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City Council Minutes 2025 09-09-25MINUTES 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, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 Mayor Purcell called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Deputy Clerk Cisija called the roll. Ward I Koch Present Transier Present Ward II Plocher Present Soling Present Ward III Funkhouser Present Marek Present Ward IV Corneils Present Hyett Absent Staff in attendance at City Hall: City Administrator Olson, Deputy Clerk Cisija, Chief Jensen, Attorney Orr, Public Works Director Dhuse, Community Development Director Barksdalc-Noble, Finance Director Fredrickson, Parks and Recreation Director Evans, Assistant City Administrator Willrett, Economic Development Coordinator Gregory, Economic Development Director Dubajic Kellogg, and EEI Engineer Sanderson. 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/89097871907?i)wd=nlEdl3vccDZaLTNV9A72QVFVb310 L89.1. The Zoom meeting ID was 890 9787 1907 QUORUM A quorum was established. AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA None. PRESENTATIONS None. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS Attorney Bernie Weiler expressed that the data centers concern the residents. He believes the data centers will be competing with one another and would like the City to consider what this means for the community and the people living around the data centers. Ryan Deane shared that he grew up in Yorkville and is a survival expert. He does not believe the public camping ordinance is 100 percent fair, but he does believe in policing the areas. Alicia Castillo, a Yorkville resident, shared her concerns on the data centers. She expressed concerns that they will increase water rates, use, and consumption. Instead of data centers, she would rather see alternative options such as a school, a garden, a campground, a hospital, a roller rink or arcade, or a bookstore. She believes data centers will pull money out of the economy. John Bryan, a Legacy Farms resident, stated that Pioneer Development, LLC was registered as an Illinois corporation in April 2025. He feels that the developer does not know what it is like to be an Illinois resident. He also expressed his concern that he wants to know who the members of the LLC are. The Minutes of the Re-aular Meeting of the City Council — September 9, 2025 — Page 2 of 7 Emma Duclos expressed that she feels the text of the agenda is not accessible text and difficult to read. She stated she was unsure of the grocery tax and wishes to not have it. She stated she wants to know where the money is going and how it will benefit citizens. John Joyce, a resident of Autumn Creek, shared his thoughts on the data centers. He is concerned about the noise from them. He stated the trains wake him up at night. He suggested taller berms and planting more mature trees to help reduce the noise from the data centers. He also shared his concern that properties will lose value once the data centers are built, and he feels that this will lead to less revenue for the City. He also would like to know if the data centers will be updating the roads in 20 to 30 years or will the residents be paying for it. Keith Landovitz, a Legacy Farms resident, shared that while he is glad to see the revised site plans for Project Cardinal, he is now concerned on the phasing aspect. He feels it remains the same and is problematic. He stated that he firmly believes the forces of engineering can defeat the forces of bureaucracy. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes of the Regular City Council August 12, 2025 2. Minutes of the Regular City Council August 26, 2025 3. Bill Payments for Approval $ 933,620.83 (vendors) $ 187,869.61 (wire payments) $ 455,446.43 (payroll period ending 08/29/25) $ 1,476,936.87 (total) 4. QuikTrip Dormant SSA —approve an Ordinance Proposing the Establishment of Yorkville Special Service Area 2025-02, and to set the date of November 10, 2025 as the date for a public hearing on the proposed Special Service Area (EDC 2025-65) a. Ordinance 2025-60 Proposing the Establishment of Special Service Area Number 2025-02 in the United City of Yorkville, Kendall County, Illinois and Providing for Other Procedures in Connection Therewith (QuikTrip) b. Ordinance Establishing the Special Service Area Number 2025-02 in the United City of Yorkville, Kendall County, Illinois and Providing for Other Procedures in Connection Therewith (QuikTrip) 5. Costco Dormant SSA —approve an Ordinance Proposing the Establishment of Yorkville Special Service Area 2025-01, and to set the date of November 10, 2025 as the date for a public hearing on the proposed Special Service Area (EDC 2025-66) a. Ordinance 2025-61 Proposing the Establishment of Special Service Area Number 2025-01 in the United City of Yorkville, Kendall County, Illinois and Providing for Other Procedures in Connection Therewith (Costco) b. Ordinance Establishing the Special Service Area Number 2025-01 in the United City of Yorkville, Kendall County, Illinois and Providing for Other Procedures in Connection Therewith (Costco) 6. Resolution 2025-96 Approving the Fourth Amendment to a License Agreement with AT&T Illinois authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute (EDC 2025-68) Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve the consent agenda. So moved by Alderman Koch seconded by Alderman Comeils. Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 Koch -aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Corneils-aye, Transier-aye, Soling -aye, Marck-aye REPORTS MAYOR'S REPORT Yorkville Hometown Days Festival Parks and Recreation Director Evans shared that the Hometown Days Festival was an outstanding weekend. This year's Hometown Days had the largest crowd turnout. The weather and carnival sales were the best and biggest the festival has ever had. The Minutes of the Regular Mectin2 of the City Council — September 9, 2025 - Palle 3 of 7 Kiwanis Yorktoberfest Parks and Recreation Director Evans shared that Kiwanis Yorktoberfest will take place on Friday, September 26" and Saturday, September 27'. Yorkville Storywalk Parks and Recreation Director Evans shared that the Yorkville Educational Foundation, Y115, and the Yorkville Public Library are hosting their annual free family event at the Yorkville Storywalk on September 11, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Yorkville Storywalk is at YJWC Heartland Park (1267 Taus Circle). Constitution Week Proclamation (CC 2025-64) Mayor Purcell proclaimed September 17 - 23, 2025, as Constitution Week in the United City of Yorkville (see attached). Appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission — Wally Werderich (CC 2025-65) Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve the Mayor's appointment of Wally Werderich to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term ending May 2027. So moved by Alderman Koch; seconded by Alderman Marek. Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-6 Nays-1 Plocher-nay, Funkhouser-aye, Corneils-aye, Transier-aye, Soling -aye, Marek-aye, Koch -aye Resolution 2025-97 Declaring Certain Personal Property Surplus and Directing Disposition of Same (CC 2025-66) Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve a Resolution Declaring Certain Personal Property Surplus and Directing Disposition of Same and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute. So moved by Alderman Transier; seconded by Alderman Corneils. Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 Funkhouser-aye, Corneils-aye, Transier-aye, Soling -aye, Marek-aye, Koch -aye, Plocher-aye Ordinance 2025-62 Authorizing the Acquisition of Easements for the Construction of Improvements to the City's Water System (CayCo Easements, LLC) (CC 2025-67) Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Easements for the Construction of Improvements to the City's Water System (CayCo Enterprises, LLC) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute. So moved by Alderman Funkhouser; seconded by Alderman Soling. Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 Corneils-aye, Transier-aye, Soling -aye, Marek-aye, Koch -aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye Ordinance 2025-63 Authorizing the Acquisition of Easements for the Construction of improvements to the City's Water System (Bauer Templin Family Trust) (CC 2025-68) Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Easements for the Construction of Improvements to the City's Water System (Bauer Templin Family Trust) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute. So moved by Alderman Soling; seconded by Alderman Marek. Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 Transier-aye, Soling -aye, Marek-aye, Koch -aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Corneils-aye The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council - September 9, 2025-=Page 4 of 7 Ordinance 2025-64 Amending Title 3, Chapter 2 of the Yorkville City Code (Grocery Tax) (CC 2025-69) Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 2 of the Yorkville City Code (Grocery Tax) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute. So moved by Alderman Transier; seconded by Alderman Corneils. City Administrator Olson explained that the grocery tax is already in place; however, it is referenced incorrectly in the City Code. The Illinois Department of Revenue suggested that it be corrected. Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 Soling -aye, Marek-aye, Koch -aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Corneils-aye, Transier-aye PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT No report. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Ordinance 2025-65 Amending the Yorkville City Code (Permit Fee -Plan Review Fee Schedule) (EDC 2025-64) Alderman Koch made a motion to approve an Ordinance Amending the Yorkville City Code (Permit Fee - Plan Review Fee Schedule) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute; seconded by Alderman Marek. Community Development Director Barksdale -Noble explained that an analysis was performed on data center permitting. It was determined that the current fee schedule is inconsistent with the time and resources spent by staff on the permitting process. She stated research was done with other communities, and staff found that if the fees are increased, the amount spent on staff time would be significantly recovered. Alderman Transier asked if the potential data centers are aware of the fee increase. Director Barksdale - Noble responded that they are aware of the changes and there has been no pushback. Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0 Marek-aye, Koch -aye, Plocher-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Comeils-aye, Transier-aye, Soling -aye PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT No report. ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT No report. PARK BOARD Mayor Purcell shared that the Parks and Recreation staff members were very helpful with transporting people at Hometown Days. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION cont'd Project Steel — Prologis (Data Center) — Discussion (PZC 2025-07 & EDC 2025-59) a. Ordinance Approving a Planned Unit Development Agreement with Prologis L.F. (Project Steel) b. Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an Annexation Agreement for Certain Territory Located Generally South of Galena Road, East of Eldamain Road, and West of North Bridge Street (Project Steel) c. Ordinance Approving the Rezoning to the M-2 General Manufacturing Zoning District of Certain Territory Located Generally South of Galena Road, East of Eldamain Road, and West of North Bridge The Minutes of the Regular Nleetin, of the City Council — September 9, 2025 — Pa2e 5 of 7 Street (State Route 47) (Project Steel) d. Ordinance Annexing Certain Territory Located Generally South of Galena Road, East of Eldamain Road, and West of North Bridge Street to the United City of Yorkville (Project Steel) City Administrator Olson shared that a sound study is anticipated at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 23'. Community Development Director Barksdale -Noble confirmed. Mayor Purcell clarified that the water rates are not increasing because of the data centers. Alderman Plocher asked if data centers generally consume less water than subdivisions, to which Mayor Purcell and EEI Engineer Sanderson confirmed they do. Project Cardinal - Pioneer (Data Center) — Discussion (PZC 2025-08 & EDC 2025-50) a. Ordinance Approving a Planned Unit Development Agreement with Pioneer Development, LLC (Project Cardinal) b. Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an Annexation Agreement for Certain Territory Located at the Southwest Corner of Baseline Road and North Bridge Street (Project Cardinal) c. Ordinance Approving the Rezoning to the M-2 General Manufacturing Zoning District of Certain Territory Located at the Southwest Corner of Baseline Road and North Bridge Street (State Route 47) (Project Cardinal) d. Ordinance Annexing Certain Territory Located at the Southwest Corner of Baseline Road and North Bridge Street to the United City of Yorkville (Project Cardinal) Community Development Director Barksdale -Noble shared that the petitioner has provided an updated site plan. The placement and size of the data center features have been adjusted in response to public feedback. One update to the site plan is that phase 1 now includes a setback to several of the data center buildings, which would be a separation of approximately 500 feet from the previous distance. In phase 2, a secondary entrance will align with East Beecher Road. Another update is that in phase 3, the customer substation located near Building 5 of the site plan has been set back an additional 300 feet from the roadway. Director Barksdale -Noble also shared that the petitioner is now proposing to plant over 5,000 trees, which is approximately 450 more trees than previously presented. The trees are expected to reach mature heights of 20 to 80 feet tall. She also shared that there is a response to the sound study in the packet. Mayor Purcell clarified that road improvements needed for Project Cardinal will be the developer's responsibility. Matt McCarron, Project Cardinal developer, shared that their primary goal is a quiet and sustainable technology infrastructure that is designed to strengthen Yorkville and not redefine it. He also confirmed that Pioneer Development is an Illinois LLC formed in 2024. The registered agent is an Illinois law firm. He also stated that that their engineering team has provided an updated water usage guide to the City. They anticipate using 310,000 gallons of water per day when the data center is fully operational. He stated this is than the water consumption of a residential subdivision. Mr. McCarron also explained that there will be roughly two football fields worth of separation between the data center and the closest residence. He reiterated the setbacks in each phase that Director Barksdale -Noble previously explained, and stated that the setbacks are bigger