City of Batavia News

Annual rain barrel sale is back in Batavia! The city is hosting the 7th Annual Rain Barrel Sale with The Conservation Foundation and is currently taking orders for your rain barrels, available now until the end of the business day on Wed., April 29. The orders placed online are for credit card purchases only. The Conservation Foundation will also be presenting their Conservation @ Home program and having a discussion about rain barrels and rain gardens at city hall in the council chambers on Tues., April 7 at 6pm.

The Conservation Foundation rain barrels are 55 gallons each and made from recycled food grade plastic. The rain barrels come equipped with a spigot, garden hose threaded overflow and screw off lid with a screen to keep out bugs and debris, and a one year warranty. There are two options for pricing and delivery: a barrel with standard pick-up or a barrel with home delivery. The prices for these options are $60 or $65 respectively and are the barrels are available in the following colors: black, blue, grey and terra cotta.

To place an order available for pick up go to cityofbatavia.net/rainbarrels anytime from now until April 29. The orders will be delivered Sat., May 2 from 10am–12pm to The Lodge, located along the Fox River at 800 N. River St. Orders for delivery have no end date. If you choose to have home delivery you

will be prompted to complete more information on the website. The delivery date will be coordinated with the supplier when enough barrels are purchased in the area. For more information on The Conservation Foundation visit their website at: theconservationfoundation.org.

The Batavia Environmental Commission invites you to attend an expo on Sat., March 21 at 6pm and a film screening following at 7pm in city hall. The documentary Current Revolution tackles how the utility, auto, tech and defense industries can help modernize the aging power grid. The event features an Eco-Expo before the movie. After the film, the we will engage in a community discussion led by a panel of experts. Spring is coming soon and so is a river clean-up Save the Date:

May 16—Co-sponsored by the City of Batavia and Friends of the Fox River, “Love your River Day” is the new name of the annual River Clean Up as the Friends of the Fox transition the event to more of a celebration. Check the city’s website and the May/June issue of Neighbors for more information, cityofbatavia.net

12 Prescribed burns are coming up Present day research and experience have shown that prescribed burning can be an effective management tool. Prescribed burns are used most frequently to maintain and restore native grasslands. Prescribed burning can recycle nutrients tied up in old plant growth, control many woody plants and herbaceous weeds, improve poor quality forage, increase plant growth, reduce the risk of large wildfires, and improve certain wildlife habitat. To achieve the above benefits, fire must be used under very specific conditions, using very specific techniques.

Prescribed Burning is planned this year within the City of Batavia, for the city’s maintained portion of the Windmill Lakes, Normandy Subdivision and

Speedway as early as March through April. Any questions pertaining to these planned burns, please contact the City of Batavia Engineering Department at 630-454-2750.

Storm sewer separation projects start this spring Ward 1—The limits of the storm sewer improvements for Ward 1—Phase 3 have tentatively been determined, starting at the downstream end, located at the Chillem and Bluestem intersection, continuing west on Chillem Dr. to Raddant Rd., including Rye Ct. It is anticipated a minimum of one more construction season (2021) will be needed to complete the improvements of the storm sewer in Ward 1, pending funding. Phase I construction was completed in November 2018, Phase 2 completed in September 2019. Bidding for the third phase of construction occurred in February 2020. Construction is anticipated to start by May 2020. Area 3—Last year all of Phase 2 was not completed and will restart as soon as weather allows this spring. The remaining streets of phase 2 are Jefferson and Jackson between Blaine and Walnut. We anticipate this phase being completed by the end of May at the latest. The limits of construction of Phase 3 (2020) have been determined, starting where Phase I left off at the corner of Morton & Jefferson Sts., continuing west on Morton St. west of Harrison, Jackson St., between Morton & Garfield and Garfield between Jackson & Harrison. Downstream outfall improvements were completed in November 2017 and Phase I through the cemetery was completed during the summer of 2018. A majority of Phase 2 was completed in 2019 and 2020 will be the last construction season to complete the separation of this area. Bidding the third phase of construction is anticipated by March 2020. Construction is anticipated to start by early summer 2020.

