Naperville City Council Meeting: February 4, 2025 - Proclamations, Safety, CDBG, and Fidelity Variance
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Naperville City Council Meeting - February 4, 2025
The Naperville City Council met on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, following a closed session at 6:00 PM. All nine council members were present. The meeting included a Black History Month proclamation, extensive public testimony on neighborhood safety and environmental concerns, approval of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) plan, a variance for Fidelity Brokerage Services, and several directives for future action.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously (9-0) after removing Item I-5 (Large Diameter Water Meter Testing contract) and including Item I-13 as amended via Council Q&A. Approved items include: meeting minutes, meeting schedule for Feb–Apr 2025, appointment to Special Events & Community Arts Commission, Naper Settlement HVAC improvements ($315,000), Residential Water Meter Replacement Program option year ($285,660), Soils and Materials Testing option year ($120,000), Landscape Restoration Services option year ($750,000), Smart 9-1-1 Safety Solution change order ($14,082.19), 2024 Street Resurfacing change order ($100,501.91 and 59 days), Linden Woods Subdivision street acceptance, ordinances amending Body Piercing definitions and permitting composite siding (as amended), 2025 Volume Cap, and three settlement resolutions (Chris Garon, James Martino, closed session minutes).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Overuse of salt in downtown – Julie Kulak (Naperville resident) expressed concern about environmental impacts and river pollution, citing a reading of 276 parts per million chloride at Springbrook plant. She requested the city adopt better salt management practices.
- Safety at 1105 Modaff Rd – Multiple speakers described ongoing disturbances, a violent brawl on January 31, 2025, and threats to children attending nearby schools (Happy Times Preschool, Elmwood Elementary, St. Raphael Catholic School). Speakers included Dana Schultz, Gina Gedutis, Myra Lagtapon, Sandra Garcia (owner of Happy Times Preschool), Zach Plancich (St. Raphael parent), Richard Jecha (neighbor), and Christopher Crofford (neighbor). They requested increased police presence during school drop-off/pickup and urged action against the property owner. Crofford specifically called for a nuisance abatement ordinance.
- Support for immigrant communities – Diana Torres Hawken (ALMAS, Naperville resident) urged the city to adopt data protection policies, designate safe spaces, expand resources, and host educational workshops. She noted that 21.6% of Naperville residents (32,337 people) are foreign-born and 25.9% of households speak a language other than English. She cited Evanston’s Welcoming City Ordinance as a model.
- Black History Month – Catherine Clarkin (Naperville resident) thanked the council for the proclamation and connected climate justice to racial equity.
- Community event – Maureen Stillman (NEST) invited the public to “Decarbonizing the Grid” on February 17, 2025 at North Central College.
- Clean energy advocacy – Ted Bourlard (NEST Co-Chair) thanked the council for hosting over 200 residents at the January 21 meeting and argued for clean energy alternatives to the proposed IMEA contract, noting that 80% of IMEA’s added power is coal.
- Written comment – Diana Torres Hawken submitted a detailed written statement on behalf of ALMAS reiterating calls for immigrant support policies.
Discussion Items
- Public forum follow-up (1105 Modaff safety) – Police Chief Arres confirmed an arrest on January 31, extra patrols (including Strategic Response Unit), and ongoing challenges with the landlord, who has been resistant. Director Novack (TED) stated code enforcement has opened two cases in two years, both abated. Council members expressed empathy and directed staff to: (1) investigate nuisance abatement ordinances used by other communities (Councilman McBroom, supported unanimously); (2) have the landlord meet with city officials; (3) explore legal options; and (4) ensure schools have lockdown procedures. The mayor urged residents to continue reporting violations.
- Salt usage – Deputy Director Schwartzhoff (Public Works) acknowledged environmental concerns but stated safety is priority; training has been provided to contractors and staff to reduce salt when possible.
- Immigration enforcement – Chief Arres stated state law prohibits police from assisting immigration enforcement unless a criminal warrant exists, clarifying the Trust Act policy.
- Consent agenda pull – Item I-5 – Council discussed whether the Responsible Bidders Ordinance (RBO) applies to the Large Diameter Water Meter Testing contract. Finance Director Munch argued it does not (professional services, not construction). Council voted 8-1 to table the item to the February 18, 2025 meeting for further research (Holzhauer motion, Leong dissenting).
- CDBG Public Hearing & Approval – Council held a public hearing (no public speakers) then approved the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan allocating $535,000. City Manager Krieger confirmed HUD compliance. Approved 9-0.
