City Council

400 S. Eagle Street City of Naperville Naperville, IL 60540 Meeting Minutes - Final City Council Tuesday, April 2, 2024 7:00 PM Council Chambers Agenda Introductory Language TO WATCH OR LISTEN TO THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING LIVE: • Watch on WCNC GOVERNMENT ACCESS TELEVISION (Ch. 6-Astound, Ch. 10 - Comcast, Ch. 99 – AT&T U-verse) • Watch online at https://naperville.legistar.com TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT: The public may choose to provide public comment in any of the following ways: 1. Address the City Council live during the City Council meeting in-person in City Council Chambers. Individuals wishing to address the City Council during the meeting must sign up online at www.naperville.il.us/speakersignup by 6:30 p.m. on April 2. 2. Individuals can also have their name added to the speaker list by calling the Community Services Department at (630) 305-5300 by 6:30 p.m. on April 2. 3. Submit a written comment to the City in advance of the City Council meeting by 4 p.m. on April 2. Written comments will be compiled and posted with the electronic meeting agenda on the City’s website prior to the start of the meeting. The cumulative number of comments will be announced during the City Council meeting. 4. Submit a one-word statement of “SUPPORT” or “OPPOSITION” regarding a specific agenda item by 4 p.m. on April 2. The names of participants who submitted position statements will be compiled and posted with the electronic meeting agenda on the City’s website prior to the start of the meeting. The cumulative number of position statements will be announced during the City Council meeting. There will be no on-site speaker sign up permitted. City of Naperville Page 1 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION: • Any individual who may require an accommodation to listen to or participate in the meeting should contact the Community Services Department at (630) 305-5300 by 4 p.m. on April 2. • Questions regarding online sign-up may be directed to the Community Services Department by calling (630) 305-5300. PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES: The citizen participation guidelines are outlined in 1-5-6-6: - CITIZEN PARTICIPATION of the Naperville Municipal Code. • ALL VIEWPOINTS AND OPINIONS WELCOME: All viewpoints are welcome, positive comments and constructive criticism are encouraged. Speakers must refrain from harassing or directing threats or personal attacks at Council members, staff, other speakers or members of the public. Comments made to intentionally disrupt the meeting may be managed as necessary to maintain appropriate decorum and allow for city business to be accomplished. • SPEAKER TIME LIMITS: Speakers must limit their remarks to no more than three minutes. Petitioners may speak on an agenda item first and have up to 10 minutes and are also granted a five-minute rebuttal once all other speakers have commented. • IF YOU SIGNED UP TO SPEAK, staff will call your name at the appropriate time during the City Council meeting. Once your name is called you may identify yourself for the public record and then address remarks to the City Council as a whole. Speak clearly and try to limit remarks directly to the matter under discussion. Speakers are called in the order they sign up. A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: Present: 8- Mayor Scott Wehrli Councilwoman Jennifer Bruzan Taylor Councilman Ian Holzhauer Councilman Patrick Kelly Councilman Paul Leong Councilwoman Allison Longenbaugh Councilman Josh McBroom Councilman Benjamin White Absent: 1- Councilman Nathan Wilson C. CLOSED SESSION - 6:15 p.m. A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to recess to Closed Session to discuss [5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21)] Approval of Minutes and [5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2)] Collective Bargaining. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 8- Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, and White Absent: 1- Wilson City of Naperville Page 2 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 OPEN SESSION - 7:00 p.m. D. ROLL CALL: Present: 9- Mayor Scott Wehrli Councilwoman Jennifer Bruzan Taylor Councilman Ian Holzhauer Councilman Patrick Kelly Councilman Paul Leong Councilwoman Allison Longenbaugh Councilman Josh McBroom Councilman Benjamin White Councilman Nathan Wilson Also Present City Manager, Doug Krieger; Deputy City Manager, Pam Gallahue; City Attorney, Mike DiSanto; City Clerk, Dawn Portner; Assistant to the City Manager, Marcie Schatz; Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis; Police Chief, Jason Arres; Deputy Director of Finance, Ray Munch; Director of IT, Jacqueline Nguyen; Director of TED, Bill Novack; Deputy Director of TED, Allison Laff, Director of Public Utilities - Electric, Brian Groth; Director of Public Utilities - Water, Darrell Blenniss, Jr.; Director of Human Resources, Blaine Wing; Director of Communications, Linda LaCloche Daily Herald, Naperville Sun, NCTV-17 E. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: The pledge was given Wehrli called for a moment of silence for WWII Veteran Don O'Reilly. F. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS: 1. Proclaim April 2024 Autism Acceptance Month in the City of Naperville Councilman Leong presented the proclamation. G. PUBLIC FORUM: Council discussed postponing the balance of Public Forum after 60 minutes in order to complete items on the published agenda and the discussion that took place at the December 19, 2023 meeting when Council passed an ordinance repealing Section 1-5-6-6:3.3 of the Municipal Code to eliminate the 30-minute time limit for Public Forum (File Number 23-1484). City of Naperville Page 3 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to postpone Public Forum after 60 minutes and resume the remainder of Public Forum after Item M4. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 8- Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson Nay: 1- Holzhauer 3 minutes with NEST Cathy Clarkin (Naperville) - discussed the renewal of the IMEA contract. Local Government Marilyn Schweitzer (Naperville) - discussed providing pedestrian access to commercial buildings and requested that staff be directed to require that commercial development plans show pedestrian access at the same level of specificity as vehicle access and that the Municipal Code be amended for commercial development for safe and reasonable access to business services. Gaza ceasefire Zahra Ali - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Potential Ceasefire Resolution Mir Y. Ali (Lisle) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Resolution for a Ceasefire in Gaza Zaineb Mohammed (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Opposition to City Council approving a Cease Fire Bonnie Hughes (Naperville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Ceasefire in Gaza Resolution Eakta Gill (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Ceasefire Resolution Marc Swetlitz (Naperville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Resolutions for a Ceasefire in Gaza Tatiana Sifri (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Request a vote on Ceasefire Resolution Rima Imburgia (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Resolution calling for a Ceasefire by Israel Zena Goldenberg (Naperville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Ceasefire Resolution City of Naperville Page 4 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 Rabbi David Eber (Naperville, Congregation Beth Shalom of Naperville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Cease Fire in Gaza Doug Zeitlin (Aurora) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Resolution for a Ceasefire in Gaza Paula Fremerman (Naperville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Ceasefire Resolution Hanna Hernandez (Bolingbrook) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Resolution Calling for a Ceasefire in Gaza Rita Kramen (Romeoville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Ceasefire Resolution Rev. Elle Dowd (Bolingbrook) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Yes, to Ceasefire Resolution Qasim Rashid (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Ceasefire Resolution Elizabeth Sigale (Downers Grove, Congregation Beth Shalom) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Public Forum ended at 8:12 p.m. H. CONSIDERATION OF MOTION TO USE OMNIBUS METHOD FOR THE CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to use the Omnibus method to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by a voice vote. Aye: 9- Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson I. CONSENT AGENDA: Approval of the Consent Agenda A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to approve the Consent Agenda with comments on I11 and removing I8. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9- Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson 1. Approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of March 19, 2024 City of Naperville Page 5 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 Council approved. 2. Approve the City Council meeting schedule for April, May, and June 2024 Council approved. 3. Approve the award of JOC Procurement 19-013.2.A.00-NS, Naper Settlement Sitewide Fiberoptic Improvement, to ROBE Construction, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $628,600.74 Council approved. 4. Approve the award of Bid 23-121, 2024 Lead Water Service Replacement Program, to Miller Pipeline LLC, for an amount not to exceed $497,950 plus a 5% contingency Council approved. 5. Approve the award of Change Order #1 to Contract 22-070-0.01, 2022 Guardrail Improvements Project, to Misfits Construction Company for an amount not to exceed $27,222.86 and a total award of $175,389.86 and for an additional 577 days Council approved. 6. Approve the award of Option Year #2 to Contract 19-084.2 , Skype/Teams Conference Room Technology, to AVI-SPL LLC for an amount not to exceed $105,203.43 Council approved. 7. Accept the record of Emergency Procurement 24-126, Fire Station 1 Exterior Masonry Wall Repair, to Futurity 19, Inc. for an amount of $56,650 Council accepted. 8. Pass the ordinance approving bypass lane and signage variances for 1203 Iroquois Avenue (formerly known as 1200 E. Ogden Avenue) (7 Brew) - PZC 23-1-117 SPEAKERS Marilyn Schweitzer (Naperville) discussed the goals of Naperville's land use plan, the importance of pedestrian access, that no sidewalk access on the public right-of-way is shown, that adding sidewalks for both the Iroquois and Ogden right-of-ways to the drive thru lanes as well as pedestrian striping would alert pedestrians and vehicles, and that accommodating pedestrian access makes crossing the dual drive thru lanes safer and the variance to eliminate the bypass lanes more reasonable. Council discussed ways to increase pedestrian access to all facilities, the challenges of pedestrian access on this property, and that the owners will accommodate customers who approach either on foot or by vehicle. ORD 24-025 City of Naperville Page 6 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to pass the ordinance approving bypass lane and signage variances for 1203 Iroquois Avenue (formerly known as 1200 E. Ogden Avenue) (7 Brew) - PZC 23-1-117. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9- Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson 9. Pass the ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation (GO) Bonds for an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 ORD 24-020 Council passed. 10. Pass the ordinance approving a variance to Section 6-6A-7:1 (R1A: Yard Requirements) of the Naperville Municipal Code for the property located at 384 River Bluff Circle - PZC 24-1-005 ORD 24-021 Council passed. 11. Pass the ordinance approving a minor change to the conditional use approved by ordinance 21-026 for the Islamic Center of Naperville located at 3540 248th Avenue - PZC 23-1-053 ORD 24-022 Council commented on approving the Islamic Center mosque construction, religious diversity in Naperville, and efforts of elected officials to secure peace worldwide. Council passed. 12. Pass the ordinance to establish temporary traffic controls and issue Special Event and Amplifier permits for the 2024 Soap Box Derby races scheduled on May 18-19, June 1 (rain date of June 2), September 7-8 and October 5-6 ORD 24-023 Council passed. 13. Pass the ordinance to establish temporary traffic controls and issue Special Event and Amplifier permits for the 2024 Memorial Day Parade scheduled on Monday, May 27, 2024 ORD 24-024 Council passed. J. PUBLIC HEARINGS: K. OLD BUSINESS: City of Naperville Page 7 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 L. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: M. AWARD OF BIDS AND OTHER ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE: 1. Waive the applicable provisions of the Naperville Procurement Code and award Bid 23-294, River Road Water Main and Duct Bank Improvements, to Performance Construction and Engineering, for an amount not to exceed $5,173,148.07, plus a 3% contingency A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to waive the applicable provisions of the Naperville Procurement Code and award Bid 23-294, River Road Water Main and Duct Bank Improvements, to Performance Construction and Engineering, for an amount not to exceed $5,173,148.07, plus a 3% contingency. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9- Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson 2. Approve the award of Bid 24-005, Sylvan Circle and East Porter Avenue Utility and Roadway Improvements, to R.W. Dunteman, Co. for an amount not to exceed $4,456,335.11 plus a 3% contingency A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to approve the award of Bid 24-005, Sylvan Circle and East Porter Avenue Utility and Roadway Improvements, to R.W. Dunteman, Co. for an amount not to exceed $4,456,335.11 plus a 3% contingency. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9- Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson 3. Approve the award of Bid 24-023, 2024 Street Resurfacing Program - MFT North, to K-Five Construction Corporation for an amount not to exceed $6,438,412.25, plus a 3% contingency (Item 1 of 2) Council discussed the noise issues resulting from the fall 2023 resurfacing project on West Street. Novack explained that the noise was caused by the rolling pattern used, that the imperfections should have self corrected in the summer months but did not, and that the City has retained funds until the issue is corrected. He stated that City inspectors will continue to monitor the area. A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to approve the award of Bid 24-023, 2024 Street Resurfacing Program - MFT North, to K-Five Construction Corporation for an amount not to exceed $6,438,412.25, plus a 3% contingency (Item 1 of 2). The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9- Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson 4. Adopt the IDOT resolution in the amount of $6,438,412.25 to allow expenditure of State Motor Fuel Tax dollars to fund the 2024 Street Resurfacing Program - MFT North (Item 2 City of Naperville Page 8 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 of 2) RES 24-10 A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to adopt the IDOT resolution in the amount of $6,438,412.25 to allow expenditure of State Motor Fuel Tax dollars to fund the 2024 Street Resurfacing Program - MFT North (Item 2 of 2). The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9- Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson The meeting recessed from 8:30 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. N. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: O. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: G. PUBLIC FORUM: Public Forum resumes: Israel Ceasefire Rich Bell (Woodridge) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Palestine Cat Knarr (Bolingbrook, Palestine Activism Collective) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza Speaking up for Israel Sheila W (Warrenville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Pro-Israel Support George W (Warrenville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Resolution Regarding Israel/Hamas War David Sigale (Lombard, Congregation Beth Shalom) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Ceasefire Lubania Raj (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza Palestine Cat Knarr (Bolingbrook, Palestine Activism Collective) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza Speaking up for Israel Sheila W (Warrenville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. City of Naperville Page 9 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 Pro-Israel Support George W (Warrenville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Resolution Regarding Israel/Hamas War David Sigale (Lombard) Congregation Beth Shalom (certain members) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Ceasefire Lubania Raj (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Gaza Ceasefire Fer Garcia (Hanover Park) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Palestine Ceasefire Sabrina Hamdan (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. In support of Israel Jennifer Weiner (Naperville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Ceasefire Resolution Nicole Pronger (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Ceasefire Resolution Farah Chalisa (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Cease fire Keith Larson (Aurora) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Ceasefire Resolution Steve Moon (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Ceasefire Raquel Mitchell (Bolingbrook) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Ceasefire Peter Kozak-Rivera (Bolingbrook) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Palestine Reem Townsend (Bolingbrook, Palestine Activism Collective) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Request for a Ceasefire Resolution Abeer Nasser (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in City of Naperville Page 10 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 Gaza. Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Katalina Rodriguez (Bolingbrook, NU4CF) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza . Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Salex Khalid (Aurora) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Basim Esmail (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Support for Jewish Community Suzanne Hart (Naperville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Permanent Ceasefire Resolution Mary Am Othman - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Permanent Ceasefire Resolution Beenish Tanvir (Hoffman Estates) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Ceasefire Resolution David Cannon (Aurora) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Genocide/Gaza Alan (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Ceasefire Resolution Patty Droogan (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Support of Ceasefire Resolution Ben Goldberg (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Sakina Tariq (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Request for Ceasefire Resolution Laila Nabhan (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Request for Ceasefire Resolution Sue Harvey (Will County) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. City of Naperville Page 11 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 Hamas Shawn Campbell (Naperville) - spoke against a cease fire resolution. Ceasefire Resolution Maggie Wunderly (Aurora) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. Resolution on Palestine Ziyad Dadabhoy (Naperville) - urged Council to pass a resolution for a cease fire in Gaza. WRITTEN COMMENT ONLY Patrice Basso (Naperville) I wanted to thank the Mayor and City Council for prioritizing local issues. I do not think a Gaza ceasefire resolution is appropriate. This is a topic that is best handled by contacting members of Congress. I also believe that supporting such a resolution would be divisive to our local community. Vincent Diraddo (Naperville) As a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville (but not authorized to comment on behalf of the entire organization) I am in opposition to the Resolution for an immediate Gaza cease file. This Opposition is not directly related to anyone's religious rights but my opinion that the City Council uphold the United States Constitution in regard to separation of Church and State. Robyn (Naperville) The City Council should be aware of the fact that if a Palestinian support resolution is passed, it will set a precedent for the future allowing any group having issues anywhere in the world to come before the Council for a resolution of support. The City of Naperville's mission is not to promote any group with an agenda that does not directly impact the City, nor does the City have any influence over the outcomes of any such world-wide conflicts. Richard Weiss (Naperville) Naperville is a diverse city and many religious & ethnic organizations, including Congregation Beth Shalom, have worked diligently to promote harmony and acceptance among all groups. Any resolution that supports a particular group's position will increase divisiveness and erode the tolerance that we currently have in the City. I urge the Council members to NOT pass any resolution regarding this issue and maintain a position of political neutrality. Allyson Gorman (Naperville) I am saddened to have to write a comment but have spent a lot of time evaluating the situation in the middle east since October 7th. I strongly oppose a ceasefire resolution to be added to the agenda as an American Jew living in this community. I have feared for my family’s safety since this day as antisemitism has been rising all over this country since last fall. As an example, I declined to put up Hanukkah decorations at the holidays, something that we have always done since moving to Naperville. I have removed colleges as potential options for my teenagers to attend because of City of Naperville Page 12 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 the hate and antisemitism that students are facing on many college campuses. When 9/11 occurred, President Bush was adamant about apprehending the top leader who committed this heinous terrorist act (Osama Bin Laden). We, as Americans, supported his steadfast support of holding the terrorist leader accountable. Unfortunately, the leader of Hamas has been hiding in a large underground network that he and his team have built under hospitals and children’s centers, schools, etc. This has been by design. By adding a ceasefire resolution to the agenda, the City of Naperville is not condemning the heinous act that occurred on October 7th by Hamas against the Jewish people. Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism, just like Americans did regarding 9/11. The teaching of hatred against a particular group is not “freedom of speech” but rather terrorism. Plain and simple. Walkouts planned at NVHS, adding resolutions to a city council agenda, and chanting “from the river to the sea” condones acts of violence against one group of people: Jews. It is not the responsibility of the City of Naperville to be involved in geopolitics. It’s only a distraction of those that govern politics, and our local leaders need to focus on making Naperville safe for ALL those that live here - of all ethnic and religious groups. We chose to live in Naperville (and the western suburbs) because of its diversity. By putting something on the agenda that doesn’t denounce terrorism and suggests that Israel should not defend itself or hold the terrorist leader who attacked its citizens accountable (and still holding them hostage) only leads to a further divide here in town. Thank you. Beth Weigensberg (Naperville) I urge the members of Naperville's City Council to neither propose nor vote for the Resolution Calling for a Permanent and Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza. I find it frustrating and disappointing to see this divisive and inappropriate resolution come forward in Naperville. First and foremost, any position made by our local government will have absolutely no effect on foreign policy and this will only continue to divide our Naperville community. Understanding their role to govern on local issues, the Naperville City Council has never issued resolutions on any previous or current international matter. With no possibility of influencing the strategy or outcome of the Israel-Hamas war, why would our Naperville City Council consider supporting this resolution that would do more harm than good within our local community? The vocal voice of a few in support of this resolution are NOT representative of the majority of Naperville residents. I truly believe Naperville is the best place to live in the county, and I’m proud to raise my family here. Our residents live, work, and go to school together across many races, cultures, and religions. Our diverse communities are our strength, and we can support one another as neighbors in this community despite our disagreements about foreign affairs. To take a position (for or against) on a ceasefire resolution aggravates tensions, fears, and division within our community, which will make it harder to come together as a community on other more important local issues. I urge the City Council to consider ways to proactively address the increase in antisemitism and the growing harassment and intimidation of those speaking out against this resolution. As our City Council members, this where you should focus your attention and where you can have a real, substantive impact - one that will strengthen our diverse community, rather than taking a symbolic action that will have no impact on what actually happens in Gaza, but would unfortunately increase divisiveness, harassment, and hate here at home in Naperville. Thank you. City of Naperville Page 13 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 Alexis Rago (Naperville) I oppose the passing of a resolution supporting a ceasefire in Gaza for several reasons including the safety of Israel, Israeli citizens, and Jews around the world. It's important to remember that Israel is at war with Hamas, a terrorist organization that has declared it will continue mass attacks, similar to October 7th, until all the Jews are gone. Hamas continues to choose to put the safety of the Gaza citizens at risk by using hospitals, schools, and mosques as a base for Hamas fighters. Unfortunately to support a ceasefire is to support Hamas. Israel might be coerced to stop their war against Hamas. Not so with Hamas. A ceasefire will, in effect, provide time for Hamas to regroup and prepare for their next onslaught against the state of Israel. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, raping, burning, and murdering over 1200 Israeli civilians. Their charter calls for the elimination of the state of Israel, killing Jews worldwide, and establishing Islamic rule. To support a ceasefire is to take sides in this conflict. Please be on the right side and oppose the resolution. When it comes to foreign policy issues, the City Council should see its scope of responsibility as allowing Naperville residents to speak and hold rallies publicly and to proactively address how to address harassment or intimidation of those speaking out. Episodes of harassment have been reported. That is where you should focus your attention because that is where you can have a real, substantive impact, one which will strengthen our community, rather than taking a symbolic action that will have little impact on what actually happens. Passing a resolution related to a foreign policy issue sets a precedent that other interested groups in our city will come forward to ask the City Council to support their foreign policy preferences. Does the City Council want to set that precedent? The City of Naperville updated the Mission Statement in Dec 2019 by addressing inclusivity and diversity, "To provide services that ensure a high quality of life, sound fiscal management, and a dynamic business environment, while creating an inclusive community that values diversity." How does this resolution align with our Mission Statement? It doesn't and therefore our city council should not allow this resolution to come to a vote at the next meeting. Passing this resolution will increase divisiveness and animosity locally. We work hard in Naperville to bring our diverse communities together despite our disagreements about foreign affairs. Whether to have a ceasefire IS an issue that divides our community. To take a position (for or against) aggravates this division and makes it harder to come together as a community on other more important local issues. It will lead to the view that “my side” cannot be seen in public with “your side,” because you supported or opposed this resolution.Thank you for your consideration and hearing my opposition to the resolution to support a ceasefire in Gaza. Herbert Wigder (Chicago) All of us favor a cease fire in Gaza. The way to achieve it is simple: 1- Hamas returns all living hostages immediately including Americans it kidnapped 2- Hamas returns all dead bodies for respectful burial 3- Hamas recognizes the right of Israel to exist 4- Hamas changes its stated purpose which is the destruction of Israel 5- Hamas stops launching rockets into Israel as it has done for years 6- Hamas stops building tunnels into Israel to attack Israelis. Israel is a small country. Extrapolate the size of Israel to the size of the United City of Naperville Page 14 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 States and ask yourselves the following questions: If any country had attacked and killed 40,00 American civilians, what would the USA have done? If any country had kidnapped 4,000 American hostages, what would the USA have done? There is no moral equivalency between Hamas which came into power and then tortured and executed its political opposition, and Israel which is a democracy. In our country, we do not blame the victim of attacks, rape, or murder. Likewise, we cannot blame Israel for the attack, rape, and murder of its people by Hamas. Hamas launched this savage attack against Israel knowing that the world would eventually blame Israel for civilian casualties. This was their original strategy according to retired US General Clark. I do not believe that the Naperville City Council should take a position on this divisive issue.But if it does, the Council should blame Hamas and demand immediate release of all hostages, return of all the dead bodies it holds, recognition of Israel's right to exist, and cease all rocket launches into Israel which Hamas has perpetrated for years. Shira Isenberg (Naperville) There is no legitimate city purpose in passing a resolution regarding international issues. The city council should focus on local issues and Naperville citizens. Moreover, when similar cease fire resolutions are raised in other local governments, they are incredibly one sided. Do any call for the release of the Israeli hostages who are civilians, both young and old? Do they recognize the slaughter of innocent Israelis on October 7 and unspeakable acts of violence (including brutal rape) that Hamas perpetrated? Do they recognize that Hamas has rejected all cease fire initiatives that would require the release of hostages? Do they recognize that Hamas purposely puts civilians in harm’s way and keeps aid from civilians and that the IDF does everything it can to reduce civilian loss? