Rock Island Today

City of Geneseo City Council met Aug. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Regular Council of the City of Geneseo was called to order on Tuesday, August 12, 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 Council Keith Kennett

COUNCIL ABSENT: Council Paula Simosky and Alderman James Roodhouse

STAFF PRESENT:

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Director of Finance Jamie Matthews, 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, Director of Electrical Operations Eric Rowold, and City Clerk Paige Seibel

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 presented the Chamber of Commerce Report, highlighting the award recipients from the Geneseo Chamber Annual Dinner held on August 7th and providing a brief recap of recent Chamber activities and updates.

Upcoming Events:

∙ Friday, August 15 – Chamber Annual Golf Outing

∙ September 4–6 – 19th Annual Trains, Planes & Automobiles Festival

∙ September 4 – Stearman Fly-In at Gen Airpark

∙ September 5 – Cruise the Canal Tour

∙ September 6 – Maple City Cruisers Car Show

∙ September 11–13 – Citywide Fall Garage Sales

∙ October 4 – State Street Market

4.1. City Council Chamber Report - 8.12.25

5 City Engineering Report

5.1. August City Engineering Report

City Engineer Raines gave the City Engineering Report.

08.12.2025 Engineers Report

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.

Two residents addressed concerns regarding blighted properties, noting that while the City has been involved, they are looking for a resolution. They expressed a desire for answers and offered potential solutions. City officials explained that they are taking all possible actions, but certain aspects are legally constraining. One recommendation was to amend an ordinance to allow City officials, with resident permission, to inspect these properties. Mayor Johnson suggested the residents bring their concerns and proposals to the City Administrator, Chief of Police, and Building Inspector.

7 Mayor's Comments

None

8 City Council Comments

None

9 CITY CLERK COMMENTS

- March 17, 2026 General Primary Election: Courtesy paperwork is available at the City Clerk's Office. Filing period for Mayor & Council positions is 10/27/25 - 11/03/25.

City Clerk Seibel announced that the General Primary Election will be held on March 17, 2026. Individuals interested in running for Alderman or Mayor may pick up courtesy petition packets at City Hall.

The filing period will take place from Monday, October 27, 2025, through Monday, November 3, 2025. City Hall hours during this period will be:

∙ October 27–31, 2025: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (regular business hours)

∙ November 3, 2025: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (final filing day)

For any questions, please contact City Clerk Seibel.

10 Finance Director Comments

10.1. Treasurer's Report and Capital Asset Reports as Submitted.

Director of Finance Matthews presented the Capital Assets report and provided updates on projects at the Police Department and City Hall, followed by Director of Electrical Operations Rowold, who shared project updates for the Electric Department, and Public Works Director VanDeWoestyne, who reported on ongoing Public Works projects.

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, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Kent Swanson, and Keith Kennett ABSENT: Paula Simosky and James Roodhouse

11 APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

11.1. Previous Meeting Minutes

No discussion was had.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to approve the 07/08/25 Regular Council, 07/22/25 Committee of the Whole, and the 07/22/25 Special City Council Minutes as presented.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Martin Rothschild AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Kent Swanson, and Keith Kennett ABSENT: Paula Simosky and James Roodhouse

12 Administration

12.1. Facade Improvement Grant Program Application: Local Motive - 126 E 1st Street

Kidd Causemaker of Local Motive has submitted a Facade Improvement Grant application for the installation of a 24' x 24' patio roof system with black gutters and downspouts. This project is part of the Facade Upgrade Plan, which received a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Historic District in October 2024. The proposed work, submitted by D&K Home Products, is estimated at $36,613.11, with Mr. Causemaker eligible for reimbursement of up to $10,000, the program’s maximum allowance. Photos depicting the planned improvements were shared during the presentation.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to approve the Facade Grant Application for Local Motive, up to $10,000, for the proposed facade upgrades.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Kent Swanson AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Kent Swanson, and Keith Kennett ABSENT: Paula Simosky and James Roodhouse

12.2. Facade Improvement Grant Program Application: Betcher LLC - 119 E. 2nd Street

Betcher LLC/Lorrie Snodgras has submitted a Facade Improvement Grant application for upgrades to the apartment building at 119 E. 2nd Street in the Downtown TIF District. While apartment buildings are not designated as a preferred use under Ordinance O-20-17, many of the proposed improvements are viewed as valuable enhancements to this downtown location.

A short discussion took place.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Keith Kennett, Motion to approve the facade improvement grant for Betcher LLC - Lorie Snodras, for the stated facade work at the apartment complex located at 119 E 2nd Street,

specifically waiving the preferred uses, Section E(2) of Ordinance O-20-17, for an amount up to $10,000 in reimbursable facade expenses under the program.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Keith Kennett AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Kent Swanson, and Keith Kennett ABSENT: Paula Simosky and James Roodhouse

13 Payment of City and Utility Bills

13.1. Approval of City Bills

No discussion was had.

Craig Arnold moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to approve the City Bills as presented.

RESULT: Carried MOVER: Craig Arnold SECONDER: Kent Swanson AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Craig Arnold, Martin Rothschild, Kent Swanson, and Keith Kennett ABSENT: Paula Simosky and James Roodhouse

14 Public Comment - All Other 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.

Pastor Palm thanked the Council for extending the yard waste collection period and noted that, after speaking with Republic, residents now have the option to choose between a large or small yard waste container.

15 Adjournment

15.1. Move to close the meeting

Motion adjourned at 6:35 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 Keith Kennett ABSENT: Paula Simosky and James Roodhouse

City Clerk

City Council Meeting – Chamber Update for August 2025

I.) Chamber Update

a. New members

i. ZenBusiness

ii. Sam’s Club

iii. Nails 1 & Spa

iv. Exit 7 Motorsports Park

v. Foster Hope

II.) Mural #6 Update

a. Is almost finished at at Richmond Hill Park, Chamber will host a reveal party for the new Mural in October.

III.) Event Recaps

a. Sidewalk Sales – July 25 & 26

b. Geneseo Chamber Annual Dinner – August 7

i. Congratulations to our award winners:

1. Lifetime Achievement: Lorrie & Barry Snodgrass

2. Business of the Year: Blain’s Farm & Fleet

3. Business Person of the Year: Tina Cooper of NOSH

4. ACES Award: Geneseo Community Unit School District #228

5. Rising Star Award: Habanero’s Mexican Grill & Cantina

6. Beautification Award: Erdman Construction

7. Volunteers of the Year: Kristen Granell and Ashley Moore, Little

Miss Geneseo Music Festival Pageant

IV.) Upcoming Events

a. 29th Annual Geneseo Chamber Golf Outing – this Friday August 15, at Country View Golf Course

b. 19th Annual Trains, Planes & Automobiles festival – September 4-6 with the Stearman Fly-In at gen Airpark on Thursday September 4, the first Cruise the Canal tours on Friday September 5, and the Maple City Cruisers Car Show on Saturday September 6.

c. City-Wide Fall Garage Sales – September 11-13

d. State Street Market – October 4

https://cityofgeneseo.civicweb.net/document/93002/