than any other data center in the United States. Mayor Purcell asked what the setback is on the east end from Bristol Bay. Mr. McCarron responded that it was moved back 600 additional feet. On the north side, the customer substation was moved back approximately 330 feet. He also shared that Project Cardinal is open to dedicating more land on Galena Road so that the right-of-way is not negatively impacted. City Administrator Olson stated that a traffic study will be presented at a future meeting, and work will continue on the annexation agreement. CITY COUNCIL REPORT No report. The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council — September 9,_2025 — Page 6 of 7 CITY CLERK'S REP01tf No report. COMMUNITY & LIAISON REPORT No report. STAFF REPORT No report. MAYOR'S REPORT (cont'd) Public Works and Parks Department Facility Update (CC 2025-08) Public Works Director Dhuse shared that the roof will be installed by the end of the month, and then installation of the windows will start on the new Public Works and Parks Department building. After that, the work on underground plumbing will commence. He also shared that the floors will be poured before November, so work inside can begin. Lake Michigan Water Project Update (CC 2025-09) City Administrator Olson shared that at the next City Council meeting, he anticipates an update on the costs, bid package, and the DuPage Water Commission's plans. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS No report. CITIZEN COMMENTS Cecelia Martinez, a Yorkville resident, shared her thoughts on the public camping ordinance. She believes the ordinance will not solve homelessness. She shared that recently, an unhoused individual was robbed. She read her written comments on the ordinance (see attached). Alison Metz, a Yorkville resident, expressed her concern with the public camping ordinance not being on the agenda. She would like the ordinance to be repealed and a community group be formed as the community has a wealth of ideas and knowledge. She also asked how the ordinance will be enforced against truck drivers sleeping in their trucks at gas stations. Anne Engelhardt, a Yorkville resident and former Kendall Co. PADS Executive Director, shared that four unhoused individuals have received assistance within the past week. She read her written comments on the public camping ordinance and also submitted additional comments (see attached). Alicia Castillo, a Yorkville resident, shared her thoughts on the public camping ordinance. She would like the ordinance repealed or on the agenda for discussion. Emma Duclos stated she was not sure what the process is to get questions that are asked by the community, answered. Ryan Deane shared that he enjoys camping. He stated that he helped search for a recent missing Yorkville teenager. He also shared that he rescued a kayaker out of the river. Mr. Deane stated that not all homeless people are bad. He stated that the Department of Veterans Affairs is finally helping him. He also shared that people are overwatering their lawns. He feels that people should be educated on water conservation. Brad Chamberlin shared his thoughts on the public camping ordinance not being on the agenda. He believes that the responsibility to help the unhoused should not fall on Yorkville residents. Christine Haley, the Chief Homelessness Officer for the State of Illinois, submitted written comments on the public camping ordinance (see attached). Max Seeley, Director of Government Affairs for Supportive Housing Providers Association, submitted written comments on the public camping ordinance (see attached). EXECUTIVE SESSION None. The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council — September 9, 2025 — Pa2e 7 of 7 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to adjourn the City Council meeting. 5o moved by Alderman Corneils; seconded by Alderman Plocher. Motion unanimously approved by a viva vote vote. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Monica Cisija, Deputy Clerk, City of Yorkville, Illinois UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States of America, the guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government in a Republic dedicated to rule by law; and WHEREAS, September 17, 2025, marks the two hundred thirty-eighth anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary, and to the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate it; and WHEREAS, Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Purcell, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the United City of Yorkville, do hereby proclaim the week of September 17 through 23 as CONSTITUTION WEEK and ask our citizens to reaffirm the ideals the Framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties. Dated this 9' day of September, 2025. John Purcell, Cecilia Martinez Yorkville "Camping" Ordinance This ordinance will not solve the issue of homelessness in our community. Instead, it will make an already difficult situation worse. Fining unhoused individuals will only drain the