Naperville City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Naperville City Council met on February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, following a closed session at 5:30 PM. The meeting lasted until 11:01 PM and covered a wide range of topics including awards, consent agenda items with several pulled for separate votes, public hearings on a major development, policy changes for meeting room rentals, and next steps for affordable housing. Key votes included approval of the Benton + Main development (9-0), approval of overnight parking exemptions for the Townhouses at River Bend (8-1), and approval of a modified meeting room rental policy (9-0).

Consent Calendar

• Approved cash disbursements for January 1–31, 2026, totaling $44,172,730.82.
• Approved the February 3, 2026 regular City Council meeting minutes.
• Approved the City Council meeting schedule for March, April, and May 2026.
• Approved appointments to various boards and commissions.
• Received year-to-date Investment and Cash Balance Report through December 31, 2025.
• Received year-to-date budget report through January 31, 2026.
• Approved award of Bid 26-027 (Vehicle Emergency Lighting) to The Terramar Group, Inc. DBA Fleet Safety Supply for up to $310,000 for one year.
• Approved award of Cooperative Procurement 26-042 (Streetlight Maintenance and LED Materials) to Graybar, Inc. and Wesco Distribution for up to $625,000.
• Approved award of Cooperative Procurement 26-056 (ESRI ArcGIS Enterprise Consulting) to ESRI for up to $119,400 for one year.
• Approved award of Option Year #3 to Contract 21-243 (Soils and Materials Testing) to NASHnal Soil Testing, LLC for up to $280,000.
• Approved Change Order #7 to Contract 23-274 (Columbia Street Roadway Widening) to Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. for an additional 13 months.
• Approved Change Order #1 to Contract 21-012.0.E.00-TED (Construction Engineering - Columbia Street Widening) to Baxter & Woodman, Inc. for an additional eight months.
• Approved Change Order #1 to Contract 24-170 (Naper Settlement Winter Operations) to Steve Miller, Inc. for up to $30,000 (total award $121,610).
• Approved Change Order #1 to Contract 25-289 (2025 New Sidewalk Program) to Triggi Construction, Inc. for up to $24,738.93 (total award $334,081.93).
• Approved Excess Workers' Compensation Insurance coverage to Midwest Employers Casualty Company for up to $185,326 for two years.
• Passed ordinance adopting the 2024 International Code Council set of codes with local amendments (ORD 26-010, vote 9-0).
• Passed ordinance establishing temporary traffic controls and permits for the St. Paddy’s Day 5K and St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14, 2026 (ORD 26-006).
• Passed ordinance designating the 1906 Building at 25 E Benton Avenue (First Congregational Church) as a historic landmark (ORD 26-007).
• Passed ordinance establishing two-way stop control at Josiah Rd. and Weatherbee Ln. (ORD 26-008).
• Passed ordinance removing the No Left Turn prohibition at Chicago Ave. and Ellsworth St. (ORD 26-009).
• Adopted IDOT supplemental resolution of $104,231.97 for 2025 Roadway Resurfacing Program (RES 26-05).
• Adopted resolution approving amended intergovernmental agreements for school resource officers with District 203 and District 204 (RES 26-06).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Forum: John Doyle (Naperville resident) discussed the existing utility assistance program, suggesting a voluntary donation mechanism and expanding the program to help homeowners struggling with bills. Marilyn Schweitzer (Naperville resident) discussed the Lunar New Year, thanked city staff, and requested an expansion of the utility assistance program. Councilman White requested a moment of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson.
• Written Comment (Public Forum): Sharika Sanku (Naperville resident) filed a formal complaint regarding the city's process for mailbox replacement after snow plow damage, describing a $100 reimbursement as inadequate and the waiver release as "a disgrace." She also requested heating and intercoms at the west-bound Naperville Amtrak station.
