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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Naperville City Council Meeting Summary – September 1, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, September 1, 2026

BodyNaperville, Illinois

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, September 1, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:09:48

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

1:14

Good evening and welcome to the September 1st Naperville City Council meeting roll call.

1:18

Worley.

1:19

Here.

1:20

Gibson.

1:20

Here.

1:22

Here.

1:22

Jane.

1:23

Kelly.

1:24

McRoom.

1:25

Here.

1:26

Sayed.

1:26

Yep.

1:27

White.

1:28

Here.

1:28

Wilson.

1:29

Here.

1:30

Please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:43

One nation under God.

1:46

Liberty and justice for all.

1:53

As we begin tonight, I want to recognize our city clerk, Don Portner, as this will be her last meeting as an employee of the city of Naperville.

2:02

After a decade of service, she is served in various roles, and Don will be moving on to lead the downtown Naperville Alliance as its next executive director.

2:12

I want to thank you, Don, for your continued dedication to Naperville, and we look forward to working you with you.

2:23

Uh representing the downtown.

2:28

Thank you.

2:36

I also want to introduce Miranda Barfus, who will be filling the role of city clerk beginning September 11th.

2:42

She'll be sworn in on that day.

2:44

Miranda joined the city in 2020.

2:46

And for the past six years, she's worked with community organizations, elected officials, commissions, residents of departments across the entire city.

2:55

We look forward to working with you, Miranda, as you take on this new role, and we know you're gonna do a great job.

3:16

Speakers are asked to present their comments in a respectful and courteous manner.

3:19

Speakers should stay on topic and be cognizant of their words.

3:22

Personal attacks on council members, staff, other speakers, or members of the audience are not allowed.

3:27

If inappropriate language or comments are expressed during this meeting, you will be asked immediately to stop commenting.

3:32

Also for audience members, there is no cheering and no jeering.

3:36

Action such as applauding, cheering, fingers snapping, booing, or any other noises during or at the conclusion of any remarks made by any speaker are not allowed.

3:43

This occurs, you will be asked to stop immediately, and if it continues to persist, it will recess the meeting until the audience abides by the rules in our city code.

3:51

No speaker should ever feel intimidated by the crowd.

3:54

Audience disruption is meant to intimidate the those speaking, and I will not allow it in the chambers.

3:58

Audience members with signs.

4:03

Speakers are given three minutes to address the city council.

4:12

It will give the visual cue when the three minutes are expiring.

4:30

Speakers are encouraged to remain in council chambers until the conclusion of public forum in the event council members want to ask follow-up questions.

4:38

Also, when your name is called, please come and have a seat in the front row.

4:45

There are six speakers signed up for a public forum.

4:48

The first speaker is Shannon Cotrell, followed by John Doyle, Bob Carlson, and Joe Huss.

5:00

Hi, good evening.

5:01

I'm coming to talk about the District 3 203 bus issue that we're having.

5:06

I know I've emailed many of you multiple times, and I appreciate some of you getting back to me.

5:12

Uh we're looking at elementary aged kids being asked to spend almost two hours, and in my kids' case, two hours and 15 minutes on a bus in the morning to get from the middle of Naperville to Bethany, Lutheran school.

5:30

Uh emailed the district a couple of times with questions such as who's keeping these kids safe?

5:36

How are children who are 10, maybe 11 at most, expected to sit on a bus for two hours without distractions, access to a bathroom, being able to say what they need to say and move around when they're supposed to remain calm and sitting on a bus?

5:56

Unfortunately, as I said, I've reached out to many of you because I haven't received a response from the district.

6:02

Initially to my email, I received something that was about their carbon action plan and keeping bus rides to an hour at most.

6:12

Well, none of that's happening.

6:14

And when I asked about safety on the bus, such as my son who's ADHD and autistic, he needs to be able to move.

6:22

So who is on the bus monitoring him and keeping him from distracting other riders?

6:28

Who's keeping the other riders from picking on him because he repeats himself when he tries to keep himself calm?

6:35

What is the district going to do to keep these kids safe?

6:38

And I haven't received a response.

