DeKalb Times

City of Genoa City Council met Nov. 3.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

I. Call To Order & Roll Call

Ii. Pledge Of Allegiance

Iii. Guest Speakers

Iv. Approval Of Minutes From The October 20, 2021 City Council Meeting

V. Approval Of Accounts Payables

Vi. Items From Individuals In Attendance*

Vii. Old Business

Viii. New Business

A) Recognition Of Eagle Scouts Christian Huerta, James Dreska, And Hunter Swanson

B) Update On Progress In Riverbend By By Grainger

C) Approve The 2021 Tax Levy Determination For The City Of Genoa

Staff has prepared the 2021 Tax Levy Determination:

City of Genoa                                     $820,000

Genoa Riverbend SSA                       $ 80,753

Derby Estates SSA                              $ 8,100

Genoa Oak Creek Estates SSA #4    $ 11,318

The tax levy determination being presented results in a 2.3% reduction in the City of Genoa’s tax rate. A detailed presentation will be provided at the City Council meeting. A Public Hearing and final approval will be at the December 1, 2021 meeting.

D) Discuss The Reduction Of The Genoa Township Park District Fitness Center’s Rent For The Months Of November And December

This past July, the City Council approved a Resolution that reduced the Park District Fitness Center’s rent by 50% in July, August, and September. The Resolution also states, “A 50% reduction of rent, excluding utilities, for an additional 3 months (October 2021, November 2021, and December 2021) shall be contingent on the Fitness Center providing a profit and loss statement in September of 2021 that demonstrates the Fitness Center is still operating at a deficit”. In September, the Fitness Center had a loss of $8.26. This item was on the October 20, 2021 City Council Agenda and the Council approved the 50% reduction for October, however, the Council had some questions so the item has been placed on the agenda once again to consider the reduction for November and December. Paul Bafia, Executive Director of the Park District, will be present at the meeting to answer questions. Staff is looking for guidance on how to proceed with the Fitness Center’s rent.

E) Reject All Bids For The 2021 Partial Service Lateral Cipp Lining Project

On October 27, 2021, a bid was received for the sewer lateral lining project which amounted to $70,000. $130,000 was budgeted for the lateral lining project and Item F, with Item F being prioritized. City Staff and Civil Engineering Services is recommending that the Council reject all bids received for the 2021 Partial Service Lateral CIPP Lining Project. Staff will reconsider the scope of the project and analyze the costs compared to benefits.

F) Award A Bid To Visu-Sewer Of Illinois, Llc, For The 2021 Sanitary Sewer Cipp Lining Project Base Bid, Alternate 1, Alternate 2, And Alternate 3, And Reject Alternate 4, Not To Exceed $113,727

There were 2 bids received on October 27, 2021 for the sanitary sewer main lining project. Staff and C.E.S. are recommending approval of the base bid, alternate 1, 2, and 3 which would entail sewer lining on Holly Court, Jackson Court, Reid Road, Watson Drive, and Cooper Court. Alternate 4’s cost far exceeded Staff’s estimate, which is explained in Item G. These areas were prioritized due to the infiltration and inflow into the sanitary system these mains allow. Lining will reduce I&I and prolong the life of the sewer mains as well as reduce flow into the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant that has limited capacity remaining. Due to the high cost from the bids, this project was prioritized over the lateral lining because the main lining must be done first.

G) Approve Sandblasting And Spray Lining The Locust Street Lift Station By Advanced Rehabilitation, Not To Exceed $17,000

A bid was received for lining the Locust Street Lift Station (Alternate 4 discussed above), which amounted to $31,500. Staff had previously received a quote for this work which had come in at almost half the cost. Attached is a quote to sandblast and spray line the Locust Street lift station for $17,000. The cost difference is likely due to both the bidder’s availability to do the work as well as materials used for the project. The Contractor has done work in the City of Genoa previously. This project is in an effort to reduce the infiltration and inflow into the sewer system.

H) Approve Health Insurance Renewal Effective December 1, 2021 Through November 30, 2021

The City has received renewal proposals for the City’s Employee Health Insurance Program. The Program includes health, prescription drug, dental, life, and disability insurance for qualified employees. In 2020, the City’s health insurance renewal reduced 14.5% which resulted in a $43,105 cost savings. The renewal for medical, dental, life, and disability effective December 1, 2021 had an increase $42,260. Blue Cross Blue Shield adjusts their quote based on the previous year’s claims, changes in employees and their coverage, and the filed rates established by the State of Illinois. City Staff has discussed this cost increase with the City’s health insurance broker and ways to reduce the cost of the renewal premiums. One option is losing the City’s grandfathered-in status with the City’s current plan and implementing an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan. The City did request quotes from the broker to purchase an ACA plan for health insurance and the City Employee’s benefits would be greatly reduced while still increasing the premium in cost by $24,503 for the upcoming year of coverage. Additionally, there is a possible 20% excise tax that the City may be required to pay under the ACA plan. Staff is recommending approval of the current insurance program due to the net cost savings of $845 over three years (2019-2022), however, action may need to be taken should the City see a similar increase again for 2023.

I) Discuss Downtown Streetscape Designs

The City of Genoa will be applying to the Rebuild Illinois’ Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Grant Program (RDMS). There is $50 million in funding available. The current project costs based on preliminary drawings are estimated at $900,000. RDMS does not require a minimum funding match but it would aid in the success of the grant application if the City were to match with at least 10%. While the grant application is due in January 2022, it is likely that the project would not begin until 2023. Images from Aldermen that submitted design ideas will be compiled into a presentation. Through the presentation and discussion, Staff and the Engineers are seeking input on design preferences so that the grant application process can begin.

J) Recognition Of Alderman Katie Lang Upon Her Retirement As Ward 4 Alderman

Ix. Department Reports

A) Administration

B) Finance

C) Public Works

D) Police

E) Mayor

X. Announcements

Xi. Motion To Adjourn

https://www.genoa-il.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CCagenda11032021.pdf