OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Naperville City Council Meeting - February 3, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, February 3, 2026
BodyNaperville, Illinois
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, February 3, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:00:38

Transcript — Verbatim
5:58

Oh, thank you.

6:25

Good evening and welcome to the February third Naperville City Council meeting, roll call.

6:29

Worley.

6:30

Here.

6:30

Gibson.

6:31

Here, Paul Tower.

6:32

Here.

6:33

Jane.

6:34

Here.

6:34

Kelly.

6:35

Here.

6:35

McBroom.

6:36

Cyan.

6:37

Yep.

6:38

White.

6:38

Here.

6:39

Wilson.

6:39

Here.

6:40

Please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

7:11

Our first item on the agenda tonight is awards and recognitions.

7:14

Councilman White will present the first proclamation for Black History Month.

7:35

All right, good evening, everyone.

7:37

Can I get the members from the Naperville Neighbors United to come on?

8:48

And whereas the study and celebration of Black history are essential to understanding the enduring struggles, resilience, and achievements that have marked the journey toward equity and justice in our society.

9:05

And whereas the City of Naperville maintains within its mission statement a commitment to create an inclusive community that values diversity.

9:32

And whereas Naperville Neighbors United exemplifies the spirit of unity and education by fostering dialogue, creating connections, and celebrating the diversity that enriches our community.

9:46

And whereas, through initiatives, events, and conversations, Naperville Neighbors United continues to inspire individuals to engage in meaningful learning and to act toward creating an inclusive environment for all residents.

10:01

Now, therefore, I, Scott Worley, mayor of the of Naperville do hereby recognize Naperville Neighbors United for his unwavering commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity and proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in the city of Naperville.

10:18

And I encourage all residents to participate in this celebration to learn about Black history and culture and to contribute to building a community that values and uplifts diversity.

10:58

Good evening.

11:03

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share what Black History Month means to me.

11:08

Black History Month is more than a time to revisit historical moments or recognize well-known figures.

11:14

To me, it represents a chance to acknowledge the depth and impact of Black contributors that have helped shape this country and continue to influence it today.

11:24

Many of these contributors were made in times where recognition was very limited.

11:29

Yet their effects remain present in our culture and everyday lives.

11:39

Black history is not separate from American history, is an essential part of it.

11:44

From advancements in art and music to leadership in science, education, sports, and social progress, black individuals have played a crucial role in shaping the world around us.

11:55

Recognizing these contributors allow us to gain a more complete and accurate understanding of our collective past.

12:01

Black History Month also encourages reflection.

12:04

It challenges us to look beyond what we already know and to engage with perspectives that may have not always been centered.

12:10

Through learning and discussion, we are reminded that progress is built over time and that awareness is a key step to our understanding and respect.

12:19

For me, Black History Month represents recognition, reflection, and continued learning.

12:25

It is meaningful, it is a meaningful opportunity is a meaningful opportunity to honor the past while thoughtfully engaging with the present.

12:33

Thank you for your time.

12:34

Have a good night.

12:44

Black history is American history.

12:47

That is a fact.

12:48

It is not separate, it is not supplemental, and it is foundational to who we are as a nation.

12:55

Black history tells the story of perseverance in the face of injustice.

13:00

Leadership forged through adversity and progress driven by faith and courage.

13:05

It reflects both the challenges that were faced and the growth that followed.

13:10

This February marks the 100-year anniversary of Black History Month, a moment to reflect and a reminder that celebrating and uplifting these stories remain important today.

13:35

Mr.

13:36

Freeman spent 36 years with Southwest Airlines, becoming the first black pilot in 1980.

13:44

And in 1992, he became the first black chief pilot of any airline.

13:50

And to be clear, Mr.

13:52

Freeman wasn't chosen because he was black.

14:01

And one moment that always stands out to me is when he was selected to fly Rosa Parks, a pioneer of the civil rights movement, to her final resting place, a reflection of the respect he earned through through excellence and leadership.