Construction of Area 3 Storm Sewer Separation and Watermain Improvements in Batavia was financed by the Water Pollution Control Loan Program (WPCLP) State Revolving Fund (SRF) in 2019 and both the WPLCP and Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP) SRF in 2020. The SRF program is administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and receives a portion of its money to fund these types of projects from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This project includes separating the combined sanitary and storm sewer into two different discharge systems, including a new separate storm sewer system, and replacement of aged watermain. Once complete, it will improve water quality for area residents and businesses in Batavia and the Fox River Watershed by helping reduce the amount of storm water being routed to and treated at the waste water treatment plant and eliminating potential for overflows, in both in residences and businesses and at the WWTP. SRF programs operate in each state to provide communities the resources necessary to build, maintain, and improve the infrastructure that protects one of our most valuable resources: water. The 2019 low interest loan has a rate of 1.84% and will be repaid over 20 years. The 2020 low interest loan has a rate of 2.0% and will be repaid over 20 years. Prairie St. improvements scheduled The city received Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding in an amount of just over $1.8 million for the reconstruction of Prairie St. from Wilson St. to Pine St. The Phase II final engineering phase is nearly completed and the project bidding is scheduled for March 2020 with construction expected to start in late May or early June.

The proposed improvements include HMA pavement, curb and gutter, storm sewer, watermain replacement, sidewalk, and on-street bike lane. Prairie St. is a connection point for several significant regional routes that travel within the City of Batavia and adjoining communities. This section of roadway is heavily traveled and serves as access to residences, businesses, parks and schools in the area.

Further information regarding the project is available on the city website at: cityofbatavia.net/677/Prairie-Street-Reconstruction

Open House meetings for upcoming construction projects All are held at Batavia City Hall in the council chambers. Postcard reminders will be sent to those residents and businesses directly affected . Check out all of our Capital Projects on the map on our website: cityofbatavia.net/548/City-Maps Ward 1—Phase 3 (Chillem): Wed., March 25, 5:30–7pm Area 3—Phase 3 (Morton, Jackson, Garfield): Tues., April 28, 5:30–7pm Prairie Street Reconstruction (Wilson to Pine): Wed., May 6, 5:30–7pm

Your elected city officials Mayor—Jeffery D. Schielke City Clerk—Ellen Posledni Treasurer—Gerald R. Miller Aldermen Serving until May 2023 Aldermen Serving until May 2021 Ward 1 Jennifer Baerren jbaerren@cityofbatavia.net Ward 1 Michael O’Brien mobrien@cityofbatavia.net Ward 2 Alan P. Wolff awolff@cityofbatavia.net Ward 2 Martin J. Callahan mcallahan@cityofbatavia.net Ward 3 Dan Chanzit dchanzit@cityofbatavia.net Ward 3 Elliot Meitzler emeitzler@cityofbatavia.net Ward 4 Joseph Knopp jknopp@cityofbatavia.net Ward 4 Tony Malay tmalay@cityofbatavia.net Ward 5 Abby Beck abeck@cityofbatavia.net Ward 5 Mark Uher muher@cityofbatavia.net Ward 6 Michael Russotto mrussotto@cityofbatavia.net Ward 6 Nicholas P. Cerone ncerone@cityofbatavia.net Ward 7 Keenan Alexander Miller kmiller@cityofbatavia.net Ward 7 Drew McFadden dmcfadden@cityofbatavia.net

Brush collection resumes in April this year The City of Batavia is pleased to announce that, in response to feedback from residents, curbside residential brush collection will now start in April. This service is for residents who pay the monthly leaf/brush fee on their utility bill. Please pay careful attention to the new collection dates below, as the schedule used in past years has been changed significantly. Brush/limbs are to be at the curb for collection no later than 7am on Monday of your scheduled week, but no sooner than the weekend before that. Crews will make only one pass by each residence. Brush placed out after our crews have passed will not be collected until the next scheduled pickup date. The amount of brush that has been placed out citywide in any given month dictates how quickly your area will be reached, but each side of town is typically completed by Friday of the scheduled week. The monthly collections are intended to handle most minor storm damage limbs that fall during the season, and special collections are done very rarely. Major storms may affect the schedule, and a notice of any special brush collection will be posted on the city’s website. If your brush was out at 7am on Monday of your scheduled collection week and not collected by the end of the workday on Friday, please notify the Public Properties & Services Division at 630-454-2400 no later than the following Monday.

