A few more snow reminders from our friends at saltsmart.org.
As we work together to keep Batavia safe and accessible this winter, we appreciate your help keeping an eye out for a few common snow-related issues. If you notice any potential violations, please report them to the City of Batavia Community Development Department at 630-454-2700 or visit https://www.bataviail.gov/o/ed/page/code-compliance to email staff.
Things to watch for include:
• Snow placed in handicapped parking stalls, on sidewalks, or on ramps
• Snow piled around fire hydrants
• Snow pushed onto City rights-of-way, sidewalks, or alleys
• Snow piled too high at intersections, blocking visibility for drivers
Your cooperation helps keep our community safe for everyone—thank you, Batavia!
Things to watch for include:
• Snow placed in handicapped parking stalls, on sidewalks, or on ramps
• Snow piled around fire hydrants
• Snow pushed onto City rights-of-way, sidewalks, or alleys
• Snow piled too high at intersections, blocking visibility for drivers
Your cooperation helps keep our community safe for everyone—thank you, Batavia!
🚨 Heads Up, Batavia! AI-Generated Scams Are on the Rise
Scammers are now using artificial intelligence to create extremely convincing messages, emails, and even voice calls that sound like someone you know. These scams can mimic:
• Family members asking for urgent help
• Banks or delivery services requesting account info
• Employers or coworkers “needing” quick assistance
• Police, government agencies, or utility companies demanding payment
AI makes these scams look and sound shockingly real, so even cautious people can be caught off-guard.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
🔍 Pause before responding. If something feels rushed or unusual, take a moment to verify.
📞 Call the person or business directly using a trusted number—not the one that contacted you.
💬 Be skeptical of urgent requests, especially for money, gift cards, wire transfers, or personal information.
🔗 Avoid clicking unexpected links or attachments. They may lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
🔒 Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts whenever possible.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, or if something doesn’t feel quite right, reach out to the Batavia Police Department. We’re here to help keep you safe.
Stay alert, Batavia—and share this to help protect your friends and family!
Scammers are now using artificial intelligence to create extremely convincing messages, emails, and even voice calls that sound like someone you know. These scams can mimic:
• Family members asking for urgent help
• Banks or delivery services requesting account info
• Employers or coworkers “needing” quick assistance
• Police, government agencies, or utility companies demanding payment
AI makes these scams look and sound shockingly real, so even cautious people can be caught off-guard.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
🔍 Pause before responding. If something feels rushed or unusual, take a moment to verify.
📞 Call the person or business directly using a trusted number—not the one that contacted you.
💬 Be skeptical of urgent requests, especially for money, gift cards, wire transfers, or personal information.
🔗 Avoid clicking unexpected links or attachments. They may lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
🔒 Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts whenever possible.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, or if something doesn’t feel quite right, reach out to the Batavia Police Department. We’re here to help keep you safe.
Stay alert, Batavia—and share this to help protect your friends and family!
🍁❄️ If we could control the weather, we'd schedule 55° and sunny until every last leaf was collected… but Mother Nature had other plans.
The third leaf pickup — Nov. 17 on the east side of the River and Nov. 24 on the west side — is always weather dependent. This fall, leaves hung on longer than usual due to the warm temperatures, and then winter arrived practically overnight. Crews did complete the Nov. 17 pickup on the east side, but the sudden snow and freezing temps halted progress on the west side. Some of the same equipment used for leaf collection is also required for snow operations, which forced an early transition to winter work.
To help manage the late-falling leaves, residents can take advantage of free bagged leaf pickup throughout the month of December — no stickers required.
We appreciate your patience as we navigate whatever mood the Illinois weather decides to be in next. 🌦️
The third leaf pickup — Nov. 17 on the east side of the River and Nov. 24 on the west side — is always weather dependent. This fall, leaves hung on longer than usual due to the warm temperatures, and then winter arrived practically overnight. Crews did complete the Nov. 17 pickup on the east side, but the sudden snow and freezing temps halted progress on the west side. Some of the same equipment used for leaf collection is also required for snow operations, which forced an early transition to winter work.
To help manage the late-falling leaves, residents can take advantage of free bagged leaf pickup throughout the month of December — no stickers required.
We appreciate your patience as we navigate whatever mood the Illinois weather decides to be in next. 🌦️
🚨 Final Brush Collection of the Year 🚨
Brush collection, delayed due to snow, will begin this Wednesday, December 3.
If your brush pile is currently covered by snow, please clear as much snow as possible so crews can easily see and collect it. 🌲❄️
Piles that remain hidden under snow will be picked up in April when brush collection resumes.
