The Batavia City Council convened on April 21, 2025, to address several key agenda items, primarily focused on the construction and infrastructure improvements related to the Peace Bridge bike ramp and other essential city services.
The meeting commenced with a motion to waive formal bidding for Resolution 2025-056-R, which pertains to the construction of the Peace Bridge bike ramp. The motion received unanimous support from the council, with all members voting in favor, leading to the approval of the waiver.
Following this, the council discussed the approval of a contract with Electrical Conduit Construction for the relocation of electrical infrastructure necessary for the bike ramp project. The contract, amounting to $543,988, including a 10% contingency, was also approved unanimously after a brief discussion emphasizing the importance of timely relocation to facilitate future maintenance.
The council then moved to another waiver of formal bidding for Resolution 2025-054-R, continuing the bike ramp project. This motion similarly passed without opposition. Subsequently, a contract with V3 Construction Group for the construction of the bike ramp was approved for an amount not to exceed $2,579,820, which includes a contingency. This project has been a long-discussed initiative aimed at improving bike access and safety in the downtown area.
A temporary construction easement agreement with the Batavia Park District for the bike ramp area was also approved. This easement is crucial as the bridge is owned by the park district, and the council ensured that the bridge would remain open to pedestrians during construction, particularly on Saturdays when the farmers market operates.
The meeting continued with discussions on emergency infrastructure needs, including a waiver of formal bidding for the replacement of an arterial water valve at the West Elevated Water Storage Tank. This emergency repair was deemed necessary due to a potential leak, and the council approved the contract with Ares Incorporated for $53,653 to execute the installation.
Lastly, the council renewed a fiber lease agreement with Fermilab for a six-year term, which was also approved with one abstention.
In conclusion, the Batavia City Council's meeting highlighted significant advancements in local infrastructure projects, particularly the Peace Bridge bike ramp, while addressing urgent water system repairs. The council's decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing community safety and accessibility.