limited funds they have for essentials like hotel stays or shelter fees. Many already face frequent theft, losing the little money and belongings they manage to earn. Worse still, enforcement of this ordinance will cost taxpayers significantly more. Prison/jail bed (Illinois average): approximately $125 per day based on the Illinois Department of Corrections FY2022 average annual cost of $45,828 per person. Emergency shelter bed (typical cost): roughly $44 per night, based on national research estimating an average annual cost of $16,000 per emergency shelter bed, divided over 365 nights. Incarcerating someone costs nearly three times more per night than providing shelter services. Sou rces: Federal Register https://www.federa[register_gov/documents12021109/01/2021-18800/annual-determination-of-average-cost-of- incarcerati on -fee -coif National Low Income Housing Association httppsj nlihc.org/resource/annual-cost-meeting-unmet-demand-shelteri ng_people-experiencing- homelessness-estimated-45 Shelters are often partially supported by donations and volunteers, making them even more cost- effective. Beyond saving money, they connect people to housing, services, and jobs, helping them rebuild their lives. Jail does none of this. In fact, incarceration creates additional barriers by leaving individuals with criminal records, making it harder to find employment or housing, which traps them in a cycle of homelessness and poverty. Examples of the hurdles they face Identification & Banking Issues: One unhoused individual in town has money in his bank account but he cannot access it without a valid ID. In order to get one you need to have an agency like the health department or a shelterto sign off on using their address. No organization in our county currently allows this, and state law prohibits using a PO box. After 3 years of being expired, you need additional documents to renew your ID which has the same address issue. Transportation Barriers: The closest shelter and sometimes document retrieving agencies would be in Aurora, Joliet, or even Chicago which is hard to travel/walk to with disabilities. They cannot quickly get to outreach events nearby without transportation either, leaving them stuck with no resources. The Kendall County health department has street outreach and rapid rehousing but told me that they do not have the means to transport unhoused individuals to get initially registered for those programs. I was told they have tried to set this system up before but it was a funding issue. All of the unhoused in town were unaware such a program existed. Food Access Challenges: Getting food is also an issue, one of the unhoused has trespass notices from 6f businesses in town (some are no longer legible) including verbal warnings for more. You do not have to commit a crime to be trespassed, he has simply walked into the gas station and gotten trespassed. He has food stamps but is not allowed inside or to purchase, he cannot even order from McDonalds or sit outside to eat. 1f he gets donated gift cards he has the same issue, another neighbor has to go and get the food for him. If the neighbor is not available, he has to walk all the way to a business that wilt let him purchase food which is hard since he is disabled. If the neighbor is unavailable, he must walk long distances while pushing his cart of medications and belongings, since leaving them unattended would result in theft. This ties into Lack of public transportation and in some cases, sidewalks as well. _ .. • .bAR. I POI .ILE [rt GA V " {y^, SiGCV AF •': aI[4n.:+^." RET;R��: 9ry4W _- - �'r61l AVE upf NOi IAA _ r .s v '' ('It\EIRW4L�WI iiIA�Wr. - 1 '•" -. 1H Rrs EA' �E4 J. ..,.. , w VALE :. -_plir�k. .; ryi• .t+0.. Al' 0.;; L5.-� •: -V.-- rRN .'Elf i-, a r'•f ECIr .,, AT r... ., t � � s t Rising Harassment and Violence: Since the ordinance was passed on August 12, there has been a sharp rise in harassment and violence against the unhoused. One has told me that people will drive by at random times of the day to threaten him with jail, assault, or worse. One of them has informed me that on 9/5 he was assaulted by 5 men and had to be taken to the hospital by a Sheriff. He said they stole his money, medications, his mother's rosary, and broke his glasses. Though the rosary was later returned while he slept, no police report was filed and there was no follow-up investigation. The stolen money was intended for a hotel stay, forcing him to start over from nothing. There are now multiple accounts online that will record or take pictures of them and post it in public city Facebook groups to engagement farm or rage bait people. These posts attract comments that call for violence, mock their struggles, and spread harmful stereotypes. A few of them have Facebook to keep in contact with out-of-town family, who send them links to these posts. They are already struggling greatly with their depression and overall mental health, and now they're seeing people publicly shame them and assume their situation. Seeing these posts and the city