Mayor Sean A. Johnson | City of Geneseo
Mayor Sean A. Johnson | City of Geneseo
City of Geneseo City Council met Nov. 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Regular Council of the City of Geneseo was called to order on Tuesday, November 12, 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, Alderman Kent Swanson, Council Keith Kennett, and Alderman James Roodhouse
COUNCIL ABSENT: Council Brett Barnhart
STAFF PRESENT: Director of Finance Jamie Matthews, City Administrator Brandon Maeglin, Director of IT Garrett Griswold, Attorney Derke Price, Deputy Chief of Police Kondon Karzin, Chief of Police Casey Disterhoft, Director of Public Works Chad VandeWoestyne, Building Inspector Rick Mills, City Clerk Paige Seibel, and Director of Electrical Operations Eric Rowold
PUBLIC PRESENT:
1 INVOCATION
Led by Pastor Palm.
2 Pledge of Allegiance
3 Roll Call
Meeting began at: 6:00 pm
4 Chamber of Commerce Report
Chamber Director Sullivan gave the Chamber of Commerce report.
Upcoming Chamber Events:
November 15 - Christmas Open House & Lighting of the tree
November 15 - December 14 - Shop Geneseo!
December 14 - 2024 Geneseo Christmas Walk Presents: Too Many Santas!!!
5 City Engineering Report
5.1. November Engineering Report
City Engineer Loren Rains presented the engineering report.
A Q&A session followed between the council and city staff
6 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.
Tom Anderson addressed the council, expressing his gratitude to its members. He requested that council compensation not include annual pay increases, noting his appreciation for the current practice of higher compensation only every 35 years, which he believes aligns with their civic duty. He emphasized that while the compensation does not reflect the extensive work the council does, he values the absence of annual raises.
7 Mayor's Comments
Mayor Johnson acknowledged the volunteers who helped set up and take down the flags for Veteran's Day. He expressed his appreciation for the incredible display of flags and thanked everyone who contributed their time and effort.
8 City Council Comments
None.
9 City Administrator's Comments
Election Petition Filing - 11/12 - 11/18
Burn Pile - Remaining Dates in 24: 11/15, 11/16, 11/22, 11/23, 12/06 & 12/07
Last Republic Subscriber Curbside Yard Waste Pickup of Year: 11/25 - 11/26
City Administrator Maeglin reviewed the upcoming events for Geneseo, and there was no further discussion.
10 Finance Director Comments
10.1. Treasurer's Report and Capital Asset Reports as Submitted.
Finance Director Matthews presented the Treasurer’s Report, Budget Book, and Capital Assets Report, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Director of Electrical Operations Rowold provided a summary report on electric projects.
Director of Public Works VanDeWoestyne delivered a summary report on Public Works projects.
A Q&A session took place.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to approve the Treasurer's Report and Capital Asset Reports as submitted.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Kent Swanson AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, James Roodhouse, and Paige Seibel ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
11.1. Approval of Previous Minutes.
Regular Council - 08 - Oct 2024 - Minutes
Public Hearing - 22 - Oct 2024 - Minutes
Committee of the Whole - 22 Oct 2024 - Minutes
Special City Council - 22 Oct 2024 - Minutes
11.2. R-24-21 A Resolution Regarding the Intergovernmental Cooperation Contract with Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association
11.3. O-24-09 through O-24-13 Abatement of General Obligation Bonds. 11.4. O-24-15: Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2025
11.5. Facade Improvement Grant Application - 119 N Russell
11.6. Omnibus method
No discussion was had.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to approve using the omnibus method and to approve items 11.1 - 11.6
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Kent Swanson AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
Items that were requested to be removed from consent agenda.
No items were requested to be removed from consent agenda.
