Entrepreneur says downtown Batavia project stalled by contaminated sites, code violations and communication gaps",814,2650000,3464000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f&start=2650&end=3464","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f/thumbnail_2650000.jpg","/articles/6215005/Batavia/Kane-County/Illinois/Entrepreneur-says-downtown-Batavia-project-stalled-by-contaminated-sites-code-violations-and-communication-gaps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215005-11498d0622a31bd175b88909e3a74491/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968107&Signature=Tms1XfQAm5udZYQ8cOB4ieEmu9vTGRStfqU9wGqwVf6YRzMbR3WH21QCQgs3exnKHoXF1n-mwMG8TE6hPd5SzSfvVGFkT05P-Ij5yBCrjxFpEkglD3HwRPGJxNioGYVUrj2ISSwSsV0BNN85m-5lhP9DUmA9FLBM3hgeKplr4R6TNDBPuYYb-FC5nNvhKRIiwEq1ZLEOOyRVVRmvRpBf~jQy4rxe2iQ9N44uYQnWTf0beUL5d6UYdY6xIIr3JrKoNIyIp6IZlLo8GM6C-u5OLeXwmSfE3R414S-YmrM6-vLS6GB0KhxVF9qFvxyC-n5CZRBK-dgp0muyl18AOdab7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carrie Seibold told the Batavia City Council she and her husband spent more than $100,000 pursuing a board-game restaurant in downtown Batavia but were forced to abandon three potential locations after discovering contamination, deferred maintenance and complex utility configurations.

Seibold described three specific sites: 131 North Batavia Avenue (formerly with buried gas tanks and contaminated soil; estimated remediation $250,000 and at least 18 months), 21 North River Street (code violations, roofline and railing deterioration, shared utilities requiring new lines and service rerouting estimated at $420,000; structural concerns about a smokestack), and 335 North Water Street (previous petroleum distribution with up to six bulk storage tanks and soil contamination). She said contractors and an engineer advised substantial remediation and repair costs that made each site financially unviable for a small business.

Seibold detailed a pattern of communications she said caused further delay: she said her architect first photographed well monitors at 35 North Water Street, then received inconsistent responses from city staff. She said a document dated April 10 from City Administrator Laura Newman describing environmental issues at 24 North Water Street and nearby areas appeared on the city website, but that a FOIA response initially returned little or no information; later Seibold said she and her team received a 50-plus page FOIA response. She said a proposed grant discussion later included a possible incentive of up to $250,000 from TIF funds for 21 North River Street.

Council members asked Seibold to provide an itemized list of steps and documents; several council members said they wanted a staff response and suggested bringing the matter to Committee of the Whole for further review. City Administrator Laura Newman told the council she would respond to the concerns raised at the meeting and cautioned that downtown buildings are often historic and pre-date modern codes, which can make redevelopment costly. Councilmember comments indicated interest in contacting property owners about remediation and enforcement.

Why it matters: Seibold's account highlights potential barriers to downtown redevelopment in Batavia: environmental remediation, deferred code enforcement, utility reconfiguration costs, and inconsistent communications between developers and city staff. The council asked Seibold to send a written, itemized account and requested staff follow-up before a Committee of the Whole meeting.

