OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

City Council Budget Workshop #1: 2026-2030 CIP - September 29, 2025

City Council — Monday, September 29, 2025
BodyNaperville, Illinois
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, September 29, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:58:46

Transcript — Verbatim
0:06

Good evening and welcome to the first workshop for the proposed 2026 budget.

0:10

Tonight, our professional staff will focus on the preliminary capital improvement program.

0:14

As a reminder, no final actions are being taken at this meeting since it is a workshop.

0:19

Also, the rules of the city council still apply.

0:22

Speakers are asked to present their comments in a respectful and courteous manner.

0:26

Speakers should be on topic and be cognizant of their words.

0:30

Speakers are given three minutes to address the council and to help speakers stay within the three minute time frame.

0:34

We now have a much timer on the side dias to your right.

0:37

Timer buzzes when it hit zero, and we will work that speaker that the time is up.

0:43

Mr.

0:43

City Manager, any speakers.

0:45

Uh we have one speaker, Mayor.

0:46

Uh, my neighbor, Marilyn Schweitzer.

0:55

Um, can you help her with the microphone, please?

0:57

Thank you.

0:58

Something which one it's on right now.

1:01

Oh, okay, thank you.

1:02

Um, so anyway, Marilyn Schweitzer, and first, my thanks to staff and council for publicly airing the budget in a series of workshops as you do.

1:10

I think it makes it much easier and more clear for all parties concerned, and I appreciate the effort that goes into it.

1:17

I have four points which I hope you will make note of and address each topic as it comes up during the presentation.

1:24

First, undergrounding of overhead lines.

1:27

I appreciate the tier one and tier two approach.

1:30

I hope that tier one will be funded and that tier two would only proceed based on an analysis of specific areas and surveys of property owners in affected areas.

1:39

Kind of along the lines, Ted handle the new sidewalk program.

1:43

I would also appreciate an open data map of both tier one and tier two areas that would be kept up at least annually.

1:52

Second, the NCC Park along the river walk.

1:55

I assume this is the park at 430 South Washington, and I assume the 3.2 million is just the city's share.

2:02

So I'd like to know what the total cost is so I can understand why Share North Central is paying.

2:07

I believe North Central and the City have revised plans since the concept came up, and but I'm unsure of whether a mutually agreed plans have been settled.

2:16

Three, the Naperville train station.

2:18

I read that exterior restoration is being budgeted, which is great, but the interior could use some simple maintenance as well, such as painting and removing the outdated pace racks.

2:28

Perhaps some local artists could be or some local art could be displayed as part of a SECA grant after the simple interior cleanup is complete.

2:37

For the sidewalk cost share.

2:40

It's not clear to me how the cost share program can be reinstated since it was never revised or eliminated from the municipal code.

2:47

So I guess this means should staff continue along the path of eliminating it in 2026 and future budgets as implied by council's gift to the 2025 select residents.

3:00

Please do eliminate the cost share for standard safety maintenance, only keeping it perhaps if residents want something special like bridge at brick as the current ordinance accommodates.

3:11

Much is odd and not consistently applied in the existing ordinance, such as claiming residents owe a cost share on new sidewalks, while it has never actually been billed as the code states.

3:22

First, residents, not just the Jess in property owner, excuse me.

3:28

First and foremost, please recognize that safe soft sidewalks is a public safety matter for all residents, not just the adjacent current property owner.

3:37

Redists should feel comfortable to report hazardous sidewalks without feeling guilty that they are inflicting a cost upon the adjacent property owner.

3:46

So thank you very much, and good luck this evening and in future workshops.

3:52

Thank you.

3:52

And before I turn things over to City Manager Krieger to begin the presentation, just a reminder that there will be moments during the presentation for questions.

4:01

So at that particular point, when the slide comes up, that's the time to hit your cue buttons, and I will recognize you in the order you do so.

4:09

Mr.

4:09

Krieger.

4:11

All right.

