Mayor Sean A. Johnson | City of Geneseo
Mayor Sean A. Johnson | City of Geneseo
City of Geneseo City Council met Feb. 11.
Here is the agenda provided by the council:
The Regular Council of the City of Geneseo was called to order on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 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, Director of Electrical Operations Eric Rowold, and City Clerk Paige Seibel
PUBLIC PRESENT:
1 INVOCATION
Led by Alderman Bob James
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
Mayoral Proclamation: Angie Snook Appreciation Day
Mayor Johnson presented a proclamation honoring Angie Snook for her 40 years of hard work and dedication to the Geneseo Historical Museum.
Angie Snook expressed her gratitude to the council, as well as to her family and friends, for their ongoing support throughout her years of service at the museum.
5.1. Proclamation
6 City Council Comments
Kennett addressed the council about an incident that occurred while he was out with his grandson, praising Shoemaker, Weisser, and Sleaford, along with the entire Geneseo Police Department. He added that it was reassuring to witness the positive impact of the Geneseo IMPACT program firsthand.
7 City Administrator's Comments
∙ Council Reminder on Reviews: Feedback back to Clerk by 02/21
∙ City Engineering Report will take place at the 02/25 COW Meeting
∙ New Dept. Project Summary Report Format
8 Finance Director Comments
8.1. Treasurer's Report and Capital Asset Reports as Submitted.
Finance Director Matthews presented the Treasurer's Report along with the Captial Asset Reports and the new look of the budget book.
Director of Electrical Operations Rowold presented the Capital Project Report. Director of Public Works VanDeWoestyne also presented the Capital Project Report.
Chief Disterhoft provided the Capital Project Report.
The City Administrator delivered the Capital Project Report.
Swanson arrived at 6:39 p.m.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Keith Kennett, Motion to approve the Treasurer's Report and Capital Asset Reports as submitted.
| 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 |
9.1. Minutes Approval
No discussion was had.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to approve the January 14th, 2025 City Council, January 28th, 2025 Committee of the Whole, and January 28th, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.
| 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 |
10.1. Temporary Public Art Installation Presentation by Artist Jamie Sullivan
Jamie Sullivan was awarded a grant from the State of Illinois for a public art initiative that she hopes to bring to Geneseo. Jamie is currently creating six sculpture pieces to be displayed around Geneseo, and would like to place two of them on City property.
City Attorney Price advised that any sculptures the City allows on its property would be considered City speech and would need to be officially accepted as a government act.
Jamie explained that the sculptures would be made from wood, stone, and metal. She also mentioned that geocaching would be involved, noting that one of her sculptures at the Library already, which includes geocaching, has attracted a positive turnout and helped bring more visitors to Geneseo.
A Q&A session followed between the council and Jamie Sullivan.
Keith Kennett moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to direct city staff to work with Ms. Sullivan on location determination for the two presented sculpture concepts and to bring a final Contract for Temporary Installation of Public Art back to the council for approval consideration on 02/25/25.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Keith Kennett SECONDER: Martin Rothschild AYES: Bob James, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSTAINED: Craig Arnold ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
City Administrator Maeglin provided a description of the carryover funds allocated for projects in the year 2025.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by James Roodhouse, Motion to approve R 25-02 approving specific carry over expenses from fiscal year 24 to 25 for City Projects continuing into year 2025.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: James Roodhouse AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
City Administrator Maeglin discussed the agreement between the City of Geneseo and Today's Builders.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to approve O-25- 03.
| 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 |
11.1. Approval of City bills
A Q&A took place between Simosky and City Staff.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to approve the City Bills as presented.
| 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 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.
Alderman Craig Arnold noted that the financial report template has improved and expressed his appreciation for it.
Chief Disterhoft introduced Cooper Reece, a student worker participating in the high school workplace experience program. Cooper shared his interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
13 Adjournment
13.1. Move to close the meeting
Meeting adjourned at 7:13 pm
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by James Roodhouse, Motion to Adjourn
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: James Roodhouse AYES: Bob James, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Brett Barnhart |
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