Naperville City Council Meeting - November 18, 2025

The Naperville City Council convened on November 18, 2025, to address public concerns regarding IMEA participation, river district parking, and building codes, followed by the review of the Consent Calendar, special grant allocations, and the establishment of a mobile crisis intervention unit. The meeting featured significant debate over fiscal responsibility versus public safety needs, culminating in a 7-2 vote to fund a six-officer MCIT team and the tabling of e-bike regulations pending further review.

Consent Calendar

• Approved via omnibus motion (9-0) after removing items I-8 (2026 SECA grant allocations) and I-14 (e-bike ordinance), which required further discussion.
• Routine approvals included October cash disbursements ($49,993,257.33), November 4 meeting minutes, upcoming meeting schedules, year-to-date budget and investment reports, and various procurement awards for police/fire vehicles, hydro excavators, vegetation programs, and lighting maintenance.
• Passed ordinances for Special Service Area #37 and a temporary vehicle inventory use permit.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Galley (Affordable Naperville): Expressed opposition to leaving IMEA, arguing that non-renewal would cost taxpayers an estimated $40 million more annually and disproportionately impact residents earning under $75,000, retirees, and fixed-income individuals. Cited a statistic that $23 million more would be paid annually if IMEA were not renewed.
• Jim Filar: Stated that energy costs have decreased 8% over 12 years while the CPI increased 40%, arguing Naperville's low-cost generation provides a permanent structural advantage over Comed.
• Jordan Abanante & Jen Kuchta (Salon Loft owners): Expressed concern regarding the aggressive towing of employees at 22 East Chicago Avenue. They argued the current policy endangers young women and late-shift workers who must use an isolated garage.
• Stephanie Jackson: Requested increased parking enforcement on Washington Street between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and raised concerns that holiday lights obscure "No Parking" signs. Expressed support for the current ticketing but noted a lack of response to prior citizen reports.
• Timothy Farrito: Argued that leaving IMEA exposes the city to volatile market forces as PJM loses supply and demand rises, stating the risk to residents and businesses is significant.
• Mary Boyle: Expressed concern that investors and landlords currently hold 40% of the Enclave HOA board seats and feared a lack of representation for owner-occupiers if the majority shifts.
• Teresa Huss (NEST): Advocated fully for adopting Illinois Stretch Energy Codes, stating 75% of carbon emissions come from buildings and that the codes offer long-term savings and resilience.
• Ashley Penick: Expressed strong support for remaining in IMEA to maintain business stability, noting that SB25 would raise rates for non-IEEE communities.
• Jen Kuchta: Reiterated that strict towing enforcement has resulted in the loss of nine business owners and created unsafe conditions for employees.
• Marilyn Schweitzer: Questioned the stewardship of public funds regarding the use of taxpayer money to maintain art on private property and criticized the lack of oversight in SECA grants.

Discussion Items

• IMEA & Energy Affordability: Council members debated the value of IMEA versus market rates. Councilman White and Councilman Sayed supported the stability and low costs of IMEA, while Councilman McBroom urged caution regarding future fiscal tightening and pension reform impacts on the budget.
• River District Parking: Staff clarified the city does not own the parking lot and has no authority over the private landlord's towing contract. Councilman McBroom directed staff to pass concerns to the landlord and the Downtown Neighborhood Alliance.
• Washington Street Parking: Staff confirmed CSOs are patrolling the area, and the Police Chief committed to addressing sign visibility issues obscured by holiday decorations.
• SECA Grants (Item I-8): Following public comment and staff clarification, Councilman Halzar and McBroom expressed concern regarding the use of food and beverage tax dollars to maintain private property art, though the item passed without amendments.
• E-bike Ordinance (Item I-14): Staff requested a tabling to fix a loophole regarding low-speed electric vehicles without pedals. The item was tabled to December 2, 2025.
• Bicentennial Planning (2031): Staff presented a framework developed by the Emerging Leaders Program. Councilman Kelly and Sayed supported the appointment of two chairs or a chair and deputy chair to ensure continuity over the five-year planning period.
• Police Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT): Staff presented options to add 2, 4, or 6 officers to the 2026 budget, noting a potential property tax impact of $16 on a median home for the full six-officer unit. Councilman McBroom opposed the addition without identified offsets, while Councilwoman Gibson, Councilman Sayed, and Councilman Holthauer argued that mental health is a core city service and the need is urgent, citing 900 mental health calls annually.

Key Outcomes

• Vote 1: Approved the consent agenda as amended (removing I-8 and I-14) (9-0).
• Vote 2: Approved the 2026 SECA grant fund program allocations of $1,309,198 (9-0).
• Vote 3: Tabled the e-bike and e-scooter ordinance (Item I-14) to December 2, 2025 (9-0).
• Vote 4: Received the Bicentennial Framework report and directed staff to initiate the selection of a 2031 Bicentennial chairperson, allowing for the option of a deputy chair or co-chairs (9-0).
• Vote 5: Endorsed the Naperville 2050 Road Improvement Plan (9-0).
• Vote 6: Directed staff to fully fund the MCIT program with six officers and publish notice for a truth and taxation hearing on December 16, 2025. This required a motion for Option B (full funding), which passed 7-2 (Opposed: Councilman McBroom, Councilman Wilson).
• Vote 7: Received estimated 2025 property tax levies for Special Service Areas #23, 25, 30, 31, 34, 35, and 36 (9-0).
• New Business: Councilman White requested a study on the traffic impact of Block 59 on downtown parking needs; staff committed to discussing metrics with the Downtown Neighborhood Alliance.