DeKalb Times

City of Genoa City Council met March 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Brust called the meeting of the City Council to order at 6:30pm followed by roll call. Aldermen Wesner, Pulley, Freund, Winter, Braheny and Hughes were present. Aldermen Stage and Roca were absent. Quorum present.

Mayor Brust led the pledge of allegiance.

GUEST SPEAKERS – None

PUBLIC COMMENT – None

OLD BUSINESS – None

CONSENT AGENDA

Alderman Braheny made a motion to approve of items 1-3 within the consent agenda, seconded by Alderman Freund. No further discussion. Aldermen Wesner, Pulley, Freund, Winter, Braheny and Hughes voted yes. Motion carried.

1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 5, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 8, 2025, EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING

3. APPROVAL OF THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLES DATED MARCH 15, 2025 NEW BUSINESS:

APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A SUBAWARD AGREEMENT WITH MORTON ARBORETUM FOR A $15,000 GRANT FOR REFORESTATION AND INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL

Alderman Pulley made a motion to approve and authorize the Public Works Director to execute the subaward agreement with Morton Arboretum, seconded by Alderman Braheny. Public Works Director Smith explained that the city forester, Katie Lang, completed the entire application for this grant. He also explained what the city will be doing as a result of the grant funds. No further discussion. Aldermen Wesner, Pulley, Freund, Winter, Braheny, and Hughes voted yes. Motion carried.

APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF GENOA’S FISCAL YEAR

Alderman Hughes made amotion to approve the ordinance amending the City of Genoa’s fiscal year, seconded by Alderman Winter. No further discussion. Aldermen Wesner, Pulley, Freund, Winter, Braheny, and Hughes voted yes. Motion carried.

2025-2 (MAY 1, 2025 – DECEMBER 31, 2025) BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PRESENTATION

City Administrator Seguss gave a presentation on the 2025-2 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan.

FUTURE ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION – Alderman Hughes brought up lighting downtown along with lighting that is out in Riverbend. The outage issues in Riverbend, however, are ComEd’s and not the city’s. Alderman Pulley brought up the Safe Routes to School award. Public Works Director Smith explained that he anticipates the construction will begin in 2026. Mayor Brust explained to the alderman that the ordinance regarding e-bikes will most likely come back before council to be potentially amended.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

FINANCE:

Finance Director Tures explained that they are starting audit planning with preliminary field work due May 13th. She also explained that the budget is still looking good as we approach the end of the fiscal year.

PUBLIC WORKS:

Public Works Director Smith addressed the fire that occurred in the Riverbend subdivision on the morning of 03/16/2025. He explained that the city provided over 400,000 gallons of water to fight the fire. He also gave an update on the sewer cleaning that the department was working on.

ADMINISTRATION:

City Administrator Seguss had no further report but was happy to answer any questions from aldermen. There was some discussion on façade grants.

POLICE:

Chief Hathcoat addressed the fire that occurred in Riverbend. He also gave an update on traffic stops and arrests.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – City Administrator Seguss reminded the alderman that they must complete their statements of economic interest for the county.

Motion to adjourn the meeting of the City Council was made by Wesner, seconded by Alderman Pulley. Voice vote was taken, all voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:34pm.

https://www.genoa-il.com/media/3746