The Batavia City Council meeting on April 21, 2025, highlighted several community initiatives, including a rain barrel sale and significant progress in lead service line replacements.

One of the key announcements was the ongoing rain barrel sale, which runs until April 29. Residents can pre-order barrels, with pick-up scheduled for May 3 at the Public Works facility from 8:00 to 10:00 AM. This initiative aims to promote water conservation and educate the community about the benefits of using rain barrels and native plants.

In another significant development, the city's water division reported a milestone of overseeing 500 lead service line replacements. This achievement positions Batavia as a leader among municipalities in Illinois in addressing lead service issues, reflecting the city's commitment to public health and infrastructure improvement.

The meeting also featured updates from the fire and police departments. Fire Marshal Tom Cody and probationary firefighter Nick Dean participated in a career fair to recruit new members, while police department representatives attended an awards event at Tricom Central Dispatch, recognizing the vital role dispatchers play in emergency services.

Additionally, the community's comfort dog, River, has been actively engaging with residents, including a recent visit to Alice Gustafson School for a Special Olympics event, further enhancing community relations.

In closing, the council reminded residents to mark their calendars for Flag Day festivities on June 14, from 1 to 2 PM, as part of ongoing community engagement efforts. The meeting underscored Batavia's proactive approach to environmental sustainability, public safety, and community involvement.