Naperville City Council Meeting - May 6, 2025: Priorities Plan, ULI, and New Business
Naperville City Council Meeting - May 6, 2025
The Naperville City Council met on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, following a closed session at 6:00 PM. The meeting included awards and recognitions, public forum, consent agenda items, a detailed update on the Naperville 2027 Priorities Plan, a presentation from the Urban Land Institute regarding the 5th Avenue study, and new business items related to utility undergrounding, franchise fees, and traffic concerns. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 PM.
Consent Calendar
The council approved the consent agenda via omnibus method with comments on item I7 (cellular phone services) and removal of items I10 (Eagle Street Gateway change order) and I14–I16 (1301 Clyde Drive telecom tower). The modified consent agenda was approved 9-0. Items I10 and I14–I16 were considered separately.
- I7 (Cellular Phone Services): Councilwoman Longenbaugh inquired about potential cost savings in cell phone usage. Human Resources Director Oles explained that HR staff use city cell phones for after-hours contact with applicants. The item was approved.
- I10 (Eagle Street Gateway Change Order): Councilman McBroom questioned the need for a $154,639.46 change order for additional sheet piling to protect the Landform sculpture during retaining wall construction. City Engineer Hines explained the unforeseen complexity of the tight working space and deep excavation. The motion passed 6-3 (McBroom, White, Wilson nay).
- I14–I16 (1301 Clyde Drive Telecom Tower): Councilman McBroom, representing his neighborhood, expressed opposition due to aesthetics and potential property value impacts. The council received the staff report (I14, voice vote), then approved the conditional use variances (I15) 8-1 (McBroom nay), and adopted the lease agreement with T-Mobile (I16) 8-1 (McBroom nay).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Energy Selection Process: Ted Bourlard, Theresa Hus, and Joe Hus (Naperville Energy Stakeholder Task Force, NEST) advocated for a transparent, comprehensive, and publicly inclusive process for selecting the city’s next energy provider. They requested a carbon action plan with measurable targets and alignment on a selection process.
- Government Budget Cuts: Tim Messer (Naperville resident) expressed concern about proposed federal elimination of the Fair Housing Initiatives Program and Community Development Block Grants, urging the city to continue fair housing analysis and support these programs proactively.
- Grocery Tax Expiration: Dylan Sharkey (Illinois Policy Institute, assistant editor) argued for allowing the local grocery tax to expire, citing potential savings of $6 million annually ($40 per person, $160 for a family of four) and noting that Naperville is one of only 10 states with a grocery tax.
Discussion Items
- Naperville 2027 Priorities Plan Update (O1): Staff presented updates on five priority areas: utilities, economy, mobility, natural environment/community design, and safety.
- Utilities: Evaluation of energy options post-2035 is ongoing; Springbrook Water Reclamation Facility expansion continues (ultraviolet disinfection complete, biosolids tanks under contract, federal grant application submitted); lead service line removal – 87 services removed in 2024; non-revenue water reduced by 1.5% (five-year average) saving water and money.
- Safety: Fire Chief Puknaitis and Police Chief Arres discussed recruitment challenges (applicants dropped from 800–1,000 to ~200) and innovations: fire department hiring nurses as firefighter-paramedics, lowering test age to 19; police department direct recruitment of collegiate athletes and HBCU outreach, micro-internship with Naperville Central High School. Currently 8 recruits in fire academy (4 females, 4 nurses, 1 Asian-American). Community engagement: scam awareness webinar (50+ attendees, 100+ YouTube views), traffic safety webinar, upcoming in-person fire safety presentation.
- Economy: Revenue diversification: grocery tax replacement options to be discussed at Financial Advisory Board on May 19 and City Council on June 17. I-88 corridor economic development strategy led by AECOM nearing completion; business retention efforts supported by Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Institute.
- Mobility: Road improvement plan update: data collection and traffic modeling completed, ~500 public comments received; bike and pedestrian plan update: consultant hiring advertised, expected completion by mid-fall.
- Urban Land Institute Presentation (O2): ULI representatives John Talty, Swasti Shah, and Cindy McSherry presented the scope of the technical assistance panel on June 10–11, 2025, focusing on the 5th Avenue area. Process includes stakeholder interviews (75–100 people) on June 10, a community roundtable (5:30–6:30 PM), and internal deliberation on June 11, followed by a public presentation in 3–4 weeks and a final report by mid-fall. Council approved the stakeholder list with amendments adding three individuals (unanimous 9-0).
