The Batavia City Council meeting held on April 21, 2025, featured a comprehensive update from Susie, the owner of Light and Pine Collective, who represented the Batavia Main Street organization. The meeting began with Susie sharing her background and involvement in the local business community, highlighting her long-standing commitment to Main Street initiatives.

One of the key topics discussed was the upcoming outdoor farmer's market season, set to commence on May 17. Susie reported a significant increase in vendor applications, with a 27% rise this year, totaling 55 returning vendors and 13 newcomers. The Saturday market will feature an average of 59 vendors weekly, while the Wednesday night market, running from June through August, is expected to host around 22 vendors each week.

In addition to the farmer's market, Susie announced the launch of the Batavia Main Street hype team, which recently organized a successful scavenger hunt downtown. This initiative received positive feedback from residents, enhancing community engagement and promoting local businesses.

The meeting also touched on new colorful banners that will be displayed on key streets in Batavia, aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to explore the downtown area. Susie invited council members to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Batavia Boardwalk Shops on May 9, emphasizing the variety of shops available this season.

Furthermore, Susie highlighted the importance of volunteers in supporting Main Street activities, noting that the organization logged 165 volunteer hours in the first quarter of the year. She encouraged community members to get involved and stay informed about local events through their website.

The meeting concluded with positive remarks from council members about the farmer's market's reputation, with mentions of interest from neighboring towns and officials, including the mayor of Flossmoor, who expressed a desire to learn from Batavia's successful initiatives. Overall, the meeting underscored the vibrant community spirit and ongoing efforts to enhance Batavia's local economy and engagement.