City Council

City Hall - Second Floor City of Aurora Council Chambers 44 East Downer Place Aurora, IL 60505 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday June 09, 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: 12 - Alderman Daniel Barreiro, Alderwoman Juany Garza, Alderman Ted Mesiacos, 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 Absent: 1 - Alderman Jonathan Núñez APPOINTMENT OF SERGEANT-AT-ARMS A motion was made by Alderman Saville and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to appoint a Sergeant-at-Arms for this meeting. The motion carried by voice vote and Officer Soderlund served as Sergeant-at-Arms for this meeting. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Mesiacos. City of Aurora Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 MAYOR'S REPORT Tony Martinez, Chief Communications Officer, presented the Mayor's Report as follows: 1. Mayor Laesch presented a Mayoral Proclamation to members of the City of Aurora LGBTQ Advisory Board proclaiming June, 2026 as Pride Month in the City of Aurora. 2. Mayor Laesch congratulated the first class of City of Aurora CEJA Workforce Development Hub Graduates and the 548 Foundation. 3. Winter Warming Shelter Discussion: Nicole Mullins, Chief Community Services Officer presented an overview of the Aurora Winter Warming Shelter contract with the contractor, Becoming Oswego. Annie Fish of Becoming Oswego, presented the Aurora, IL Winter Warming Center Contractor's Report regarding the Aurora Winter Warming Shelter for the 2025-2026 season. Nicole Mullins followed up with comments at the conclusion of the presentation by Becoming Oswego and stated that the choice of the service provider for the 2026-2027 season will go through the City's procurement process. Annie Fish additionally responded to questions. Shannon Cameron, Chief of Staff - City of Aurora, responded to questions. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS 26-0294 A Resolution authorizing the appointment of Krisha Dalal to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Advisory Board. A motion was made by Alderman Franco and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: (11) - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-at-Large Larson and Alderman-at-Large White Enactment No: R26-145 City of Aurora Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 26-0316 A Resolution authorizing the appointment of Jennifer Hopkins, Allaneddy Barajas, Ghousia Wajid and Harnek Bhachu to the Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission. 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 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White Nay: 1- Alderwoman Smith Enactment No: R26-146 26-0332 A Resolution authorizing the reappointment of Michael Zafran to the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Commission. A motion was made by Alderman Saville and seconded by Alderman Franco to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: (11) - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-at-Large Larson and Alderman-at-Large White Enactment No: R26-147 City of Aurora Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 PUBLIC COMMENT The City Clerk read the Rules of Public Comment and the following people presented comments to the City Council: 1. Reverend Angela Collier spoke regarding decisions made in the City. 2. Senayit spoke regarding the new Hollywood Casino and increased taxes. 3. Cassandra Echeverria spoke regarding the diversity of the City of Aurora. 4. David Most spoke regarding the Warming Center. 5. Odalys Ibarra spoke regarding the Warming Center. 6. Rick Lawrence spoke regarding statements made on Facebook. 7. Danny Souri spoke regarding Aurora For Change petitions circulating. 8. Judd Lofchie spoke regarding the Ethics Ord./caps on contributions. 9. Amelia Gudiel spoke for Senator Karina Villa regarding comments made by an Alderman on June 2nd. 10. Mercy Galicia spoke regarding the IL Tejano Org. Festival on June 27th. 11. Aurora Anonymous Resident spoke regarding the Warming Center, the new Hollywood Casino and the Ethics Reform item on the agenda. At the conclusion of 30 minutes of public comment, a motion was made by Alderman Larson and seconded by Alderman Barreiro to extend public comment to allow the remaining registered speakers to present their public comments. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith to allow the remaining public comment to occur after Closed Session. Alderwoman Smith subsequently retracted her motion. A motion was made by Alderman Bugg and seconded by Alderwoman Smith to provide only an additional 30 minutes of public comment immediately. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: (8) - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid Nay: (3) - Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman-at-Large Larson and Alderman-at-Large White The vote on Alderman-at-Large Larson and Alderman Barreiro's motion to extend public comment carried by the following vote with the previously approved 30 minute time limit: Aye: (11) - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-at-Large Larson and Alderman-at-Large White The following additional people presented comments to the City Council: 12. Atlantis Delgado spoke regarding homelessness and recent deaths in the homeless community. 