Batavia’s Arbor Day tradition continues! 🌳
This year, our team planted a single-stem river birch at 209 S. River Street, right along the Fox River. It’s an excellent choice for this location—well-suited to riverfront conditions and a great addition to the park for years to come.
Pictured (left to right):
• Dave Hartnett, Street Division Superintendent
• Dave Swick, Street Division Crew Leader and Certified Arborist
• Callan Niles, Street Division/Forestry team
Thank you to our Street Division and Forestry staff for helping grow Batavia’s urban forest and keep our community green.
This year, our team planted a single-stem river birch at 209 S. River Street, right along the Fox River. It’s an excellent choice for this location—well-suited to riverfront conditions and a great addition to the park for years to come.
Pictured (left to right):
• Dave Hartnett, Street Division Superintendent
• Dave Swick, Street Division Crew Leader and Certified Arborist
• Callan Niles, Street Division/Forestry team
Thank you to our Street Division and Forestry staff for helping grow Batavia’s urban forest and keep our community green.
Batavia City Council’s Committee of the Whole meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 at City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave.
Agenda highlights include:
• Tri-City Ambulance
• Batavia Access Toy Drive
• Expansion of a vehicle telematics and operations platform
• Approval of a charter for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Task Force
The meeting is open to the public.
View the full agenda: https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingTypeList.aspx
Agenda highlights include:
• Tri-City Ambulance
• Batavia Access Toy Drive
• Expansion of a vehicle telematics and operations platform
• Approval of a charter for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Task Force
The meeting is open to the public.
View the full agenda: https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingTypeList.aspx
Batavia City Council’s Committee of the Whole meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 at City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave.
Agenda highlights include:
• Tri-City Ambulance
• Batavia Access Toy Drive
• Expansion of a vehicle telematics and operations platform
• Approval of a charter for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Task Force
The meeting is open to the public.
View the full agenda: https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingTypeList.aspx
Agenda highlights include:
• Tri-City Ambulance
• Batavia Access Toy Drive
• Expansion of a vehicle telematics and operations platform
• Approval of a charter for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Task Force
The meeting is open to the public.
View the full agenda: https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingTypeList.aspx
🌳 Celebrate Arbor Day in Batavia! 🌳
Join us as Batavia celebrates Arbor Day on Friday, April 24 with a ceremonial tree planting at 12:30 p.m. at 209 S. River Street in the riverside park. Stop by, enjoy the outdoors, and help us recognize the importance of our community’s urban forest.
This year, we’re also excited to share that Batavia was awarded a Chicago Region Trees Initiative Tool Kit Grant, helping strengthen our efforts to care for and grow our tree canopy for generations to come.
As a municipality, we’re committed to enhancing quality of life through responsible urban forest management. That work is supported by our dedicated Environmental Commission and Tree Commission, who partner with City staff and elected officials to promote sustainability and ensure new developments meet tree preservation and planting standards.
Thanks to this grant, our team received a wide range of tools—including shovels, pruners, loppers, soil probes, and more—that will support our annual tree planting efforts and ongoing maintenance programs for seasons to come.
🌱 We hope to see you Friday as we plant another tree and continue building a greener Batavia together!
In celebration of Administrative Professionals Day, we’re shining a light on the incredible work of our administrative assistants across the City of Batavia.
Did you know that our administrative assistant staff are typically our residents first point of contact with the City?
Did you know our administrative assistants do so much more than their day-to-day responsibilities? They help support and participate in a variety of commissions and meetings, including the Historic Preservation Commission, Board of Fire and Police Commission, and City Council.
Did you know no two administrative assistant roles are the same? Each team member brings specialized experience and knowledge unique to their department or division.
Today, we recognize and thank our administrative professionals for the essential role they play in keeping City operations running smoothly every day.
A big night for Batavia’s public safety team on Monday 👏
New and promoted personnel were sworn in, and outstanding service by staff and community members was recognized.
Oaths of Office:
• Probationary Police Officer Logan Parry
• Probationary Police Officer Briana Chacon
• Fire Lieutenant Christina Roberts
2025 Police Employee & Community Annual Recognition Awards:
• Joseph M. Burke Award for Professionalism – Joanne Spitz
• Civilian Employee of the Year – Rebecca Lambert
• Frederick Behner Award – Detective Austin Robinson
• Robert A. Popeck Police Officer of the Year – David Saad
• Kane County Chiefs of Police Association Officer of the Year – Detective Bryce Renninger
Congratulations to all on these well-deserved honors!
New and promoted personnel were sworn in, and outstanding service by staff and community members was recognized.
