Geneva City Council met Monday, Feb. 6.
Here are the minutes as provided by Geneva:
Geneva City Council Meeting February 6, 2017
GENEVA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 6, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
The February 6, 2017 meeting of the Geneva City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall by Mayor Kevin Burns. Aldermen present: Mike Bruno, Tara Burghart, Don Cummings, Dean Kilburg, Richard Marks, Jim Radecki, Mary Seno, Tom Simonian, Ron Singer. Aldermen absent: Craig Maladra.
Also attending: Acting City Atty. Scott Fintzen, City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins, Fire Chief Mike Antenore.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC HEARINGS, SPECIAL ITEMS AND PRESENTATIONS
Proclaim February as “African American History Month” in the City of Geneva Moved by Ald. Cummings, seconded by Ald. Bruno to proclaim February as African American History Month in the City of Geneva. Carried unanimously by voice vote.
MOTION CARRIED
Proclaim Waubonsee Community College 50th Anniversary Celebration
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to proclaim Waubonsee Community College 50th Anniversary Celebration. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED
Accepting the proclamation from Mayor Burns was Dr. Christine Sobek, Waubonsee president, and Dr. Lulu Blacksmith, director of governmental and multicultural affairs.
Dr. Sobek presented a brief history of Waubonsee and expressed appreciation for the proclamation. She also announced that a reunion will be held March 9 at the Academic and Professional Center at the Sugar Grove Campus.
Presentation of Cultural Arts Commission’s Community Arts Center Business Plan Doug Holzrichter, member of the Cultural Arts Commission, recognized commission president Tim Vetang, and planning committee members Christine Lazaris, Jean Gaines, Larry Johnson and Mike Olesen. Mr. Holzrichter then presented an overview of the business plan for the proposed Community Arts Center. He cited a survey that indicated a high level of support and interest in a Community Arts Center.
He explained that the Community Arts Center will offer programs for all ages and will affiliate with the Geneva Foundation for the Arts financially. He stressed the importance of a downtown location for the Center. He also emphasized that the initial proposal is modest, although with growth in mind, with an initial operating budget of $225,000.
The mission of the Center, as stated by Mr. Holzrichter, is to provide a place that fosters cultural enrichment through exhibitions, performances and classes. Going forward, he said the plan is to build community awareness and support.
Questions and comments were then taken from the Council and audience. Questions were heard from Ald. Bruno, Ald. Burghart and Ald. Kilburg, who encouraged discussion as to linking the Cultural Arts Center with the new library plan, saying that he has seen similar collaborations in other communities.
Presentation by the Geneva Public Library
Bob Shiffler, library board president, explained that after completing a study involving community needs and population, along with an assessment of the current library building, and after comparing the library’s services and resources to 21st century library norms, it was determined that the library is providing about 85 percent of the services it should be. The main reason, he said, for not being able to provide the desired level of services is the space constraints of the current building. He added that even though services are being provided at a lower level than desired, those services are costing about 130 percent of what they should cost due to building inefficiencies.
Based on these and other determinations, he said the board has concluded that the best alternative is to build a new facility, which is currently in the schematic design phase. He emphasized the need to size the new building correctly, roughly 57,000 sq. ft. He also stressed the need for flexibility to meet future needs. He then presented a preliminary site plan and parking configuration at the Sixth St. location. A referendum is scheduled for April 4, 2017 seeking a bond issuance in the amount of $21.8 million.
Questions and comments were then taken, with several Council members referencing staffing size, a response to those who question the need for a larger library in a digital age, space for meetings and community functions, and entrance locations. Mr. Holzrichter invited individual Council members to meet with library officials for further discussion. He also called attention to the website www.gpldnewbuilding.org for more information and updates.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
OMNIBUS AGENDA
All items listed on the Omnibus Agenda are considered to be routine by the Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council member or citizen so requests in which event the item will be removed from the Omnibus (Consent) Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented. Roll call:
AYES: 9 (Ald. Bruno, Burghart, Cummings, Kilburg, Marks, Radecki, Seno,
Simonian, Singer)
NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED
APPROVE MINUTES OF THE LAST REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 17, 2017
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented.
Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
APPROVE REPORTS
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented.
Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Committee of the Whole February 13 at 7 p.m.