13. Ritwik Chattopadhyay spoke regarding his experiences with the Warming City of Aurora Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 Center and his hope that it could be an all season shelter. 14. Madden Sykes, Aurora Waubonsee Valley High-School student, spoke regarding the housing crisis in Aurora. 15. Borris Williams spoke regarding homelessness in Aurora. 16. Ramona spoke regarding the Warming Center and wants it to be open. 17. Karon Lackland spoke regarding a year-around Warming/Cooling Center. 18. Jennifer Lopez spoke regarding the Warming Center. 19. Maria Vazquez spoke in support of a year-around Warming/Cooling Center. 20. Alexis Gordon spoke regarding Mini-Markets and asked for support to promote the event planned for July 11th. 21. Tae LeBlanc spoke regarding the Warming Center and Cooling Center. 22. Curtis Wilson spoke on behalf of the African American Heritage Advisory Board (AAHAB) and celebrations being held for Juneteenth. CLOSED SESSION A Closed Session was needed pursuant Sec. 2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body and Sec. 2(c)(29) to discuss known or suspected frauds. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Franco to enter into closed session. The motion carried by the following vote and the meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 7:49 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room: Aye: (11) - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-at-Large Larson and Alderman-at-Large White At the conclusion of the Closed Session, members of the City Council returned to the City Council Chambers and a motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Franco to return to the Open Session of the meeting. The motion carried by the following vote and the Open Session reconvened at 9:30 p.m.: Aye: (11) - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-at-Large Larson and Alderman-at-Large White CONSENT AGENDA The City Clerk read the Consent Agenda and 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: 11 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White City of Aurora Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 25-1041 An Ordinance Establishing Conditional Use Planned Development and Approving the Tortilleria El Rey Development Plan Description for the property located at 1955 E. New York Street This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-038 25-1042 A Resolution Approving a Final Plan on the Property Located at 1955 E. New York Street for a Food, Textiles, and Related Products (3110) Use This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R26-148 26-0273 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an Agency Agreement between the City of Aurora, IL and the State of Illinois Division of Aeronautics for the purpose of receiving Aviation Fuel Tax funds for the reimbursement of capital or operational expenses at the Aurora Municipal Airport. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R26-149 26-0309 An Ordinance Amending The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025 and Ending December 31, 2025 (Amendment #8 For The 2025 Fiscal Year). This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-039 26-0322 A Resolution extending the two-year agreement for tow firms currently on the City of Aurora Tow Roster that expire on June 30, 2026, as authorized by Chapter 46 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances until amendments to Chapter 46 can be reviewed and presented to City Council. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R26-150 26-0330 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2, Section 440, regarding the membership of the Fox Walk Overlay District Design Review Committee. This Ordinance was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: O26-040 City of Aurora Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 26-0339 A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement with TAT Enterprises of Union, IL in the amount of $86,426.25 for the construction of an overflow parking lot at the Phillips Park Golf Course. This Resolution was approved on the Consent Agenda. Enactment No: R26-151 DIRECT TO COUNCIL CONSENT AGENDA 26-0353 Approval of the Minutes of the Tuesday, May 26, 2026, City Council Meeting. The minutes were approved and filed as presented on the Direct to Council Consent Agenda. City of Aurora Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 UNFINISHED BUSINESS 25-0516 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the organization of the departments and divisions of the City. Rich Jacobs, Chief of Staff - Aldermen's Office, responded to questions. (Main Motion). A motion was made by Alderman Saville and seconded by Alderwoman Smith to approve this item. Motion #1. A motion was made by Alderwoman Baid and seconded by Alderman Franco to amend Exhibit A Sec. 2-293(c), (Page 17, Line 24) to read: "The chief of staff reports directly to the Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee. In case of inclement weather conditions or an emergency, the chief of staff can directly contact the Chair or Vice Chair of the Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee to close the office at a certain time." The motion and second to amend to the original proposal was subsequently withdrawn. The City Council discussed additional alternative language. Motion #2. A motion was made by Alderwoman Baid and seconded by Alderwoman Smith to amend Sec. 2-293(c), (Page 17, Line 24) to read: "The chief of staff