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City of Batavia Currents—Rain barrels are back
Annual rain barrel sale is back in Batavia
The city is hosting the 10th Annual Rain Barrel Sale with The Conservation Foundation and is currently taking orders for your rain barrels, available now until the end of the year. The orders placed online are for credit card purchases only.
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Typically in years past the city hosted The Conservation Foundation to present their Conservation @ Home program and discussions about rain barrels and rain gardens. Due to the pandemic and social distancing measures we will not be hosting an in person event this year but highly recommend checking out The Conservation Foundation’s You Tube channel and watch their videos on these topics: youtube.com/c/ TheConservationFoundation/videos
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. They will all be delivered this year. Prices are $65 and the barrels are available in the following colors: black, blue, grey and terra cotta. This year the city will be paying $10 towards each purchase to help defray delivery costs for City of Batavia water customers, limit one per household.
To place an order available for pick up go to cityofbatavia.net/rainbarrels anytime this year. 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.
Prescribed burns are planned
Prescribed burning is a very important management tool for maintaining and enhancing grasslands. Fire was an important natural part in the development and maintenance of grasslands, forests, and wetlands, throughout history. For thousands of years, tall grass prairies were kept free of trees by the occasional wildfires that cleared the landscape every two to 50 years. These fires were many times caused by lightning.
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, Deerpath Bridge Basin, Normandy Subdivision, and Mahoney Creek at Cleveland and Raddant 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.
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
Street resurfacing program begins in May
Construction of the 2021 Street Resurfacing Program is expected to begin in May with completion anticipated by the end of September. Bids will be received for this project in March. This year’s program includes asphalt pavement resurfacing, new sidewalk construction, sidewalk repairs, curb repairs, and landscape restoration.
If your property is being directly affected by this work you will receive a door hanger at least 24 hours in advance explaining the work that is to be done in front of your house and instructions as to what you may need to do. For example, if the sidewalk or curb through your driveway is being replaced, you will be without access for a period of time until the work is completed and you will need to park on the street. A contact name and phone number will be included with the door hanger if you have any questions.
The goal of this project is to resurface the pavement surface and repair the failing concrete infrastructure in the public right-of-way. To accomplish this, deteriorated curb through some driveways and storm structures on your street will be removed and replaced before the street is resurfaced.
For a construction map showing the locations of new sidewalks and streets to be resurfaced please visit the Streets Resurfacing Program webpage at cityofbatavia.net/337/Street-Resurfacing-Program.
Cracks to be filled this spring
The City of Batavia will be starting its annual Street Crackfilling project 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. This is a very cost effective program and is performed each year on a number of city streets and parking areas to prevent water from entering the pavement and reduce the spread of cracking.
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 to 3pm to minimize the impact during peak travel times. Parking may be restricted for short periods of time when the contractor is working along local streets.
A map showing the streets and parking lots to be crackfilled is also available on the city website at: cityofbatavia.net/603/ Street-Crackfilling-Program
Upcoming storm sewer construction projects starting this spring
Ward 1 Phase IV (2021)
The limits of the storm sewer improvements for Ward 1, Phase IV have tentatively been determined, starting at the downstream end, located at the Lexington and Bluestem intersection, continuing west on Lexington to Dover Ct. and continuing north to Woodland Hills Rd. along Bluestem Ln. Work is also to take place along the entire length of Cardinal Ct. and at the eastern end of Orchard Ct. This will be the last phase of work needed to complete the improvements of the storm sewer in Ward 1. Phase I construction was completed in November 2018, Phase II completed in September 2019, and Phase III work was completed last year. Bidding for the fourth phase of construction occurred in March 2021. Construction is anticipated to start by April.
The city plans on holding a virtual neighborhood meeting prior to construction for people that live in the vicinity of the construction. This meeting is to provide details on the upcoming work, update on the project schedule, and general information on what to expect during the construction. Please contact Timothy Grimm (tgrimm@cityofbatavia.net) for more information on how to register for the neighborhood meeting.
For information on this project including a map showing the limits of the construction please visit the Ward 1 Drainage project webpage at cityofbatavia.net/337/Street-Resurfacing-Program.
