Naperville City Council Meeting – April 7, 2026
Naperville City Council Meeting – April 7, 2026
The Naperville City Council met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, a robust public forum, approval of a large consent agenda, a public hearing for the Kerrigan Estates annexation, award of the 2026 Street Resurfacing Program, an initial Electric Utility presentation, and several new business items. The meeting adjourned at 10:48 PM.
Consent Calendar
- Approved by omnibus vote (9-0) – 34 consent items were approved in a single omnibus motion, with items I‑17 and I‑33 pulled for separate discussion.
- I‑17 (Eagle Street Gateway Change Order #4): Awarded to Baumgartner Construction, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $227,607.48, bringing the total project award to $4,003,316.61. Staff explained the change order was due to increased quantities discovered after project completion, not a scope change. Councilwoman Gibson asked about tracking change orders by contractor. Approved 9-0.
- I‑33 (Tobacco License Fee & Fine Increase): Ordinance amending Sections 3‑3‑5, 3‑3‑9, 3‑3‑10, and 3‑3‑14 of the Municipal Code to increase tobacco/cigarette dealer license fees, raise fines, and revise the hearing process. Councilman Wilson voted no, citing concerns about burdening small businesses and deterring new businesses. Approved 8-1.
Public Comments & Public Forum
- Public Forum (first segment 7:00–7:45 PM, resumed after Electric Utility presentation at 9:17 PM): Over 20 speakers addressed the Council. Key themes:
- Due Process & Municipal Property Ordinance: Eight speakers (including residents from ALMAS, League of Women Voters, and individuals sharing personal experiences) urged the Council to adopt a proposed ordinance that would affirm constitutional rights, prevent city property from being used as ICE staging sites, and ensure city resources focus on community safety. Speakers cited recent ICE enforcement actions in Naperville and widespread fear among immigrant communities.
- Sustainability Mission Statements: Teresa Huss (NEST) requested updates to the city’s mission statements for the City, Public Utilities Advisory Board, and Electric Utility to include sustainability language.
- Electric Utility / IMEA Contract: Several speakers (Tim Ferritto, Rich Sternal, Steve Cushman, Ashley Penick) urged the Council to renew the IMEA contract, arguing it provides reliable, affordable power and that walking away would waste a $700 million investment. Joe Huss (NEST) requested earlier release of presentation materials and consideration of industry trends.
- India Day Parade and Celebration: Members of Indian Community Outreach (ICO) requested the Council reconsider the SECA Commission’s zero-funding decision for the 2026 event, citing its 11‑year history, economic impact, and cultural importance.
- E‑bike Ordinance: Derek Hoover requested an amendment to allow children 12 and older to ride e‑bikes when accompanied by a parent or guardian, noting his children use e‑bikes for community service.
- Written Comments: 14 written comments were submitted, including a detailed report from John Baker about graffiti and debris under the Route 59 bridge and support for the due process ordinance from several residents.
Discussion Items
Electric Utility Presentation (Agenda Item O‑1)
- Director Brian Groth presented a comprehensive overview of the utility’s priorities (affordability, reliability, sustainability), key dates and milestones (PJM auctions, contract expiration in 2035), and four strategic options: (1) join or form a joint action agency, (2) market participation with asset ownership, (3) market participation without asset ownership, and (4) sale of the utility.
- Council discussed the need to include: duration of commitment for each option (Councilwoman Gibson), greenhouse gas emissions metrics (Councilman Holzhauer), technology flexibility and cost socialization (Councilman White), and earlier availability of presentation materials (Councilwoman Jain).
- By consensus (9-0), Council directed staff to include in future presentations: a review of each option and commitment duration, current greenhouse gas emissions data and comparable metrics for each option, and technology flexibility information.
India Day Parade and Celebration Funding (New Business)
- Councilman McBroom proposed directing staff to return with options for funding the 2026 India Day Parade and Celebration from the Food and Beverage Fund, noting the event’s long history and cultural significance. Council discussed concerns about setting a precedent but acknowledged the unique circumstances (SECA gave zero funding; the event was cancelled in 2025 due to new security requirements).
- By consensus (9-0), Council directed staff to bring back options for funding the 2026 India Day event at a future meeting.
E‑bike Ordinance Amendment (New Business)
- Councilman Wilson requested an amendment to allow minors aged 12 and older to operate Class 1 and Class 2 e‑bikes and e‑scooters when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, consistent with state law. Council discussed safety and enforcement concerns.
