DeKalb Times

City of Genoa City Council met Sept. 17.

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, Stage, Winter, Braheny, Gudeman and Roca were present. Quorum present. Aldermen Wesner and Braheny left the meeting at 7:15pm due to a family emergency but were present for all votes.

Mayor Brust led the pledge of allegiance.

GUEST SPEAKERS – None

PUBLIC COMMENT – Several members of the public attended the City Council meeting to voice concerns regarding the Lead Service Line Replacement Project that is currently happening in Genoa. The first person who spoke was Paul Hinterlong, a representative from the plumber’s union and member of the Lead Service Line Replacement Committee appointed by the governor. Paul voiced his concern over a lack of licensed plumbers on the sites of the projects being done within the city. The next person who spoke was Eddy Rosecrants, a member of the local plumber’s union. He also came to voice concern, based on his personal experience as a plumber, over the project and wanted to make sure the city does not run into any long-term problems as a result of the Lead Service Line Replacement Project. The next person who spoke was Craig Weeks, a retired member of the local plumber’s union. Craig stated that as a taxpayer he just wants to make sure his funds are going to the correct group of workers. There was some further discussion regarding this project between Public Works Director Smith, individuals in attendance, and several Aldermen. Public Works Director Smith talked on several points of concern that were brought up by the public and ensured the council and the audience that there are licensed plumbers on site at all times. Any further questions may be directed to Public Works Director Smith.

Unrelated to the Lead Service Line Replacement Project, Steven Francissen came before the council to ask about parking regulations near his home on Persimmon Dr and seek guidance on what to do in regard to an issue he has been facing. Chief Hathcoat addressed his concern and spoke with him following the meeting.

OLD BUSINESS – None

CONSENT AGENDA

Alderman Wesner made a motion to approve of items 1-2 within the consent agenda, seconded by Alderman Pulley. No further discussion. Aldermen Wesner, Pulley, Stage, Winter, Braheny, Gudeman, and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 3, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING

2. APPROVAL OF THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLES DATED SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 NEW BUSINESS: ACCEPTANCE OF THE “ABOVE AND BEYOND AWARD” FROM THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES

Colonel Mike Peck of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve came before the council to present the city with the Above and Beyond Award from the National Guard and Reserve Forces. City Forester Katie Lang nominated the City of Genoa for this award as a token of appreciation for their continued support to her as she also serves in the US Coast Guard Reserve as an MS2. Katie Lang was also in attendance and was able to help in presenting the award to the city.

APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF GARY HOLM AS THE CITY ENGINEER

Alderman Pulley made a motion to approve the appointment of Gary Holm as the City Engineer, seconded by Alderman Stage. Gary Holm was in attendance and introduced himself to the council and told the aldermen and city staff about his work experience up to this point. No further discussion. Aldermen Wesner, Pulley, Stage, Winter, Braheny, Gudeman and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

APPROVE AN ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING A NON-HOME RULE MUNICIPAL RETAILERS’ OCCUPATION TAX AND NON-HOME RULE MUNICIPAL SERVICE OCCUPATION TAX FOR THE CITY OF GENOA, ILLINOIS

Alderman Braheny made a motion to approve an ordinance implementing a non-home rule municipal retailers’ occupation tax and non-home rule municipal service occupation tax, seconded by Alderman Pulley. No further discussion. Aldermen Wesner, Pulley, Stage, Winter, Braheny, Gudeman and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

APPROVE THE POLICY REGARDING THE ADDITIONAL 1% MUNICIPAL SALES TAX

Alderman Winter made a motion to approve the policy regarding the additional 1% municipal sales tax, seconded by Alderman Braheny. Mayor Brust explained that this policy requires that any funds gained from the additional sales tax must go directly to the street improvement fund. No further discussion. Aldermen Wesner, Pulley, Stage, Winter, Braheny, Gudeman and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING BOUNDARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE AREA KNOWN AS THE DEKALB COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE AMENDMENT 5 – SOUTHEAST DEKALB INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION

Alderman Wesner made a motion to approve an ordinance authorizing boundary modifications, seconded by Alderman Winter. City Administrator Seguss explained why the city has to approve this as it is not within the city of Genoa. No further discussion. Aldermen Wesner, Pulley, Stage, Winter, Braheny, Gudeman and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

QUARTERLY REPORT AND MID-FISCAL YEAR BUDGET UPDATE

Finance Director Tures gave the council a mid-fiscal year budget update as we are now four months into the eight-month budget. She explained that overall, everything is trending as what was projected. City Administrator Seguss presented the quarterly report that highlighted each department’s recent activities and progress towards both their short and long-term goals.

FUTURE ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION – None

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

FINANCE:

No further report.

PUBLIC WORKS:

Public Works Director Smith announced that as of the date of the meeting there have been 20 lead service lines replaced. He urged aldermen and those in attendance to reach out to him with any questions they may have on the project. Smith also told the council about upcoming classes at NIU hosted by the DeKalb County Watershed Committee to highlight the importance of protecting our watershed. Smith also announced that department will be completing sealcoating at Carroll Park in the upcoming week. Lastly, Smith told the council that they had their second meeting on the Wastewater Master Plan. There will be a presentation on this early 2026.

POLICE:

Chief Hathcoat gave an update on the accreditation software that was recently implemented. He also gave updates on other technological upgrades within the PD such as implementation of the DeKalb County’s CAD system and the use of e-citations.

ADMINISTRATION:

City Administrator Seguss announced the next Plan Commission Meeting which is taking place on September 25th to hold a Public Hearing in regard to the By Grainger development in Riverbend.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – None

Motion to adjourn the meeting of the City Council was made by Alderman Pulley, seconded by Alderman Roca. Voice vote was taken, all voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:23.

https://www.genoa-il.com/media/4426