Freedom of Information Act Request

The City of Batavia is committed to the principles of open government and strives to provide the information requested by the public in a timely manner. The City provides a large amount of frequently requested information on its website for ease of access to the public:

  • The City’s calendar contains links to all available meeting minutes and agendas going back to January of 2012. Each agenda in this section generally contains links with pdf copies of every piece of legislation under consideration and the staff memorandum describing that item.
  • Agendas for upcoming meetings (including links to items for discussion) are linked to the city’s homepage.
  • The city’s municipal code can be found online. Every effort is made to keep the online code up-to-date. But some very recently approved items may not yet be part of the document.

The City is required by law to respond to your request within 5 business days in most circumstances. If you have any questions about our Freedom of Information Policy, you can contact us at 630-454-2000.

To make a FOIA request, please complete this form. 

Common FOIA Information and Questions

What records are immediately disclosable?

  • Records immediately disclosable include all records contained on the city website. These include:
    • Agendas and Minutes
    • Elected officials and contact information.
    • Various city forms and applications
    • Organization chart
    • Directory of Staff
    • Labor and Employment Agreements
    • A repository of prior FOIA requests
    • City Code
    • Ordinances and Resolutions
    • City Budget
    • Budgeted Compensation
    • City Audits
    • Financial Reports
    • Check Registers
    • Water Quality Reports
    • City Maps

What types or categories of records are under the control of the public body?

  • The City of Batavia manages many types of records. These include paper files, emails, electronic documents, phone records, text messages, and more. The city also maintains databases of certain types of records.
  • The categories of records are expansive, with each department having substantial records based on their programmatic activities.

 How can someone receive records if they do not have access to a computer or a printer?

  • Persons without access to a computer or a printer may submit a FOIA over the phone or in person. People can always choose how to receive their files (paper copies, email, fax, or in-person); however charges may apply for paper copies mailed to a person. 

What is the brief description of the City of Batavia?

  • Batavia is located 35 miles west of Chicago along the banks of the Fox River. Settled in the 1830s, Batavia earned the nickname ‘The Windmill City’ when it was the windmill manufacturing capital of the world at the turn of the 20th Century. Batavia is home to more than 1,200 businesses, including Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory, the U.S. Headquarters of Aldi Inc, and Suncast Corporation. Batavia’s historic charm, excellent school system, and unparalleled recreational and shopping amenities make it a great place to live, work and play for its over 26,000 residents.

What is the purpose of the City of Batavia?

  • For more information on our purpose, our vision, and where we are taking the City of Batavia, please review our Strategic Plan.  

What is the City of Batavia's organizational structure?

  • An organizational chart is available here. 

What is the City of Batavia's total operating budget?

  • The total budget for the City of Batavia is available here.

How many offices does the City of Batavia have, and where are they located?

  • The City of Batavia has two primary offices, the Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center (100 N Island Ave), and the Public Works Building (200 N. Raddant Rd.). The Fire Department has two stations (Station 1: 800 E. Wilson, Station 2: 1400 Main Street). Additional small facilities are located throughout the city. 

How many staff does the City of Batavia have?

  • The city has approximately 212 full and part time staff.

What is the membership of the City of Batavia's boards and commissions?

  • A current membership listing of the city's boards and commissions is available here.

Who are the City of Batavia's FOIA Officers?

  • Primary FOIA Officer: Max Weiss, Management Analyst
  • Community and Economic Development: Jeff Albertson, Building Commissioner
  • Fire: Cheryl Collier, Administrative Assistant
  • Police: Cheryl Shimp, Records Supervisor

Where can I submit a FOIA via the mail?

  • FOIA requests via the mail should be sent to the Government Center at 100 N. Island Ave, Batavia, IL 60510, Attn: Max Weiss.

Does the city charge for FOIA requests?

  • No. Authority to impose fees is authorized under 5 ILCS 140/6.