City Council

City Hall - Second Floor City of Aurora Council Chambers 44 East Downer Place Aurora, IL 60505 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday March 10, 2026 6:00 PM Members of the public wishing to provide public comment for this meeting must be physically present at the meeting and registered to speak prior to the meeting being called to order. Call the City Clerk's Office at (630) 256-3070 with questions. Please refer to the last page of this agenda for information regarding translation & reasonable accommodation requests. ROLL CALL Mayor Laesch called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and the roll was called. Present: 13 - Alderman Daniel Barreiro, Alderwoman Juany Garza, Alderman Ted Mesiacos, Alderman Jonathan Núñez, Alderman Carl Franco, Alderman Mike Saville, Alderman Javier Bañuelos, Alderwoman Patty Smith, Alderman Edward Bugg, Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Alderman-At-Large Keith Larson, Alderman-At-Large Will White and Mayor John Laesch APPOINTMENT OF SERGEANT-AT-ARMS A motion was made by Alderman Franco and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to appoint a Sergeant-at-Arms for this meeting. The motion carried by voice vote and an Aurora Police Officer served as Sergeant-at-Arms for this meeting. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Mesiacos. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Laesch presented a Mayoral Proclamation to members of the Aurora Muslim Community in recognition of the Holy Month of Ramadan. A Grand Opening Celebration was held at Vibez on the River at 29 W New York St. last Sunday. Aurora Downtown District and City of Aurora will be hosting an interactive event this weekend in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. MyAurora311 Open Data Portal will be launched Wednesday, March 11th. City of Aurora Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 10, 2026 MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS 26-0099 A Resolution authorizing the appointment of Lee Catavu and Toby Gill to the Deferred Compensation Administration Committee. A motion was made by Alderwoman Garza and seconded by Alderman Franco to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Larson and Alderman White Enactment No: R26-054 26-0106 A Resolution authorizing the reappointment of Pedro Rodriguez to the Aurora Veteran's Advisory Council. Nick Richard-Thompson, Deputy Chief of Staff - City of Aurora, responded to questions. A motion was made by Alderwoman Garza and seconded by Alderman Barreiro to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Larson and Alderman White Enactment No: R26-055 26-0107 A Resolution authorizing the reappointment of Michael Zepeda to the Aurora Veteran's Advisory Council. A motion was made by Alderwoman Garza and seconded by Alderman Barreiro to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Larson and Alderman White Enactment No: R26-056 City of Aurora Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 10, 2026 26-0109 A Resolution authorizing the reappointment of Oscar Ramirez Jr. to the Aurora Veteran's Advisory Council. A motion was made by Alderwoman Garza and seconded by Alderman Barreiro to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Larson and Alderman White Enactment No: R26-057 26-0110 A Resolution authorizing the reappointment of Curtis Wilson to the Aurora Veteran's Advisory Council. A motion was made by Alderwoman Garza and seconded by Alderman Barreiro to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Larson and Alderman White Enactment No: R26-058 26-0113 A Resolution authorizing the reappointment of Jose Jesus Cervantes to the Aurora Veteran's Advisory Council. A motion was made by Alderwoman Garza and seconded by Alderman Barreiro to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 10 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Larson and Alderman White Nay: 2 - Alderman Franco and Alderwoman Smith Enactment No: R26-059 City of Aurora Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 10, 2026 PUBLIC COMMENT The City Clerk read the Rules of Public Comment and the following people presented comments to the City Council: 1. Bences Maravilla spoke regarding providing more events for Senior Citizens. 2. Vernita Andrews spoke regarding the Stable Able Housing Organization asking for Council's partnership and support. 3. Rick Lawrence spoke regarding ethics and corruption in City finance. 4. Kathy Yarbrough spoke in support of the proposed ethics reform ordinance. 5. Steve Ballina spoke in support of the proposed campaign reform ordinance. 6. Salek Khalid spoke in support of the proposed ethics reform ordinance. 7. Anonymous Aurora Resident spoke in support of the veteran population, City workers contract and the proposed ethics reform ordinance. 8. Jim French spoke regarding the pending Local 3298 contract negotiations. 9. Karen Gallegos spoke in support of the proposed ethics reform ordinance. 10. Ash Draghean spoke in support of the proposed ethics reform ordinance. 11. Zack Bishop spoke regarding the historical significance of the land at 22 W Park Place and would like to add the property to the "Network to Freedom". CONSENT AGENDA The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda and the Direct to Council Consent Agenda in full. A motion was made by Alderman Franco and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to approve the Consent Agenda and Direct to Council Consent Agenda in full. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 12 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White 26-0003 An Ordinance Reserving 2026 Volume Cap in connection with Private Activity Bond Issues, and Related Matters. This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-009 26-0050 A Resolution Authorizing the Extension of a Lease with the Fox Valley Music Foundation for Property at 19-21 Broadway. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R26-060 26-0083 An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Section 2-500 of the Aurora City Code to increase the membership of the Mayor's Sustainable Aurora Advisory Board from seven to nine members. This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-010 City of Aurora Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 10, 2026 26-0116 A Resolution authorizing the appointment of Jenni Park to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Advisory Board. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R26-061 26-0117 A Resolution authorizing the appointment of Mercedes Walls, Jamil Morales, Raymond Bronski and Kenan Cooper-Gilmore to the Aurora LGBTQ Advisory Board. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R26-062 26-0123 A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute a contract with Ayre Productions in the amount of $318,978.00 for sound equipment at RiverEdge Park. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R26-063 26-0125 A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement with GenServe LLC for preventative maintenance of the City of Aurora's lift station and facility emergency standby generators. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R26-064 DIRECT TO COUNCIL CONSENT AGENDA 25-1052 An Ordinance for the Establishment of Special Service Area Number 225, Prairie Meadows for Stormwater Management Purposes Related to Real Property Located at the North Corners of Prairie Street and Rockwell Road, Aurora, Illinois. This Ordinance was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-011 25-1054 An Ordinance for the Establishment of Special Service Area Number 226, Wheatland Crossing for Stormwater Management Purposes Related to Real Property Located at the Southeast Corner of Route 34 and Farnsworth Avenue, Aurora, Illinois. This Ordinance was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-012 City of Aurora Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 10, 2026 25-1055 An Ordinance for the Establishment of Special Service Area Number 227, Habitat Green Freedom for Stormwater Management Purposes Related to Real Property Located North of Jericho Road approximately 450° West of South Edgelawn Drive, Aurora, Illinois. This Ordinance was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-013 25-1056 An Ordinance for the Establishment of Special Service Area Number 228, Cyrus One for Stormwater Management Purposes Related to Real Property Located at 2725 Bilter Road, Aurora, Illinois. This Ordinance was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-014 25-1058 An Ordinance for the Establishment of Special Service Area Number 231, Eola Preserve for Stormwater Management Purposes Related to Real Property Located West of Old Eola Road and North of Liberty Street, Aurora, Illinois. This Ordinance was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-015 25-1060 An Ordinance for the Establishment of Special Service Area Number 232, Abbey Meadows, for Stormwater Management Purposes Related to Real Property Located Eastside of Raddant Road at Mesa Lane, Aurora, Illinois. This Ordinance was approved on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-016 26-0139 Approval of the Minutes of the Tuesday, February 24, 2026, City Council Meeting. The Minutes were approved and filed as presented on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. UNFINISHED BUSINESS City of Aurora Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 10, 2026 25-0779 An Ordinance amending and adding Sections 2-185, 15-130, 15-320, 15-321, 15-322, and 15-354 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Aurora pertaining to the disclosure of economic interests, campaign contributions, and lobbying. Mayor Laesch spoke regarding the proposed ordinance and showed the Open Data Portal on the screen as an example. Shannon Cameron, Chief of Staff - City of Aurora, presented, responded to questions and explained the proposed changes to the ordinance. Jolene Coulter, Director of Purchasing - City of Aurora, responded to questions. A motion was made by Alderman Larson and seconded by Alderman Bañuelos to approve this item as presented in Exhibit B. Alderman Barreiro proposed an amendment to Exhibit B consisting of two parts: 1. Chapter 2 Administration, Sec. II, paragraph (d) - amend to disclosure annually on or before May 1st one time per year (p. 2 line 16 to p. 3 line 2). Other changes that have been made to Chapter 2 to return to the RAP Committee for discussion. 