6:40

I know that you guys don't deal so much with the district, but I'm one of many parents who just can't let their kids ride the bus in the morning.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety████████████████16%

Cannabis Regulation██████████████14%

Procedural█████████9%

Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%

Technology and Innovation████████8%

Liquor Licensing███████7%

Water And Wastewater Management█████5%

Energy Planning████4%

Community Engagement████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Naperville City Council Meeting Summary – September 1, 2026

The Naperville City Council met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Scott Wehrli called the meeting to order, and after roll call (8 present, Councilman Kelly absent), the council conducted a full agenda including public forum, consent agenda items, public hearings on a major development, and several expenditure approvals. The meeting adjourned at 10:14 PM.

Consent Calendar

Meeting Minutes (August 18, 2026): Approved 7–1 (Councilman McBroom opposed) after discussion on the accuracy of parking fund language in the minutes.
Council Meeting Schedule (Sept–Nov 2026): Approved unanimously.
Fire Station 4 Garage Floor Restoration (Garland/DBS Inc., $119,824): Approved unanimously.
Debtbook Financial Software (Fifth Asset Inc., $137,326.03, two-year term): Approved unanimously.
Tyler PACE and Tyler Assist Basic (Tyler Technologies, $100,851.07, one-year term): Approved unanimously.
Change Order #2 – Central Elevated Water Tank Relocation Engineering (Baxter & Woodman, $8,505, total $300,647, additional two years): Approved unanimously.
Change Order #1 – PayByPhone Mobile Application (PaybyPhone Technologies, $51,000, six-month term): Approved unanimously.
Change Order #1 – Architectural & Engineering Services (Kluber Inc., $52,800, total $1,332,800): Approved unanimously.
Temporary Traffic Controls – Naperville Central High School Marching Band Competition (October 10, 2026): Ordinance 26-085, approved unanimously.
Closed Session Minutes Resolution (RES. 26-25): Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

Bus Routes (District 203): Shannon Cottrell raised concerns about elementary students spending up to 2 hours 15 minutes on school buses, safety for special needs children, and lack of response from the district. Council expressed support and noted the city’s autism-friendly goals.
Electric Utility Rates: John Doyle questioned discrepancies between rate studies and actual financials, arguing that Naperville’s lower rates come from operational choices, not the IMEA deal. He opposed a $4 million transformer purchase until clearer financial reporting.
Climate Change: Bob Carlson criticized climate alarmism, citing historical false predictions and urging a balanced approach.
Energy Strategy: Joe Huss (Naperville NEST) recommended hiring an expert to guide the city’s energy procurement decision, emphasizing criteria for flexibility and sustainability.
Naperville Ridge Development: Scott Li (neighbor) opposed the development, citing unidentified wetlands and stated that an online petition had grown from 2,700 to over 3,100 signatures.
Storm Sewer Recapture (623 Willow Road): Richard Phillips and Patricia Pfister opposed the recapture agreement, arguing that neighbors should not pay for problems caused by a new home’s construction. The council denied the ordinance 1–7.
Kratom Ban: Seven speakers testified, plus 17 written comments. Most speakers opposed a total ban, advocating regulated access for natural leaf kratom while banning synthetic compounds. One speaker (Todd McCartney, submitted in writing) shared a personal tragedy of his son’s death allegedly linked to kratom. Council ultimately voted 8–0 to prohibit retail sale, with the mayor citing a local death and four overdoses this year.
Happy Hour Ordinance: Speakers generally supported allowing happy hour with a 7:00 PM cutoff. John Doyle opposed the arbitrary 7:00 PM deadline; Neil Malone (Chamber of Commerce) and others highlighted benefits for local businesses. Council passed 8–0 with amendments retaining restrictions on multiple drinks at once (except wine) and a 50% discount cap.
NorthGate of Naperville Development: Attorney Vince Rosanova presented the 171-townhome project (starting at $575,000), targeting seniors and active adults. John Doyle opposed, urging instead a focus on affordable housing. Council approved all five related items (J1–J5) with unanimous 8–0 votes.
Citywide Camera Access (SDI Presence, $8.29M+): John Doyle questioned necessity and transparency, asking to table until a third-party report was shared. Police Chief Arres presented the project, emphasizing aging equipment (442 existing cameras, 404 access readers), safety benefits, and governance policies. Several written comments raised privacy and cost concerns. The motion failed 2–6.