ordinance has deeply impacted their mental health, fueling distrust of city outreach efforts and causing resentment. If the concerns are about crime, this ordinance will not address that nor was it needed to carry out the existing laws. For example they can be arrested for disorderly conduct, reckless endangerment, public nuisance, harassment, threats, indecent exposure, littering, trespassing, or resisting arrest if that is the case. Proof That Solutions Work: I would like to note that since the ordinance was passed on 8/12, it took a private citizen 22 days to get all 3 known unhoused in town connected with appropriate services and start the process of rapid rehousing. Chris for example has been unhoused since 2019 (6 years), I was able to get him registered for rapid rehousing in 15 days. This shows that effective action is possible when resources are properly communicated and coordinated. They have fiat -out told me that they do not want to be homeless and cooperated which calls the city's excuse that they need the ordinance for those who will not accept help into question. Since it has passed - there have now been 2 council meetings about this, without it being an agenda item (though requested), and the city has still not contacted or started any process to address the real issues to our knowledge. Proposed Solutions 1. Repeal the ordinance and focus on connecting unhoused residents with resources already available rather than criminalizing them. 2. Improve transportation access including short-term and long-term public transit solutions. So unhoused individuals can attend appointments, access shelters, and reach outreach events. 3. Provide city or county transportation support - communicate with the county or work to get funding to the health department so they can transport unhoused individuals to get registered. for example, having community service officers assist with transporting individuals to initial service registration. 4. Work with shelters or agencies to provide a local mailing address, enabling unhoused individuals to obtain state IDs and access their financial resources. 5. Partner with local businesses to ensure unhoused individuals can use food stamps to purchase food Locally. 6. Create a community work group ortask force dedicated to addressing these systemic issues coLlaboratively with local stakeholders. 7. Pubticly condemn violence and harassment of unhoused individuals and promote compassion and understanding within the community. Advertise or communicate resources to contact when they witness unhoused neighbors. Homelessness itself is not a crime, and punishment will not solve it. By repealing this ordinance and focusing on solutions that connect people with services, we can save taxpayer dollars, reduce suffering, and build a stronger, safer, and more compassionate community. COMMENTS PRIOR to the Yorkville City Council meeting September 912025 Submitted by Anne Engelhardt Resident since 1978 Former Executive Director of Kendall County PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) October 2010 -March 2020 Four unhoused individuals in the Yorkville area have received appropriate assistance in the past three weeks. A citizen, who volunteered her time and some care packages, was able to communicate with each of the individuals. She was able to connect them to available social service agencies - AID, KC Health Department, Veterans Assistance, and Yorkville Police Department. All four are now in the process of accepting and receiving assistance for their various needs, and are working toward temporary and permanent housing. These contacts were all done peacefully, without incidents, and without the implementation of the new ordinance of fining and potential jailing unhoused people. I respectfully ask that you not just "amend" Ordinance 2025-57 which criminalizes people unhoused individuals, but rather motion and vote to REPEAL that ordinance. You have the legal authority to do this. I respectfully request the following agenda item to be ADDED to the City Council meeting on September 9, 2025. PROPOSAL: 1. Repeal the ordinance 2025-57 : "Regulating public camping within the corporate boundaries and other actions in connection therewith" for the purpose of researching and discerning an alternative, improved approach to addressing the challenges of unhoused people in Yorkville. 2. AND, continue to use valuable, current resources. TRUST the agencies and departments who have trained and experienced staff to work WITH unhoused people for basic and immediate assistance, for crisis prevention, for crisis intervention, and for paths to temporary and permanent housing. 3. Commission a "work group" to begin immediately to gather information about long-term, sustainable solutions to provide assistance to unhoused individuals. Two goals can simultaneously be addressed - a short term, near -future goal and a longer term goal. A. Short term — the work group will determine ... 