• I-16 (SECA Grant Allocations):
  • Rahul Trivedi (Naperville, DTribal’s Foundation), Munish Kaistha (Naperville, DTribal’s Foundation), and Nag Jaiswal (Naperville, Swadesi Mela) spoke against the reduction in SECA funding for the Swadesi Mela, citing its cultural significance, economic impact (25,000-35,000 attendees), and 300+ volunteers. They requested reconsideration of the zero grant allocation.
  • Council discussion noted that the SECA Commission viewed the event as a business trade fair rather than a community event, and five commissioners recommended zero funding.
• I-17 (Building Codes): Barbara Benson (Naperville, NEST) urged the city to adopt the Illinois stretch code to reduce building emissions, noting over 75% of Naperville's CO2 emissions originate from buildings, and encouraged the council to continue evaluating the code's benefits.
• I-19 (Historic Landmark - First Congregational Church): Sixteen written comments and position statements supported the landmark designation, citing the church's 1906 Gothic Revival architecture, its role as the oldest congregation in DuPage County (founded 1833), and its historical significance.
• I-21 (Overnight Parking - Townhouses at River Bend): Nine statements of support, 12 statements of opposition, and 24 written comments were submitted.
  • Proponents: Trish Schacht, Celeste Buckingham, Suzanne Harris, Mike Kiernan, and Eva Tuczai (all Naperville residents and Townhouses at River Bend homeowners) argued that the 12 townhomes lack driveways, face congestion in the alley, and need overnight parking for growing families. They emphasized the permits would be restricted to homeowners and managed by the HOA.
  • Opponents: Brian Dixon (Naperville, Manor Homes of River Bend HOA President) and other neighboring HOA residents argued that the parking would create safety hazards for snow plows, block a mailbox, and that residents knew parking rules when they purchased. They noted that the area has multiple HOAs and that the exemption would be unfair to others.
• L-1, L-2, L-3 (Benton + Main Development):
  • Ten speakers opposed the project.
  • Tom Ryan (Naperville, Naperville Preservation Inc.) expressed opposition, arguing the project should meet existing TU zoning codes and criticizing the design and materials.
  • Marilyn Schweitzer (Naperville) opposed the plan, stating the PUD qualification was inadequate after five of six proposed planters were removed.
  • Julie Carducci (Naperville) represented a group of neighbors and argued that the project does not meet PUD requirements, relies on multiple waivers, and offers no meaningful public amenities. She requested a redesign to comply with TU zoning.
  • Chris Carlsen (Naperville) requested removal of at least one unit and reinstatement of planters to meet PUD standards.
  • Meggie Chambers (Naperville) argued that bringing the project into TU compliance (reducing density) should be the standard.
  • Richard Lowry (Naperville) argued that the developer cannot consolidate lots without meeting PUD criteria and that the 2030 plan should not override current zoning.
  • Alexis Lowry (Naperville) expressed concern about loss of privacy and tree removal.
  • Brian Davis (Naperville), Donald Boyd (Naperville), and Mary Ann Curtis (Naperville) opposed the project, citing privacy, size, and lack of affordable units.
  • Proponent (rebuttal): Russell Whitaker (Naperville, attorney for petitioner) argued the project aligns with the Comprehensive Plan, maintains underlying TU zoning, and that deviations are justified under PUD standards. He stated that the developer has staff support and a 7-2 positive recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• O-1 (Meeting Room Rentals):
  • John Brubaker (Naperville, Lisle Township Democratic Organization) expressed appreciation for changes made after December discussion but remained opposed to any changes.
  • Marilyn Schweitzer (Naperville) recommended clear communication of the new policy and a future review.
• O-2 (Affordable Housing):
  • Philip Meno (Naperville, DuPage Housing Alliance) expressed full support for affordable housing and urged approval of a mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (IZO), arguing current units are not long-term affordable.
  • Written comments from Helen Huie, Alton Jay Mitchell, Anne Schultz, and Marilyn L. Schweitzer expressed strong support for an IZO or other affordable housing measures.