Discussion Items

Parking Fund Precedent: Council debated whether the August 18 vote on elevator maintenance funding from the parking fund set a broader precedent. City Manager Krieger stated it was specific to that item.
Kratom Ban Debate: Council considered the difficulty of distinguishing natural vs. synthetic kratom in enforcement. Police Chief Arres confirmed labs cannot test for ordinance violations, but DEA scheduling of synthetic compounds may facilitate future enforcement. Councilwoman Jain expressed concern for youth safety; Councilman McBroom noted the lack of local businesses speaking in opposition. The ordinance passed 8–0.
Happy Hour Restrictions: Council added back three provisions from the existing liquor code (no two drinks at once, max 50% discount, required price posting) after they were omitted in the Liquor Commission motion. The 7:00 PM cutoff was retained.
NorthGate Development: Questions centered on the target market (seniors/active adults), pricing ($575,000 starting), and the candace Parker street naming. Council approved the street name exception as part of the plat.
Camera System Scope: Council debated the $8.3 million cost vs. hiring additional officers. Chief Arres provided examples of camera use in solving crimes. Councilwoman Gibson requested more detail on policies and location justification before approving. The motion failed 2–6.

Key Outcomes

Storm Sewer Recapture Agreement (I9): Rejected 1–7.
Kratom Retail Sale Ban (I11): Ordinance 26-086, passed 8–0. Prohibits retail sale, not possession or consumption.
Happy Hour Ordinance (I12): Ordinance 26-087, passed 8–0. Allows happy hour specials until 7:00 PM, with retained state-level restrictions.
NorthGate of Naperville (J1–J5): All five ordinances passed 8–0:
- J2: Fifth amendment to annexation agreement (release age restriction on Lot 1B).
- J3: Major change to Monarch Landing PUD and conditional use.
- J4: Preliminary plat of subdivision, including naming a street Candace Parker Drive.
- J5: Temporary marketing sign permit.
Power Transformer (M1): Awarded to WEG Transformer USA LLC, $4,096,400 plus 3% contingency, passed 8–0.
Citywide Camera Access (M2): Award to SDI Presence LLC for $8,293,111 plus 3% contingency; motion failed 2–6. Staff may bring back future options.
Energy Workshop: Staff is developing an agenda; materials will be sent to council in advance. No external consultant hired yet.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the September 1st Naperville City Council meeting roll call. Worley. Here. Gibson. Here. Here. Jane. Kelly. McRoom. Here. Sayed. Yep. White. Here. Wilson. Here. Please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. One nation under God. Liberty and justice for all. As we begin tonight, I want to recognize our city clerk, Don Portner, as this will be her last meeting as an employee of the city of Naperville. After a decade of service, she is served in various roles, and Don will be moving on to lead the downtown Naperville Alliance as its next executive director. I want to thank you, Don, for your continued dedication to Naperville, and we look forward to working you with you. Uh representing the downtown. Thank you. I also want to introduce Miranda Barfus, who will be filling the role of city clerk beginning September 11th. She'll be sworn in on that day. Miranda joined the city in 2020. And for the past six years, she's worked with community organizations, elected officials, commissions, residents of departments across the entire city. We look forward to working with you, Miranda, as you take on this new role, and we know you're gonna do a great job. Speakers are asked to present their comments in a respectful and courteous manner. Speakers should stay on topic and be cognizant of their words. Personal attacks on council members, staff, other speakers, or members of the audience are not allowed. If inappropriate language or comments are expressed during this meeting, you will be asked immediately to stop commenting. Also for audience members, there is no cheering and no jeering. Action such as applauding, cheering, fingers snapping, booing, or any other noises during or at the conclusion of any remarks made by any speaker are not allowed. This occurs, you will be asked to stop immediately, and if it continues to persist, it will recess the meeting until the audience abides by the rules in our city code. No speaker should ever feel intimidated by the crowd. Audience disruption is meant to intimidate the those speaking, and I will not allow it in the chambers. Audience members with signs. Speakers are given three minutes to address the city council. It will give the visual cue when the three minutes are expiring. Speakers are encouraged to remain in council chambers until the conclusion of public forum in the event council members want to ask follow-up questions. Also, when your name is called, please come and have a seat in the front row. There are six speakers signed up for a public forum. The first speaker is Shannon Cotrell, followed by John Doyle, Bob Carlson, and Joe Huss. Hi, good evening. I'm coming to talk about the District 3 203 bus issue that we're having. I know I've emailed many of you multiple times, and I appreciate some of you getting back to me. Uh we're looking at elementary aged kids being asked to spend almost two hours, and in my kids' case, two hours and 15 minutes on a bus in the morning to get from the middle of Naperville to Bethany, Lutheran school. Uh emailed the district a couple of times with questions such as who's keeping these kids safe?

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