New Business
- Underground Utility Projects and Franchise Fee: Councilman Holzhauer requested a prioritization of underground utility projects in $5 million increments, including analysis of reliability improvements and staffing needs. He also requested an analysis of imposing a franchise fee on electric and water utilities compared to nearby cities. Finance Director Munch clarified that the existing utility use tax functions similarly to a franchise fee and that savings in the electric enterprise fund would not benefit the general fund. Council voted 7-2 (7 hands in the air) to direct staff to report back with the requested information.
- Loading Zones on Main Street: Councilman Kelly requested staff analysis for adding two 15-minute loading zones on the east side of Main Street north of Van Buren Avenue. Council unanimously (9 hands in the air) directed staff to proceed.
- Traffic Concerns on Jefferson Avenue: Councilman Kelly and Councilman Holzhauer advocated for a stop sign on Jefferson Avenue near Ewing or West Street. City Engineer Hines noted data collection (three weeks) on speed and curb bulb-out effectiveness and that warrants may not be met. Director Louden stated staff cannot produce a warrant worksheet but confirmed no legal liability issues from similar past installations. Council voted 8-1 (8 hands in the air) to direct staff to bring forward an ordinance for a stop sign at an appropriate intersection.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda approved 9-0 (with separations).
- I10 (Eagle Street Gateway change order) approved 6-3.
- I15 (conditional use for telecom tower) approved 8-1.
- I16 (lease agreement with T-Mobile) approved 8-1.
- O2 (ULI stakeholder list) approved 9-0 with amendments.
- New business: Utility analysis requested (7-2), loading zone analysis requested (unanimous), stop sign ordinance to be brought forward (8-1).
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, welcome to the May sixth Naperville City Council meeting. Madam Clerk, we'll call. Worley. Here. Gibson. Here, Holzhour. Here. Kelly. Here. Longaball. Here. McBroom. Here. Syed. Yep. White. Here. Wilson. Here. Please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. First off, I'd like to start off the meeting by noting some recent staff promotions over the last month. Helga Oles was promoted to be the city's human resources director. Helga, could you wave to the crowd? And Jennifer Louden was promoted and will serve as the director of transportation engineering and development. Jennifer. Councilwoman Longabau. This year's effort has been led by the ACTF, which is a citizen committee formed in August two thousand sixteen to compliment the efforts of the advisory commission on Disabilities, ACD. Whereas the ACD focuses on City of Naperville facilities, programs, and operations, the ACTF reaches out into the community to assist individuals and private companies in the areas of transportation, young adult and youth initiatives, business compliance, employment, education awareness, and collaboration. The awards include a personalized certificate of appreciation and a gift card. So first we'll have Alice Dowd join me. Her natural ability to connect with students of all abilities, especially in special education settings, has left a lasting impact on both peers and faculty. Alice is a true role model whose warmth and dedication make her a beacon of positivity in the school community. Congratulations. Next, we have Luki Faubrush. You want to come up. Luki is a dedicated student leader in the High Road School of Naperville Transition Program. Since 2022, he has risen through the case behavioral model to become an executive in student government, earning top honors and privileges. Luke helps lead daily activities, supports building operations, and participates in employability and social development classes. Recently hired at Meyer, he previously worked at Jimmy John's as is and is known for his reliability, positivity, and artistic talent, often celebrating staff birthdays with his original artwork. Luke's leadership, work ethic, and kindness make him a standout in the program. Congratulations, Lukey. Next, we have Caitlin Fitzgerald. Caitlin is a compassionate leader and dedicated volunteer at Matea Valley High School. For four years, she has worked closely with students in special education through adapted PE, Best Buddies, and Special Olympics, participating in soccer, dance, track, and bowling. Known for her patience, empathy, and determination, Caitlin consistently goes above and beyond to support her peers with disabilities, both in and out of the classroom. Her commitment to inclusion and mentorship is inspiring, and she plans to continue her journey as a future special education teacher. Congratulations, Caitlin. Next, we have Jackson Gabrion. Jackson is a senior at Naperville North High School and a dedicated member of the Best Buddies Club. He has consistently demonstrated leadership and compassion by organizing inclusive events for students with disabilities, both at school and in the Naperville community.
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