Discussion Items

• I-16 (SECA Grant Allocations): Council discussed the SECA process. Councilwoman Jain raised concerns about transparency and consistency in applying criteria. Councilman Wilson opposed the allocation due to perceived conflicts of interest with certain recipient organizations. Councilwoman Holzhauer noted facts about the organizations. Councilman Kelly defended the commissioners' work. Councilman White stated he would not support funding political organizations. Mayor Wehrli announced that a broader SECA discussion is scheduled for April.
• I-17 (Building Codes): Staff noted the 2024 International Code Council codes are being adopted without the Illinois stretch code at this time, allowing more time for education.
• I-21 (Overnight Parking - River Bend): The council debated the number of parking spaces (originally eight proposed by staff). Councilman Kelly proposed limiting to five westernmost spaces to avoid blocking a mailbox and pinch point; the original motion for eight failed. The motion in substitution for eight spaces passed 8-1. Councilman Syed voted no. Council discussed multi-generational families and the need to adapt codes.
• L-1 through L-3 (Benton + Main Development): The council received the staff report and heard extensive public testimony. Staff clarified that the developer meets PUD standards through items such as upsized parkway trees, enhanced landscaping, and upgraded driveway entrances. Councilman Holzhauer emphasized the importance of transit-oriented, walkable development. Councilman Kelly, after comparing dimensions with the adjacent Benton Terrace building, supported the project.
• O-1 (Meeting Room Rentals): Council discussed expanding the staff recommendation (Tuesday–Thursday evenings only) to include Monday evenings. Councilman White requested a six-month review. Council debated fee levels: staff proposed increasing from $30 to $90 for Meeting Rooms A, B, and lunchroom, and to $150 for combined A&B. Councilwoman Holzhauer suggested keeping fees at the current level for six months. Councilman Kelly proposed a compromise of $60 per room and $100 combined. The final motion (Gibson) was approved 9-0.
• O-2 (Affordable Housing): Council discussed options for increasing affordable housing. Councilman Holzhauer advocated for a menu of developer-friendly compliance options (e.g., accessory dwelling units, micro-units, multi-generational housing) rather than a cash-based IZO. Councilman Kelly requested research on neighboring city IZOs and their outcomes. Staff noted the state’s calculation error that led to a significant undercount of affordable units. Council agreed to have staff research other communities and hold two-by-two meetings to narrow council direction.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (I-1 through I-15, I-18, I-19, I-22–I-25): Approved unanimously (9-0) under the omnibus method after removing items I-16, I-17, I-20, and I-21 for separate votes.
• I-16 (SECA Grant Allocations): Approved (7-2). Ayes: Wehrli, Gibson, Holzhauer, Jain, Kelly, Syed, White. Nays: McBroom, Wilson.
• I-17 (2024 Building Codes): Passed (9-0).
• I-19 (Historic Landmark - First Congregational Church): Passed (voice vote).
• I-20 (Class M Liquor License Cap): Passed (8-0). Mayor Wehrli recused himself.
• I-21 (Overnight Parking - River Bend): Passed (8-1). Ayes: Wehrli, Gibson, Holzhauer, Jain, Kelly, McBroom, White, Wilson. Nay: Syed.
• L-1 (Staff Report - Benton + Main): Received.
• L-2 (Preliminary/Final Plat of Resubdivision): Passed (9-0).
• L-3 (Conditional Use/PUD Plat with Deviations): Passed (9-0).
• M-1 (East Highlands Sanitary Sewer Replacement): Approved (9-0) with a 3% contingency ($2,956,818.71 total).
• O-1 (Meeting Room Rentals): Approved amended motion (9-0): Outside rentals allowed Monday–Thursday evenings and Monday–Friday business hours; fees set at $60 for Meeting Rooms A, B, and lunchroom, and $100 for combined A&B; security increased; staff to report back in six months.
• O-2 (Affordable Housing): No formal vote; consensus to have staff research IZOs in other Chicago suburbs, hold two-by-two meetings with council, and return with options that may include multi-generational housing, micro-units, and other developer-friendly compliance mechanisms.