Naperville City Council Meeting – May 19, 2026

The Naperville City Council convened on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting addressed numerous agenda items, including a special study for the I-88 Corridor, the approval of a lead water service replacement program, routine consent agenda items, and a major discussion on the proposed “Naperville Due Process and Municipal Property Ordinance.” The meeting also included awards and recognitions, public forum, a presentation on the Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Grant Fund, and several votes on expenditures and policy changes.

Consent Calendar

• Approved cash disbursements for April 1–30, 2026, totaling $45,554,928.77.
• Approved the May 5, 2026, regular City Council meeting minutes.
• Approved the City Council meeting schedule for June, July, and August 2026.
• Received the year-to-date Investment and Cash Balance Report through March 31, 2026.
• Received the year-to-date budget report through April 30, 2026.
• Accepted public improvements at Naperville Polo Club Phase 1 and authorized reduction of the corresponding public improvement surety.
• Approved award of Cooperative Procurement 26-120, Bucket Truck Replacement (Unit 516), to Altec Industries, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $226,850.
• Approved award of Bid 26-067, Pipefitting, Plumbing and Mechanical Services, to Dahme Mechanical Industries, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $567,980 for a one-year term.
• Approved Change Order #2 to Contract 24-230, West Waterworks and PAS 15E Improvements, to Dahme Mechanical Industries, Inc. for an additional 91 days.
• Approved Change Order #2 to Contract 23-296, Office Supplies, Operating Supplies and Small Equipment, to Amazon for an amount not to exceed $200,000 (total award $409,999).
• Approved Change Order #5 to Contract 14-098, Harris Radio System Maintenance Agreement, to L3 Harris Corporation for an amount not to exceed $53,526 (total award $6,170,077.22) plus additional as-needed costs, for an additional one-month term.
• Passed Ordinance 26-046 approving an amendment to the 2025 Annual Budget of $3,074,800 (required six positive votes; passed 8-0).
• Passed Ordinance 26-047 approving variances for a private gym and lacrosse training facility at 655 N. Washington Street (Jax Lax).
• Passed Ordinance 26-048 waiving first reading and amending Section 1-8B-4 of the Municipal Code regarding ambulance and emergency response services billing.
• Passed Ordinance 26-049 waiving first reading and establishing two-way stop control at Big Foot Ln/Belaire Ct and Zaininger Ave (required six positive votes; passed 8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Forum Speakers:
  • Derek Adam Hoover (Naperville) provided an update on proposed amendments to the E-Bike ordinance, requesting council assistance in presenting his ideas to state leaders.
  • Whitney Glowacki (Naperville) expressed disappointment with the Naperville Park District’s proposed renovations at Springhill Park, citing a lack of communication and environmental concerns (e.g., plastic erosion control blankets).
  • Bill Simon (Naperville Preservation Inc.) discussed the publication of “Progress Through Preservation” in honor of National Historic Preservation Month.
  • Ted Bourlard (Naperville – NEST) highlighted the recent compost event on May 9, 2026, and promoted upcoming sustainability events, including a monthly meeting on June 15 and a Styrofoam recycling event on July 18.
  • Marilyn Schweitzer (Naperville) raised concerns about utility work within private easements, urging property owners to independently verify engineering plans.
  • Laura Leon (Naperville) expressed support for the proposed due process ordinance, providing legal arguments regarding municipal authority.
• Written Comments:
  • Steven Cushman (Naperville) opposed the Build Act HB 5626, stating it “will completely change the character of municipalities in Illinois” and criticized the 2026 Community Survey for not allowing resident comments.
  • John Doyle (Naperville) supported affordability studies for the special planning project.
  • Richard Gannon (Naperville – SECA Commissioner, personal view) expressed concerns about the change-of-scope process in SECA, arguing it could undermine the value proposition of original grant proposals.

Discussion Items

• Bauer Road Duplexes: The public hearing was opened and continued to the June 16, 2026 Council meeting without public testimony.
• North Central College Riverwalk Park – Bid Award: The Council awarded Bid 26-015 to Baumgartner Construction, Inc. for $2,049,192.32 plus a 3% contingency for a new park at 430 S. Washington St. Mayor Wehrli recused himself. Discussion focused on cost-sharing: the city will fund the park (including sign foundation and electric), while North Central College will pay for the sign’s decorative/historical elements.
• Lead Water Service Replacement Program: The Council approved Bid 25-253 to Trine Construction Corporation for $3,393,800 plus a 3% contingency (vote 8-0).
• Fire Department Medical Billing Representatives: The Council authorized hiring two full-time Medical Billing Representatives to handle EMS billing in-house, expected to save the city approximately $300,000 annually by eliminating third-party commissions. Vote: 8-0.
• SECA Grant Fund Presentation and Policy Modifications: The Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Commission presented a comprehensive review and sought council direction on four key topics:
  1. Memorial Day Parade as a City Obligation: Council unanimously (9-0) directed staff to explore formalizing the parade as a city obligation, waiving future SECA applications.
  2. Change of Scope Process: Council concurred with the current process and requested the SECA Commission further define major vs. minor changes, with a notification mechanism (manager’s memo or Friday confidential) and a council review period if any member takes exception.
  3. Path to Self-Sufficiency: Council discussed concerns about a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they directed SECA to add a question to the grant application requiring applicants to describe efforts to secure private donations and sponsorships. They also suggested identifying events with charitable reinvestment components for additional consideration.
  4. Standardized Parade Operations and Anti-Vehicle Barriers: Council directed staff to engage parade organizers on a standardized route and to pursue cost analysis for anti-vehicle barriers, with a timeline for the CY28 budget process. The consensus was to proceed with option 2 (purchase barriers) and continue discussions on route standardization (a “2.5” hybrid).
• Special Study for 2026 – I-88 Corridor: After debate, the Council voted 8-1 to direct staff to focus on a zoning and land-use study of the I-88 Corridor. Councilman Syed voted nay, supporting the 5th Avenue study instead. The discussion emphasized the need to align with existing NDP efforts and the impact of the upcoming People Over Parking Act on the 5th Avenue project.
• Naperville Due Process and Municipal Property Ordinance: The Council received the staff report and heard extensive public testimony (13 speakers, all in support, plus seven written position statements of support). After debate, a motion to direct staff to prepare an ordinance for first reading on June 2, 2026, passed 6-3. Voting aye: Gibson, Holzhauer, Jain, Kelly, Syed, White. Voting nay: Wehrli, McBroom, Wilson. The ordinance aims to restrict use of municipal property for civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant, while including clauses to align with state and federal law.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (8-0).
• North Central College Riverwalk Park: Bid awarded 7-0 (Mayor recused).
• Lead Water Service Replacement Program: Bid awarded 8-0.
• Fire Department Billing Representatives: Authorized 8-0.
• SECA Policy Directions:
  • Memorial Day Parade: Directed staff to explore city obligation (9-0).
  • Change of Scope: Concurred with process; commission to define major/minor changes.
  • Self-Sufficiency: Commission to add grant application question on private fundraising efforts; charitable reinvestment to be noted.
  • Parade Safety: Staff to discuss standardized routes and bring cost estimates for anti-vehicle barriers.
• 2026 Special Study: Directed staff to focus on I-88 Corridor (8-1).
• Due Process Ordinance: Directed staff to prepare ordinance for first reading at June 2, 2026, meeting (6-3).
• Council Forum Topics: Discussed E-bike law (ongoing state advocacy), Park District communication issues, Naperville Settlement connectivity, and a potential remote airport check-in pilot along I-88.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.