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding no. Indeed, these resolutions are merely an "excuse" for antisemitism. In a time when antisemitism is on the rise and our children feel even more isolated on school campuses, we should not further isolate the Jewish citizens of Naperville. If any resolution should be passed by the city council, it should be to fight the antisemitism and hatred that the Jewish citizens of Naperville are facing and not to exacerbate it by bowing down to the pressure of a very vocal group of people who are bending the truth to further target Jewish people. Stephanie Budrow (Naperville) I am proud to be a Naperville resident, having moved here 13 years ago to raise my family. As such, I believe the City of Naperville represents the community as a whole. For the city to take a stand on one side and pass a ceasefire resolution would only serve to divide us. I hope the board realizes its responsibility to represent the entire community. Nikki Sigale (Naperville) Naperville city council miracle workers need to convince Hamas Terrorists to release the hostages and stop firing rockets at Israel. Then you can start working on Ukraine, Haiti and Sudan. Welcome to your new job description. William Cohen (Naperville) It is with great dismay that we write to you, as Jewish and non-Jewish members of the Naperville community, upon hearing that the City Council will be debating an anti-Israel ceasefire resolution at this week’s council meeting. Many have tried to convince you that this resolution emerges out of a longing for peace; however, this could not be further from the City of Naperville Page 15 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 case. This resolution will not promote peace abroad or at home in Naperville, will stoke antisemitism and animosity in our community, and is frankly a dereliction of the duty of an American government official. As you know, the current war between Israel and Hamas started on October 7th. Hamas, a United States Department of State Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, fired several thousand rockets into Israel, serving as a diversion for >1,000 armed terrorists to storm Israeli communities, killing >1,200 innocent civilians, including children, and taking >200 hostage. Over 360 civilians at a music festival near the border were brutally murdered with dozens more taken hostage. Multiple Kibbutzim (small agricultural villages) were sites of massacres- terrorists going door to door looking for Jews to murder, from young children to holocaust survivors. Families were burned alive in their homes, innocent people were beheaded in the street, and countless women were raped both before, and after they were killed. It was the largest killing of Jews since the Holocaust, in a modern-day pogrom. To properly consider this ceasefire solution, I ask you to read this paragraph, close your eyes, and imagine this attack happening near your home. Imagine thousands of rockets raining down on the Naperville area. Imagine thousands of armed terrorists driving through the streets of our city, shooting any person they can see- cars parked at intersections, families waiting at bus stops, the elderly standing in their kitchen windows. Now imagine these terrorists going door to door in your neighborhood, with your family home. Some families, including children, are taken hostage, back across the border. Some families, including children, are tortured before being murdered in their beds. Some families are burned alive in their homes, beyond recognition. Now, imagine six months have passed. Those responsible for this attack on your home have still not been brought to justice, still fire rockets on your community, and still hold >130 hostages. Do you think it would be reasonable for a local city council 6,000 miles away to ask you to stop fighting to rescue your hostages? To prevent a similar attack from happening again? To bring those responsible to justice? This ceasefire resolution is an affront to the local Jewish community, a fellow democracy, and one of our nation’s closest allies. In January, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted on a similar resolution. In the days after, the Mayor said in an official statement, “Since the Board of Supervisors introduced their Gaza ceasefire resolution, and certainly since they passed it last week, our City has been angrier, more divided, and less safe. Sadly, that may have been the point. Their exercise was never about bringing people together; it was about choosing a side”. She further describes the harassment and assault of Jewish community members and employees in City Hall during the debate and after the vote. We are afraid you will see the same in Naperville on Tuesday. Antisemitism in the United States, and around the world has skyrocketed since October 7th. Synagogues have been vandalized, Jews have been murdered in hate crimes, marches through the streets chant for the eradication of Jews, and many praise the Nazis. In the city of Chicago just a few weeks ago, a famous Jewish musician, Matisyahu, was prevented from performing at the House of Blues due to threats of violence. Israel is the only Jewish state in the world. Criticism of it is reasonable just as it is of any other government. In fact, many in the Jewish community have vigorous debates about Israeli politics. However, holding Israel to a different standard and set of rules than any other nation is antisemitism. If >130 Americans were still being held hostage by a terrorist group, would it be reasonable for foreign governments to pressure the United States to stop trying City of Naperville Page 16 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 to rescue them, not to mention local municipalities? After 9/11, would it have been reasonable for foreign governments to say the United States must stop fighting Al-Qaeda? To claim, as some do, that this conflict is uniquely destructive due to Israel is as blatant of a lie as can be conceived. If the individuals promoting this resolution claim their primary motivator is peace, where were they as >400,000 people were murdered in Syria? Where were they as the Yemeni civil war claimed 377,000 lives as of 2021, and sent millions into famine? Where were they as ISIS butchered thousands across Iraq and Syria? Where were they as the Taliban recaptured Afghanistan, placing women and children back under the rule of a radical Islamism government? Where were they as Russia invaded Ukraine? Where are they as China imprisons 1.8 million Uyghurs, a Muslim minority group, in concentration camps? Where were their cries of displacement as Pakistan ordered 1.7 million Afghan refugees to leave the country in November? To uniquely focus on Israel, a democratic ally of the United States and the only Jewish state in the world, while ignoring the actions of repressive dictatorships that have been far more destructive, is purely and simply antisemitism. As a city government, the Naperville City Council has no foreign policy role. This resolution is strictly performative virtue signaling which will have no impact on the ongoing war. However, as American government officials, there is a topic in this war relevant to you. It is relevant to all Americans for that matter. Where are your calls for the release of 6 Americans still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza? Where are your calls for the terrorists who murdered at least 32 Americans on 10/7 to be brought to justice? 