Naperville City Council Meeting Summary - December 2, 2025

The Naperville City Council convened on December 2, 2025, to address public safety, transmission infrastructure, budget approvals, and legislative priorities. The meeting began with a moment of silence for a city contractor who tragically died while removing snow at the downtown train station. Councilman Wilson participated remotely. The agenda included public comments regarding gas power mandates, IMEA financial transparency, and electric bike regulations, followed by the approval of the 2026 annual budget and several infrastructure contracts.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the approval of budget workshop minutes (September 29, October 28, November 10, 2025) and regular meeting minutes (November 18, 2025).
• Approved the city council schedule for December 2025, January, and February 2026.
• Approved single-source procurements for Smart Works renewal ($137,185.68) and Electric service cure ($652,000.71).
• Awarded bids for Bonames Woods lift station rehabilitation ($925,000 + 3% contingency) and River Mist Force Main rehabilitation ($419,750 + 5% contingency).
• Approved option year extensions for various contracts including tree removal ($200,000), tree trimming ($241,160), fire alarm maintenance ($110,000), security services ($150,000), electrician services ($115,000), and maintenance contracts for street lights, Microsoft agreement, HVAC, and radio consultant services.
• Approved the omnibus motion with comments on I-25 removed for further discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ashley Pennock (Resident/Hospitality Industry Veteran): Expressed strong support for gas-powered ranges in the restaurant industry, arguing that chefs prefer gas for temperature control and safety. Speaker stated that government mandates restricting gas could increase business entry barriers, raise operational costs, and ultimately pass expenses to consumers. Speaker referenced economic philosophers John Locke and Ayn Rand and economists Walter Williams and Thomas Sowell.
• Greg Hubert (IMea board member/CleanEnergy Naperville co-founder): Expressed skepticism and concern regarding the lack of transparency in IMEA's proposed $50 million transmission projects. Speaker noted that financial projections, cost benefits, and risk assumptions were not publicly available, making it impossible for the public or council to weigh in on the opportunity costs compared to other investments like battery storage.
• Ted Bellard (Resident): Expressed frustration regarding the lack of transparency and governance in the IMEA power sales contract and recent $50 million investment vote. Speaker argued that the public and council are denied access to pro forma financials due to FOIA exemptions, preventing informed representation or strategic oversight of ratepayer funds.
• Dick Page (Resident): Expressed opposition to the ban on Class 3 e-bikes on trails, arguing that safety is not enhanced by banning specific bike classes when standard bicycles can travel at similar or higher speeds. Speaker suggested that posting the existing 15 mph speed limit on trails would be a more effective safety measure than class-based bans.
• Randall Keys (Resident/Military Veteran): Expressed full support for the e-bike and e-scooter ordinance. Speaker offered volunteer services to help develop and deliver a safety curriculum and educational program for parents and children to ensure community safety.
• Sam Intel (Resident): Expressed opposition to the proposed property tax levy increase for crisis and mental health staff. Speaker argued the need was overstated given existing police training levels and suggested other cities had successfully reduced budgets without raising taxes.
• Tim Farrito (Resident): Expressed concern over the high volume of taxes embedded in retail gasoline, noting that federal and state taxes total approximately one dollar per gallon. Speaker attributed reduced gas volumes to CAFE standards rather than just EV rollouts.
• Councilman McBroom: Voiced support for the e-bike ordinance citing concerns for children's safety, though initially misinformed about the specific restrictions on Class 3 bikes.
• Councilman White: Expressed skepticism regarding the specific prohibition of Class 3 e-bikes on trails compared to standard bicycles, suggesting a speed limit enforcement approach might be more equitable.

Discussion Items

• IMEA Transmission Investments ($50M Proposal): Director Broth confirmed that IMEA proposed two 765 KV transmission lines where Naperville would own 3% at a cost of $50 million. Director Broth stated he has not yet seen a cost-benefit analysis and will reserve his vote until it becomes available. Councilmember Gibson noted that even with deliberation, Naperville holds only one weighted vote out of 32 on the IMEA board, limiting strategic control. Councilmember McBroom questioned the role of the council in substantive IMEA matters. Councilmember Kelly and Board Chair asked for a summary of Director Broth's findings to be shared with the council before the vote.
• E-Bike Ordinance (Item I-24): Council discussed deviations from state law, specifically banning Class 3 e-bikes (28 mph) on multi-use paths. Chief Aries and City Attorney explained that while state law allows Class 3 on paths, the ban was enacted to ensure consistency with Park District and Forest Preserve rules (which already banned Class 3) to avoid rider confusion. Chief Aries noted that non-electric bikes can also exceed 20 mph. The final ordinance codifies state law but adds parental accountability for minors and bans Class 3 bikes on all city multi-use paths for consistency.
• White Oak Drive Vacation (Item J-1): The public hearing to vacate a portion of White Oak Drive was continued to the December 16th meeting.
• 2026 Annual Budget Adoption (Item J-3): The council passed the ordinance adopting the 2026 annual budget totaling $685,342,588. Discussion occurred regarding the tax levy increase for mental health staffing, with staff defending the need against public speaker concerns about fiscal prudence and inflation.
• SCADA and OMS Platform (Item M-3): Council approved the $2.25 million award to Surveillant. Councilmember Gibson raised a concern regarding a previously awarded Department of Energy (DOE) 50% grant ($1.1 million) that was canceled in October. Director Groth confirmed that proceeding with the local funding does not jeopardize the city's appeal of the grant termination and that the project is critical for the aging grid infrastructure.
• Legislative Priorities (Item O-1): Approved 2026 legislative priorities. Council asked for clarification on "monetized" body camera footage, with Chief Aries explaining the goal is to prevent social media entities from monetizing footage of incidents for profit rather than preventing individuals from accessing their own footage.

Key Outcomes

• Roll Call Vote on E-Bike Ordinance: Passed 9-0 (Gibson, Holthauer, Jane, Kelly, McBroom, Syed, White, Wilson, Worley).
• Roll Call Vote on White Oak Drive Continuation: Passed 9-0, continuing the hearing to December 16, 2025.
• Roll Call Vote on 2026 Budget: Passed 9-0, adopting the 2026 Annual Budget of $685,342,588.
• Roll Call Vote on Special Events Grant Cap: Passed 6-3 (Syed, White, Wilson, Worley voted Nay), amending the cap to $2,510,000, but Councilman Syed, Wilson, and Worley voted against the measure (Note: Transcript indicates "Motion passes 63" likely meaning 6-3).
• Roll Call Vote on Maple Brook Water Main: Passed 9-0 (J. Congden Sewer Service bid award).
• Roll Call Vote on PVC Conduit Vendors: Passed 9-0 for the $1.75 million five-year RFQ.
• Roll Call Vote on SCADA/OMS Platform: Passed 9-0 (Surveillant contract award).
• Roll Call Vote on Rubber/Cold Shrink Products: Passed 9-0 (Option year contract extension).
• Roll Call Vote on 2026 Legislative Priorities: Passed 9-0.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned successfully.