If you have any questions, please call the Public Properties & Services Division at 630-454-2400 weekdays from 7am–4pm or visit our website at cityofbatavia.net/brushcollection. 2020 Brush Collection Schedule East Side Collection West Side Collection April 6 April 13 May 11 May 18 June 22 June 29 Aug. 3 Aug. 10 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Nov. 30—Citywide Nov. 30—Citywide

The following procedures must be followed to ensure the collection of your brush: • Maximum diameter is 6" (logs cannot be split); maximum length of limbs is 12'. • Brush should be stacked into one large pile in the front/side parkway with cut ends facing the curb, and placed away from parkway trees, mailboxes, utility poles/boxes, hydrants, and parked vehicles. Brush will not be collected from alleys or vacant lots. • Brush/limbs must not be tied, bundled, in containers, bagged, or put on the street. • Brush pile should contain only brush. Foreign objects will not be collected. • Program is for residentially-generated brush only, not contractor tree removals or trimming. • Brush left out on the parkway between collection dates is subject to a possible code violation citation. SAVE THE DATE!

P hoto courtesy B ata ia P u lic L i rary

For materials that do not meet the above specifications: • Advanced Disposal will collect yard waste bags/32- gallon cans (not to exceed 50 pounds per bag/32- gallon can) consisting of twigs, evergreen clippings, roots, stumps, and plants on your regular trash collection day, beginning the week of March 16. During the weeks of March 16 and March 23 yard waste will be collected without a sticker. For the remainder of the season, starting the week of March 30, a refuse sticker should be attached to the yard waste bag or 32-gallon can. If a can is used, it should be clearly marked “Yard Waste” on the side facing the street. • Residents with limbs/brush exceeding the requirements for the program can contact a private service to have it removed at the resident’s expense. • Unincorporated residents should contact their township offices regarding brush collection services that may be available to them.

Come out and help the City of Batavia celebrate Public Works Week (May 17–23)

Batavia’s Director of Public Works, Gary Holm will be reading some stories with themes about Public Works and Engineering on Tues., May 19 at 10am for children of all ages, in the Reading Garden at the Batavia Public Library (weather permitting). After story time Gary will let the children climb aboard one of the snowplows from Batavia Public Works. Registration begins May 1 with Youth Services at the library, 630-879-4775.

15 2020 Parkway Tree Program begins

The City of Batavia provides residents with an opportunity to purchase a parkway tree, as part of its commitment to reforestation in Batavia. The available species are locally grown, quality trees that do well in city parkways. A variety of species is offered each year to provide a diversified parkway tree population for our community. This spring, the trees we have are Bur Oak, American Hornbeam, Autumn Splendor Horse Chestnut, and Emerald City ® Tulip Tree. Residents pay one-half of the tree cost, which is posted on the city’s website. The cost covers the tree, planting, and mulch. Residents will be invoiced for their share of the tree cost after planting. To apply for a tree: Please note that quantities are limited. Complete and submit the online request form (form available at cityofbatavia.net/parkwaytree). We will accept requests until April 1 for spring trees (or while supplies last). If you require a paper form, call us at the number below and one will be sent to you. Please call the Public Properties & Services Division at 630-454-2400 with any questions. Yard waste collection begins the week of March 16 Weekly yard waste collection begins the week of March 16. Yard waste will be collected the weeks of March 16 and March 23 without a sticker. For the remainder of the season, March 30 through Nov. 30, yard waste units require a refuse sticker.

Refuse stickers are available for purchase at the Utility Billing Office at Batavia City Hall, as well as at several local outlets. A complete list is available at cityofbatavia.net/295/yard-waste. Residents should place a refuse sticker on each generic yard waste bag or 32-gallon can and put bag/ can at the curb on their regular collection date. Yard waste is collected separately from regular refuse and recycling. Cans must be clearly labeled “yard waste” on the front, and a refuse sticker should be attached to the handle. Plastic bags cannot be used. Maximum capacity is 50 pounds per yard waste bag or container. Yard waste carts with a 65-gallon capacity are also available to rent for a fee through Advanced Disposal. Refuse may not be mixed with yard waste.

Yard waste includes grass clippings; leaves; branches and brush; other yard and garden trimmings; vines, garden plants and flowers; weeds; tree droppings (pinecones and crabapples); and other similar organic waste materials. Not included: sod and greenery from wreaths or garlands is not yard waste and should be disposed of as refuse.

You can mix select food scraps in your yard waste cart, yard waste can, or a brown Kraft bag. Food scraps should be placed directly within the yard waste cart, can, or Kraft bag and bags should not be used inside the container, including those labeled compostable.

Acceptable food scrap items that may be added to your yard waste cart, yard waste can, or brown Kraft bag include: fruits and vegetables including unpainted holiday pumpkins; breads, grains, pasta and cereal; dairy and eggs including egg shells, but no liquids; coffee grounds, filters and teabags. Unacceptable items: No meat, poultry or seafood; no bones or shells; no fats, grease or oil; no liquids; no pet waste; no packaging; no paper plates or any other service ware (even if marked compostable); no plastics, styrofoam, glass, metal, or diapers.