1. what resources are available, and 2. what actions are currently being done and by whom, 3. how these resources are being coordinated and communicated among the service providers, and 4. what are the most effective ways that unhoused people are getting this information and the resources they need. B. Long term — the work group will research and determine solutions for effective transportation and affordable housing for people without housing and any others who can benefit from these improvements in our community. C. The work group will be under the umbrella of the City Council and should include representatives: 2 Alderpersons from City of Yorkville 1 from YPD 1 from Yorkville Public Library 1-2 from KCHD (Kendall County Health Department) 1-2 from AID (Aid for Independent Development) 1 from Kendall County Food Pantry 2 Faith leaders (clergy) 4 Citizens from the Yorkville Community 2 people with experience living unhoused D. The work group will report to City Council, once each month. The work group will strive to present identified goals within 6 months and a more detailed action plan within a year. Written Comments for Mayor and Yorkville City Council Meeting September 9, 2025 Re: Ordinance 2025-57 - homelessness Submitted by Anne Engelhardt, Resident of Yorkville since 1978 Anne was the Executive Director of Kendall County PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) which provided overnight shelter, food and other services to unhoused people from October 2010- March 2020 Basic information about homelessness will provide a foundation for further discussion and discernment for effective solutions to a social problem. The following is a brief overview found on the internet. Source cited below. Homelessness itself is not a crime, but rather a complex issue resulting from a severe lack of affordable housing, economic hardship, and unmet health needs. Criminalizing homelessness is a harmful, expensive, and ineffective approach that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fails to address the root causes of homelessness. Instead, effective solutions involve providing affordable housing, implementing "Housing First" policies, and offering comprehensive social services. Why Homelessness Is Not a Crime • Root Causes: Homelessness is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including a shortage of affordable housing, economic instability, lack of healthcare, and other social inequities, not by criminal intent. • Humanitarian Issue: People experiencing homelessness are individuals in need of assistance and resources, they are not criminals. • Constitutional Protections: Laws that criminalize basic life -sustaining acts, like sleeping or seeking shelter, may violate constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. Problems with Criminalizing Homelessness • Ineffective: Punitive measures do not solve homelessness and are a waste of resources that could be used for effective solutions, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. • Costly: Enforcing anti -homelessness laws is significantly more expensive than providing housing and supportive services. • Harmful to Individuals: Criminalization can exacerbate health problems, break connections with support providers, and further entrench people in cycles of poverty and homelessness. • Misdirects Resources: It diverts police and other officials from addressing more serious community safety issues, as noted by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Effective Solutions • Affordable Housing: The fundamental solution is to create and expand the availability of affordable housing. • Housing First: This evidence -based approach provides immediate access to housing and then offers voluntary support services, which is a more effective and compassionate strategy than criminalization. • Supportive Services: Addressing mental health, substance use, and other health needs through accessible care is crucial. • Community -Based Solutions: Organizations that provide direct aid, such as hygiene supplies, food, and temporary shelters, are vital to supporting unhoused individuals. Source: https://www.gooale.com/search? g=homelessness+in+not+a+crime&oq=homelessness+in+not+a+crime+&q s Icrp=EgZiaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhge Mg01AxAAGIYDGIAEGloFMaoIBBAAGIAEGKIEMaolBRAAGKIEGIkFOaEI NDk1 MmowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 OFFICETO PREVENT AND END HOMELESSNESS © 555 '%C: )Innroe • Chica,,gp. It, 60661 ® Endlimne sslessness.IIli ttois.gov O humele S.0fliee(WiIIIuui- "ON to- (312) 03-1533, September 9, 2025 Good evening Mayor Purcell and Aldermen, Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment tonight on the critical question of how communities can best support people experiencing homelessness, make the best use of limited public funds, and meet all resident's needs for a safe, welcoming community. My name is Christine Haley. I am the Chief Homelessness Officer of the State of Illinois. In this role, I lead Illinois' work toward a future where we collectively care for people experiencing homelessness with compassion and are