DeKalb Times

City of Genoa City Council met Sept. 15.

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. Quorum present.

Mayor Vicary led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guest Speaker – None

Motion made by Alderman Cravatta to approve the minutes of the September 1, 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 September 2020 in the amount of $80,105.90, seconded by Alderman Stevenson. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Cravatta, Brust and Lang voted yes. Alderman Carroll abstained. Motion carried.

ITEMS FROM INDIVIDUALS IN ATTENDANCE - None 

OLD BUSINESS – None

NEW BUSINESS

CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS: Motion made by Alderman Stevenson to approve an Ordinance providing for the issuance of not to exceed $2,500,000 General Obligation Bonds (alternate revenue source), for the purpose of financing street, sidewalk and alley improvements and related public infrastructure projects in and for the City, the pledge of certain revenues to the payment of principal and interest on said Bonds and the levy and collection of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay such principal and interest, if the pledged revenues are insufficient to make such payment, and authorizing the sale of said Bonds to the purchaser thereof, seconded by Alderman Di Guido. There was no discussion. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Stevenson, Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll and Di Guido voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN ENGAGEMENT LETTER WITH S&P GLOBAL RATINGS FOR A CREDIT RATING FOR THE CITY’S BOND ISSUANCE: Motion made by Alderman Lang to approve a Resolution approving and authorizing an engagement letter with S&P Global Ratings for issuance of a credit rating, not to exceed $12,000, seconded by Alderman Winter. Alderman Brust asked for clarification regarding the $12,000 fee, as to whether that is the maximum amount or if additional sales value and applicable taxes would be added. Treasurer Jan Tures explained that the understanding is the $12,000 is the maximum amount the City would have to pay. The fees could be less, depending on whether the bonds wind up being a private sale or a public sale. Treasurer Tures also explained that the City usually receives a rating from Moody, but has been advised from Andrew Kim of PMA that a rating from S&P will most likely be more favorable, which would in turn give the City a lower interest rate on the bond. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Cravatta and Brust voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER A SECOND FAÇADE GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE BETH FOWLER SCHOOL OF DANCE BUILDING AT 303 WEST MAIN STREET, NOT TO EXCEED $7,988.75: Motion made by Alderman Cravatta to approve a second Façade Grant Agreement with Beth Fowler for 303 West Main Street, not to exceed $7,988.75, seconded by Alderman Winter. Mayor Vicary stated that the Façade Program has been getting some recognition, as the newspaper has contacted the City asking how the downtown area is being restored so quickly. There was some discussion regarding the windows on the East side of the building. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Stevenson and Winter voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE FOR SURPLUS EQUIPMENT SALES: Motion made by Alderman Di Guido to approve an Ordinance authorizing the sale and/or disposal of items of personal property owned by the City of Genoa, seconded by Alderman Lang. Public Works Director, Rich Gentile was asked if there has been much success with auctions in the past. He responded yes. He indicated that sometimes equipment is purchased for parts. He also stated that the money received from these sales is put toward the purchase of new equipment. Roll call vote was taken. Alderman Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Wesner and Carroll voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF INTERNAL CHIMNEY SEALS FOR STORM SEWER REPAIRS: Motion made by Alderman Wesner to approve the purchase of internal chimney seals for storm sewer pipe repairs from Ferguson Waterworks Company, not to exceed $5,900, seconded by Alderman Lang. Public Works Director, Rich Gentile gave a brief overview of the project. He indicated that a relief pipe will redirect water to a new storm sewer to avoid a resident’s sump pump from constantly running when the pond is high during heavy rains. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Wesner, Carroll, Di Guido, Stevenson, Winter, Cravatta, Brust and Lang voted yes. Motion carried.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Administrative Report – Finance Office Manager & Treasurer, Jan Tures reported that Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss has been helping out with a few things in the office while on maternity leave, which has been helpful. She also indicated that Cruisin and Country Financial has contacted the City, as they are also interested in the Façade Grant Program.

Finance Report – Finance Office Manager & Treasurer, Jan Tures reported that she has a 2-hour interview call on Thursday with the bond company; working on final numbers for the audit and also liability insurance renewal.

Public Works – Director Gentile reported that they are working on the access road for the canoe launch; contractors will be submitting quotes over the next week. A new contractor has been located for City sidewalk repairs. Lastly, he is hoping to have CES, an engineering company that will be doing the City Street Program come to the next City Council meeting and do a presentation to provide more information about the program. Director Gentile was asked about the Genoa Street grant that the City submitted. He stated that he did not hear anything, so he believes that the City did not get the grant, but will follow up.

Police Department – Chief Smith reported that Officer Hoffstead is currently in week 2 of canine school; the canine is 15 months old & his name is Enzo; 6 Golf Carts/UTV’s have been inspected so far and Kyle Ziemba has been hired as a new part time Officer.

Mayor’s Report – Mayor Vicary announced that the Genoa Pharmacy has closed; his business will now be in Hampshire only. Mayor Vicary also introduced Christi Slavenas who is running for DeKalb County Board.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Thursday, September 17th, the Fire Department will be hosting a blood drive from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a young boy scout with a heart condition. Saturday, September 19th, there will be a popcorn sales table at Open Door Coffee. A new restaurant will be opening in Genoa in a few weeks called Cruisin.

Motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the City Council was made by Alderman Wesner, seconded by Alderman Carroll. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

https://www.genoa-il.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Meeting-Minutes-20200915.pdf