DeKalb Times

City of Genoa City Council met June 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:10 p.m. Roll call was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Winter, Lang and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson were present. Alderman Cravatta was absent. A motion was made by Alderman Lang to allow Alderman Brust and possibly Alderman Di Guido to attend remotely due to a family or other emergency, seconded by Alderman Wesner. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried. Alderman Di Guido arrived at 7:20 p.m. due to being unable to connect remotely.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guest Speaker – Andrew Kim, Director of Public Finance with PMA Securities, LLC gave an overview of the Bond process and explained different types of bonds. Staff has been working with Mr. Kim regarding finance options for a 2.5 million dollar Streets and Public Infrastructure Improvements Bond to allow for the overdue and much needed street repairs. Mr. Kim also expressed that interest rates are very low so now would be a great time for the City to apply for the Bond.

Motion made by Alderman Di Guido to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2020 City Council meeting, seconded by Alderman Winter. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried.

Motion made by Alderman Wesner to approve payment of the accounts payables for the second half of May 2020 in the amount of $81,414.39, seconded by Alderman Carroll. Roll vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Winter, Brust, Lang and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

ITEMS FROM INDIVIDUALS IN ATTENDANCE – None 

OLD BUSINESS – None

NEW BUSINESS

CONSIDER A PERMIT FOR OUTDOOR SEATING FOR BARS AND RESTAURANTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: Motion made by Alderman Wesner to approve the City of Genoa outdoor seating permit application, seconded by Alderman Di Guido. Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss stated that she and Chief Smith sat down with the business owners to discuss safety measures and requirements. There were no complaints regarding outdoor seating blocking sidewalks or business entrances. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Winter, Brust, Lang and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY ON MADISON STREET: Motion made by Alderman Lang to approve a Resolution approving and authorizing the execution of a Real Estate Purchase Contract, seconded by Alderman Wesner. There was no discussion. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Winter, Brust, Lang and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF A SQUAD CAR FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT: Motion made by Alderman Carroll to approve the purchase of a 2019 Ford Taurus from Veto Enterprises, not to exceed $28,900, seconded by Alderman Wesner. Chief Smith stated that the Police Department wanted to purchase a Ford Explorer, but they are not taking orders for them until 2021. He stated that the City will save approximately $15,000 due to the vehicle not being marked out; it will have internal lights as well. Chief Smith will be putting his current Explorer back in the fleet to be available for a new Canine. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Carroll, Di Guido, Winter, Brust, Lang, Wesner and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER ALLOWING THE DEKALB COUNTY COMMUNITY GARDENS THE USE OF THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT: Motion made by Alderman Wesner to approve the DeKalb County Community Gardens’ use of the Municipal Parking Lot on June 19, 2020 from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., seconded by Alderman Lang. Although it did not pertain to the item being voted on, there was some discussion regarding the assurance of the gardens being maintained properly. Administrative Director Seguss stated that she has a contact for the DeKalb County Community Gardens and will reach out to them regarding this. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Winter, Brust, Lang and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Administrative Report – Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss reported that included in the packet was a memo regarding the donation of a pavilion for Central Park in the River Bend subdivision. If there are any questions regarding this, please contact Public Works Director, Rich Gentile.

Finance Report – Finance Office Manager & Treasurer, Jan Tures stated in addition to what has already been discussed, she continues working on the Audit as it is a 3-month process. Also, the City has issued approximately 20 more permits than last year at this time.

Public Works – Director Gentile was on vacation.

Police Department – Chief Smith reported that due to the heavy rain the prior week, extra Officers were called out to assist with traffic until Public Works was able to put up barricades. He also indicated that there was a peaceful protest at Main Street & South Washington Street. There was some looting in DeKalb and Sycamore on May 31st. Genoa received a threat that they would be heading to Genoa, so additional Officers were on duty that night. Nothing became of the threat.

Mayor’s Report – Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson made a statement addressing the current state of our Country. He indicated that the Country is angry & divided and it is heartbreaking to see all of the violence & destruction taking place. He stated that Elected Officials and Department Heads are in positions where their voices are heard and urged everyone to use words of hope and kindness, instead of despair. He stated that he is proud to be part of our Community and proud to serve with everyone.

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 8:15 p.m.

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