City Council Minutes 2025 07-08-25MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, KENDALL COUNTY, ILLINOIS,
HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
651 PRAIRIE POINTE DRIVE ON
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025
Mayor Purcell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
City Clerk Behland called the roll.
Ward I
Koch
Present
Transier
Absent
Ward II
Piocher
Present
Soling
Present
Ward III
Funkhouser
Present
Marek
Present
Ward 1V
Corneils
Present
Hyett
Present (electronic attendance)
Staff in attendance at City Hall: City Administrator Olson, City Clerk Behland, Chief Jensen, Public
Works Director Dhuse, Community Development Director Barksdale -Noble, Finance Director
Fredrickson, Parks and Recreation Director Evans, Assistant City Administrator WiIlrett, Economic
Development Coordinator Gregory, Economic Development Director Dubajic Kellogg, and EEI Engineer
Sanderson.
Staff in attendance electronically: Attorney Orr
Members of the public were able to attend this meeting in person as well as being able to access the
meeting remotely via Zoom which allowed for video, audio, and telephonic participation.
A meeting notice was posted on the City's website on the agenda, minutes, and packets webpage with
instructions regarding remote meeting access and a link was included for the public to participate in the
meeting remotely:
httns://us02web.zoom.us/i/82194023242?r)wd=8L4AQODhxlhQ4sJivl 10iNMDhMLGE7.1.
The Zoom meeting ID was 821 9402 3242,
QUORUM
A quorum was established.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None.
PRESENTATIONS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
Dan Gorman, the developer of the community solar project on Corneils Road, shared that neighbors
support the project and that the Township has unanimously recommended approval. The site is located
500 feet north of Corneils Road. He explained the benefits of the solar project, the first being that it will
generate 25 million kilowatt-hours annually, which can be sold at up to 20 percent lower than current
electricity prices. This could save over $8 million on electric bills. Additionally, the solar farm will
increase property taxes for the parcel and be taxed as a commercial property. Other benefits include a
production tax, no increase in public service costs, and environmental health advantages.
Doug Windsor, a resident of Corneils Road, spoke on behalf of several other households on the same
street. He has lived there for 15 years and was attracted to rural living. He wants to preserve the rural
character of Corneils Road. Mr. Windsor emphasizes that there should be no additional traffic and no
impact on the school, sewer, or water systems. He also hopes the solar farm will produce sustainable
power without depleting resources. Mr. Windsor stated that the neighbors are in favor of the solar farm.
The Minutes of the Regular Meetint: of the City Council —_duly 8, 2025 — Page 2 of 4
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the Regular City Council — June 10, 2025
2. Bill Payments for Approval
$ 349,291.72 (vendors FY 25)
$ 1,508,918.90 (vendors — FY 26)
$ 1,593,024.24 (wire payments)
$ 500,791,56 (payroll period ending 06/20/25)
$ 3,952,026.42 (total)
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve the consent agenda. So moved by Alderman Koch;
seconded by Alderman Soling.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0
Koch -aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Comcils-aye,
Soling -aye, Marek-aye, Hyett-aye
REPORTS
MAYOR'S REPORT
Resolution 2025-82
Authorizing the Purchase of Playground
Equipment from Playcraft Systems in an
Amount Not to Exceed $104,150.25
(CC 2025-53)
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Playground
Equipment from Playcraft Systems in an Amount Not to Exceed $104,150.25 and authorize the Mayor
and City Clerk to Execute. So moved by Alderman Marek; seconded by Alderman Corneils.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0
Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Comeils-aye, Soling -aye,
Marek-aye, Hyett-aye, Koch -aye
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT
No report.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
No report.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT
Alderman Funkhouser shared that he will not be present at the July 22" City Council meeting. However,
Chief Jensen will have a presentation for the Yorkville Police Department's accreditation.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT
No report.
PARK BOARD
No report.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Project Steel — Prologis
(Data Center) — Discussion
(PZC 2025-07)
Mayor Purcell stated that this item will be added to every City Council agenda going forward. City
Administrator Olson mentioned that the annexation agreement and PUD agreement will be considered
separately in about a month. The development and infrastructure agreements will take longer to approve.
The annexation agreement and PUD will be approved now, pending future approval of the other
agreements. The data centers are seeking partial approval along the way, but they can wait to approve all
agreements at once if the Council prefers.
Project Cardinal - Pioneer
(Data Center) — Discussion
(PZC 2025-08 & EDC 2025-50)
Mayor Purcell stated that this item will be included on every City Council agenda moving forward. No
further discussion took place on this matter.
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council — July 8, 2025 — PaQe 3 of 4
Kendall County Petition 25-04 —
1.5 Mile Review (Gorman and Zepelak)
(PZC 2025-09 & EDC 2025-51)
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to authorize staff to notify Kendall County that the City Council has
no objections to the proposed special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility and a variance to
allow such a facility on land within 1.5 miles of a municipality without an annexation agreement. So
moved by Alderman Comeils; seconded by Alderman Funkhouser.
Alderman Plocher asked citizens in attendance if they were for or against the solar farm, and they
confirmed they were for it. John Pearson, a resident on Comeils Road, said he is unsure of any objections,
but residents have discussed the solar farm. He mentioned that he and the residents believe the solar farm
makes sense because it will reduce noise and traffic. If homes were built instead, that would be an issue.
