Mayor Sean A. Johnson | City of Geneseo
Mayor Sean A. Johnson | City of Geneseo
City of Geneseo City Council met July 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Regular Council of the City of Geneseo was called to order on Tuesday, July 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, Council Paula Simosky, Alderman Kent Swanson, Council Keith Kennett, and Alderman James Roodhouse
COUNCIL ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Council Bob James, Council Brett Barnhart, Council Craig Arnold, Mayor Sean Johnson, Council Martin Rothschild, Council Paula Simosky, Alderman Kent Swanson, Council Keith Kennett, and Alderman James Roodhouse
PUBLIC 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
1 INVOCATION
Led by Alderman Bob James
2 Pledge of Allegiance
3 Roll Call
Meeting began at 6:00 PM
Roodhouse arrived at 6:04 PM
4 Chamber of Commerce Report
Chamber Director Zack Sullivan gave the Chamber update.
Upcoming Dates:
July 25 & 26th - Sidewalk Sales
August 7th - Annual Dinner
August 15th - Annual Chamber Golf Outing
5 City Engineering Report
5.1. July Engineer's Report
City Engineer Rains gave the Engineering Report. A Q&A which led into a discussion took place about the Pedestrian Bridge adding that this will be talked about later on, but that IMEG is waiting to hear back from IDNR about getting a revised design for official review.
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.
None
7 Mayor's Comments
Mayor Johnson praised the success of Thrill on the Hill, expressing his appreciation for the staff’s enthusiasm and dedication. He noted that it was clear the team genuinely enjoyed their work and took pride in helping with the event. Everywhere he looked, he saw employees in good spirits and ready to lend a hand. He extended heartfelt thanks to everyone in the City who played a role in making the event a standout experience, adding that it was truly a job well done.
8 City Council Comments
Rothschild expressed pride in the young women who participated in the pageant and collected donations, highlighting that they raised nearly $10,000 during the Music Fest weekend. Craig Arnold also thanked City staff, commending the event's success. He acknowledged that while other cities hosted fireworks displays, he noticed a surprising number of Iowa license plates in town—a sign that the celebration drew visitors from across the region.
9 City Administrator's Comments
- IML Conference Council Sign-Up by Today
- 08/05 - National Night Out: Council Volunteer sign-up with Chief Disterhoft
- 08/07 - Chamber Annual Dinner
- 08/15 - Chamber Golf Outing at County View
- Thrill on the Hill
- Officer Jamie Shoemaker: Crisis Intervention Award
Officer Berthoud spoke to the Council about the upcoming National Night Out (NNO), mentioning that Aldermen traditionally assist with the dessert table. Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to reach out to Chief Disterhoft or Officer Berthoud.
City Administrator Maeglin provided an update on the recent Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Conference held in Peoria. Prior to receiving an award at the event, a video highlighting Officer Shoemaker’s achievements was shown. That same video was presented to the Council.
Following the presentation, Officer Shoemaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Council, emphasizing that her work would not be possible without the unwavering support of the City.
Alderman Rothschild reflected on his past experience as a Police Officer and EMT, noting that the level of mental health support available now under the Geneseo Police Department far surpasses what existed during his time in service. He praised Officer Shoemaker’s contributions and voiced deep pride in the department.
Additionally, Officer Shoemaker provided an update on efforts related to the Dementia Friendly initiative. She reported that the recent Dementia Friendly Ice Cream Social raised $1,283, and Central Bank pledged to match the amount, bringing the total to $2,566.
10 Finance Director Comments
10.1. Treasurer's Report and Capital Asset Reports as Submitted.
Director of Finance Matthews presented reports on the Treasurer’s Office, Capital Assets, and the Budget Book. Capital project updates were provided by Director of Electrical Operations Rowold, Director of Public Works VanDeWoestyne, Chief Disterhoft, and City Administrator Maeglin, each representing their respective departments. Additionally, entrance collections from Thrill on the Hill totaled $3,075.72.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Paula Simosky, Motion to approve the Treasurer's Report and Capital Asset Reports as submitted.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Paula Simosky AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse |
11.1. Approval of Previous Minutes
Regular Council - 10 June 2025 - Minutes
Committee of the Whole - 24 June 2025 - Minutes
11.2. R-25-08: Surplus Property Declaration - PD Bicycles
11.3. Omnibus method
Brett Barnhart moved, seconded by Craig Arnold, Motion to approve using the omnibus method and to approve items 11.1 - 11.3
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Brett Barnhart SECONDER: Craig Arnold AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse |
Items that were requested to be removed from consent agenda.
No items to be removed from consent agenda.
13 Administration
13.1. License Agreement with IDNR
City Administrator Maeglin explained that this agreement is a renewal between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the City, concerning two water lines that pass beneath the Canal.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to approve the License Agreement between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the City of Geneseo for a 5-year term from 09/01/25 - 08/31/2030 as presented.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Kent Swanson AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse |
City Administrator Maeglin noted that updates were made following the previous meeting. He presented Option A as the current proposal up for consideration, which includes three Saturdays in November dedicated to leaf drop-off only, along with three dates in both the spring and fall exclusively for brush drop-off. The plan also maintains the half-price yard waste stickers for fall curbside pickup, as discussed at the last meeting.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Keith Kennett, Motion to approve O-25-09 and the associated fee schedule change as presented.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Keith Kennett AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse |
Alderman Arnold moved to postpone the discussion until the City receives both the cost estimate and design plans for review.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Keith Kennett, Motion to table.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Keith Kennett AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse |
14.1. Approval of City bills
A Q&A took place between Simosky and City Staff.
Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Paula Simosky, Motion to approve the City Bills as presented.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Paula Simosky AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, 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.
None
16 Adjournment
16.1. Move to close the meeting
Meeting ended at 6:49 PM.
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, Kent Swanson, Keith Kennett, and James Roodhouse |
I.) Chamber Update
a. New members
i. GraceFully Designed
ii. Apex Clean Energy
II.) Chamber Board Governance Update
a. John Puentes of In-A-Godda-Da-Vida Music resigned as Board President, citing personal reasons, will continue to be involved with events.
b. Jenna Rushing of Hanford Insurance will serve as Interim President through 2025. c. Brooke Emmerson of the Geneseo School District will serve as Interim Vice President through 2025.
d. Bryce Borkgren of Farmers National Bank will serve the remainder of John’s term, running through the remainder of 2025.
III.) Mural #6 Update
a. Will be installed at Richmond Hill Park starting next week – stay tuned!
IV.) Event Recaps
a. 2025 Geneseo Music Festival – Father’s Day Weekend – June 13-15
V.) Upcoming Events
a. Sidewalk Sales – July 25-26
b. Annual Dinner – August 7
i. Awards nominations open next week.
c. 29th Annual Geneseo Chamber Golf Outing – rescheduled to August 15, at Country View Golf Course
https://cityofgeneseo.civicweb.net/document/92629/
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