10/7 was Israel’s 9/11. Behind Naperville City Hall is a memorial to the victims of 9/11; the only country besides the United States to have a 9/11 memorial with every victim’s name inscribed is Israel. Israel and the United States fight the same fight, have the same enemies, and share the same values. The Jewish community of Naperville has long called our town “home”; however, we fear this vote will continue to unpack antisemitism and undermine that feeling of home. We urge you to vote no on this “ceasefire” resolution or suspend it from debate. Thank you for your consideration, William Cohen Robert Cohen Mike Cohen Cindy Cohen Phil Serna Marty Karlin Ryan Karlin Dana Fish David Fish Scott Kagan Jackie Kagan Michael Murphy Mchael Doring Debbie Wray Ron Wray Marty Karlin Ryan Karlin Nancy Friedlander Gary Friedlander City of Naperville Page 17 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 Robert Schubert Steven Cataldo Kim Gitz Joe Gitz Rabbi Mendy Goldstein Alta Goldstein Jacob Margulies Ellen Margulies Ben Raab Ann Rabin Michael Rabin Peter Mihalakakos Tara Gregus Steven Spano Lisa Spano Susan Sorg Roger Sorg Toni Gadd Mildred Schlifke Donna Zirin Jane Doe (Woodridge) -Do not pass a ceasefire resolution. This Council should not take up any ceasefire resolution for a number of reasons. First, and foremost, this Council should not insert itself into the politics of Israel or Gaza. It should instead focus on issues in Naperville, not the minefield of international relations. As Mayor Scott Wehrli previously stated when the Council did not take up a ceasefire resolution, the Naperville Mission Statement requires that the City “provide services that ensure a high quality of life, sound fiscal management, and a dynamic business environment, while creating an inclusive community that values diversity.” A resolution targeted at Israel’s defensive war against Hamas accomplishes none of those things.If anything, by inserting itself into a complex conflict in the Middle East, this Council would do the opposite. Just take a look around this nation at the level of animosity. In January, when a ceasefire resolution was debated in Chicago, the City’s lone Jewish council member, alderwoman Debra Silverstein, was shouted down and verbally assaulted for attempting to address the concerns of Chicago’s Jewish community and to balance to resolution because of Israel’s clear right to self-defense after Hamas’s atrocious massacre on October 7. Jews around the country and the world are already being harassed and being forced to hide their identity. Virtue signaling with an unconditional and biased ceasefire resolution will do nothing more than give succor to antisemites posing as anti-Zionists and alienate this City’s Jewish community. To be clear, there was a ceasefire on October 6, 2023. Hamas broke that ceasefire on a Jewish holiday, Simcha Torah, when thousands of its terrorists stormed over the border, massacred civilians, committed atrocities including grotesque sexual assaults, and then took hundreds of hostages. It was the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, which was then subsequently celebrated by the director of the Council of American-Islamic Relations. And Hamas has promised to repeat October 7 again and again until every Jew in Israel is dead or gone and Palestine extends “from the river to the sea” - you know, genocide. In other words, a resolution in favor of an unconditional, immediate ceasefire is nothing City of Naperville Page 18 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 more than a resolution in support of Hamas’s stated genocidal goal of the eradication of a Jewish presence in Israel. Of course we would all like to see a more peaceful world, including in Israel and Gaza, but this Council passing a ceasefire resolution will not get us there. Instead, it brings the divisions that we’ve already seen infecting major U.S. cities to Naperville, without having any actual effect on issues on the ground. And it would ignore that absent a defeat of Hamas’s military capacity, Israel and Gaza would undoubtedly find themselves in the same place again in a short period of time when Hamas breaks another ceasefire.This Council should not wade into these waters. But to the extent that this Council feels compelled to pass a resolution on the events in the Middle East, any resolution demanding a ceasefire should be directed at the party who broke the last ceasefire: Hamas. Therefore, the ceasefire resolution, if passed, should include the following provisions: First, a return of all the hostages that Hamas took on October 7. Every single person that Hamas has taken, including those that it has since murdered, must be unconditionally returned to Israel. Second, any resolution should demand the dismantling of Hamas as an organization. Every surviving leader of Hamas should go into exile in Turkey, Qatar, or another state that lacks any qualms about individuals who celebrate the murder and rape of Jews, and its terrorist foot soldiers must lay down their arms. Third, all Palestinian terrorist groups - whether Islamic Jihad, Hamas, Fatah, or another group - must agree to cease engaging in terror against Israel and recognize Israel’s right to exist. If this Council is truly interested in a lasting ceasefire, then it would do more than just pass a useless resolution demanding Israel stop defending itself. It would instead address the cause of the current conflict by placing the blame where it belongs: on Hamas, and its allies who caused the current conflict in the first place. John Doe (Naperville) I am a longtime resident of Naperville. My kids go to school in Naperville. I have coached youth sports in Naperville and have deep connections with this community. I submit this comment anonymously because of the real threat that Jewish people face for being openly Jewish in this country today. My family and I both fear that if the same people who celebrated October 7, including the director of the Counsel of American-Islamic Relations (see <https://www.memri.org/tv/cair-exec-director-nihad-awad-amp-happy-gaza-oct ober-seven-victorious-israel>) would threaten and possibly harm us if they knew our identity. This Council should not take up any ceasefire resolution for a number of reasons. First, and foremost, this Council should not insert itself into the politics of Israel or Gaza. It should instead focus on issues in Naperville, not the minefield of international relations. As Mayor Scott Wehrli previously stated when the Council did not take up a ceasefire resolution, the Naperville Mission Statement requires that the City “provide services that ensure a high quality of life, sound fiscal management, and a dynamic business environment, while creating an inclusive community that values diversity.” A resolution targeted at Israel’s defensive war against Hamas accomplishes none of those things.If anything, by inserting itself into a complex conflict in the Middle East, this Council would do the opposite. Just take a look around this nation at the level of animosity. In January, when a ceasefire resolution was debated in Chicago, the City’s lone Jewish council member, alderwoman Debra Silverstein, was shouted down and verbally assaulted for attempting to address the concerns of Chicago’s Jewish community and to balance to resolution because of Israel’s City of Naperville Page 19 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 clear right to self-defense after Hamas’s atrocious massacre on October 7. Jews around the country and the world are already being harassed and being forced to hide their identity. Virtue signaling with an unconditional and biased ceasefire resolution will do nothing more than give succor to antisemites posing as anti-Zionists and alienate this City’s Jewish community. To be clear, there was a ceasefire on October 6, 2023. Hamas broke that ceasefire on a Jewish holiday, Simcha Torah, when thousands of its terrorists stormed over the border, massacred civilians, committed atrocities including grotesque sexual assaults, and then took hundreds of hostages. It was the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, which was then subsequently celebrated by university professors, radical student groups, and even by the director of the Council of American-Islamic Relations. And Hamas has promised to repeat October 7 again and again until every Jew in Israel is dead or gone and Palestine extends “from the river to the sea” - you know, genocide. In other words, a resolution in favor of an unconditional, immediate ceasefire is nothing more than a resolution in support of Hamas’s stated genocidal goal of the eradication of a Jewish presence in Israel. Of course we would all like to see a more peaceful world, including in Israel and Gaza, but this Council passing a ceasefire resolution will not get us there. Instead, it brings the divisions that we’ve already seen infecting major U.S. cities to Naperville, without having any actual effect on issues on the ground. And it would ignore that absent a defeat of Hamas’s military capacity, Israel and Gaza would undoubtedly find themselves in the same place again in a short period of time when Hamas breaks another