reports directly to the Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee in matters of policy. In certain time-sensitive matters or emergencies, the chief of staff can directly contact the Chair or Vice Chair of the Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee for a decision." Motion #3. A motion for a friendly amendment to Alderwoman Baid and Alderwoman Smith's proposed amendment was made by Alderman Bugg with no objection, therefore the proposed language of Sec. 293(c), (Page 17, Line 24) was amended to read: "The chief of staff reports directly to the Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee in matters of policy. In certain time-sensitive matters, special events or emergencies, the chief of staff can directly contact the Chair or Vice Chair of the Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee for a decision. The budget review process will include the chief of staff, the Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee Chair and the Finance Committee Chair." A motion to approve this item as amended was made by Alderman Franco and seconded by Alderman White. The motion to approve the item as amended carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White Enactment No: O26-041 City of Aurora Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 26-0343 An Ordinance amending the Ward 9 Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. A motion was made by Alderman Franco and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to approve this item. Alderman Bugg recused himself from the discussion and vote on this item and left City Council Chambers during discussion and vote. The motion carried by the following vote and Alderman Bugg returned to City Council Chambers at the conclusion of the vote: Aye: 10 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White Enactment No: O26-042 City of Aurora Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 OLD BUSINESS 25-0779 An Ordinance amending and adding Sections 2-185, 15-120, 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, lobbying, and the use of City property and the City seal. This item will be returned to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion at a Special COW meeting, date to be determined. Discussion was held regarding how to address the pending sections, specifically a recommendation made by Alderman Saville to hold a Special COW meeting. Alderman Barreiro informally proposed that we separate 25-0779 into two separate Legistar items. Alderman Mesiacos proposed amendments at the Rules Administration & Procedures Committee Meeting that he will complete with Corporation Counsel and present to the Committee of the Whole known as Mesiacos Proposal 1. Motion #1. A motion was made by Alderman Saville and seconded by Alderwoman Smith to refer this item back to a Special Meeting of the Committee of the Whole, date to be determined. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: (11) - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-at-Large Larson and Alderman-at-Large White Motion #2. A motion was made by Alderman Barreiro and seconded by Alderwoman Smith to separate this agenda item, 25-0779 into two separate agenda items, one for Chapter 2 and one for Chapter 15. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: (11) - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-at-Large Larson and Alderman-at-Large White NEW BUSINESS A motion was made by Alderman Saville and seconded by Alderman Larson to suspend the rules to hear items of New Business. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White City of Aurora Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 26-0134 A Resolution accepting the installation of a ground-mounted solar array at Church Road Elevated Tank at 2680 Church Road in Ward 1 and execution of a Power Purchase Agreement and a Lease Agreement with 548 Energy Technologies, LLC. A motion was made by Alderman Saville and seconded by Alderman Franco to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White Enactment No: R26-152 26-0355 A motion authorizing and directing Corporation Counsel to execute the completion of a settlement agreement in Salam Alshmailawi, Athir Mozan and Mohammed Aldefi v. City of Aurora, et al., case number 20-L-000503, in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, Kane County, Illinois. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Franco to approve this item. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White REPORTS There were no reports at this meeting. APPROVAL OF THE BILL SUMMARY AND LARGE BILL LIST 26-0365 Bill Summary and Large Bill List. A motion was made by Alderwoman Smith and seconded by Alderman Saville to approve and pay the bills. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 11 - Alderman Barreiro, Alderwoman Garza, Alderman Mesiacos, Alderman Franco, Alderman Saville, Alderman Bañuelos, Alderwoman Smith, Alderman Bugg, Alderwoman Baid, Alderman-At-Large Larson and Alderman-At-Large White City of Aurora Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2026 ADJOURN A motion was made by Alderman Franco and seconded by Alderwoman Garza to adjourn this meeting. The motion carried by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 10:48 p.m. Submitted by: _______________________________________ Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk 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 12