4:11

Uh thanks, Mayor, and good evening, everyone.

4:13

This is the first of three budget workshops being held to discuss the proposed 2026 operating and capital budget.

4:21

These workshops are an important part of the annual process.

4:24

They inform the community on how the city will spend tax dollars and provide all of you with information necessary to make well-informed financial decisions.

4:34

Tonight, we'll start with an overview of the city's capital improvement program, more commonly referred to as the CIP.

4:40

We'll review this year's progress and discuss some of the major areas of investment planned for the next five years.

4:46

Mr.

4:47

Krieger, could you pull the microphone closer to your yes?

4:50

I can uh that's going to include an overview of some of the projects we have planned and details on how we fund those projects.

5:00

Each year, we come up with a theme for the annual budget that reflects our financial philosophy and approach to putting this document together.

5:16

In fact, those dollars fund the work behind our mission statement that says we will provide services that ensure high quality of life, sound fiscal management, and a dynamic business environment while creating an inclusive community that values diversity.

5:32

We often say that as government we are stewards of the taxpayers' dollars.

5:36

How we actually actually steward those dollars is the basis for building our budget.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Energy Planning█████████████████████████25%
Capital Projects████████████████████████24%
Budget Equity Analysis█████████████13%
Water And Wastewater Management█████████9%
Parks and Recreation█████████9%
Public Engagement██████6%
Transportation Safety███3%
Engineering And Infrastructure███3%
Procedural███3%
Summary of Proceedings

City Council Budget Workshop #1: 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program

The Naperville City Council held the first of three budget workshops on September 29, 2025, focusing on the proposed 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The workshop was a preliminary review; no final actions were taken. City Manager Doug Krieger and Finance Director Raymond Munch led the presentation, with Deputy Finance Director Traci Marrocco covering facilities and technology. The proposed 2026 CIP totals $190 million, with major investments in water and electric utilities, transportation, and the Riverwalk.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Marilyn Schweizer (Naperville resident) expressed support for:
    • Tier 1 and conditional Tier 2 overhead-to-underground utility line conversion, requesting an open data map of areas.
    • Interior renovation of the Naperville train station (exterior restoration is budgeted, but interior maintenance is needed).
    • Eliminating the sidewalk cost-share program, noting that safe sidewalks are a public safety matter.
    • She also asked about North Central College’s share of NCC Park costs, questioning the total project cost.

Discussion Items

Electric Utility

  • Overview: Electric's 2026 CIP originally $44.5M, reduced to $29.67M due to financial constraints (volatile power costs, declining sales). $10M in debt planned. Projects include cable replacement ($3.8M), substation upgrades (tollway substation $6.3M, relay improvements $458K), and SCADA system replacement ($1.4M, 50% DOE grant).
  • Overhead-to-Underground Conversion: Staff presented two tiers:
    • Tier 1: Major roadways, estimated $18M through 2030, impacts ~1,500 customers per outage event (including Naperville North High School). High priority, best use of money.
    • Tier 2: Residential backyards, $35M through 2035, impacts <50 customers per event, complex easements, significant disruption. Council discussion highlighted one to two long outages per year in Tier 1 areas.
  • Council Direction: After discussion, a show of hands indicated support for Tier 1 only. Councilman Holzhauer requested data on outage reduction after the first $1M investment. Councilman Kelly and Gibson supported Tier 1 and holding off on Tier 2. Councilman Syed asked about community communication for potential backyard work.