14:19

At a time when history and lived experiences are being questioned or overlooked, moments like these remind us why black history matters and why these stories must continue to be shared and remembered.

14:34

We cannot go backward, only forward.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Energy Procurement██████████████████████████████30%
Energy Planning███████████████████████████27%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Procedural████████8%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Racial Equity██████6%
Housing Affordability█████5%
Youth Programs███3%
Community Engagement██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Naperville City Council Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Naperville City Council met on February 3, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. (closed session) to 9:54 p.m. (adjournment). The meeting included awards and recognitions, public forum, consent agenda, a public hearing, and substantial discussion and a vote on whether to pause negotiations for a successor power sales agreement with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA).

Awards and Recognitions

  • Black History Month Proclamation: Presented by Councilman White. Regina Brent (Naperville Unity Partnership, Martin Luther King Unity Project) thanked the city for its continued support.
  • #203 Day Proclamation: Presented by Mayor Wehrli to Superintendent Bridges and students from Naperville Community Unit School District 203.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Tim Ferritto (Naperville): Discussed air emissions from diesel generators, noting a 98% reduction in criteria pollutants since 1990 under the Clean Air Act.
  • Richard Stark (Naperville): Recommended the city develop a long-term electricity strategy, offering an advisory group with strategy expertise.
  • Dan Jurjovek (Naperville, Northern Illinois Home Builders Association, Housing Advocacy Committee): Opposed the implementation of building stretch codes, citing cost increases of $21,000–$42,000 per home with minimal annual energy savings ($98–$308).
  • Swati Dayl (Naperville): Discussed how technology and educators can work together to empower learning.
  • Council Discussion on Illegal Vehicle Modifications: Councilwoman Gibson asked for an update. City Attorney DiSanto stated the Illinois Vehicle Code already prohibits exhaust modifications, and the city is working on enforcement strategies. The council also discussed modifications to building stretch codes.

Public Hearing – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

  • Mayor Wehrli opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. No one spoke. The hearing was closed at 7:56 p.m. on a motion by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly.

Consent Calendar

  • A motion to approve the consent agenda removing Item I-11 (first reading of building code amendments) passed 9-0.
  • Items approved included:
    • Approval of January 20, 2026 meeting minutes.
    • Approval of meeting schedule for February–April 2026.
    • Change Order #2 to Contract 21-243 with NASHnal Soil Testing (soils and materials testing) — not to exceed $144,776.31; total $329,943.36.
    • Change Order #2 to Contract 17-086B with MacQueen Equipment (fire engine maintenance) — not to exceed $20,000; total $763,185.
    • Change Order #1 to Work Order 17-122G with Civiltech Engineering (248th Avenue Phase II engineering) — not to exceed $74,239.74; total $1,031,765.00.
    • Change Order #1 to Contract 24-212 with Bluewater Construction (water main improvements) — not to exceed $117,422.19; total $1,502,422.19 and 61 additional days.
    • Change Order #1 to Work Order 22-067-WATER-25-03 with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (construction engineering services) — not to exceed $11,600; total $109,770 and 242 additional days.
    • Change Order #1 to Contract 25-007 with Connelly Electric (Southeast Waterworks generator replacement) — 99 additional days.
    • Change Order #1 to Contract 23-217 with Dahme Mechanical Industries (Northwest Waterworks improvements) — 124 additional days.
    • Appointment to Transportation Advisory Board.
    • Ordinance amending Section 2-16-2 (adding non-voting member of Accessible Community Task Force to Advisory Commission on Disabilities) — passed.
    • Ordinance amending Section 1-9-G (9-1-1 system surcharge) — passed.