Oaths of Office:
• Probationary Police Officer Logan Parry
• Probationary Police Officer Briana Chacon
• Fire Lieutenant Christina Roberts
2025 Police Employee & Community Annual Recognition Awards:
• Joseph M. Burke Award for Professionalism – Joanne Spitz
• Civilian Employee of the Year – Rebecca Lambert
• Frederick Behner Award – Detective Austin Robinson
• Robert A. Popeck Police Officer of the Year – David Saad
• Kane County Chiefs of Police Association Officer of the Year – Detective Bryce Renninger
Congratulations to all on these well-deserved honors!
We're Hiring ! 💧
Looking for a career with purpose, stability, and impact?
The City of Batavia is hiring a Water & Sewer Utility Operator to help keep our water systems running safely and efficiently. This hands-on role is perfect for someone who enjoys outdoor work, problem-solving, and making a real difference in the community.
If you're ready to build a meaningful career, apply today or share with someone who would be a great fit!
Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g-CBWQD8
Looking for a career with purpose, stability, and impact?
The City of Batavia is hiring a Water & Sewer Utility Operator to help keep our water systems running safely and efficiently. This hands-on role is perfect for someone who enjoys outdoor work, problem-solving, and making a real difference in the community.
If you're ready to build a meaningful career, apply today or share with someone who would be a great fit!
Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g-CBWQD8
The Batavia City Council meets Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
Agenda highlights include:
• Oath of office for two probationary police officers
• Oath of office for Fire Lieutenant Christina Roberts
• Presentation of the Police Employee and Community Annual Recognition Awards
• Presentation of the 2025 Batavia Police Department Annual Report
The meeting is open to the public.
View the full agenda: https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=203
🌱 Apply Now: Batavia GREEN Program (Energy Efficiency Grants)
Applications are open through May 4 for Batavia’s GREEN (Grants for Residential Energy Efficiency in Neighborhoods) Program — helping residents reduce energy use and lower utility costs.
Grant options:
• Standard Track: 15 grants of $1,000
• Income-Qualified Track: 14 grants of $3,000 (for households below 80% of Area Median Income)
Eligibility:
• Must own and live in the home
• Account must be in good standing (no overdue bills or unresolved code violations)
• Renters: ask your landlord to apply on your behalf
What selected participants receive:
A comprehensive home energy audit by Sustained Ability Construction using the Energy Auditron platform, including:
• Recommended upgrades eligible for funding
• Projected energy savings
• Infrared thermal imaging
• Performance metrics
Audits take about four hours and are scheduled during normal business hours.
Applicants will be notified by email in mid-May. Those not initially selected may be placed on a waitlist.
👉 Apply online: https://audits.sustainedabilityconstruction.com/apply/batavia
👉 Learn more: bataviail.gov/page/green-program
Make your home more efficient — and start saving energy and money.
Applications are open through May 4 for Batavia’s GREEN (Grants for Residential Energy Efficiency in Neighborhoods) Program — helping residents reduce energy use and lower utility costs.
Grant options:
• Standard Track: 15 grants of $1,000
• Income-Qualified Track: 14 grants of $3,000 (for households below 80% of Area Median Income)
Eligibility:
• Must own and live in the home
• Account must be in good standing (no overdue bills or unresolved code violations)
• Renters: ask your landlord to apply on your behalf
What selected participants receive:
A comprehensive home energy audit by Sustained Ability Construction using the Energy Auditron platform, including:
• Recommended upgrades eligible for funding
• Projected energy savings
• Infrared thermal imaging
• Performance metrics
Audits take about four hours and are scheduled during normal business hours.
Applicants will be notified by email in mid-May. Those not initially selected may be placed on a waitlist.
👉 Apply online: https://audits.sustainedabilityconstruction.com/apply/batavia
👉 Learn more: bataviail.gov/page/green-program
Make your home more efficient — and start saving energy and money.
City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting – April 14
The Batavia City Council Committee of the Whole will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14.
Location:
City Council Chambers
100 N. Island Ave., Batavia
Agenda highlights include:
Budget amendment for Axon body-worn cameras
Agreement with the Batavia Park District for use of the Hall Quarry parking lot
Discussion of Wilson Street streetscape improvements
Discussion of forming a task force for the City’s Integrated Resource Plan
View the full agenda:
https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=251
The meeting is open to the public.
⚡ We’re Hiring: Electric Journeyman Lineman! ⚡
Electric Journeyman Linemen — thinking about your next move?
Join a team that keeps an entire community powered year-round. The City of Batavia is seeking a skilled Journeyman Lineman to become part of our Electric Operations crew. This is your opportunity to do meaningful, hands-on work while serving the community you support every day.
What we offer:
🔌 A strong, supportive crew
💼 Competitive union pay & excellent benefits
⚡ Stable, year-round municipal work
🏙️ The chance to make a real, visible impact
Requirements:
Must have a valid Electric Journeyman Lineman card to be considered.
