DeKalb Times

City of Genoa City Council met Jan. 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Before the meeting began, a moment of silence was observed in remembrance of Don Anderson, a loved Veteran & community member of Genoa.

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

Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson announced that due to recent emails received, item D (discussion regarding 131 South Sycamore Street) has been removed from the agenda. It will be discussed and voted on at a future meeting.

Guest Speakers: Randy Jennings, Owner of the Genoa Coin Wash, addressed Council to express his concern regarding the parking situation at the strip mall on East Main Street. He indicated that after the expansion was completed at Smoking Grill, their customers are using all the parking spaces, so the Coin Wash and Subway customers have nowhere to park. He asked that in the future, parking spaces be considered before a permit is issued to expand a business. He also indicated that he has been working with the new Building Inspector, Dave Eggleston and believes he is a great fit.

David Gurke, resident of Oak Creek Estates addressed Council to express his concerns regarding the parking by his home on Joshua Lane during football practice/games. He indicated that for 3 months during football season, people are parking on both sides of the street, in front of the fire hydrant and sometimes he is unable to get in his driveway. Council & Staff responded that they will be discussing the issue at an upcoming staff meeting to find a resolution to the problem.

J.T. Anesi addressed Council to express his concerns regarding the property at 131 South Sycamore Street. He indicated that the front door is open and should be secured to ensure no one can get in the house. He also stated that in the Building Inspector’s report, it states there are various fire hazards inside the home and suggested possibly having the Genoa Fire Chief inspect the home.

Motion made by Alderman Di Guido to amend the minutes of the January 7, 2020 City Council meeting, to correct the section; Reconvene into Regular Session. It stated that Alderman Di Guido made both the motion and second motion in error. It should read motion made by Alderman Di Guido and seconded by Alderman Stevenson. Alderman Brust seconded the motion to amend the minutes to reflect the correction. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Di Guido, Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion made by Alderman Cravatta to accept the amended minutes of the January 7, 2020 City Council minutes, seconded by Alderman Lang. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried.

Motion made by Alderman Wesner to approve payment of the accounts payables for the first half of January 2020, in the amount of $56,366.75, seconded by Alderman Brust. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

ITEMS FROM INDIVIDUALS IN ATTENDANCE - None

NEW BUSINESS

CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE REDUCING PERMIT FEES FOR NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION:

Motion made by Alderman Brust to approve an Ordinance providing a one year extension of the limited temporary reduction in certain fees as an incentive for new home construction in 2020, seconded by Alderman Lang. Alderman Cravatta stated that the current proposed Ordinance only includes waiving school impact fees for Derby Estates and Oak Creek Estates. He made a motion to amend the Ordinance to include all of Genoa, seconded by Alderman Winter. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Cravatta, Brust, Lang Di Guido, Winter and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Aldermen Wesner abstained. Alderman Carroll voted no. Motion made by Alderman Brust to approve the Ordinance as amended, seconded by Alderman Lang. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Brust, Lang, Di Guido, Winter, Cravatta and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Alderman Wesner abstained. Alderman Carroll voted no. Motion carried.

CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING BUILDING PERMIT FEES: Motion made by Alderman Winter to approve an Ordinance amending Appendix A of the Municipal Code of the City of Genoa, seconded by Alderman Wesner. Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss indicated that staff is recommending that the permit fee schedule be amended as the City transitions from B&F Construction Code Services to the new part time building inspector. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE DEKALB COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE:

 Motion made by Alderman Winter to approve an Ordinance authorizing boundary modifications to the area known as the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone – Vacant Ground Addition, seconded by Alderman Brust. Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss gave a brief overview and indicated that the Enterprise Zone Advisory Board has recommended these amendments. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

 Motion made by Alderman Winter to approve an Ordinance authorizing a second amendment to the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement, seconded by Alderman Lang. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

 Motion made by Alderman Winter to approve an Ordinance amending the property tax abatement qualifying criteria and definitions in the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone, seconded by Alderman Cravatta. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

 Motion made by Alderman Winter to approve an Ordinance authorizing a third amendment to the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement, seconded by Alderman Cravatta. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Administrative Report – Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss reported that the new Genoa Food Hub will be having their ribbon cutting on January 30th and the Annual Chamber Dinner will be on February 19th. Lastly, she reported that “All the Queens Horses” will be shown following the meeting.

Finance Report – Finance Office Manager & Treasurer, Jan Tures reported that staff is currently working on the new budget for fiscal year 2020/2021.

Public Works – Public Works Director, Rich Gentile reported that the bid openings will be taking place the next day for the water main improvements. He indicated that approximately 12 contractors picked up bid packets.

Police Department – Chief Smith reported that Officer Gates reported back to work as of today and will be working 3 days per week to start off. Alderman Brust asked if there is anything the City can do regarding the antique shop that has opened up at 527 West Main Street. He indicated that all of the signs lined up along the building are not appealing. Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss responded that Community Service Officer, Nick Garvey looked into this situation and it is difficult to do anything, as it is private property, but she would check with our building inspector to see if there might be some property maintenance issues he can address.

Mayor’s Report – None 

ANNOUNCEMENTS – None

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 7:43 p.m.

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