13 Administration
13.1. Future Solar Project
At tonight's City Council Meeting, the Electric Utility and RSS will share a new look at the proposed site for a future solar array on city land near the Police and Public Works facilities at Prairie Park. After considering public feedback from an earlier presentation in March, which suggested using 8.67 acres north of the police shooting range (formerly the city dump), RSS and the City have refined the plan to focus on about 11.11 acres on the south side of the City’s 68 acres. The city staff will be looking for guidance from the City Council on land use for this project, which will allow them to move forward with the land survey and subdivision process. Once that’s done, they’ll wrap up the final contracts and agreements for review at an upcoming public meeting.
A Q&A and discussion took place.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to direct staff to conduct a land parcel survey of the presented approximately 11.11 acres of ground for a future solar project.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Kent Swanson AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
We are seeking proposals for a farm lease on 11 acres at the renewable energy site. The chosen farmer will maintain the land and provide access points for wind turbine maintenance.
A Q&A session took place between council and city staff.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to approve the proposed RFP process, directing staff to publicly post the RFP packet effective 11/13/24.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Martin Rothschild AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
City Administrator Maeglin, Alderwoman Simosky, Alderman Rothschild, and Finance Director Matthews convened as an audit committee to evaluate three proposals from Wipfli, Bohnsack & Frommelt, and Lauterbach and Amen. Ultimately, the committee recommends Lauterbach and Amen as the most cost effective choice among the three companies. They also offer various service options that would not incur additional charges, unlike our current arrangements.
A discussion took place.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Paula Simosky, Motion to approve the proposal from Lauterbach & Amen for City Auditing Services for FY 2024 - 2028.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Paula Simosky AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
No further discussion was had.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to recommend approval of O-24-17 to the Special City Council Meeting to be held on 11/26/24.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Martin Rothschild AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
VFW has applied for a Facade Grant for a new exterior door - the door was bid at $7,105 they would qualify for half to be reimbursed.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Keith Kennett, Motion to recommend to the 11/26/24 Special City Council Meeting, approval of the Facade Grant for the Geneseo VFW, up to $3,552.50 for 50% of proposed upgrades.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Keith Kennett AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
The proposal suggests raising the mayor's salary from $4,800 to $6,720 and the City Council's salary from $1,800 to $2,520. These changes will not affect officials in their current term, and will only apply to those elected after the Spring 2025 elections for the four Council seats on the ballot.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to approve O 24-16
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Martin Rothschild AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse NAYS: Keith Kennett ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
14.1. Approval of City bills
No discussion was had.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Bob James, Motion to approve the City Bills as presented.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Bob James AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
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.
Scott Schnaufer, the trail steward with FORC, expressed concerns about the parking lot on Roos Hill Rd. He noted that many people enjoy walking their dogs, hiking, and biking on those trails. Mayor Johnson encouraged Schnaufer to meet with City Administrator Maeglin to discuss his concerns further.
Karl Ott from Troop 100 mentioned that the Boy Scouts engage in a lot of hiking and emphasized the need for trail maintenance, suggesting it could be a project for the kids. Mayor Johnson advised him to reach out to City Administrator Maeglin if he had any concerns or wanted to arrange a meeting.
16 move into Executive Session
5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meeting lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.
16.1. Move into Executive Session
The Public meeting closed to go into executive session at 6:55 pm
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to move into executive session per 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21)
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Kent Swanson AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
17.1. Roll Call
Back in session at 7:03 pm with the Barnhart absent.
18 Actions after executive session
18.1. Approval of Executive Session Minutes 11/14/23, 11/28/23, 01/09/24, 02/27/24, 07/09/24, 08/27/24, & 10/08/24
No further discussion was had.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to approve executive session minutes 11/14/23, 11/28/23, 01/09/24, 02/27/24, 07/09/24, 08/27/24, & 10/08/24.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Kent Swanson AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
No further discussion was had.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Keith Kennett, Motion to approve R-24-22.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Keith Kennett AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
19.1. Move to close the meeting
Meeting adjourned at 7:04 pm
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Paula Simosky, Motion to Adjourn.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Paula Simosky AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
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