Naperville City Council Regular Meeting - February 18, 2025

The Naperville City Council met on February 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, following a closed session at 6:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations honoring the Naperville Fire Department's 150th anniversary and Endeavor Health Edward Hospital's Magnet Designation, public forum on safety and energy issues, approval of a consent agenda (with one item discussed separately), unanimous approval of three major expenditure awards, and new business discussions on hemp-derived THC regulations and the cost of undergrounding electrical distribution lines.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 25 of 26 consent agenda items unanimously (9-0) via omnibus motion, removing item I20 (SECA Grant Allocations) for separate discussion. Approved items include: cash disbursements of $37,510,544.48 for January 2025; meeting minutes of February 4, 2025; meeting schedule for March–May 2025; year-to-date budget report through January 31, 2025; cooperative procurements for front-end loader replacement ($261,508), semi-truck replacement ($189,591.43), police patrol vehicle replacements ($248,091), sanitary sewer main cleaning ($306,272.12); bid awards for pipefitting, plumbing, and mechanical services ($350,920, 10.5-month term), construction engineering services for Ogden Avenue and Washington Street water main improvements ($268,828.59, 22-month term); option year renewals for landscape maintenance ($893,000) and large-diameter water meter testing ($238,227.50); change orders for trip hazard removal (Fall, $49,296; Spring, $3,879), Van Buren Parking Facility LED lighting retrofit (75 days), cellular service (4 months), street lighting maintenance ($24,000), police and fire testing services ($20,910, 9 months); amended contract for excavation and underground utility repairs (21-month term); ordinances for St. Paddy’s Day 5K and Parade permits (March 15, 2025), variance for sunroom at 2298 Weatherford Lane, budget amendment to use Rebuild Illinois Funds for Washington Street Bridge, parking restriction modifications on Monticello Dr., removal of parking restrictions on Triton Lane and Catalpa Lane; and resolution approving settlement agreement between Elexis Solomon and the City.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joe Hus (Naperville, Say No to Coal Alliance) advocated for community engagement, clear timelines, best procurement practices, and diverse energy solutions for the upcoming IMEA contract, citing that 2024 was the hottest year on record with record CO2 emissions and billion-dollar disasters in Illinois. He expressed willingness to partner with the Council.
• Michael Ochs (Aurora, N.O.S.E.A.) shared his experience organizing a neighborhood group to address nuisance properties in Aurora, emphasizing successful collaboration with city officials and police, and offered support to Naperville residents concerned about 1105 Modaff.
• Dana Schultz (Naperville) raised concerns about 1105 Modaff, a Section 8 property, and requested updates on a nuisance abatement ordinance, benchmarking with other cities, tenant background checks, and tracking of repeat offenders. She also noted recent break-ins in West Highlands and Gartner Road area.
• Zach Plancich (Naperville, St. Raphael Church) presented evidence from online listings suggesting an unpermitted basement conversion at 1105 Modaff, including code violations such as inadequate egress, exposed electrical cables, and a stab-lock panel. He volunteered to attend an inspection.
• Marilyn Schweitzer (Naperville) spoke on pedestrian safety, staff reductions, and the need for standardized policies and transparency for city boards and commissions. She also addressed the SECA grant item later.

Discussion Items

• 1105 Modaff and Neighborhood Safety: Council discussed ongoing concerns. Police Chief Jason Arres reported increased visibility at Modaff and Gartner but no observed criminal issues. Director of TED Bill Novack confirmed code enforcement was aware of work in 2023 (painting, tile, trim – no permit required) and is actively investigating further. City Attorney Mike DiSanto explained the need to respect property rights and that an administrative search warrant may be needed. Councilman Holzhauer noted the proximity of break-ins on Gartner Road and the heightened community anxiety. Councilman White asked about nuisance abatement ordinance research; DiSanto confirmed they have looked at other communities (e.g., Aurora) and are continuing analysis.
• SECA Grant Fund Program Allocations (I20): Council approved the proposed CY2025 allocations after hearing a speaker. Marilyn Schweitzer requested a stipulation that policies and procedures be reviewed by Council before the 2026 budget. Councilman McBroom raised transparency concerns about anonymous voting by SECA commissioners and potential conflicts of interest. Councilwoman Longenbaugh, as SECA liaison, stated that commissioners cannot vote on entities they have ties to and that a meeting is scheduled for the next day to address concerns. The motion passed 9-0.
• Award of Bids and Expenditures (M1-M3):
  • M1: Approved Option Year #2 for fuel delivery (motor fuel & tank wagon) to Luke Oil Company, Inc. and Al Warren Oil Company, Inc. for up to $1,500,000. Vote: 9-0.
  • M2: Approved Fairway and Country Lakes Water Main Improvements to Bluewater Construction, LLC for $1,385,000 plus a 3% contingency. Vote: 9-0.
  • M3: Approved Ogden Avenue and Washington Street Water Main Improvements to Scanlon Excavating and Concrete for $4,879,939.50 plus a 3% contingency. Vote: 9-0.
• New Business – Hemp-Derived THC Regulations: Councilwoman Taylor requested staff research ordinances in other communities (e.g., Elgin, Rolling Meadows, Orland Park) that ban the sale of hemp-derived THC (Delta 8/9) in non-licensed cannabis stores, and report on public safety concerns. Council supported by consensus.
• New Business – Undergrounding Electrical Wires: Councilman Holzhauer discussed the 10-year cost increase from $55 million to $62 million for undergrounding distribution lines, and noted that full undergrounding of all residential areas would cost $125 million and take 20 years. Director Groth explained that the current plan focuses on cables leaving substations, which are most impactful, and that backyard work would require easements and be more disruptive. Council members confirmed that the approved three-year budget only covers substation lines and that future neighborhood undergrounding would require separate Council approval.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (excluding I20) approved unanimously (9-0).
• CY2025 SECA Grant Fund Program Allocations approved (9-0).
• Fuel delivery contract award approved (9-0).
• Fairway and Country Lakes water main improvements approved (9-0).
• Ogden Avenue and Washington Street water main improvements approved (9-0).
• Council directed staff to research hemp-derived THC ordinances and report via Manager’s Memorandum.
• Council agreed to continue undergrounding substation lines per the current plan, with future neighborhood undergrounding subject to separate Council approval.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.