able to quickly support them in reconnecting with housing. I regularly partner with community and local government leaders across Illinois and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and visit your community. My office is very concerned about approaches that allow fines or arrests for behavior such as sitting or sleeping on public property or sitting in one's own vehicle on public property. When we push our most vulnerable community members further and further into the margins- forcing them to move along or face a fine or arrest- there is an impact. These approaches foster fear and mistrust between people experiencing homelessness, social services providers and law enforcement officers. This distrust actively harms people's progress toward housing. What's more, these policies are a poor use of public resources and enforcing them costs three times more than providing housing. I urge you not to move forward with this approach and to instead focus your efforts on investments in affordable and supportive housing, prevention, and shelter, particularly low -barrier shelter. Additionally, I want to bring your attention to a recent letter put out by the Illinois Department of Human Rights in collaboration with my office. The letter reminds public officials and local units of government of their obligations under the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003, and the Illinois Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act. Some of these obligations, which apply equally to state and local governments, include: (1) persons experiencing homelessness have the right to equal ffl OFFICE TO PREVENT AND EN U HOMELESSNESS W Monroe • Chicago, I1. 60661®ElldhUiTlC551C58I11�cg,Ilhl]UIS.Y�'oP ®llOItleleBS,ofliceClllli[IoiE.go\' U (312) 793.1533 treatment, without discrimination on the basis of housing status, (2) persons experiencing homelessness also have the right to use and move freely in public spaces, including public sidewalks, public parks, public transportation, and public buildings, in the same manner as any other person and without discrimination on the basis of their housing status, and (3) public officials are specifically prohibited from denying or refusing the full and equal enjoyment of facilities and services under their care based on a protected characteristic, and the letter notes that people experiencing homelessness are disproportionately represented along several protected classes, such as racial status, veteran status, and disabilities status.' Again, I urge you to take a different approach to supporting people experiencing homelessness in your community, an approach without criminalization. I welcome opportunities to discuss State support available to you to do so. Thank you, Christine Haley Chief Homelessness Officer State of Illinois 1 See letter at httas•//dhrillinois gov/about-us/idhr-news-and-events12025-03-letter-re- homelessness.html. SUPPORTIVE HOUSING SHPA PROVIDERS ASSOCIATION wap Working Together. We Can Accomplish An1whing To the Mayor and Members ofYorkville's City Council: I am writing to express deep concern about the passage of Ordinance 2025-57, prohibiting "public camping" in the City of Yorkville. The increase in people experiencing homelessness is a problem not only here in Illinois, but across the entire country. To address the homelessness crisis, we need community solutions that work to help people exit homelessness, this ordinance represents a step in the wrong direction. By banning "public camping" vulnerable residents will be pushed further from stability, making it harder for them to access services, and place additional strain on law enforcement and the courts. Criminalizing homelessness will not reduce homelessness. As Director of Government Affairs for the Supportive Housing Providers Association of Illinois (SHPA), I know that housing, with supportive services, ends homelessness. Across Illinois, permanent supportive housing programs combine access to affordable housing solutions with wrap -around services that provide the supports people need to remain stably housed. As cited in the text of the ordinance, homelessness is a complex issue, one that must be resolved with housing, not fines and criminalization. Yorkville has an opportunity to be a partner in this work. State data shows that Illinois has a shortage of nearly 11,000 supportive housing units short. Instead of enforcing punishments that displace people, I urge you to take action to help reduce the state's shortage of housing solutions; increase affordable housing options, partner with local service providers, and create pathways that connect residents to stability and care. Ordinances like 2025-57 may appear to offer a short-term response, but they undermine the long- term goal we all share: safe, healthy communities where every resident has the dignity of a home. At SHPA, we are ready to work with Yorkville to ensure all residents have access to a safe and stable home. Max Seeley Director of Government Affairs Supportive Housing Providers Association