City of Genoa City Council met May 19.
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, Winter and Lang were present. Alderman Cravatta was absent. A motion was made by Alderman Wesner to allow Aldermen Di Guido, Stevenson and Brust to attend remotely due to a family or other emergency, seconded by Alderman Lang. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Brust and Lang voted yes. Motion carried.
Mayor Vicary led the Pledge of Allegiance. Guest Speaker – None.
Motion made by Alderman Winter to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2020 City Council meeting, 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 May 2020 in the amount of $107,322.79, seconded by Alderman Winter. Alderman Carroll questioned line item #3 to B&F Construction Code Services, as she thought the City was not utilizing them anymore. Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss responded that B&F is just finishing projects that were started prior to the City hiring a building inspector. The amount of line item #22 to Lexipol, LLC was questioned as well. Police Chief, Robert Smith responded that the charges are for annual fees for PD Policies. He stated that it automatically updates new state laws and assists with problematic employees. Roll vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Brust and Lang voted yes. Motion carried.
ITEMS FROM INDIVIDUALS IN ATTENDANCE – Gordon Jones from Pebble Beach Drive attended the meeting remotely, but did not speak.
OLD BUSINESS – None
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDER PLACING THE FITNESS CENTER’S RENT IN FORBEARANCE: Motion made by Alderman Stevenson to approve a Resolution authorizing the Forbearance of Genoa Township Park District Fitness Center rent payments during its closure due to COVID-19, seconded by Alderman Wesner. Prior to the meeting, Alderman Di Guido emailed the Park District some questions with regard to their request for extended forbearance of their rent payments. Paul Bafia, Executive Director of the Genoa Township Park District addressed Council to provide an overview of the challenges that the Park District and Fitness Center are facing due to COVID-19. He stated that when the Fitness Center first shut down in the middle of March, they lost about 30% to 40% of membership revenues; currently they are at a 50% to 60% loss. He also stated that the Park District has had little to no income coming in since the shut- down due to programs being cancelled. They have begun issuing refunds for payments made for the cancelled programs, including residents who purchased pool passes, as the pool will not be open this season. He stated that all of the refunds that need to be issued will be approximately $20,000; which does not factor in all the revenue that will be lost over the summer due to cancelled programs, such as summer camp which normally generates about $50,000 in revenue. Executive Director Bafia was asked if the Park District has financial surplus. He responded yes, the Park District has a 3 month operational surplus, which they have begun using due to being shut-down for 2 months. He also stated that when the Fitness Center opens back up in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan around July 1st, he anticipates larger expenses due to extra cleaning supplies & personal protection equipment that will be needed in order to be in compliance with State requirements. Lastly, Director Bafia asked Council to consider reducing their rent once the Fitness Center opens back up, as he is unsure if or when memberships will begin increasing. Mayor Vicary responded that his request will be revisited at a later meeting.
In the proposed Resolution, it states that the Park District’s rent would be in forbearance for the duration of its closure; there was some inquiry as to whether that meant when the Park District opens with restrictions or when they are open to full capacity. After a lengthy discussion, Alderman Stevenson rescinded his original motion, in order to re-state the verbiage of the Resolution, seconded by Alderman Wesner. Motion made by Alderman Lang to approve a Resolution authorizing the Forbearance of Genoa Township Park District Fitness Center rent payments due to COVID-19 during its closure or August 1, 2020; whichever occurs first, seconded by Alderman Wesner. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter and Brust voted yes. Motion carried.
CONSIDER BOUNDARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE DEKALB COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE: Motion made by Alderman Stevenson to approve a Resolution authorizing boundary modifications to the area known as the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone – Syngenta, seconded by Alderman Winter. Paul Borek from the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone, who was attending remotely, gave a brief overview. He stated that the proposed modifications are to attract a Global Agri-Business Company; Syngenta. The amendment would expand the Enterprise Zone to include a 24 acre building site within an 88-acre agricultural parcel; a 96,000 square foot facility for greenhouses, customer experience center, laboratories, warehousing and office space for business research and development. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Stevenson, Winter, Brust, Lang, Wesner and Di Guido voted yes. Alderman Carroll voted no. Motion carried.
CONSIDER AMENDING THE LOAN AMOUNT FOR AN IEPA LOAN FOR THE NORTH WATER TOWER REPAINTING AND REPAIRS: Motion made by Alderman Di Guido to approve and authorize the execution of a repayment and final loan closing agreement amendment, not to exceed $70,292.67, seconded by Alderman Carroll. There was no discussion. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Brust, Lang, Wesner and Carroll voted yes. Motion carried.