2. Chapter 15 Ethics - return to the RAP Committee. Motion 1 - A motion to approve Exhibit B - The Barreiro Amendment was made by Alderman Bugg and seconded by Alderman Núñez and carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Banuelos, Alderman Bugg, Alderman White. Nay: 6 - Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderwoman Smith, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Larson Mayor Laesch voted yes to break the 6-6 tie and Motion 1 carried on Exhibit B - The Barreiro Amendment. Motion 2 - A motion was made by Alderman Saville and seconded by Alderwoman Smith to amend Exhibit B - The Barreiro Amendment regarding Chapter 15 addressing the applicability of the ethics section only as to Mayor, Candidates and City Staff without addressing the applicability of the ethics portion to the Alderpeople and returning the sections referencing the Alderpeople to the RAP Committee for consideration. The motion failed by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderwoman Smith, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman White Nay: 6 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Banuelos, Alderman Bugg, Alderman Larson Mayor Laesch voted no to break the 6-6 tie and Motion 2 failed. Motion 3 - A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderwoman Franco to return Chapter 15 in part to the RAP Committee for review and to adopt Exhibit B - The Barreiro Amendment for Chapter 2. The City of Aurora Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 10, 2026 motion failed by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderwoman Smith, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman White Nay: 6 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Banuelos, Alderman Bugg, Alderman Larson Mayor Laesch voted no to break the 6-6 tie and Motion 3 failed. Motion 4 - A motion was made by Alderman Bugg and seconded by Alderman Mesiacos to return Exhibit B - The Barreiro Amendment to the RAP Committee. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9 - Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Banuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman Larson and Alderman White Nay: 3 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza and Alderman Núñez This item was returned to the Rules Administration and Procedures Committee for consideration. 26-0088 An Ordinance amending the Ward 1 Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Alderman Bugg momentarily left City Council Chambers during the vote on this item and returned shortly thereafter. A motion was made by Alderman Franco and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 10 - Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White Abstain: 1- Alderman Barreiro Enactment No: O26-017 NEW BUSINESS There were no items of New Business. REPORT 26-0149 Treasurer’s Reports - June-December 2025 This Report was accepted and filed. 26-0150 Corporate Funds Investment Report - Fourth Quarter 2025 This Report was accepted and filed. City of Aurora Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 10, 2026 APPROVAL OF THE BILL SUMMARY AND LARGE BILL LIST 26-0148 Bill Summary and Large Bill List. Alderwoman Smith and Alderman Bugg temporarily left the City Council Chambers during the vote to approve and pay the bills. A motion was made by Alderman Saville and seconded by Alderman Franco to approve and pay the bills. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 10 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Alderman Saville and seconded by Alderman Franco to adjourn the open session of this meeting and convene a closed session meeting pursuant the following sections of the Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/2: 1. Sec. (c)(1) to discuss the employment issues. 2. Sec. (c)(2) collective bargaining. 3. Sec. (c)(11) pending litigation. Alderwoman Smith was not present in City Council Chambers for this vote. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Núñez, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderman Bugg, Alderman Larson and Alderman White The open session of the meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m. The closed session meeting was called to order at 8:42 p.m. and adjourned at 9:34 p.m. ADJOURN Submitted by: ____________________________________ Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk City of Aurora Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 10, 2026 Any individual requiring language translation and/or disability requesting a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a public meeting should contact the City Clerk’s Office at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting. The City Clerk’s Office can be reached in person at 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora Illinois, via telephone at 630-256-3070, or via e-mail at CityClerk@aurora.il.us. Every effort will be made to allow for meeting participation. Cualquier persona que requiera traducción de idiomas y/o tenga una discapacidad y solicite una adaptación razonable para poder participar en una junta pública, debe comunicarse con la Oficina de la Secretaría Municipal al menos 48 horas antes de la junta programada. Puede comunicarse con la Oficina de la Secretaría Municipal en persona en 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora Illinois, por teléfono al 630-256-3070 o por correo electrónico a CityClerk@aurora.il.us. Se hará todo lo posible para permitir la participación en la junta. City of Aurora Page 10