City of Geneseo Committee of the Whole met Jan. 27

City of Geneseo Committee of the Whole met Jan. 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Committee of the Whole of the City of Geneseo was called to order on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present:  

COUNCIL PRESENT: Council Bob James, Council Brett Barnhart, Council Craig Arnold, Mayor Sean Johnson, Council Martin Rothschild, Council Paula Simosky, Council Keith Kennett, Alderman Kent Swanson, and Alderman James Roodhouse

COUNCIL ABSENT: 

STAFF PRESENT: Director of Finance Jamie Schweickhardt, City Administrator Brandon Maeglin, Attorney Derke Price, Director of IT Garrett Griswold, Director of Public Works Chad VandeWoestyne, Chief of Police Casey Disterhoft, Director of Electrical Operations Eric Rowold, Active Officer Member Kondon Karzin, Building Inspector Rick Mills, and City Clerk Paige Seibel

PUBLIC PRESENT: 

1 INVOCATION 

Led by Pastor Palm

2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

3 ROLL CALL 

Meeting began at 6:00 PM

4 PUBLIC COMMENT – AGENDA ITEMS 

City Ordinance allows members of the Public to speak and give input up to 3 minutes during Public Comment, there can be no debate or action by the City Council at this time.

None

5 MAYOR’S COMMENTS 

None

6 CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS 

None

7 CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS 

City Administrator Maeglin wished the Director of Electrical Operations a Happy Birthday.

8 ADMINISTRATION 

8.1. PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL FACILITY ENGINEERING AGREEMENT & LOAN PROGRAM ORDINANCE 

A presentation was given by Terry, a representative from Donohue. He reviewed the current project plan, upcoming schedule, and action items related to the new phosphorus removal facility, which is scheduled for completion in 2029 .

This ordinance authorizes participation in the Water Pollution Control Loan Program through the Illinois EPA, in accordance with EPA requirements. Publication of the ordinance will occur on 02/13/2026, and residents will have the opportunity to submit a petition within 30 days of publication.

A Q&A session followed, which led to further discussion between the City Council and Terry of Donohue.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Brett Barnhart, Motion to recommend approval of O-26-02 and the Donohue Professional Services Agreement to the City Council Meeting and to place on the consent agenda. 

8.2. RESOLUTION R-26-03: AGREEMENT WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY 

This arrangement supports the ongoing partnership between the Humane Society and the Geneseo Police Department in responding to stray or lost animals and

transporting them to the Humane Society.

A question-and-answer session followed. Chief Disterhoft will provide data on the percentage of animals handled at the Council’s request.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to recommend approval of R-26-03 to the City Council Meeting and to place on the consent agenda. 

8.3. O-26-01: 2026 BUDGET AMENDMENT 

City Administrator Maeglin and Finance Director Schweickhardt addressed the Council regarding the amended 2026 Budget. Administrator Maeglin explained that the amendment reflects a significant proposed change to complete the N. State St. project in year 2026, rather than 2026 & 2027. Due to the lower than anticipated bid and selected contractor proposed schedule, Phase II of the N. State Street Project can be completed in 2026 rather than being split between 2026 and 2027.

Additionally, several project changes and carryover items from 2025 that were not completed have been included in the 2026 budget to allow for completion.

A Q&A followed, along with discussion regarding how the items were presented in the budget amendment.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to recommend approval of O-26-01 to the Special City Council Meeting. 

8.4. CHICAGO/EXCHANGE PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION PROJECT 

Administrator Maeglin addressed the Council regarding the Chicago/Exchange pedestrian sidewalk connection. He explained that the final survey and design will be completed by IMEG, via the attached agreement if approved.

A Q&A followed regarding responsibility for sidewalk maintenance.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Keith Kennett, Motion to recommend approval of the design/bidding services proposal from IMEG for $28,400 for the Chicago St. pedestrian pathway to the City Council Meeting and to place on the consent agenda. 

8.5. JFECC & CITY OF GENESEO TIF PROPOSAL DISCUSSION 

City Administrator Maeglin provided an update from PGAV, which conducted an analysis to determine whether the project is feasible for establishment of a TIF District and economically viable to fund the sanitary utility extensions needed for the project. The conclusion from PGAV is that the project is viable, which Administrator Maeglin noted as positive news.

The item will move forward for further discussion at the February 10 meeting, with additional information to follow. No motion was made, as this item was presented for informational purposes only.

9 PAYMENT OF CITY AND UTILITY BILLS 

9.1. PAYMENT OF THE BILLS 

A Q&A took place between council and City staff.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to approve the bills as presented. 

10 PUBLIC COMMENT – ALL OTHER ITEMS 

City Ordinance allows members of the Public to speak and give input up to 3 minutes during Public Comment, there can be no debate or action by the City Council at this time.

Pastor Palm advised the Council that a group of seven to eight men from the church, known as “God’s Hammers,” is interested in offering volunteer services to assist the community. He noted the group may be willing to help with snow shoveling and clearing bike paths.

11 ADJOURNMENT 

11.1. MOVE TO CLOSE THE MEETING 

Meeting adjourned at 7:04 PM

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Brett Barnhart, Motion to Adjourn 

https://cityofgeneseo.civicweb.net/document/94966/Committee%20of%20the%20Whole%20-%2027%20Jan%202026%20-%20Minutes%20-%20P.pdf?handle=B2F09EE6129345F7B8C08040A103CAEA