Water Utility

  • Overview: Water CIP totals $92.4M for 2026, nearly half of overall CIP. Major projects:
    • Springbrook Treatment Plant Rehabilitation: Largest capital project, required for phosphorus reduction regulations, capacity, and aging infrastructure.
    • Water Main Replacements: Budgeted to replace 6.5 miles annually, reducing a 37-mile backlog. Key areas: King’s Terrace, Saybrook, Maplebrook, Ogden Avenue.
    • Lead Service Line Replacements: $3.3M in 2026, on track to complete by 2027. City secured a $3M no-interest IEPA loan; Naperville will be among first IL communities free of lead service lines.
    • Other: North Elevated Tank coating ($2.5M), sanitary sewer improvements (Springbrook Interceptor $3.2M, East Highlands $2.8M, Longwood $2M).
  • Council Questions: Councilman Wilson asked about resources for lead pipe replacements (contractor bids, access agreements secured). Blenniss noted small grants for phosphorus reduction but no eligibility for further loans.

Transportation

  • Overview: $38.6M in 2026, increase of $9.1M (31%) from 2025 due to rising costs, aging infrastructure, and carry-forward projects. Key projects:
    • North Aurora Road Underpass: $13.5M in 2026, construction begins this week, two-and-a-half year timeline. City responsible for $6.7M of $52M total (90% outside funding).
    • Washington Street Bridge over I-88: Intergovernmental agreement with Illinois Tollway for repairs.
    • 248th Avenue Upgrades: $2M for land acquisition in 2026, construction in 2027-2028, total $15M (50% external funding).
    • Street Maintenance Program: $12M for resurfacing, crack filling, patching. Louden noted efforts to avoid school year timing, but utility relocations may cause delays.
  • Council Questions: Councilman Wilson asked about microsurfacing complaints and timing around school start. Louden explained coordination with contractors; Aurora Avenue work impacted by utility relocations.

Riverwalk & Commuter Parking

  • Riverwalk: $15M total investment through 2030:
    • Maintenance ($2M): Rotary Hill irrigation, Centennial Beach levee.
    • Upgrades ($3.4M): Grand Pavilion Plaza, Netzley Overlook, fire lane replacement. Grand Pavilion design subject to survey results; goal to fundraise 50%.
    • Expansion ($9.6M): NCC Park ($3.2M total, with $1.1M state grant; no cost-share from North Central College; land owned by NCC). South Extension reprogrammed to 2027, but groundbreaking possible in late 2026 with initial clearing. Edward Hospital (via Endeavor) pledged a contribution; Krieger confirmed commitment from foundation.
  • Commuter Parking: Three projects totaling $1.3M (train station exterior $60K, platform walkway $500K, lighting, sidewalk improvements; municipal lot maintenance $737K). These are projected to nearly exhaust the fund's cash balance by end of 2026. More information in Workshop #2.

Facilities, Technology, and Vehicles

  • Facilities: $9M for municipal facility improvements, including:
    • Public Works Service Center fuel system repairs ($165K).
    • Police Department long-term renovation ($1M).
    • Fire Station #4 training facility renovation ($2.7M, $475K grant secured; living quarters deferred to 2027).
  • Technology: $8.1M for door access system ($450K), security camera upgrades ($1.4M), IT data center upgrade ($900K), and public safety mobile radio network carry-forward ($3M).
  • Vehicles: $8.1M for 61 vehicle replacements across departments, including a fire engine and ambulance ordered in 2024. Trade-in and auction process for retired vehicles.

Funding Sources

  • Home Rule Sales Tax: Largest capital revenue source, projected $23.8M in 2025 (increase due to end of Costco rebate and change in state statute for online purchases). 2026 estimate $24.2M (1.5% increase).
  • Motor Fuel Tax: $7.2M state MFT + $2.4M local gas tax in 2026. Revenues stable but expected to decline due to increased electric vehicle usage; replacement funding being explored at state level.
  • Debt Issuance: $58M in new utility debt for 2026 ($10M electric, $48M water including $3M IEPA loan). No new debt for general government capital. City maintains AAA bond rating.
  • Use of Fund Balance: Capital projects fund will use $13M of fund balance in 2026; spending down reserves in capital funds does not affect bond rating.