For full program details and guidelines, visit bataviail.gov/brushcollection.
Brush collection, delayed due to snow, will begin this Wednesday, December 3.
If your brush pile is currently covered by snow, please clear as much snow as possible so crews can easily see and collect it. 🌲❄️
Piles that remain hidden under snow will be picked up in April when brush collection resumes.
For full program details and guidelines, visit bataviail.gov/brushcollection.
❄️ Winter is here — and Public Works is ready.
During a snowstorm, crews focus first on primary streets to keep major routes safe and passable. We try our best to get through every street once during the storm, but when snowfall is heavy, that’s not always possible. Once primary streets are cleared to bare pavement, crews then move to secondary streets and continue working until the full network is plowed.
The Batavia Street Division maintains 117 miles of streets, 168 cul-de-sacs, 14 public parking lots, two cemeteries, and select downtown sidewalks throughout the snow season. Crews respond day or night based on storm conditions to keep the community safe.
A few quick reminders to help snow removal go smoothly:
🚫 Parking is not allowed on streets when snowfall is 2 inches or more
🚫 Do not shovel or blow snow into the street
🚶♂️ Keep sidewalks, driveways, and mailboxes clear when possible
🗑️ Place refuse and recycling carts off the road on collection days
⚠️ Never attempt to pass an active snowplow
ℹ️ For full details on snow operations, street-clearing priorities, mailbox policies, parkway repairs, safety tips, and more, visit bataviail.gov/snowremoval
Thank you for helping keep our community safe this winter. ❄️🚛
During a snowstorm, crews focus first on primary streets to keep major routes safe and passable. We try our best to get through every street once during the storm, but when snowfall is heavy, that’s not always possible. Once primary streets are cleared to bare pavement, crews then move to secondary streets and continue working until the full network is plowed.
The Batavia Street Division maintains 117 miles of streets, 168 cul-de-sacs, 14 public parking lots, two cemeteries, and select downtown sidewalks throughout the snow season. Crews respond day or night based on storm conditions to keep the community safe.
A few quick reminders to help snow removal go smoothly:
🚫 Parking is not allowed on streets when snowfall is 2 inches or more
🚫 Do not shovel or blow snow into the street
🚶♂️ Keep sidewalks, driveways, and mailboxes clear when possible
🗑️ Place refuse and recycling carts off the road on collection days
⚠️ Never attempt to pass an active snowplow
ℹ️ For full details on snow operations, street-clearing priorities, mailbox policies, parkway repairs, safety tips, and more, visit bataviail.gov/snowremoval
Thank you for helping keep our community safe this winter. ❄️🚛
Fox & Turkey Run Traffic Alert – Thanksgiving Morning 🦃
The 2025 Fox & Turkey Run takes place Thursday, Nov. 27. Expect increased pedestrian activity and traffic delays on Batavia’s northwest side 6:30–10:00 a.m.
🚧 Road impacts:
Full closure: Houston St between N. Island Ave & Route 31
Temporary interruptions at:
Route 31 @ Houston St
McKee St @ N. Van Nortwick Ave
North Ave @ N. Van Nortwick Ave
North Ave @ Blackhawk Dr
Race begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Batavia Riverwalk and includes a kids 1-mile run and 4-mile family run. This is an open road event — runners will share streets with vehicles. Please drive slowly and follow direction from safety personnel and volunteers.
📍 Full race route: https://thedriven.net/event-registration/site.event_reg/eid/73123236789?
Please plan extra travel time Thanksgiving morning.
Questions? Contact Deputy Chief Mike Johnson — (630) 454-2500.
A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 to discuss the proposed City of Batavia Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Tax Levy. The Batavia City Council will vote on the budget and levy after the hearing close.
The proposed budget outlines a financial plan to maintain high-quality police, fire, and municipal services, address rising costs, and support long-term community needs. Based on the 2024–2028 Strategic Action Plan, the proposal focuses on balancing fiscal responsibility with investments in public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life.
To maintain service levels as costs rise, the budget includes increases to the property tax rate and utility rates. Key staffing additions include two police officers and two firefighters to strengthen public safety and support the Fire Department’s transition to an Advanced Life Support Squad model, which responds to most emergency calls.
The budget also proposes setting aside funds for a future Police Department facility, supported in part by a 0.5% increase to the local home-rule sales tax to reduce future borrowing.
