Craig Arnold - Alderman First Ward | City of Geneseo
Craig Arnold - Alderman First Ward | City of Geneseo
City of Geneseo Committee of the Whole met May 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, May 27, 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, Council Paula Simosky, and Council Keith Kennett
COUNCIL ABSENT: Alderman Kent Swanson and Alderman James Roodhouse
STAFF PRESENT: Director of Finance Jamie Matthews, City Administrator Brandon Maeglin, Director of IT Garrett Griswold, Chief of Police Casey Disterhoft, Director of Electrical Operations Eric Rowold, Building Inspector Rick Mills, and City Clerk Paige Seibel
PUBLIC PRESENT:
1 INVOCATION
Led by Alderman Craig Arnold
2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3 ROLL CALL
Meeting began at 6:00 p.m.
Alderman Kennett arrived at 6:07 p.m.
4 HENRY COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU UPDATE
Update by Kelly Wolf, HCTB Director
Henry County Tourism Bureau Director Kelly Wolf shared that the website and events have received positive feedback. She also announced that visitor centers now have approval to distribute the new Henry County magazines.
Additionally, a Geneseo business has been selected to the State of illinois' "2025 Makers" Program.
Wolf further revealed plans to place a time capsule under the new courthouse stairs, representing all municipalities within Henry County.
A Q&A session between Barnhart and Wolf followed.
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.
None
6 MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Johnson expressed appreciation for the VFW and Aisle of the Flags, highlighting the impressive effort of putting up 936 flags in just 30 minutes. He emphasized that this display speaks volumes about the community’s spirit and unity, noting how fortunate the residents are to have each other’s support.
7 CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Barnhart shared that visitors from out of town spent the weekend in Geneseo and praised how well-maintained and neatly mowed everything was.
Rothschild expressed appreciation for the strong sense of community, noting that residents take pride in staying in Geneseo and have no plans to leave.
8 CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS
- Special City Council Meeting Following the Committee of the Whole Meeting Tonight
9 ADMINISTRATION
9.1. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 30: SOLID WASTE OF THE GENESEO CODE OF ORDINANCES
The City Administrator outlined concerns regarding the burn pile, emphasizing that fires and embers are not fully extinguished, which recently led to a fire spreading into the nearby wooded area. In light of this issue, City Staff believe it is time to discuss improvements rather than eliminating the burn pile entirely. Proposed changes include:
1. Eliminating access of private businesses.
2. Reducing the frequency of burn events.
3. Introducing a residential leave drop-off system in November-December, allowing residents to deposit paper bags filled with leaves into a designated dumpster at the burn site. The City is also considering renting a woodchipper several times a year to reduce the amount of debris that needs to be burned.
Alderman Arnold suggested a program that provides free or reduced cost yard waste tags for curbside leave pickup in the Fall, along with adding dates that customers could bring brush items to the burn pile site.
Barnhart expressed concerns that the yard waste program does not run long enough and emphasized the burn site's value to a city that prioritizes tree preservation.
Following discussion, it was agreed that the motion would move forward for further deliberation. The City Council will vote on the matter at the next meeting, though it will not be included in the consent agenda.
Brett Barnhart moved, seconded by Craig Arnold, Motion to recommend that staff bring back an ordinance to the 06/10/25 City Council Meeting to approve the changes to Chapter 30 of the City Code of Ordinances as discussed.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Brett Barnhart SECONDER: Craig Arnold AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, and Keith Kennett ABSENT: Kent Swanson and James Roodhouse |
City Administrator Maeglin spoke to council about the State of Illinois taking away the 1% grocery tax. The grocery tax comes back to municipalities to fund general fund expenses, such as police, street, parks, and cemeteries. The legislation passed by the State gives the authority to municipalities to keep the 1% tax by ordinance. By adopting this ordinance it will keep the grocery tax the same as it is today going forward into year 2026.
A discussion took place between Adlermen and City Staff.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Brett Barnhart, Motion to recommend O-25- 06 to the City Council Meeting and to place on the consent agenda.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Brett Barnhart AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, and Keith Kennett ABSENT: Kent Swanson and James Roodhouse |
10.1. BILL PAYMENTS
No discussion was had.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to pay the bills as presented.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Martin Rothschild AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, and Keith Kennett ABSENT: Kent Swanson and James Roodhouse |
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.
Ann Hutchinson inquired about funding for sidewalk construction on the east side of Chicago. City Administrator Maeglin explained that the sidewalks fall within the City’s right-of-way, allowing space for construction without requiring land purchases according to the engineer's assessment.
She also asked whether the notice regarding burn pile changes could be included with City bills if passed, to which the response was affirmative.
Additionally, she sought an update on a marquee for city event advertisements. The City stated that the project had been put on hold due to other pressing matters and the high cost involved.
12 ADJOURNMENT
12.1. MOVE TO CLOSE THE MEETING
Meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Paula Simosky, Motion to Adjourn
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Paula Simosky AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, and Keith Kennett ABSENT: Kent Swanson and James Roodhouse |
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