DeKalb Times

City of Genoa City Council met Nov. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Vicary called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Cravatta, Brust and Lang were present.

Mayor Vicary led the Pledge of Allegiance. Guest Speaker: None

Motion made by Alderman Wesner to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2019 City Council meeting, seconded by Alderman Lang. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried.

Motion made by Alderman Winter to approve payment of the accounts payables for the second half of October 2019, in the amount of $384,396.97, seconded by Alderman Brust. Alderman Winter asked if the monthly dispatch services cost went up. Mayor Vicary responded yes. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido and Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

ITEMS FROM INDIVIDUALS IN ATTENDANCE – None

NEW BUSINESS

CONSIDER AN APPOINTMENT TO THE TREE BOARD: Motion made by Alderman Wesner to approve the appointment of Chuck Walters as a member of the City of Genoa’s Tree Board, seconded by Alderman Lang. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Cravatta, Brust and Lang voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER AWARDING A BID FOR THE WELL 4 GENERATOR: Motion made by Alderman Stevenson to award a bid to Engel Electric Co. for the Well 4 Generator Project, not to exceed $176,600, subject to the City’s IEPA Loan and Forgiveness Receipt, seconded by Alderman Lang. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Stevenson, Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll and Di Guido voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER WAIVING THE BID PROCESS AND AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR STREET, ALLEY AND PARK TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS: Motion made by Alderman Winter to waive the bid process and award a contract to William Charles Construction for street, alley and park trail improvements, not to exceed $147,070.29, seconded by Alderman Stevenson. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido and Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CANNABIS SALES TAX RATE WITHIN THE CITY OF GENOA: Assistant City Administrator, Alyssa Seguss gave a brief summary of the memo provided in the packet. She indicated that the City is allowed to impose up to a 3% tax on cannabis sales, in increments of.25%, in addition to the regular sales tax rate. She asked for direction from Council as to what tax percent they would like to start with. After some discussion, Council was divided. Some indicated that the start-up costs are pretty substantial and believe that starting at a lower percentage tax rate would draw businesses in. Others Council members thought we should start at the higher percent due to budget constraints with the Police Department who will be most affected by the new legislation. Council asked Assistant City Administrator Seguss to research surrounding areas to see what tax percent they will be imposing, to assist us in making a final decision.

OTHER BUSINESS

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Administrative Report – Assistant City Administrator, Alyssa Seguss reported that a memo was in the packet regarding options the City has regarding the property located at 131 South Sycamore Street and to contact her directly as to how they would like to proceed. She then reported that there was some confusion as to whose jurisdiction the Genoa Woods subdivision is in; City of Genoa or DeKalb County. After discussion with DeKalb County, it was determined that it is their jurisdiction, as the subdivision is out of city limits. The confusion stemmed from a 1995 Annexation Agreement that expired in 2005. Lastly she reported that she will be working with Prairie State Winery and the old liquor store located across from Corner Grill regarding the façade program.

Public Works – Public Works Director, Rich Gentile, reported Public Works is installing a storm sewer by the Fitness Center, due to water congregating in the front walkway area. He then reported that the IDOT project between Route 23 and State Street will be completed by the end of the year weather permitting, but unsure if striping will be done by then. He indicated that the portion of the project from McDonald’s to Hayes Road is questionable as to whether or not it will be completed this year. Lastly, he reported that there will be new signage for the crosswalks.

Police Department – Chief Smith reported that “No Shave November” has begun. Genoa is partnering with Kingston & Kirkland Police Departments to raise money for cancer. Their goal this year is $7,000. Approximately 50 people showed up for the C.U.F.F. event over the weekend. He then reported that the property damage in the Ellwood Greens area a few weeks ago was from teenage kids in the Rockford area. Lastly, he stated that a 38 year old Genoa man was arrested for breaking into vehicles & storage units at the apartments.

Mayor’s Report – None 

ANNOUNCEMENTS – None

RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION: Motion made by Alderman Winter to go into closed session for the purpose of approving the minutes of the previous closed session, for the purpose of discussing Collective Bargaining and the appointment, employment, dismissal, compensation, discipline and/or performance of specific employees as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(2), and for the purpose of discussing land acquisition, seconded by Alderman Lang. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido and Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION: Motion made by Alderman Carroll to reconvene into the regular session, seconded by Alderman Winter. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried.

In Closed Session, the minutes of the October 1, 2019 closed session were accepted.

Motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the City Council was made by Alderman Wesner, seconded by Alderman Di Guido. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

https://www.genoa-il.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CCMinutes20191105.pdf