Proposed 2026 rate adjustments include:
• Property tax increase of 10 cents per $100 of EAV, with another 10-cent increase planned in 2027
• Electric rate increase of 3%, the first since 2015
• Water rate increase of 3% plus a small capital fee
• Sewer rate increase of 8% to support treatment plant upgrades
Residents are encouraged to attend the Nov. 18 public hearing at City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave. View the proposed budget at bataviail.gov/budget.
The proposed budget outlines a financial plan to maintain high-quality police, fire, and municipal services, address rising costs, and support long-term community needs. Based on the 2024–2028 Strategic Action Plan, the proposal focuses on balancing fiscal responsibility with investments in public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life.
To maintain service levels as costs rise, the budget includes increases to the property tax rate and utility rates. Key staffing additions include two police officers and two firefighters to strengthen public safety and support the Fire Department’s transition to an Advanced Life Support Squad model, which responds to most emergency calls.
The budget also proposes setting aside funds for a future Police Department facility, supported in part by a 0.5% increase to the local home-rule sales tax to reduce future borrowing.
Proposed 2026 rate adjustments include:
• Property tax increase of 10 cents per $100 of EAV, with another 10-cent increase planned in 2027
• Electric rate increase of 3%, the first since 2015
• Water rate increase of 3% plus a small capital fee
• Sewer rate increase of 8% to support treatment plant upgrades
Residents are encouraged to attend the Nov. 18 public hearing at City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave. View the proposed budget at bataviail.gov/budget.
The City of Batavia is beginning the final review process to adopt the South River Street Corridor Plan as an official plan for the City. This plan outlines recommendations for future use and development of the South River Street area, including streetscape enhancements and other corridor improvements.
Residents and stakeholders are invited to learn more and share feedback at the upcoming South River Street Corridor Plan Open House:
📅 Wednesday, November 19, 2025
🕓 4:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Batavia City Hall, City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
Following the Open House, the Plan Commission will hold a Public Hearing to gather formal public input on the Draft South River Street Corridor Plan:
🕖 7:00 p.m.
📍 Batavia City Hall, City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
For more information and to view the Draft Plan, visit bataviail.gov/southriver.
Residents and stakeholders are invited to learn more and share feedback at the upcoming South River Street Corridor Plan Open House:
📅 Wednesday, November 19, 2025
🕓 4:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Batavia City Hall, City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
Following the Open House, the Plan Commission will hold a Public Hearing to gather formal public input on the Draft South River Street Corridor Plan:
🕖 7:00 p.m.
📍 Batavia City Hall, City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
For more information and to view the Draft Plan, visit bataviail.gov/southriver.
🎀 Ribbon Cutting & Open House: Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry & Clothes Closet 🎀
The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry & Clothes Closet is celebrating the opening of its new, permanent home at 916 First Street with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on Friday, Nov. 21, from 3–7 p.m. — and everyone is invited!
📍 Ribbon Cutting: 3 p.m. with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood
🏠 New Location: 916 First Street, Batavia
🅿️ Parking: Limited on-site; additional parking available on the 900 block of W. Wilson St.
This new 14,000-square-foot facility—made possible through a $3 million Community Project Funding Grant—offers expanded shopping, storage, and office space to better serve local families.
Guests are encouraged to help “pack the pantry” for the holidays by bringing shelf-stable food donations or gently used Batavia spirit wear.
Learn more about how you can donate or volunteer at bataviafoodpantry.org
The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry & Clothes Closet is celebrating the opening of its new, permanent home at 916 First Street with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on Friday, Nov. 21, from 3–7 p.m. — and everyone is invited!
📍 Ribbon Cutting: 3 p.m. with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood
🏠 New Location: 916 First Street, Batavia
🅿️ Parking: Limited on-site; additional parking available on the 900 block of W. Wilson St.
This new 14,000-square-foot facility—made possible through a $3 million Community Project Funding Grant—offers expanded shopping, storage, and office space to better serve local families.
Guests are encouraged to help “pack the pantry” for the holidays by bringing shelf-stable food donations or gently used Batavia spirit wear.
Learn more about how you can donate or volunteer at bataviafoodpantry.org
Two special City Council meetings will take place Monday, Nov. 10 at City Hall.
• 7 p.m. — Special Committee of the Whole
Agenda includes resolutions authorizing emergency well repairs.
• Immediately Following — Special City Council Meeting
Agenda includes potential action on an ordinance regarding civil immigration enforcement on city property, and ordinances related to 2026 water, sanitary sewer, and electric rates.
Both meetings take place in City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave., and are open to the public.
