Naperville City Council Meeting - February 5, 2026

The Naperville City Council met on February 5, 2026, to discuss several agenda items, including proclamations for Black History Month and 203 Day, public forum comments on air emissions and building stretch codes, a first reading of the 2024 International Code Council amendments, and a major debate on whether to pause negotiations with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) for a long-term power supply contract. The council also approved the consent agenda (with one item removed) and a Community Development Block Grant allocation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved by a 9-0 vote using the omnibus method, after removing Item I-11 (first reading of building code amendments) for separate discussion. The consent agenda included:
  • Approval of January 20, 2026, city council meeting minutes.
  • Approval of the city council meeting schedule for February, March, and April 2026.
  • Several change orders and contract awards for engineering services, water main improvements, generator replacement, and mechanical work.
  • Appointments and ordinance amendments (including 911 system surcharge).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tim Farido (Naperville resident): Presented data on air emission reductions from diesel generators, arguing that modern generators (including those for the proposed CARES Status Center) achieve 98% reduction in pollutants since 1990. He noted that exercising events would occupy only 1.5% of the time.
• Richard Stark (Naperville resident): Recommended that the city council direct Brian Groth (electric utility director) to develop a long-term electricity strategy, offering his own strategic advisory support.
• Dan Georgevik (lifelong resident, home builder, representing Northern Illinois Home Builders Association): Opposed adoption of stretch building codes, citing cost increases of tens of thousands of dollars per home with negligible energy savings. He offered the housing advocacy committee as a resource.
• Swati Dale (Naperville resident, 4 years): Discussed the role of technology in education, emphasizing that teachers build relationships and inspire critical thinking while technology provides flexibility and information.
• Court Earhart (president of Earhart Construction, past president of Northern Illinois Home Builders Association): Opposed the energy stretch code, stating that homes built to current codes are 50% more efficient than in 1975, and that his company's analysis showed a cost increase of $21,612.86 for a 1,915 sq. ft. home with only $98 annual energy savings.
• Chad Meese (lifelong resident, owner of Red Star Construction, vice president of Northern Illinois Home Builders Association): Opposed the stretch code, citing affordability concerns, increased upfront costs, and lack of guaranteed payback. He suggested voluntary programs and phased improvements instead.
• Public Comment on IMEA Contract (25 speakers): A large number of residents spoke on Item O2, with positions split between supporting renewal of the IMEA contract and urging the city to explore alternatives. Key speakers:
  • Supporting IMEA renewal: Michael Lipinski, Steve Cushman, Patrick Hughes (Affordable Naperville), Robert Geese (former Argonne scientist), Dick Firstinaw, Judith McGowan, and others argued that IMEA provides stable, affordable power (16-25% below ComEd rates), protects against market volatility, and that the city has already invested heavily in the Prairie State coal plant. They warned of future grid shortages and higher costs if the city leaves IMEA.
  • Opposing IMEA renewal: Katherine Clarkin (environmental scientist), John Desmond Doyle, Joseph Huss, Teresa Huss, Larry Collish, Al Carvelis, Tim Farrito, Rich Sternal, James Fellar, Addie Julka (Naperville Central High School student), Ashley Pennick, Andrea Ramirez, Stephanie Jackson, Don Heller, Marilyn Schweitzer, Greg Hubert, and Himena Argueta (Wabonzi Valley High School student) argued that IMEA is more expensive than market alternatives, relies on coal (86% of generation), and locks the city into a 30-year contract with no cost guarantees, limited flexibility, and lack of transparency. They supported issuing a competitive RFP and developing a city energy strategy.

Discussion Items

• Item I-11: First Reading of 2024 International Code Council Amendments (Building Stretch Code): Council heard public testimony from Court Earhart and Chad Meese opposing the stretch code. Councilman Holzour noted a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory analysis showing costs higher than the $2,000-$3,000 figure but lower than builder estimates. Councilman Wilson asked builders if they had encountered anyone willing to subsidize the additional costs; they said no. The item was a first reading only; no action was taken. It will return on February 17, 2026.

• Item J1: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Hearing: The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers. Council then approved the 2026 Annual Action Plan allocating $535,000 (motion by Councilman White, second by Councilman Kelly, passed unanimously).

• Item O2: Consideration to Direct Staff to Discontinue Negotiations for a Successor Power Sales Agreement with IMEA: After extensive public comment, council debated the motion. Councilman Kelly moved to direct staff to pause formal negotiations with IMEA unless a majority of council directs re-engagement. Councilman Holzour seconded. Council members expressed differing views:

  • Supporting the pause: Councilman Kelly, Gibson, Sayad, White, Jane, and Holzour cited the need to explore alternatives, the lack of cost guarantees in the proposed contract, the full-requirements clause limiting flexibility, and the desire to follow a competitive procurement process. Councilman White emphasized the need for an energy strategy before issuing an RFP.
  • Opposing the pause: Councilman McRoom, Wilson, and Mayor Worley argued that the city should continue negotiations to maintain relationships, retain optionality, and avoid locking the city into the current generation mix. Mayor Worley noted that the city's counterproposal had made progress and that hope is not a strategy.
  • Councilman Wilson attempted to amend the motion to delay the vote until IMEA could speak publicly, but Councilman Kelly declined.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 9-0, with Item I-11 removed.
• Item I-11 (Building Code Amendments): First reading held; no vote. Will return February 17, 2026.
• Item J1/O1 (CDBG): Public hearing closed; $535,000 allocation approved unanimously.
• Item O2 (IMEA Contract Negotiations): Motion to pause formal negotiations with IMEA passed 6-3. Voting in favor: Councilman Holzour, Jane, Kelly, Sayad, White, Gibson. Voting against: Councilman McRoom, Wilson, and Mayor Worley. The motion directs staff to pause unless a majority of council directs re-engagement.
• New Business: None; meeting adjourned.