Mr. Pearson added that he and the residents like Corneils Road; it is quiet, and they want to keep it that
way. Bob Mayerle, a resident on Comeils Road, said he has lived there for 27 years and also prefers
Comeils Road as it is now. He does not want houses built in the neighborhood, but he is also in favor of
the solar farm.
Alderman Plocher said he was initially against the solar farm, but since residents support it, he will now
back it. Alderman Soling expressed concern about setting a precedent, as the project does not follow the
City's comprehensive plan. Staff confirmed they do not support annexation due to setbacks and utility
conflicts, and that it does not meet City standards. Soling remained undecided. Alderman Koch agreed
with Plocher's stance and asked if the City Council's recommendation could imply future support for
similar projects. Staff clarified that the final decision is ultimately up to Kendall County and does not set
a precedent. A Community Benefit Agreement is in place, including a production -based tax and an
additional $600,000 over the project's lifespan. A Township Road Use Agreement has also been signed.
Alderman Marek said he had no concerns given the strong support from nearby residents and the adequate
distance from neighboring properties.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-6 Nays -I
Funkhouser-nay, Comeils-aye, Soling -aye, Marek-aye,
Hyett-aye, Koch -aye, Plocher-aye
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
No report.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT
No report.
COMMUNITY & LIAISON REPORT
Alderman Funkhouser stated he provided an updated copy of the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors
Bureau (AACVB) Go Guide to the Council. The guide has been distributed to various areas. He also
shared that the AACVB hosted 40 international travel and architectural visitors from around the world.
STAFF REPORT
No report.
MAYOR'S REPORT cont'd
Public Works and Parks Department
Facility Update
(CC 2025-08)
No report.
Lake Michigan Water
Project Update
(CC 2025-09)
No report.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Alderman Marek clarified that Home Run Hot Dogs and Home Plate Hotdogs are separate entities.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Lisa Sleezer, a lifelong resident of Yorkville and niece of a victim from the 1972 Pine Village Restaurant
mass murder, voiced her concerns to the Council. She stated that five people were killed and urged the
community and Council to oppose the killer's parole release. She expressed worry that he might petition
for early release again, which would allow him to live in Kendall County and contact the victims' families
if released. She emphasized that her family's final safeguard is the parole stipulation, as they do not want
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council — July 8,_2025 — Page 4 of 4
him back in Kendall County. She also mentioned that anyone can send victim impact statements via email
to prb.victimservices@illinois.gov, please include his name, Carl Reimann, and ID: C01252.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to adjourn the City Council meeting. So moved by Alderman
Funkhouser; seconded by Alderman Plocher.
Motion unanimously approved by a viva voce vote.
Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
on Behland, Cit City Clerk, y of Yorkville, Illinois
Jori Behland
From: Lawrence Wickter
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 1:36 PM
To: Jori Behland
Subject: WRITTEN COMMENT -Cardinal Development
To: City Council Meeting, July 8, 2025
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, July 9, 2025
From: Lawrence D_ Wickter, Jr. and Deborah H. Wickter
Re: City Council Agenda: Planning and Zoning Commission Discussion Item #1
Planning and Zoning Committee Agenda: Public Hearings Item #1 and New Business Item #1
We would like to express our objections to the proposed development and the related entitlement
changes.
The development will result in (loss of property value of our residence.
Contrary to assertions to the contrary by the developer/petitioner, a large commercial development of
this nature on farmland in the immediate vicinity of our subdivision, will significantly impair the
marketability (and, consequently, value) of all the homes in the subdivision. What was formerly a rural
environment with all the associated appeal, becomes a sprawling commercial development with
significant negative impacts on aesthetics, traffic, and noise (construction and operation). The appeal
as a residential location is unalterably diminished; this is axiomatic.
The development is contrary to the designs of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan called for the Eldamain Road Corridor to be concentrated in
"Estate/Conservation Residential". Now the Plan is being modified on an ex post facto basis to
provide for commercial development along the entire Corridor. The entire "feel" of the west side of
Yorkville is being dramatically altered in what appears to be an expedient shift towards maximizing
tax revenues. Does the City budget require such a shift? The City does not appear to be undergoing
the significant population growth that would require large new revenue sources or, consequently, a
modification to the previous vision for a peaceful, rural environment for residential living. While the
Comprehensive Plan is not binding on the City, it acts to influence decisions citizens make on
whether to become part of this community. We would like the rural nature of our neighborhood to be
preserved.
The development is speculative.
Data center development is one of the most compelling markets in commercial real estate presently.
The number of proposals being presented to the City is certainly a testament to that notion. The risk
of an oversupply condition developing in this product is no different than in any other development
product that is "hot". While "staging" would appear to be an effective mitigant to overbuilding in this
project, how would that staging be controlled or monitored by the City? If an oversupply of product
interferes with full development of Cardinal, numerous complications will arise in the unwinding of the
development and its redirection to other uses. Neighboring residents potentially will experience years
of disruption until stability is restored to the living environment.
Thank you for your consideration.
Lawrence D. Wickter, Jr.
Deborah H.Wickter
no"
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