For complete agendas, visit bataviail.gov/agendacenter.
• 7 p.m. — Special Committee of the Whole
Agenda includes resolutions authorizing emergency well repairs.
• Immediately Following — Special City Council Meeting
Agenda includes potential action on an ordinance regarding civil immigration enforcement on city property, and ordinances related to 2026 water, sanitary sewer, and electric rates.
Both meetings take place in City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave., and are open to the public.
For complete agendas, visit bataviail.gov/agendacenter.
🍂 Leaf Collection Underway
Batavia’s leaf collection second round has begun:
📍 Schedule
• East side: Begins Monday, Nov. 3
• West side: Begins Monday, Nov. 10
• Weather permitting, a third pickup will occur Nov. 17 (east side) and Nov. 24 (west side)
🧹 How to Prepare
• Rake leaves to the parkway by 6 a.m. on your scheduled Monday
• Keep piles within 6 feet of the curb
• Arrange leaves in a long row for efficient pickup
🚫 What Not to Do
• Do not rake leaves into the street (blocks storm drains)
• Do not mix leaves with brush
🌧️ Collection occurs rain or shine
🔗 Track progress: bataviail.gov/leafcollection
📞 Questions? Call 630-454-2400
Batavia’s leaf collection second round has begun:
📍 Schedule
• East side: Begins Monday, Nov. 3
• West side: Begins Monday, Nov. 10
• Weather permitting, a third pickup will occur Nov. 17 (east side) and Nov. 24 (west side)
🧹 How to Prepare
• Rake leaves to the parkway by 6 a.m. on your scheduled Monday
• Keep piles within 6 feet of the curb
• Arrange leaves in a long row for efficient pickup
🚫 What Not to Do
• Do not rake leaves into the street (blocks storm drains)
• Do not mix leaves with brush
🌧️ Collection occurs rain or shine
🔗 Track progress: bataviail.gov/leafcollection
📞 Questions? Call 630-454-2400
City crews will be patching asphalt patching on the 400 to 500 blocks of south Batavia Avenue the week of October 27. Lane shifts and delays are expected. Please use caution while traveling through the area. Thank you for your patience.
The Batavia City Council meets at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20.
Agenda items include:
• A proclamation recognizing the life-saving efforts of a Batavia firefighter and a paramedic
• Recognition of the 20th anniversary of DS Containers
• A wastewater treatment plant project update
• Approvals for two annexation agreements
…and more.
Following the regular meeting, a special City Council Committee of the Whole meeting will be held to discuss the Brattle Group Draft Integrated Resource Plan.
📍 City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
📄 View both complete agendas: bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter
Agenda items include:
• A proclamation recognizing the life-saving efforts of a Batavia firefighter and a paramedic
• Recognition of the 20th anniversary of DS Containers
• A wastewater treatment plant project update
• Approvals for two annexation agreements
…and more.
Following the regular meeting, a special City Council Committee of the Whole meeting will be held to discuss the Brattle Group Draft Integrated Resource Plan.
📍 City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
📄 View both complete agendas: bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter
🌿 Join the Batavia Environmental Commission!
Are you passionate about protecting Batavia’s natural environment? The Batavia Environmental Commission is seeking new members.
The commission advises the Batavia City Council on environmental policy and works with the community to develop educational programs, events, and resources that promote sustainability and environmental awareness.
🕖 Meetings: 7 p.m., second Wednesday of each month
🏛️ Members: Seven Batavia residents appointed by Mayor Jeffery Schielke
Learn more about the commission ➡️ bataviail.gov/BEC
Apply online ➡️ bataviail.gov/forms/application-for-city-of-batavia-council-board-commission-members
Help shape a greener future for Batavia! 💚
📅 The Batavia City Council meets at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 6 at City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
Agenda highlights include:
✔️ Oath of Office for Bob White, 7th Ward Alderperson
✔️ Presentation from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
✔️ Quarterly report from the Batavia Environmental Commission
✔️ Additional items of city business
The meeting is open to the public. For the full agenda, visit 👉 bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter
Agenda highlights include:
✔️ Oath of Office for Bob White, 7th Ward Alderperson
✔️ Presentation from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
✔️ Quarterly report from the Batavia Environmental Commission
✔️ Additional items of city business
The meeting is open to the public. For the full agenda, visit 👉 bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter
⚡ Now Open: EV Fast Chargers at Batavia High School ⚡
The City of Batavia and Batavia Public Schools District 101 have installed four new Level 3 DC fast chargers at Batavia High School. These are the first public Level 3 chargers in Batavia and are available 24/7.
