Mayor Sean A. Johnson | City of Geneseo
Mayor Sean A. Johnson | City of Geneseo
City of Geneseo City Council met April 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Regular Council of the City of Geneseo was called to order on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 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, Alderman Kent Swanson, and Alderman James Roodhouse
COUNCIL ABSENT: Council Paula Simosky and Council Keith Kennett
STAFF PRESENT: Director of Finance Jamie Matthews, City Administrator Brandon Maeglin, Attorney Derke Price, 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 Bob James
2 Pledge of Allegiance
3 Roll Call
Meeting began at 6 pm.
4 Chamber of Commerce Report
The Chamber report was not given as Chamber Director Sullivan is in Washington DC to speak to federal legislators about the high-speed rail route to Geneseo.
5 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.
Sandra Gradert addressed the City Council as an advocate for the preservation of trees. She requested that the council postpone approval of consent agenda item O-25-05, the Tree Care Guidelines. Gradert expressed concern that she believes the City lacks a certified arborist to accurately determine whether trees are dead or alive—potentially leading to the unnecessary removal of healthy trees, and noted the absence of a Tree Board within a City.
She highlighted the value of black walnut trees, noting their strength and suitability for growth throughout the City. Gradert also voiced her opinion that additional ordinances are not necessary at this time. She pointed out concerns with the redesign of the City logo, calling it expensive and lacking the symbolism of the previous green maple leaf design. Gradert urged the Council to conduct further study, stating that too many questions remain unanswered. She appreciated the respectful and attentive responses from the Mayor and Aldermen she spoke with. In closing, she emphasized her commitment to advocating for trees, warning that the process feels rushed, costly, and in need of reevaluation.
6 Mayor's Comments
Mayor Johnson read the proclamation for Arbor Day.
6.1. Arbor Day Proclamation
7 City Council Comments
None
8 City Administrator's Comments
- Arbor Day: 04/25
- Spring Curbside Cleanup: 05/05 - 05/08
The City Administrator announced that a tree planting celebration will be held in honor of Arbor Day on April 25th. The public was also reminded about the upcoming Spring Curbside Cleanup, taking place from May 5th to May 8th.
9 Finance Director Comments
9.1. Treasurer's Report and Capital Asset Reports as Submitted.
Director of Finance Matthews presented the Treasurer’s Report, Capital Asset Report, and the Budget Book.
Director of Electrical Operations Rowold provided an update on the Electric Department's Capital projects.
Director of Public Works VanDeWoestyne presented the Capital Project update for the Public Works Department.
Chief of Police Disterhoft delivered the Capital Project report for the Geneseo Police Department.
City Administrator Maeglin gave an update on Capital Project for the Administrative division.
A Q&A session followed between the City Council and Directors VanDeWoestyne and Matthews.
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, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Paula Simosky and Keith Kennett |
Items requested to be removed from consent agenda.
11.2 Removed from Consent Agenda.
A discussion took place between Council and City Staff. Alderman Barnhart wanted to make it clear that the City does not have plans to do anything with trees on the private property with this ordinance. it is specifically for trees in the right of way, and the City will reimburse for a new tree taken from the right of way to reimburse the homeowner back up to $300 the tree will need to be planted on private property not the fight of way. The City does hire a certified arborist to deem the tries alive or sick. and that the to be part of the Tree City USA it does not require having a tree board as it is all designated to Director of Public Works VanDeWoestyne.
10.1. O-25-05: Tree Care Guidelines
Motion to adopt O-25-05: Tree Care Guidelines.
Brett Barnhart moved, seconded by James Roodhouse, Motion to approve adopt O-25-05: Tree Care Guidelines.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: James Roodhouse SECONDER: Brett Barnhart AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Paula Simosky and Keith Kennett |
11.1. Approval of Previous Minutes
Regular Council - 11 March 2025 - Minutes
Committee of the Whole - 25 March 2025 - Minutes
11.2. O-25-05: Tree Care Guidelines
Removed from Consent Agenda.
11.3. R-25-05: Surplus Property
11.4. R-25-06: Purchase of Electric Department Materials for the N. State Street Project
11.5. N. Water Tower Rehabilitation - IMEG Proposal For Services
11.6. Omnibus Method
James Roodhouse moved, seconded by Brett Barnhart, Motion to approve using the omnibus method and to approve items 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5 and 11.6 (removing 11.2).
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: James Roodhouse SECONDER: Brett Barnhart AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Paula Simosky and Keith Kennett |
12.1. Approval of City bills
No further discussion was had.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Brett Barnhart, Motion to approve the City Bills as presented.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Brett Barnhart AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Paula Simosky and Keith Kennett |
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
14 Adjournment
14.1. Move to close the meeting
Meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to Adjourn.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Kent Swanson AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Paula Simosky and Keith Kennett |
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