Key Outcomes

  • Council directed support for Tier 1 overhead-to-underground conversion, with no action on Tier 2. Formal vote to follow in budget adoption.
  • Council directed permanent suspension of the sidewalk cost-share program, with the city covering 100% of replacement costs. Staff to prepare ordinance changes.
  • Council expressed support for the proposed CIP priorities as presented, with questions on specific projects.
  • Next Steps: Budget book available October 10, 2025. Second workshop on operating budget scheduled for October 28, 2025. Third workshop (as needed) November 10, 2025. Budget approval and property tax levy in December 2025.

Note: The minutes state that "Council proceeded to vote" on Tier 1 and the cost-share program, but the transcript indicates these were show-of-hands directions in a workshop where no final actions were taken. The summary reflects the workshop nature.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the first workshop for the proposed 2026 budget. Tonight, our professional staff will focus on the preliminary capital improvement program. As a reminder, no final actions are being taken at this meeting since it is a workshop. Also, the rules of the city council still apply. Speakers are asked to present their comments in a respectful and courteous manner. Speakers should be on topic and be cognizant of their words. Speakers are given three minutes to address the council and to help speakers stay within the three minute time frame. We now have a much timer on the side dias to your right. Timer buzzes when it hit zero, and we will work that speaker that the time is up. Mr. City Manager, any speakers. Uh we have one speaker, Mayor. Uh, my neighbor, Marilyn Schweitzer. Um, can you help her with the microphone, please? Thank you. Something which one it's on right now. Oh, okay, thank you. Um, so anyway, Marilyn Schweitzer, and first, my thanks to staff and council for publicly airing the budget in a series of workshops as you do. I think it makes it much easier and more clear for all parties concerned, and I appreciate the effort that goes into it. I have four points which I hope you will make note of and address each topic as it comes up during the presentation. First, undergrounding of overhead lines. I appreciate the tier one and tier two approach. I hope that tier one will be funded and that tier two would only proceed based on an analysis of specific areas and surveys of property owners in affected areas. Kind of along the lines, Ted handle the new sidewalk program. I would also appreciate an open data map of both tier one and tier two areas that would be kept up at least annually. Second, the NCC Park along the river walk. I assume this is the park at 430 South Washington, and I assume the 3.2 million is just the city's share. So I'd like to know what the total cost is so I can understand why Share North Central is paying. I believe North Central and the City have revised plans since the concept came up, and but I'm unsure of whether a mutually agreed plans have been settled. Three, the Naperville train station. I read that exterior restoration is being budgeted, which is great, but the interior could use some simple maintenance as well, such as painting and removing the outdated pace racks. Perhaps some local artists could be or some local art could be displayed as part of a SECA grant after the simple interior cleanup is complete. For the sidewalk cost share. It's not clear to me how the cost share program can be reinstated since it was never revised or eliminated from the municipal code. So I guess this means should staff continue along the path of eliminating it in 2026 and future budgets as implied by council's gift to the 2025 select residents. Please do eliminate the cost share for standard safety maintenance, only keeping it perhaps if residents want something special like bridge at brick as the current ordinance accommodates. Much is odd and not consistently applied in the existing ordinance, such as claiming residents owe a cost share on new sidewalks, while it has never actually been billed as the code states. First, residents, not just the Jess in property owner, excuse me. First and foremost, please recognize that safe soft sidewalks is a public safety matter for all residents, not just the adjacent current property owner. Redists should feel comfortable to report hazardous sidewalks without feeling guilty that they are inflicting a cost upon the adjacent property owner. So thank you very much, and good luck this evening and in future workshops. Thank you. And before I turn things over to City Manager Krieger to begin the presentation, just a reminder that there will be moments during the presentation for questions. So at that particular point, when the slide comes up, that's the time to hit your cue buttons, and I will recognize you in the order you do so. Mr. Krieger. All right. Uh thanks, Mayor, and good evening, everyone. This is the first of three budget workshops being held to discuss the proposed 2026 operating and capital budget. These workshops are an important part of the annual process.

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