🔌 Charger Details
• 4 CCS1 ports
• Up to 240 kW (30–45 minutes for a full charge)
• $0.50 per kWh (pay by app or card)
• Idle fee applies after 30 minutes of inactivity
This project was made possible through a partnership between the City and District 101, with Batavia Electric Utility leading installation and maintenance. A second set of fast chargers is planned for the Batavia Public Library.
👉 Learn more about the City’s EV programs, including home charger rebates: bataviail.gov/electric
The City of Batavia and Batavia Public Schools District 101 have installed four new Level 3 DC fast chargers at Batavia High School. These are the first public Level 3 chargers in Batavia and are available 24/7.
🔌 Charger Details
• 4 CCS1 ports
• Up to 240 kW (30–45 minutes for a full charge)
• $0.50 per kWh (pay by app or card)
• Idle fee applies after 30 minutes of inactivity
This project was made possible through a partnership between the City and District 101, with Batavia Electric Utility leading installation and maintenance. A second set of fast chargers is planned for the Batavia Public Library.
👉 Learn more about the City’s EV programs, including home charger rebates: bataviail.gov/electric
🚧 Construction & Infrastructure Updates – Sept. 30 🚧
Several projects are underway across Batavia:
• Towne Ave. & Bernadette Ln. – Asphalt patching through Oct. 3. Moderate noise and construction activity.
• S. Batavia Ave. near Bernadette Ln. – Restoration work begins this week. Expect periodic lane shifts and traffic disruptions.
• 300 block of N. Jefferson St. & 500 block of Illinois Ave. – Water service replacements ongoing. Moderate noise and construction disruptions expected.
• 500 block of S. Batavia Ave. – Emergency sewer repairs ongoing. Lane shifts and traffic disruptions continue.
• Downtown Sidewalk Improvements – Crews are replacing brick pavers with concrete sidewalks:
o Along the Fox River Path from the Wilson St. Bridge south to the pedestrian bridge to Clark Island
o On the east side of Route 31/Batavia Ave. from Houston St. south to Wilson St.
o Each project is expected to take about five days
o Temporary closures will affect:
The City parking lot on Shumway Ave.
Both pedestrian bridges on the west side of Clark Island
Lanes along Route 31
All businesses along these routes remain open during construction.
Thank you for your patience as crews complete these important improvements. Please use caution and plan extra time when traveling through work zones.
👩💼👨💼 Today, Sept. 26, we celebrate Human Resources Professionals Day and honor the dedicated staff of the City of Batavia Human Resources Department!
The HR team supports more than 200 full- and part-time employees who keep our community running smoothly. Their work includes:
Employee recruitment, relations, and performance management
Guidance on organizational policies and compliance with federal/state regulations
Benefits administration, compensation management, and personnel records retention
Labor relations, training, and professional development
👏 Thank you to our HR professionals for your commitment to supporting City staff and helping our organization best serve the residents of Batavia!
🚧 Downtown Sidewalk Improvements Begin Sept. 29 🚧
Starting Monday, Sept. 29 (weather permitting), crews will be replacing brick pavers with new concrete sidewalks in two areas of Downtown Batavia:
1️⃣ Fox River Path – From the Wilson Street Bridge south to the pedestrian bridge to Clark Island.
• Work expected to take five days.
• Closures: City parking lot along east side of Shumway Ave. + both pedestrian bridges on west side of Clark Island.
2️⃣ East Side of Route 31/Batavia Ave. – From Houston St. south to Wilson St.
• Work expected to take five days.
• Temporary lane closures will occur along Route 31.
✅ All businesses along these routes will remain open for normal operation.
Thank you for your patience as we continue investing in safe, accessible sidewalks for our community. 💛👟
Starting Monday, Sept. 29 (weather permitting), crews will be replacing brick pavers with new concrete sidewalks in two areas of Downtown Batavia:
1️⃣ Fox River Path – From the Wilson Street Bridge south to the pedestrian bridge to Clark Island.
• Work expected to take five days.
• Closures: City parking lot along east side of Shumway Ave. + both pedestrian bridges on west side of Clark Island.
2️⃣ East Side of Route 31/Batavia Ave. – From Houston St. south to Wilson St.
• Work expected to take five days.
• Temporary lane closures will occur along Route 31.
✅ All businesses along these routes will remain open for normal operation.
Thank you for your patience as we continue investing in safe, accessible sidewalks for our community. 💛👟