Discussion Items

  • Item I-11: First Reading of Building Code Amendments (2024 International Code Council codes with local amendments): Two speakers from the homebuilding industry opposed the energy stretch code, reiterating cost concerns. Councilman Holzhauer suggested reviewing a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory analysis. No vote was taken; the item will return on February 17, 2026.
  • Item O-1: CDBG Program Year 2026 Annual Action Plan ($535,000 allocation): Approved 9-0.
  • Item O-2: Consider directing staff to discontinue negotiations with IMEA for a successor power sales agreement: Extensive public comment — 25 speakers (13 in favor of renewing with IMEA, 12 opposed) and 17 written comments (mostly supporting a pause). Council debated the timeline, cost comparisons, baseload capacity, and risks. The mayor argued for keeping discussions open, while Councilman Kelly and others favored a pause to explore alternatives. Director Groth noted that if Naperville leaves IMEA, IMEA would likely break the pseudo-tie that allows Prairie State coal plant to serve PJM, a potentially irreversible step.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved 9-0 (with I-11 removed).
  • CDBG Annual Action Plan: Approved 9-0.
  • Motion to Pause IMEA Negotiations: Councilman Kelly moved to direct staff to pause formal negotiations with IMEA unless a majority of council members direct re-engagement. The motion passed 6-3 (Ayes: Gibson, Holzhauer, Jain, Kelly, Syed, White; Nays: Wehrli, McBroom, Wilson). The city will not actively negotiate a contract extension for now but may revisit if a majority of council agrees. IMEA has nine years remaining on the current contract (through 2035).

Meeting Transcript

Oh, thank you. Good evening and welcome to the February third Naperville City Council meeting, roll call. Worley. Here. Gibson. Here, Paul Tower. Here. Jane. Here. Kelly. Here. McBroom. Cyan. Yep. White. Here. Wilson. Here. Please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Our first item on the agenda tonight is awards and recognitions. Councilman White will present the first proclamation for Black History Month. All right, good evening, everyone. Can I get the members from the Naperville Neighbors United to come on? And whereas the study and celebration of Black history are essential to understanding the enduring struggles, resilience, and achievements that have marked the journey toward equity and justice in our society. And whereas the City of Naperville maintains within its mission statement a commitment to create an inclusive community that values diversity. And whereas Naperville Neighbors United exemplifies the spirit of unity and education by fostering dialogue, creating connections, and celebrating the diversity that enriches our community. And whereas, through initiatives, events, and conversations, Naperville Neighbors United continues to inspire individuals to engage in meaningful learning and to act toward creating an inclusive environment for all residents. Now, therefore, I, Scott Worley, mayor of the of Naperville do hereby recognize Naperville Neighbors United for his unwavering commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity and proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in the city of Naperville. And I encourage all residents to participate in this celebration to learn about Black history and culture and to contribute to building a community that values and uplifts diversity. Good evening. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share what Black History Month means to me. Black History Month is more than a time to revisit historical moments or recognize well-known figures. To me, it represents a chance to acknowledge the depth and impact of Black contributors that have helped shape this country and continue to influence it today. Many of these contributors were made in times where recognition was very limited. Yet their effects remain present in our culture and everyday lives. Black history is not separate from American history, is an essential part of it. From advancements in art and music to leadership in science, education, sports, and social progress, black individuals have played a crucial role in shaping the world around us. Recognizing these contributors allow us to gain a more complete and accurate understanding of our collective past. Black History Month also encourages reflection. It challenges us to look beyond what we already know and to engage with perspectives that may have not always been centered. Through learning and discussion, we are reminded that progress is built over time and that awareness is a key step to our understanding and respect. For me, Black History Month represents recognition, reflection, and continued learning. It is meaningful, it is a meaningful opportunity is a meaningful opportunity to honor the past while thoughtfully engaging with the present. Thank you for your time. Have a good night. Black history is American history. That is a fact. It is not separate, it is not supplemental, and it is foundational to who we are as a nation. Black history tells the story of perseverance in the face of injustice. Leadership forged through adversity and progress driven by faith and courage.

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