Must live within 16 miles of Batavia corporate limits within 1 year of hire.
Valid Illinois Class A CDL.
If you're ready to bring your skills to a team that values reliability, safety, and service—this is the role for you.
👉 Apply today and power Batavia forward! https://lnkd.in/gt5wCBmq
Electric Journeyman Linemen — thinking about your next move?
Join a team that keeps an entire community powered year-round. The City of Batavia is seeking a skilled Journeyman Lineman to become part of our Electric Operations crew. This is your opportunity to do meaningful, hands-on work while serving the community you support every day.
What we offer:
🔌 A strong, supportive crew
💼 Competitive union pay & excellent benefits
⚡ Stable, year-round municipal work
🏙️ The chance to make a real, visible impact
Requirements:
Must have a valid Electric Journeyman Lineman card to be considered.
Must live within 16 miles of Batavia corporate limits within 1 year of hire.
Valid Illinois Class A CDL.
If you're ready to bring your skills to a team that values reliability, safety, and service—this is the role for you.
👉 Apply today and power Batavia forward! https://lnkd.in/gt5wCBmq
Citywide fire hydrant flushing will begin Monday, April 13, as part of the City’s annual water system maintenance program.
Hydrant flushing helps maintain water quality and ensures hydrants are operating properly for fire protection. Residents may notice temporary drops in water pressure or discolored water during flushing activities. If discoloration occurs, run cold water for a few minutes until it clears.
Signs will be posted in neighborhoods to notify residents when flushing is occurring in their area.
We appreciate your patience as crews complete this important work. Visit bataviail.gov for updates and additional information.
Hydrant flushing helps maintain water quality and ensures hydrants are operating properly for fire protection. Residents may notice temporary drops in water pressure or discolored water during flushing activities. If discoloration occurs, run cold water for a few minutes until it clears.
Signs will be posted in neighborhoods to notify residents when flushing is occurring in their area.
We appreciate your patience as crews complete this important work. Visit bataviail.gov for updates and additional information.
The Batavia City Council recently recognized two outstanding members of our community.
Congratulations to Batavia Fire Department Lieutenant Greg Stoffel on his retirement after 29 years of dedicated service to the City of Batavia. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our community safe.
Council also honored Batavia High School student Kai Enos for winning the IHSA Boys Class 2A State Wrestling Championship, an incredible achievement.
Thank you both for representing Batavia with excellence.
Congratulations to Batavia Fire Department Lieutenant Greg Stoffel on his retirement after 29 years of dedicated service to the City of Batavia. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our community safe.
Council also honored Batavia High School student Kai Enos for winning the IHSA Boys Class 2A State Wrestling Championship, an incredible achievement.
Thank you both for representing Batavia with excellence.
The Batavia City Council meets Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m.
Agenda highlights include:
• Approval of late-night liquor licenses for several downtown establishments
• A presentation honoring the retirement of Fire Lieutenant Greg Stoffel
• Recognition of Batavia High School student Kai Enos, the 2026 IHSA Boys Class 2A State Wrestling Champion
The meeting will take place at City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave., and is open to the public.
For a complete agenda, visit https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=202
Agenda highlights include:
• Approval of late-night liquor licenses for several downtown establishments
• A presentation honoring the retirement of Fire Lieutenant Greg Stoffel
• Recognition of Batavia High School student Kai Enos, the 2026 IHSA Boys Class 2A State Wrestling Champion
The meeting will take place at City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave., and is open to the public.
For a complete agenda, visit https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=202
We’re hiring!
The City of Batavia is excited to offer two hands-on internship opportunities for individuals interested in building real-world experience in GIS:
🔹 GIS Intern (Temporary – through end of 2026)
Work primarily in an office setting supporting utility-focused GIS initiatives, including data editing, mapping, and analysis. This role also includes fieldwork as needed and provides hands-on training with industry tools.
🔹 GPS/GIS Intern (Summer Internship)
Spend your summer in the field collecting and verifying infrastructure data using GPS technology, with some office work to support data processing and integration. A great opportunity for those looking for a more field-focused experience.
Both roles offer:
✔ Hands-on training with ESRI tools and GPS equipment
✔ Experience working with real municipal utility data
✔ Opportunities to support multiple City departments
✔ A chance to build valuable, career-ready skills
If you’re looking to gain practical experience and make an impact in your community, we encourage you to apply! https://lnkd.in/gHWQvBDF
The City of Batavia is excited to offer two hands-on internship opportunities for individuals interested in building real-world experience in GIS:
🔹 GIS Intern (Temporary – through end of 2026)
Work primarily in an office setting supporting utility-focused GIS initiatives, including data editing, mapping, and analysis. This role also includes fieldwork as needed and provides hands-on training with industry tools.
