Rock Island Today

City of Geneseo Committee of the Whole met Oct. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Committee of the Whole of the City of Geneseo was called to order on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 6:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present:

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

COUNCIL ABSENT: Council Brett Barnhart and Alderman James Roodhouse

STAFF PRESENT: Director of Finance Jamie Matthews, 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, Deputy Chief of Police 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

City Attorney Price joined via Zoom.

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.

Pastor Palm added that he supports the proposed compensation adjustment for the upcoming Aldermen and Mayor.

5 MAYOR'S COMMENTS

Mayor Johnson gave praise to not only Sergeant Weisser and his K9 Kauzi for their great work, with the large drug bust on the interstate that took place last week.

6 CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS

None

7 CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS

- Council Candidate Filing 11/12-11/18

Please do not forget to turn on microphones so the public viewing online and Attorney Price can hear the conversation.

8 ADMINISTRATION

8.1. FUTURE SOLAR PROJECT PRESENTATION - PRAIRIE PARK

Director of Electrical Operations Rowold reported that a presentation on the Future Solar Project for Prairie Park was planned, but the contract is still under negotiation. The aim is to present it at the Council meeting on November 12th. Rowold mentioned that while the numbers remain unchanged, the contract language is currently being finalized.

8.2. LAND LEASE AGREEMENT FOR WIND SITE

A local farmer has contacted the City with a request to rent 11 unused acres at the wind turbine site. The farmer plans to plant soybeans in the first year to help control the weeds, followed by alfalfa in the subsequent years. The waterway will remain intact, and the City is considering proposing a 4–5-year agreement for this arrangement, and an RFP process, allowing any farmer to bid on a proposed lease agreement for the land.

A Q&A session was held afterward.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to direct the City Attorney to prepare a land lease bid process for Wind Turbine Site Grounds for further review.

RESULT: Carried

MOVER: Craig Arnold

SECONDER: Martin Rothschild

AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, and Kent Swanson

ABSENT: Brett Barnhart and James Roodhouse

8.3. O-24-16: ELECTED OFFICIAL COMPENSATION

Maeglin addressed the council regarding the proposed compensation plan, noting that the Mayoral position has not received a wage increase since 1990 and that the Alderman position has not had a raise since 1989. The wage increase will take effect in 2025, coinciding with the next term for the Aldermen.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Bob James, Motion to recommend to the City Council O-24-16 and to place on the consent agenda.

RESULT: Carried

MOVER: Craig Arnold

SECONDER: Bob James

AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, and Kent Swanson

NAYS: Keith Kennett

ABSENT: Brett Barnhart and James Roodhouse

8.4. CONSIDERATION OF R-24-21 A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION CONTRACT WITH ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

Maeglin noted that this was an annual item for insurance coverage, stating that the insurance rate came in just below 4%.

A Q&A took place.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to recommend to the City Council Meeting R-24-21 and to place on the consent agenda.

RESULT: Carried

MOVER: Craig Arnold

SECONDER: Martin Rothschild

AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, and Kent Swanson

ABSENT: Brett Barnhart and James Roodhouse

8.5. 2025 BUDGET - 2ND REVIEW

Finance Director Matthews reported five changes to the budget.

Q&A Session with Council.

8.6. O-24-15: TAX LEVY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025

Finance Director Jamie Matthews reviewed the Tax Levy, noting that the City is remaining at the 4.99% threshold.

A question-and-answer session followed.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to recommend to the City Council Meeting O-24-15 and to place on the consent agenda.

RESULT: Carried

MOVER: Craig Arnold

SECONDER: Kent Swanson

AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, and Kent Swanson

ABSENT: Brett Barnhart and James Roodhouse

8.7. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES O-24-09 THROUGH O-24-13 ABATEMENT OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS.

Finance Director Matthews advised we are proposing to abate taxing citizens for the bonds as usual.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Paula Simosky, Motion to recommend to the City Council Meeting ordinances O-24-09 through O-24-13 and to place on the consent agenda.

RESULT: Carried

MOVER: Craig Arnold

SECONDER: Paula Simosky

AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, and Kent Swanson

ABSENT: Brett Barnhart and James Roodhouse

8.8. FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION - 119 N RUSSELL

The Facade Application was submitted by WSP (Wirth) for the property located at 119 N Russell. Maeglin mentioned that they have made a significant investment in the old pool store, including updates to the siding, doors, and roof. He explained that this aligns with the purpose of the facade grant program, and with approval, they would receive up to $10,000 for reimbursable expenses.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to recommend approval of the facade improvement grant, up to $10,000, for WSP, LLC for the property at 119 N Russell and to place on the consent agenda.

RESULT: Carried

MOVER: Craig Arnold

SECONDER: Martin Rothschild

AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, and Kent Swanson

ABSENT: Brett Barnhart and James Roodhouse

9 PAYMENT OF CITY AND UTILITY BILLS

9.1. PAYMENT OF THE BILLS.

A Q&A took place between Simosky, Arnold, and City Staff.

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

RESULT: Carried

MOVER: Craig Arnold

SECONDER: Kent Swanson

AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, and Kent Swanson

ABSENT: Brett Barnhart and James Roodhouse

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.

None

11 ADJOURNMENT

11.1. MOVE TO CLOSE THE MEETING

Meeting adjourned at 6:43 pm

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Keith Kennett, Motion to Adjourn

RESULT: Carried

MOVER: Craig Arnold

SECONDER: Keith Kennett

AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, and Kent Swanson

ABSENT: Brett Barnhart and James Roodhouse

https://cityofgeneseo.civicweb.net/document/89484/