DeKalb Times

City of Genoa City Council Met March 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

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 Carroll, Di Guido, Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson were present. Alderman Wesner was absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson and a boy scout from Troop 71 earning a merit badge led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guest Speaker: None

Motion made by Alderman Brust to accept the minutes of the March 2, 2021 City Council meeting, seconded by Alderman Lang. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried.

Motion made by Alderman Carroll to approve payment of the accounts payables for the first half of March 2021, in the amount of $207,222.90, seconded by Alderman Brust. There was no discussion. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Carroll, Di Guido, Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

ITEMS FROM INDIVIDUALS IN ATTENDANCE – James & Loralee Vassar, who reside in the Derby Estates subdivision, addressed Council regarding their desire to build a barn type structure on the parcel next to their home that they are in the process of purchasing. They indicated that the structure would have a foundation, as well as heat and air conditioning; it would be used for storage and hobby’s; would be 1 story, approximately 50’x70’; would be tasteful and as close to their home as possible & obscured by a line of trees. Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss stated that barns are not allowed in City limits, however a 200 square foot shed is allowed, as well as an accessory cottage. Mr. & Mrs. Vassar stated that they are open to suggestions and would be willing to adjust their structure plans to meet the building requirements. Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson stated that Aldermen would work with staff to look into options and suggested they submit a drawing of what they would like to build and its location.

NEW BUSINESS

CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF LED COBRA HEAD STREET LIGHTING: Motion made by Alderman Di Guido to approve the purchase of 25 LED Cobra Heads through a ComEd incentive program, not to exceed $7,088.75, seconded by Alderman Winter. There was some discussion regarding a friend of Alderman Cravatta’s doing the work, as he does this work for a living and would save the City approximately $1,000 on the project. After additional discussion, it was decided that Council would approve the purchase of the lights regardless of who they are purchased from as long as the price does not exceed $7,088.75. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Di Guido, Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Carroll and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: Motion made by Alderman Winter to approve the purchase of a drive unit from Walker Process, not to exceed $24,850, seconded by Alderman Brust. There was a memo in the packet regarding this item. There was no further discussion. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Winter, Cravatta, Brust, Lang, Carroll, Di Guido and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO CITY COUNCIL MEETING DAYS: Motion made by Alderman Di Guido to approve an Ordinance amending Title 1, Chapter 6, City Council, Section 3 of the Municipal Code of the City of Genoa, seconded by Alderman Winter. Alderman Winter stated that 2 candidates are running for Ward 1 to replace Alderman Carroll and suggested checking with those candidates to see if changing the City Council meeting days would be a conflict for them. After further discussion, Alderman Di Guido made the motion to table this item for now, seconded by Alderman Lang. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried.

CONSIDER A 6 MONTH CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT: Vaughn Kuerschner from Waste Management approached Council to provide an overview of the new proposed contract costs, as well as a cost saving option. Waste Management is proposing no increase for 2021 and a 3.5% increase each year for the next 4 years. The increase over the past several years has been 3%. Mr. Kuerschner indicated that the 3.5% increase is due to Waste Management not being able to keep up with their rising costs. He then indicated that if Genoa went to every other week recycling, instead of every week, it would save the residents $2.04 per month and if some residents would need an extra recycling cart, it would be provided at no additional charge. He also stated that 94% of the material collected in Genoa from the “At Your Door” recycling program, has been recycled. Council asked Mr. Kuerschner why Genoa’s rates are higher than some other cities. He responded that costs cannot be compared; as different services are provided for various cities. An Alderman asked if there would be a savings if Genoa decreased the number of events that Waste Management provides services for. Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss responded that it would not be cost effective to do that, as the price reduction would be miniscule. After additional discussion, a few of the Aldermen thanked Mr. Kuerschner for his continued partnership with the City of Genoa over the years, but felt it would be in the City’s best interest to have Staff & Aldermen research options and pricing over the next 6 months.

Motion made by Alderman Brust to approve a Resolution providing authority to sign an amendment to an Agreement with Waste Management for a 6-month contract extension, seconded by Alderman Di Guido. There was no further discussion. Roll call vote was taken. Aldermen Brust, Lang, Carroll, Di Guido, Winter, Cravatta and Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson voted yes. Motion carried.

FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 BUDGET PRESENTATION: Treasurer and Finance Office Manager, Jan Tures provided a brief overview of the Budget. She indicated that the City of Genoa’s Budget is 7 million dollars, which is comprised of 16 separate funds and is currently balanced. Other highlights included: the City’s General Fund reserves as of 4/30/21 is projected to be $1,444,770, which is approximately 6 months of expenditures; Police Pension contributions continue to be a challenge, as $480,000 will be contributed for the FY21/22; the City received $214,227 from Coronavirus Relief Fund Assistance, which helped off-set costs incurred from the pandemic; Water & Sewer Fund is balanced and payments for the 2020 Bonds for street improvements will be due in June & December 2021. Treasurer Tures then provided an overview of the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, which outlined multi-year projects, prioritized by importance. The CIP includes larger repairs/maintenance, rehabilitation, construction of new infrastructures, as well as vehicle/equipment replacement. Treasurer Tures then indicated that the CIP will have a fund deficit in the next few years. The current capital improvement fee on the water bills will increase gradually over the next few years to assist with bridging the gap.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Administrative Report – Administrative Director, Alyssa Seguss reported that the Village of Kingston Sewer Agreement negotiations are not going well. She indicated that she believes the contract goes to a Board Member, their Engineer, City Attorney, Board President and Village Clerk. The new contract begins June 1, 2021 and the City will move forward with their new rates. Director Seguss then reported that she met with Mike Cretsinger, Owner of Genoa Motors and provided him with other options regarding his request for a loan through the City and she will continue to work with him regarding a project he may be interested in doing that would qualify for a CDAP loan. Lastly, Director Seguss stated that the April 6th City Council meeting will be moved to Monday, April 5th due to the Election.

Finance Report – Treasurer & Finance Office Manager, Jan Tures had nothing further after her Budget presentation.

Public Works – Public Works Streets, Sewer and Forestry Supervisor, Janice Melton explained to Council her reason for wanting to bid on the purchase of a 2005 Pelican Sweeper instead of using the budgeted amount to service the current 1982 Pelican Sweeper. The budgeted amount is $45,000 and the amount of the bid is $24,850, which is well under the budget amount and the equipment is 13 years newer. There was no vote, but there was no objection from Council to move forward with the bid.

Police Department – Sergeant Hathcoat reported that tax returns cannot be garnished to pay fines and Officer Baxa has been promoted to Detective.

Mayor’s Report – None

ANNOUNCEMENTS – The April 6th City Council meeting has been moved to April 5th due to the Election.

Motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the City Council was made by Alderman Di Guido, seconded by Alderman Lang. Voice vote was taken. All voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 8:50p.m.

https://www.genoa-il.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Meeting-Minutes-20210316.pdf