- Variance for Fidelity at 47 E Chicago Ave (Item L-1) – Petitioner Caitlyn Cullbertson (on behalf of Fidelity) requested a variance for general service use on the first floor. Fidelity plans a retail-like ground floor space for 50–70 daily walk-in clients and a second-floor investment center with 45 employees. Conditions were added: staffing on first floor during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM), minimum 45 full-time employees on the property. Council members debated sales tax loss vs. economic benefit, precedent, and an earlier email from staff that initially deemed the use permissible. Councilwoman Taylor opposed, citing downtown business opposition. The variance was approved 7-2 (Wehrli, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, Wilson in favor; Bruzan Taylor and Holzhauer opposed).
- New business – Zoning amendment – Councilman Kelly proposed directing staff to draft an ordinance amending the downtown zoning code to include retail banks in the definition of “financial institution,” thereby prohibiting retail banks on first floors unless a variance is granted. All nine members supported.
- Lunar New Year wishes – Councilman Leong wished a Happy Lunar New Year.
- Nuisance abatement research – Councilman McBroom’s request to study nuisance abatement ordinances in other communities was supported unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Proclamation: Declared February 2025 as Black History Month in Naperville.
- Consent agenda actions: Approved 16 items as listed, with I-5 tabled and I-13 amended.
- CDBG Plan: Approved 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan allocating $535,000 (9-0).
- Fidelity variance: Approved with conditions (7-2).
- Sanitary sewer contract (M-1): Approved Option Year #2 to Performance Pipelining, Inc. for up to $1,901,168 plus 3% contingency (9-0).
- Directives:
- Staff to research RBO applicability and report back at February 18 meeting (from I-5 discussion).
- Staff to draft zoning ordinance prohibiting retail banks on first floor in downtown district without variance.
- Staff to study nuisance abatement ordinances from other communities.
- Police to continue extra patrols around 1105 Modaff and coordinate school lockdown procedures.
- Code enforcement to follow up on complaints; residents urged to report violations online or via 911.
- Next meeting: Regular City Council meeting scheduled for February 18, 2025.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, welcome to the February 4th, Naperville City Council meeting roll call. Worley. Here. Holzhour. Here. Kelly. Here. Leon. Here. Long and Bong. Here. McBroom. Here. Taylor. Here. White. Here. Wilson. Here. Please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge of Allegiance is to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation. Under God and deficit with liberty and justice. I'd like to start tonight's meeting by honoring one of our own. Naperville Fire Department Division Chief Doug Irwin passed away on January 25th. Chief Irwin served in the Naperville Fire Department for nearly 20 years. His contributions to the department and this city were profound. And he will be remembered for his dedication, his commitment, and his compassion to public safety and all of those he served and served with. Chief Irwin embodied the ideals of service and sacrifice and leadership, inspiring countless firefighters and members of our community. We also extend our condolences to the chief's family, particularly his brother, who continues to serve this community as a valued member of the Naperville Fire Department. During this difficult time, our prayers are with them, as well as everyone whose lives were touched by Chief Irwin's kindness and his dedication. And I'd like to ask you to take a moment of silence at this time to honor Chief Irwin. Thank you. Our first order of business is awards and recognitions. Councilman White will present the proclamation for Black History Month. Good evening, everyone. If I can get the uh members of uh the Naperville Neighbors United, if you can come on down and uh receive this proclamation. It's all right. Anybody out of twenty-five. All right, let's go ahead and get this started. This is from the Office of the Mayor of the City of Naperville, Illinois, proclamation for Black History Month, February 2025. Whereas each February, Black History Month is celebrated to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. And whereas we acknowledge the pivotal role our past and present citizens, African American leaders, educators, and social justice pioneers played in shaping our communities and our nation. And whereas by officially recognizing Black History Month, we can foster a sense of appreciation for the diversity that enriches the community. And whereas Naperville Neighbors United would like to recognize and celebrate the contributions of African Americans as a meaningful way to promote understanding and unity. And whereas Naperville Neighbors United will host a community event on February 20th titled It Takes a Village: A Journey of Culture, Perseverance, and Courage that encourages building a future grounded in mutual understanding of all histories that shape our experience. Now, therefore, I, Scott Worley, mayor of the city of Naperville, do hereby recognize Naperville Neighbors United for its unwavering commitment to fostering unity and inclusiveness and proclaim February 2025 as Black History Month in the city of Naperville. And I encourage all residents to participate in this celebration to learn about Black history and culture and to contribute to building a community that values and uplifts its diversity. All right. Black History Month is a time to reflect on the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black Americans.
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