Brush collection resumes in April
Curbside residential brush collection resumes in April for residents that pay the monthly leaf/brush fee on their utility bill. Please note that the interval between collection dates has changed, so your collection week doesn’t occur the same week each month; there are still seven collections per season. 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.
2021 Brush Collection Schedule East Side Collection West Side Collection April 5 April 12 May 10 May 17 June 21 June 28 Aug. 2 Aug. 9 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Nov. 29—Citywide Nov. 29—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.
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 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.
For materials that do not meet the above specifications: • Advanced Disposal will collect yard waste bags/32gallon cans (not to exceed 50 pounds per bag/32gallon can) consisting of twigs, evergreen clippings, roots, stumps, and plants on your regular trash collection day, beginning the week of March 15.
During the weeks of March 15 and March 22, yard waste will be collected without a sticker. For the remainder of the season, from March 31 through
Nov. 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.
2021 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. Details for the trees available this spring can be found on the city’s website (see link below). Residents pay half of the tree cost, which covers the tree, planting, and mulch. Invoices will be sent to program participants for their share of the tree cost after planting has been completed.
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.
Corylus colurna—Turkish Filbert is available for spring planting.
Yard waste collection begins the week of March 15
Weekly yard waste collection begins the week of March 15. Yard waste will be collected the weeks March 15 and March 22 without a sticker. For the remainder of the season, March 31 through Nov. 30, yard waste units require a refuse sticker.
Refuse stickers are available for purchase by phone from Advanced Disposal at 630-587-8282, or in person at several local outlets. A complete list is available at cityofbatavia.net/292/ Sticker-Bag-Cart-Information.
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 & vegetables including unpainted holiday pumpkins; breads, grains, pasta & cereal; dairy & eggs including eggshells, but no liquids; coffee grounds, filters & 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.
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
Keep yourself safe
After a long winter cooped up at home, many projects begin to appear. Keeping up with maintenance is important to the safety and well-being of your family and friends. Here are some tips to keep yourself and others safe while completing your lists:
• With spring comes the annual time change. This is a great reminder to check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Where disposable batteries are used, it’s a good idea to change them once a year.
Remember to test the device at least monthly. While you’re at it, check the manufacturing date on the back of the device. Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every ten years and CO alarms should be replaced at least every seven years. Newer smoke and
CO alarms are provided with long-life batteries which will alert when they are at end-oflife, making this process easier to remember. Simply dispose of the expired device properly and replace it. Keep a copy of the new owner’s manual for quick reference, which will describe the alerting tones. • Many people use these months to prepare for yard and home maintenance. Homes and garages need cleaning, and household chemicals may have been set out without being properly stored.
Keep hazardous chemicals in properly labeled closed containers, preferably stored in a secure location. Keep children and pets away from those areas. When changing fluids in powered equipment, be sure to keep away from ignition sources. Wear eye protection and gloves, and properly dispose of any used materials. Never mix chemicals together. Hazardous household chemicals can be disposed of at local collection points, or sometimes with residential waste collection. Check with your waste disposal service to determine if this is available to you. Only throw these items away when allowed. • Your home heating and cooling should be kept in good condition as well. Change the furnace
filters at least monthly to reduce airborne allergens. If your furnace was not inspected and/or cleaned at the beginning of the heating season, now is a good time to follow up. Keep the areas around your furnace and water heater clear of storage for a minimum of three feet wherever possible. This will help prevent an accidental fire and make routine maintenance much simpler. • When using ladders for outdoor maintenance, choose the correct size ladder for the job. Do not overreach the limits of the ladder.
Never use metal ladders near an electrical source. Always check overhead for power lines before placing your ladder.
Following these simple steps for safety can make welcoming spring safe and enjoyable.
Sidewalk repairs begin in April
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 & Curb Replacement Program is comprised of walks that are sunken or have risen more than 1" between sections, broken or separated into three or more pieces or 50% or more of the surface has deteriorated. Construction will take place between April and July. Residents whose driveway access will be affected will be notified by door hanger a few days prior. Please see the program’s webpage for more detailed information at cityofbatavia.net/projects.