ceasefire.This Council should not wade into these waters. But to the extent that this Council feels compelled to pass a resolution on the events in the Middle East, any resolution demanding a ceasefire should be directed at the party who broke the last ceasefire: Hamas. Therefore, the ceasefire resolution, if passed, should include the following provisions: First, a return of all the hostages that Hamas took on October 7. Every single person that Hamas has taken, including those that it has since murdered, must be unconditionally returned to Israel. Second, any resolution should demand the dismantling of Hamas as an organization Every surviving leader of Hamas should go into exile in Turkey, Qatar, or another state that lacks any qualms about individuals who celebrate the murder and rape of Jews, and its terrorist foot soldiers must lay down their arms. Third, all Palestinian terrorist groups - whether Islamic Jihad, Hamas, Fatah, or another group - must agree to cease engaging in terror against Israel and recognize Israel’s right to exist. If this Council wishes to insert itself into a conflict thousands of miles away, and if it is truly interested in a lasting ceasefire, then it would do more than just pass a useless resolution demanding Israel stop defending itself. It should instead address the cause of the current conflict by placing the blame where it belongs: on Hamas, and its allies who caused the current conflict in the first place. Lauren Reyes-Yu (Naperville) I grew up in Naperville and now live here with my husband and daughter. I’ve spoken at the past two city council meetings. While I am unable to be present tonight, I’d like to continue to implore Naperville’s City Council to pass a Permanent Ceasefire Resolution in Gaza. At this point, I find City of Naperville Page 20 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 myself struggling to understand what can move the council on this matter. We’ve given facts, shown illustrations, and shared personal stories. We’ve met with several of you over this matter. This resolution is absolutely within the scope of city council. Across the United States, over 100 localities have passed them, including the city of Chicago. But you know this already. Each of these resolutions is not going unheard. Resolutions, like the one we have the opportunity to pass, influence both state and national governments to take action. And that’s what we want. A permanent and immediate ceasefire, including a cessation of all hostilities, the release of all hostages and prisoners, and unlimited aid into Gaza. This genocide is deeply, emotionally impacting the residents of Naperville. I grew up here as a young Latina child. I remember what it’s like to feel unwanted and unwelcome in this city. Although Naperville's demographics continue to diversify, and the city itself claims to value its own multiculturalism, being a resident of color still brings many difficulties. Do I belong? Does my family belong? Did we make the right choice moving back here? These are questions I ask myself regularly. A Ceasefire Resolution would not only speak to our state and national government, it would send a clear message to Naperville's diverse populations: We belong. Our children belong. Naperville is our home. I really believe that at the end of the day, each of you must feel something over the devastation that is occurring in Gaza. I call on each of you to remember why you entered politics in the first place. The support for a ceasefire is immense. Please do not fear how a few voices, even those in power, may respond. Your constituents will support you in the passage of this resolution. Future residents will look back on this and feel proud to call Naperville their home. I kindly ask that you consider what I’ve written along with the other statements tonight, especially the ones from Palestinian Americans. Please know you are supported in this matter by your constituents. The Naperville Ceasefire Resolution will have a lasting impact on larger government bodies to prompt action, and it will also serve as a public affirmation that the thoughts, values, and experiences of Naperville's communities of color matter. Thank you, Marilyn Wigder (Glen Ellyn) Honorable City Council Members- I too like many others would like to see an end to the war in Gaza. I have a daughter , 3 teenage grandchildren and many cousins living in Israel, all of whom could have been killed, tortured or kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7. There has been no talk of the hostages return. Why are the aggressors asking the city of Naperville to publicly take their side in asking for a ceasefire resolution? This is not something for individual municipalities to be involved in. These people have every right to voice their concerns to their congressional representatives. This is not the job of the Naperville City Council. Will Naperville also be issuing a resolution demanding a cease fire from the Russian government on behalf of the people of Ukraine? The city council needs to keep in mind and focus on what their responsibilities are to all the citizens of Naperville and turn this request down. Thank you Carol Tritschler (Naperville) I live in Naperville and have lived here since 2000. Dear Mayor Wehrli and members of the City council, Thank you for your service and for all you’ve done to make Naperville such an outstanding and diverse place to live. To celebrate Easter, I attended: an Episcopalian service on zoom and the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church in Naperville in person. I also City of Naperville Page 21 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 zoomed in for Easter vigil for Palestine through Churches for Middle East Peace on Saturday. Please go to Religion News Service (religionnews.com) March 26, 2024 article, entitled “More than 140 global Christian leaders call for Gaza cease-fire in Holy Week letter” With the byline, “We repent of the ways we have not stood alongside our Palestinian siblings in faithful witness in the midst of their grief, agony, and sorrow, the leaders wrote”. Please read about how so many of our National Christian leaders, with local churches here in Naperville, have signed a strong ceasefire resolution sent to President Biden. I implore you, the Naperville city council, like these church leaders, to ask President Biden to “have the moral courage to end U.S. complicity in the ongoing violence and, instead, do everything in your power to prevent the potential genocide against Palestinians in Gaza”. Please put ceasefire resolution on the agenda for the April 16th Naperville city council meeting, and proceed to pass a resolution calling for permanent ceasefire now in Gaza and humanitarian aid, and restoring aid to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the near East), and support peace and justice in Israel-Palestine. As I have done, I hope you will ask our Senators Durbin and Duckworth and Illinois US Congress Representatives, and President Biden, to end unconditional US government funding of the Israeli military, which is bombarding and killing the people of Gaza. I do not support Hamas violence and empathize with Israeli civilians attacked and killed or injured on October 7th or held hostage. The Gazan refugees are being asked to evacuate but have nowhere to go. Please send message that we stand for permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza and freeing hostages and stopping mass starvation! Thank you. Steven W. (Naperville) I respectfully oppose any consideration of a cease fire. The war against Hamas is a complex global affaire and any consideration of a ceasefire resolution is beyond the mandate of our local municipal government. Noteworthy is that the proposed resolution as presented makes no mention of returning the hostages and is absent of any restrictions on the perpetrators of the October 7 terrorist attack. Supporting such a resolution is effectively a vote for Hamas and will only divide the community. Burton Pinchuk (Naperville) I am opposed to the Naperville city council involving