Please contact the Public Properties and Services Division at 630-454-2400 with any questions. Household hazardous waste front door collection service available The City of Batavia offers a Household Hazardous Waste collection service to its residents. The city’s thirdparty provider, U.S. Ecology, will provide front door collection of many items that should not be placed in the regular weekly refuse collection. To learn about the items that will be accepted, please visit the city’s website at cityofbatavia.net (enter Household Hazardous Waste in search box), call U.S. Ecology at 866-373-8357 between 6am and 3pm Monday through Friday, or email curbside@usecology.com. If calling outside these hours, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned. Liriodendron tulipifera ‘JFS-Oz’ Emerald City ® Tulip Tree

Stay safe when cooking

Each year, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and fire injuries and deaths. The leading cause of these fires is unattended cooking. Let’s review some facts: Cooking fire facts

Based on 2013-2017 annual averages: • Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home* fires and fire injuries, causing 49% of home fires that resulted in 21% of the home fire deaths and 45% of the injuries. • Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. • Clothing is the item first ignited in less than 1% of these fires, but clothing ignitions lead to 14% of the home cooking equipment fire deaths. • Ranges or cooktops account for almost two-thirds (62%) of home cooking fire incidents. • Unattended equipment is a factor in one-third (31%) of reported home cooking fires and half (48%) of the associated deaths. • Frying dominates the cooking fire problem. • Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. What should you know about home cooking fire safety?

Start by being aware of your surroundings. Never cook food when you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, broiling or boiling foods. For other cooking methods, use a timer and check on foods often. Remain in the kitchen as Crackfilling program begins in May Each year, the city evaluates its streets and parking lots and selects cost-effective maintenance treatments to enhance and extend the useful life of the pavement. When a pavement is relatively in better condition, crackfill and sealcoat are applied to extend the life of the pavement and reduce spot repairs such as potholes. The program includes cleaning and sealing cracks, voids or joints in the street that are two inches (2") in width or less with a fiber-reinforced asphalt cement product.

Crackfilling is a mobile operation that results in minimal disturbance to residences, businesses and motorists, however, lane closures may be required when the contractor is working along major thoroughfares. The roadways will remain open to at least one lane of traffic in each direction at all times and any lane closures will occur between 9am–3pm to minimize the impact. Parking may be restricted for short periods of time. A map showing the streets and parking lots to be crackfilled is available on the city website at, cityofbatavia.net/603/Street-Crackfilling-Program.

16 much as possible and keep anything that can ignite, such as potholders, wooden or plastic utensils, food wrapping and fabrics away from open flame. Loose fitting clothing can ignite as well. Avoid long sleeves or baggy flowing clothing. Always keep pan handles turned in. Cooking with oil

Always stay in the kitchen. Heat oil slowly and keep an eye on the temperature. Lay foods in away from you to prevent burns. Avoid splashing oil out of the pan.

If the oil is smoking, it is too hot! Cover the pan and turn the burner off. If you must move the pan do it carefully. Keep lids for pans nearby while cooking and slide it in place over fires. Turn the burner off. If the fire does not go out or you are uncomfortable with your situation, leave immediately. Call 9-1-1 form outside the home. What should you do if you have a cooking fire?

Notify any others and get out! Close any doors behind you to contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 or you your local emergency number when you leave, and DO NOT go back in.

If you try to fight the fire notify any others to leave and be sure you have a way out. Keep lids for pans nearby while cooking and slide it in place over small fires. Turn the burner off. Leave the pan covered until it has cooled. For oven fires leave the oven door closed and turn off the appliance. Sources: NFPA’s “Home Cooking Fires”and “Home Structure Fires” reports. * Homes include one- and two-family homes, apartments (regardless of ownership), and manufactured housing.

Sidewalks to be repaired

Each year the City of Batavia performs sidewalk maintenance to repair defects within the city sidewalk system. These repairs ensure pedestrian safety as well as reduce liability for the property owner and the City of Batavia.

The city’s sidewalk and curb replacement program is comprised of walks that are sunken or risen more than 1" or more between sections, broken or separated into three or more pieces or 50% or more of the surface deteriorated. Construction will take place between April 15 and June 15. Residents whose driveway access will be affected will be notified by door hanger a few days prior. Please see the program’s web page for more detailed information at cityofbatavia.net/projects.