- By consensus (9-0), Council directed staff to bring back an ordinance amendment for consideration at a future meeting.
Due Process and Municipal Property Ordinance (New Business)
- Councilman Holzhauer and Councilwoman Jain requested staff provide a summary of historical data (including past Police Department General Orders and proclamations), incorporate language from residents, document instances of public property used for ICE staging, outline a public education process, and identify community partnership opportunities to rebuild trust.
- By consensus (9-0), Council directed staff to return with the requested information and a menu of options at a meeting in May 2026.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda approved as amended (I‑17 and I‑33 individually approved).
- Public Hearing for Kerrigan Estates (Annexation, zoning, subdivision, variance) – all six ordinances passed 9-0.
- 2026 Street Resurfacing Program awarded to K‑Five Construction Corporation for $5,227,451.56 plus 3% contingency, and the IDOT resolution adopted – both passed 9-0.
- Electric Utility Presentation: Council agreed on criteria for upcoming presentations (duration, emissions, flexibility).
- India Day Funding: Staff to return with options.
- E‑bike Ordinance: Staff to prepare an amendment for ages 12+ with legal guardian (Class 1/2).
- Due Process Ordinance: Staff to prepare a comprehensive summary and menu of options by May 2026.
- Adjourned at 10:48 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the April 7th Naperville City Council meeting, roll call. Forly here. Gibson. Here. Holesauer. Here. Jane. Here. Kelly. Here. McBroom. Here. Syed. White. Here. Wilson. Here. Please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I point allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And choose republic for which it's one nation under liberty and justice across. First on our agenda tonight are awards and recognition. We have three proclamations this evening, and Mayor Pro Tem, Councilman Kelly will be presenting two of them. I'll be presenting the third. Good evening, everyone. Could anyone who is here for the Autism Awareness Month proclamation come up? Whereas autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common developmental disorders characterized by challenges in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. And whereas there is no cure for autism, and in twenty twenty-two, the CDC reported that one in thirty one children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Whereas early diagnosis and intensive treatment have should been shown to provide significant improvements in communication, independent functioning, and inclusion within the family and community. And whereas it is important to recognize agencies that are dedicated to improving education, communication, life skills, and job opportunities, including Naperville School District 203, Indian Prairie School District 204, Little Friends, Ray Graham Association Association, Turning Point Foundation, Giant Steps, Western DuPage Special Recreation, Lyndon Oakes Behavioral Health, Naperville Park District, Community Access Naperville, Riverwalk Adult Recreational Services, and others. And whereas the City of Naperville is honored to work with these organizations to raise public awareness of World Autism Awareness Month throughout April. Now, therefore, I Scott A. Worley, mayor of the City of Naperville, to hereby proclaim April twenty twenty-six as World Autism Awareness Month in the City of Naperville. And we have a many number of organizations. We've got proclamations for all of you. And if anyone would like to say a few words. Thank you so much. My name is Jory Meyers, Superintendent of Recreation with the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. And on behalf of all of us, I just want to take a moment to thank the council, the mayor, and the community as well for your continued commitment to creating spaces in the city of Naperville for participants with autism and special needs to thrive in the city of Naperville. Together, we can continue creating these spaces so everyone feels welcome, whether it's through recreation, employment, education, or community in general. So thank you again for this opportunity. Thank you very much. This is a proclamation recognizing robotics team 2360 C clockwork. Whereas team 2360 C clockwork comprised of five sophomores from Equivalley High School, Hardek Jane, Maheed Tanden, Akihoba. Let me try Akshobia Rao. Abir Gualoro and Andrew Chen have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and teamwork in the field of competitive rob robotics. And whereas through their commitment to excellence, these students competed at the 2026 Illinois Vex Robotics State Championship against 48 qualified teams, achieving a seven-three record in head-to-head competition and finishing as tournament runner-ups. And whereas this outstanding achievement earned them a direct qualification to the Vex Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri from April 21 to April 24th, 2026, where they will compete against more than 700 teams from over 60 countries in the largest robotics competition in the world. And where these students have devoted countless hours to designing, building and programming their competition robot while maintaining their academic responsibilities. And Team 2360C Clockwork serves as an inspiration to their peers and a source of community pride as further affirmed by the Indian Prairie School District 204 Board of Education's formal salute on April 6, 2026.
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