🔹 GPS/GIS Intern (Summer Internship)
Spend your summer in the field collecting and verifying infrastructure data using GPS technology, with some office work to support data processing and integration. A great opportunity for those looking for a more field-focused experience.
Both roles offer:
✔ Hands-on training with ESRI tools and GPS equipment
✔ Experience working with real municipal utility data
✔ Opportunities to support multiple City departments
✔ A chance to build valuable, career-ready skills
If you’re looking to gain practical experience and make an impact in your community, we encourage you to apply! https://lnkd.in/gHWQvBDF
City of Batavia offices will be closed Friday, April 3, in observance of the Spring Holiday.
If you need assistance during this time, please contact the Batavia Police Department non-emergency line at 630-454-2500.
City offices will reopen during normal business hours on Monday.
Please note: The week of April 6–10 is not a refuse and recycling collection holiday week. Collection will occur on your normal scheduled day.
Good news! The City of Batavia’s refuse and recycling vendor Groot will start sticker-free yard waste collection this week, beginning Monday, March 30 and continuing through April 17. Beginning April 20, yard waste bags will need to have a sticker. Yard waste is collected on residents' regularly scheduled refuse and recycling pickup day. For details visit: https://www.bataviail.gov/o/pw/page/yard-waste.
📬 Utility Payment Drop Box Has Moved
One of the City of Batavia’s utility billing payment drop boxes has a new location.
The drop box has been relocated from the west side parking lot to the turnaround circle just north of City Hall (100 N. Island Ave.) on the east side of the circle.
As always, payments placed in the drop box are collected regularly and processed securely.
Questions about your utility bill or payment options? Visit bataviail.gov or contact the Utility Billing department at 630-454-2020.
One of the City of Batavia’s utility billing payment drop boxes has a new location.
The drop box has been relocated from the west side parking lot to the turnaround circle just north of City Hall (100 N. Island Ave.) on the east side of the circle.
As always, payments placed in the drop box are collected regularly and processed securely.
Questions about your utility bill or payment options? Visit bataviail.gov or contact the Utility Billing department at 630-454-2020.
Big news for Batavia 👏
Assistant Public Works Director Jeremy Barkei has been named one of America’s 250 Public Service Champions by the National Academy of Public Administration and Local Gov 250—a national honor recognizing excellence, innovation, and dedication in public service.
While the award recognizes Jeremy’s leadership, he emphasized that this achievement reflects the entire Water Division team and their shared commitment to eliminating lead from Batavia’s water system. Together, they’ve accomplished:
• $13 million secured in no-interest and principal forgiveness loans
• 390 post-replacement water samples collected
• 852 lead service lines replaced
• 1,762 investigative appointments conducted
This work has been completed alongside the team’s daily responsibilities for water production, treatment, and distribution.
Their efforts are making a real difference by improving public health, strengthening infrastructure, and delivering results for our community.
Please join us in congratulating Jeremy and thanking our Water Division team for their outstanding service to Batavia. 💧
Assistant Public Works Director Jeremy Barkei has been named one of America’s 250 Public Service Champions by the National Academy of Public Administration and Local Gov 250—a national honor recognizing excellence, innovation, and dedication in public service.
While the award recognizes Jeremy’s leadership, he emphasized that this achievement reflects the entire Water Division team and their shared commitment to eliminating lead from Batavia’s water system. Together, they’ve accomplished:
• $13 million secured in no-interest and principal forgiveness loans
• 390 post-replacement water samples collected
• 852 lead service lines replaced
• 1,762 investigative appointments conducted
This work has been completed alongside the team’s daily responsibilities for water production, treatment, and distribution.
Their efforts are making a real difference by improving public health, strengthening infrastructure, and delivering results for our community.
Please join us in congratulating Jeremy and thanking our Water Division team for their outstanding service to Batavia. 💧
Batavia is represented in Springfield this week.
(From right) Mayor Jeff Schielke, Alderperson Alice Lohman, City Administrator Laura Newman, and Assistant City Administrator Max Weiss are participating in the Metro West Council of Government’s Springfield Drive Down Days.
Over two days, they are meeting with state legislators to advocate for revenue support and policies that help address local priorities—ensuring Batavia’s voice is part of the conversation at the state level.
(From right) Mayor Jeff Schielke, Alderperson Alice Lohman, City Administrator Laura Newman, and Assistant City Administrator Max Weiss are participating in the Metro West Council of Government’s Springfield Drive Down Days.
Over two days, they are meeting with state legislators to advocate for revenue support and policies that help address local priorities—ensuring Batavia’s voice is part of the conversation at the state level.