Discussion vs. decision: The council did not adopt policy or spending decisions at the meeting. Directions recorded included a request that Seibold provide an itemized list to the full council and that staff prepare a response for Committee of the Whole.","A local entrepreneur seeking to open a board-game restaurant in downtown Batavia told council she spent more than $100,000 on plans before abandoning three potential sites because of soil contamination, structural concerns and unclear city communications; council requested an itemized report and staff response.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6215010,"Batavia council approves Pride Month proclamation amid heated public comment over unity flag",2170,167000,2337000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f&start=167&end=2337","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3663044-a9c8c6845219aa3ef4f23796a7692e2f/thumbnail_167000.jpg","/articles/6215010/Batavia/Kane-County/Illinois/Batavia-council-approves-Pride-Month-proclamation-amid-heated-public-comment-over-unity-flag","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215010-e4f4e0a0c0bcf65357fd4765d919b0ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770968107&Signature=S~4fXipHerpTG694pp6tTYB5uI0YK6-dcwkZx8eOJo~qJFh3hZpdVxIQ5eFWOKjfD7n-PXhLreXY07-an6rKYKFzdaUoRjwoZn4ne5CowmCDt0lP45fv-uhqbQOqu3-2qbZmY7gHHzelfQ3ixp90RLkj8-Tv0YNxved85itJWCZOnJOMhg9RP2vewA4t7D5wRMVIbrVIjfQuK6Q-DS3BAEwm3BUsRPSgjHH7lCea2Om~7VLe7pU536UnMJ-5dX-s92aGZSVMd6MZ58M9qn1-hGtfN0bHIMIaAZiKY92nj-JEz4XKuCemxBa8Zxtw0wwMA2Fi08FrHNjBD-jinDfjkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Batavia City Council voted to approve a mayoral proclamation designating June 2025 as Pride Month and authorizing the city to fly the unity (pride) flag for the month.

The proclamation, read by Alderman Beck, states the city will \"fly the unity flag throughout the month of June as a visible symbol of support for the LGBTQIA+ community and a commitment to equality and inclusion for all.\" Alderman Beck moved to approve the proclamation; the motion was seconded by Alderman Malay and carried in a roll-call vote (11 yes, 2 no, 1 absent).

The vote followed roughly a half-hour of public comment that featured sharply divided views. Sylvia Keppel, who identified herself as speaking from a religious perspective, said, \"Proclaiming pride ... is an act of defiance and rebellion against God,\" and urged aldermen to reject the flag. Other speakers strongly supported the proclamation: Martin Byrne, who said he grew up in Batavia as a queer child, told the council, \"Seeing that flag is suicide prevention.\" Resident Bree Hayes told the council, \"Flying this flag saves lives,\" and Ryan O'Connell said flying the flag \"reminded us of steps taken to make the country more equal.\"

Several speakers raised procedural concerns about how the city's flag policy was written and applied. Member of the public Bob McClellan said the policy, adopted last year, limits which flags are eligible and questioned whether other awareness months have been given equal consideration. Martin Byrne referenced a U.S. Supreme Court ruling framing flags on municipal poles as government speech when explaining why the council must approve flagpole displays.

Mayor Jeffrey D. Schilke and council members acknowledged the contentious public comment period before moving to a vote. After the roll call (Alderman Beck: aye; Malay: aye; Malone: aye; Wolfe: aye; Sulfa: aye; Barron: aye; Lehman: aye; Poehler: aye; Farenbach: aye; Anderson: no; Vogelsinger: aye; Barraza: aye; Lancey: no; Pieper absent), the proclamation was approved. Council recessed briefly and then conducted the scheduled unity-flag raising with a brief invocation by Pastor Paige.

Why it matters: The council's action formalizes the city's recognition of Pride Month and sets a precedent for flagpole use under the city's flag policy, a matter several speakers argued has broader implications for what the city will display on its single municipal flagpole.

Discussion vs. decision: Public comments were advisory and not binding. The formal action was the council's adoption of the proclamation by roll-call vote; no ordinance change was adopted at this meeting.","The Batavia City Council voted to approve a proclamation designating June 2025 as Pride Month and to fly the unity (pride) flag, after a public-comment period that included strongly divergent views and references to the city's flag policy.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Batavia advisory commission reports progress on bike-ped planning, pushes state updates for e-bikes and post-fatality studies

City adopts ordinance restricting sale of kratom and hemp-derived products

Council approves contract for Batavia Food Pantry remodel; pantry says $3 million federal grant funded purchase

Entrepreneur says downtown Batavia project stalled by contaminated sites, code violations and communication gaps

Batavia council approves Pride Month proclamation amid heated public comment over unity flag