OTHER ITEMS AND CORRESPONDENCE
None
MUNICIPAL BILLS FOR PAYMENT
The following bills were presented for payment:
General Fund $115,844.17
Tourism Fund 65.00
Tri‐Com Fund 13,679.09
Geneva City Council Meeting February 6, 2017 1561
Mental Health Fund 157.50
SSA #1 4,991.69
SSA #16 17,779.66
Infrastructure Capital Projects 34,190.13
TIF #2 510.00
Electric 738,126.24
Water/Wastewater 267,670.15
Refuse 85.07
Commuter Parking 5,301.32
Group Dental 9,105.68
Utility Refunds 307.89
Total Funds $1,207,813.59
Ald. Radecki asked about the purchase of road salt given the limited snowfall so far this winter. Admin. Dawkins answered that the City is contracted to purchase a minimum amount.
Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Seno that the bills be approved and vouchers
prepared. Roll call:
AYES: 9 (Ald. Bruno, Burghart, Cummings, Kilburg, Marks, Radecki, Seno,
Simonian, Singer)
NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Approve Resolution 2017-04 Authorizing Execution of a Plat of Easement for Lots 6, 7, and 8 in Block 9 within Howard Baird’s Addition to Geneva – Southwest Corner of Dodson and Howard Street
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented.
Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
Approve Resolution 2017-05 Authorizing Purchase of One (1) Ford Explorer Vehicle from State of Illinois Purchase Program Landmark Ford, in the Amount Not to Exceed $35,000 for Fire Department Operations Div.
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented.
Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
Approve Resolution 2017-06 Authorizing Supplement No. 1 to the Kautz Road Intersection Phase I Engineering Services Agreement with Wills Burke Kelsey Associates in the Amount of $162,860
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented.
Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
Approve Resolution 2017-07 Authorizing Execution of a License Agreement Between the City of Geneva and Bensidoun USA Inc. (French Market)
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented.
Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
Approve Ordinance 2017-01 Authorizing a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Amending Section 11-7B-2 to Expand the List of Permitted Uses in the I1Light Industrial District to Include “Grocery Stores 2,500 Square Feet and Under”
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented.
Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
Approve Ordinance 2017-02 Authorizing Amendments to the Peck Farm Park Planned Unit Development to Increase the Maximum Height of Interior Signs from 5 Feet to 10 Feet and to Allow the Use of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) Lights
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented.
Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
Approve Resolution 2017-08 Authorizing Site Plan Approval for Parking Lot Improvements, Walking Trail Improvements, and the Construction of a New 520 Square-Foot Restroom at Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented.
Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, PETITIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND BID AWARDS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Recognition for Fermilab 50th Anniversary
Ald. Kilburg, noting that he and several other Council members attended Fermilab’s 50th anniversary celebration recently, suggested a proclamation recognizing Fermilab’s contributions, discoveries, employment opportunities, educational programs, environmental initiatives, and international exchange, all of which contributed to the Fox Valley’s and Geneva’s quality of life over the past 50 years.
Dangerous Pedestrian Crossing at Anderson Blvd. and Stevens St. Intersection Ald. Burghart introduced Mike Kelly, GHS dean of students, and Amy Campbell, district safety/security supervisor, who she said are present to support her efforts to budget funds to improve the crosswalk at Anderson Blvd. and Stevens St. She explained that on Jan. 19 a GHS student was struck and injured by a vehicle at that crossing. She said that Dean
Kelly had previously contacted her about unsafe conditions at the site. She called for better signage at the crossing and elsewhere.
Dean Kelly, speaking as a school official, local resident and parent, noted that the crossing is frequently used by students as well as residents. Calling the crossing dangerous, he said drivers generally ignore the crosswalk striping, which has faded.
Ms. Campbell displayed photos of the crossing, saying that the crossing is especially dangerous during the times when students are coming and going from school in the mornings and afternoons. She also noted the traffic congestion at those times, and called attention to obstructed visibility caused by vehicles parked near the intersection. She called for additional signage at the crossing, re-striping the crossing and designating the area as a school zone, reducing the speed to 20 mph.
Ald. Kilburg compared this situation to former conditions at East Side Dr. near Harrison St. School, where he said improvements have been made over time, leading to better traffic control. He also noted that the police patrol that area when students are present.
CLOSED SESSION ON THE PURCHASE, SALE OR LEASE OF PROPERTY
Moved by Ald. Singer, seconded by Ald. Marks that the Council adjourn to Closed
Session. Roll call:
AYES: 9 (Ald. Bruno, Burghart, Cummings, Kilburg, Marks, Radecki, Seno,
Simonian, Singer)
NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED
Geneva City Council Meeting February 6, 2017 1563
The Council adjourned to Closed Session at 8:01 p.m.
Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Bruno that the Council return to Open Session.
Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED
The Council returned to Open Session at 8:21 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, moved by Ald. Simonian, seconded by Ald. Send to adjourn the Geneva City Council meeting. Carried unanimously by voice vote
The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
Lynn P. Landberg, City Clerk
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