itself in an issue that has no relevance to our city. There will be many speakers in favor of a resolution, but how many of these speakers are calling for an immediate surrender by the Hamas terrorists and the immediate release of the hostages? I would bet that none of them are expressing this position. If the pro cease fire advocates are not hypocrites they would support the Hamas surrender and release of hostages and they would therefore have an immediate cease fire. Israel is fighting an existential war and demanding a one sided capitulation is grossly unfair. Why is Israel not allowed to defend itself Rabbi David (Naperville, Rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom of Naperville) I am writing to you today on behalf of the membership of Congregation Beth Shalom to strongly request that you oppose the draft resolution “Calling for a Permanent and Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza,” and for you to vote no to adding it to your April 16th or any future Council agenda. I will also be speaking at the public forum in person on the 2nd and again on the 16th should need be, as will many of our members of our 250 household community of Naperville citizens in large City of Naperville Page 22 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 part. We, as a Jewish community, are still in shock from the horror of the October 7th attack - the worst atrocity against Jews since the Holocaust - where over 1200 people, of all ages, faiths and nationalities, were butchered. On October 7th this year we were in the midst of a Jewish Holiday known as Simchat Torah - meaning the joy of the Torah, where Jews around the world joyously celebrate the revelation of our sacred scriptures. Our joy was shattered upon the news of the gruesome attack against Jewish lives, and shattered even more as our community learned of loved one’s who were killed, and even some who were taken hostage. This attack affected our community members directly. I am disappointed, and deeply troubled, that the Naperville City Council has chosen to focus on an international conflict, rather than on the problems that you have the power to impact directly. You will be setting a precedent to express your opinions on a multitude of other international conflicts well outside the expertise of the city council. The council has issued no resolutions about the invasion, direct premeditated attack on civilians or the occupation of Ukraine; the gassing and slaughter of Syrians by Bashar al-Assad, the kidnapping of school children in Central Africa or the persecution and attempted genocide of the Rohingya by Myanmar. The City Council has the power to address problems facing Naperville, but I doubt that council members have influence regarding the longstanding and intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many experts from around the world and national foreign policy mavens, from countries such as the United States, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UN, and more have tried and failed to find a pathway to peace over many decades. What therefore can the Naperville City Council possibly bring to this matter? All this draft proposal does is divide our community at a time when unity is needed, and it makes no tangible difference to the situation of Palestinians or Israelis. In addition to being outside the City Council’s mandate, I believe that this resolution is inaccurate and seeks to ostracize the Jewish community. Demonizing Israel contributes to the frightening atmosphere of swelling anti-Semitism around the world, including here in Naperville. Just last month a student was called Hitler at one of our local elementary schools. This resolution will lead to further increases in antisemitism and puts your Jewish constituents at risk. Furthermore, this resolution is a one-sided travesty that ignores Hamas’ culpability and disingenuously seeks to blame Israel for defending itself against terrorism. On Oct. 6th, there was a ceasefire in place, which Hamas broke not Israel, and they broke it by invading Israel, targeting civilians, kidnapping them from their homes and their beds, raping and murdering innocents, and more. 240 people were taken hostage, including children and infants. 179 days later, over 120 hostages remain in Gaza, including an infant who turned 1 in captivity, a 4 year old, and 19 women who have endured ongoing rape and torture at the hands of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. In response to those atrocities, Israel was forced into a defensive war that they did not choose or want. The Citizens of Israel have an inalienable right, even a duty, to defend themselves, just as the United States did in response to 9/11. Hamas was the clear and unequivocal aggressor and the one-sided draft ignores their actions.This proposed resolution therefore asks the victims of the aggression, the citizens of Israel, to declare a unilateral ceasefire. It should be that Hamas, as the party that initiated this conflict and has repeatedly rejected ceasefire compromises - it is incumbent upon them to release all of the hostages, including the bodies of those who have died, before a ceasefire should even be considered. I continue to hope and pray that the State of Israel continues to search for ways to mitigate City of Naperville Page 23 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 civilian casualties without compromising the goal of their mission of eradicating the ongoing threat from Hamas to Israeli citizens. Hamas could end this war today by returning the hostages and ceasing its attacks on Israel, but rocket attacks continue to fall on Israeli civilians even now. It is for these reasons that the war continues, and that our federal government continues to support the Israeli Defense Forces and the State of Israel. As a rabbi, I hope, and work towards, peace in our local and global community. My heart breaks for what this war has wrought. I am horrified by the deaths of innocent civilians in Gaza and the devastation that the innocent Palestinian people of Gaza have experienced. I pray for the day when the State of Israel can securely and peacefully stand alongside a Palestinian state. I implore you to reconsider the purpose, content, and impact of this deeply flawed resolution. As always, I stand ready to partner with you in the work of improving Naperville for all its residents. Jennifer Weiner (Naperville) I implore Naperville City Council NOT to support any action calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Movements like these do nothing to fix the problems overseas but lead to many problems here in Naperville. It divides our Muslim and Jewish communities. We all want peace in the region and peace at home. There was already a ceasefire in place on October 7. Now there are thousands dead and hundreds still in captivity. Instead of a ceasefire, perhaps we should call out the brutality of Hamas and what they created. No matter what we say, the Israelis won’t stop fighting until the hostages are returned home. Please listen to your community - and do things that bring us together, not tear us apart. POSITION STATEMENT OPPOSE Barbara Lipkin (Naperville) - resolution for a Gaza ceasefire. Karen Butterfield (St. Charles) - oppose the resolution for a cease fire. Council expressed sympathy for the loss of life that has resulted in conflicts across the globe, discussed that resolutions should only be considered if there is a consensus on how that resolution will bring the City together, and stated that Council members are contacting elected officials and the state and federal levels on this matter. P. NEW BUSINESS: No New Business Q. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Councilman Bruzan Taylor, seconded by Councilman White, to adjourn the Regular City Council Meeting of April 2, 2024 at 10:27 p.m. The motion carried by a voice vote. /S/ Dawn C. Portner Dawn C. Portner City Clerk City of Naperville Page 24 Printed on 4/17/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final April 2, 2024 City of Naperville Page 25 Printed on 4/17/2024