CONSIDER CANCELLING CODERED: Motion made by Alderman Di Guido to approve and authorize the execution of a Separation Agreement and General Release between the City of Genoa and OnSolve, LLC, seconded by Alderman Lang. Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss explained that the cost of having CodeRED is $3,000 per year and the City only used it 3 times last year, which is a costly expense. She suggested other options such as posting on social media, email blasts through our water billing/budgeting software. She also stated that there is a new tornado siren in the River Bend subdivision, along with a new one planned for the Derby Estates subdivision which will assist with alerting residents in an emergency situation. She also indicated with smart phone technology, weather and emergency apps can be downloaded to receive alerts. She indicated that cancelling this under-utilized program would save $3,000, which would assist with current Budget constraints. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Brust, Lang, Wesner and Carroll voted yes. Motion carried.
CONSIDER REPAIRS TO THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AIR LIFT RETURNS: Motion made by Alderman Wesner to approve repairs to the wastewater treatment plant air lift returns, not to exceed $6,520, seconded by Alderman Winter. There was no discussion. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Brust and Lang voted yes. Motion carried.
CONSIDER REPAIRS TO THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PRIMARY CLARIFIERS: Motion made by Alderman Winter to waive the bid process and approve repairs to the primary clarifier’s collector drive unit by DPS Equipment, not to exceed $53,100, seconded by Alderman Stevenson. Public Works Director, Rich Gentile provided a brief description of the equipment and how the process works. He indicated that to buy the replacement parts that are needed, the cost would be approximately $45,000; he believes upgrading it for $53,100 would be a better option. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Winter, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido and Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.
CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF A TRAILER MOUNTED HOT BOX: Motion made by Alderman Wesner to approve the purchase of a trailer mounted hot box for asphalt patching from Monroe Truck Equipment, not to exceed $31,465.00, seconded by Alderman Lang. Public Works Director, Rich Gentile was asked if both bids were for the same hot box. He responded yes. He was also asked what the additional $3,500 was for. He responded for extra equipment needed. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Brust and Lang voted yes. Motion carried.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Administrative Report – Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss reported that she included a memo in the packet that would normally be discussed in Executive Session, but since 1⁄2 of the Council was attending remotely, it would be difficult. She indicated that there is a piece of property that the City has been maintaining, but recently discovered is not actually owned by the City. A contract negotiation has occurred and will be presented at an upcoming meeting. She also indicated that DeKalb County Community Garden’s has been very successful with their Grow Mobile Events; however, the event held at the Community Gardens off of North Sycamore Street, there is only one way in and out of the parking lot, which caused traffic issues. They have asked to use the City’s parking lot to free up the traffic congestion. It will be proposed at the next City Council meeting for official approval.
Finance Report – Finance Office Manager & Treasurer, Jan Tures reported that the City had its preliminary audit and it went very well. She indicated that there have been 15 additional permits issued since the last meeting, including 1 new home. Lastly, she stated that the City received the March sales tax numbers and we are down 18.9%.
Public Works – Director Gentile reported that the City has an opportunity to reconstruct Genoa Street through a fast track grant. The cost would be covered at 100%. The challenge is, if the City does not receive the grant, the original plan to do the small portion of Genoa Street that is in the budget for this year would be delayed, as the City would not be able to put it out for bid until we know if the grant has been awarded or not. Consensus amongst Council was to apply for the grant and put some information on social media to keep residents apprised of the situation. The water main & sewer lining projects are underway. He then reported that there are some storm sewer issues that have been on-going for years that need to be addressed, so he will be bringing more information to Council at a later date. Lastly, he indicated that the bump-outs downtown will be completed in the upcoming week.
Police Department – Chief Smith reported that he had a State Police conference call to discuss the emergency rule that was put in place by Governor Pritzker regarding businesses that are open illegally. He indicated that the Police Department will not be mandating that. He stated that court was held earlier that day in the Police Department lobby. Eight people were scheduled and only 1 person showed up. Chief Smith indicated that he informed his staff that there will be a future canine position opening up and he had 1 person indicate that they would be interested. Alderman Stevenson stated that he received a complaint about Open Door Coffee patrons not crossing the street in the crosswalk and someone almost got hit by a car. Chief Smith responded that he would talk with the Owners.
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Vicary stated that he had participated in a couple conference calls with the DeKalb County Mayors Forum regarding the challenges our small businesses and communities are facing. After long discussions, a letter was drawn up and sent to Governor Pritzker asking him to allow businesses that are not included in Phase 3, to be able to open up with the guidance of local, state and federal health organizations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – None
Motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the City Council was made by Alderman Wesner, seconded by Alderman Winter. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
https://www.genoa-il.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Meeting-Minutes-20200519.pdf
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