Paula Simosky - Alderwoman First Ward | City of Geneseo
Paula Simosky - Alderwoman First Ward | City of Geneseo
City of Geneseo Committee of the Whole met Aug. 26.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
COUNCIL PRESENT: Council Bob James, Council Brett Barnhart, Mayor Sean Johnson, Council Martin Rothschild, Council Paula Simosky, Council Keith Kennett, Alderman Kent Swanson, and Alderman James Roodhouse
COUNCIL ABSENT: Council Craig Arnold
STAFF PRESENT: Director of Finance Jamie Matthews, City Administrator Brandon Maeglin, Attorney Derke Price, Director of IT Garrett Griswold, Director of Public Works Chad VandeWoestyne, Chief of Police Casey Disterhoft, Director of Electrical Operations Eric Rowold, Deputy Chief of Police Kondon Karzin, Building Inspector Rick Mills, and City Clerk Paige Seibel
PUBLIC PRESENT:
1 INVOCATION
Led by Pastor Palm
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.
A resident who had previously spoken to Council regarding her neighbor’s blighted property returned to provide additional comments after researching City and State laws on nuisance properties. She expressed concerns about enforcement and noted the ongoing issues with raccoons. The City reassured her that all possible avenues have been explored, and City Attorney Derke Price is reviewing other legal options to determine what can be enforced. The resident acknowledged that Chief Disterhoft has been responsive, including efforts to set traps for the raccoons. Mayor Sean Johnson emphasized that the City is doing everything within its authority. While the City itself cannot take photographs of the property, neighbors are permitted to do so, and their documentation can be used by the City in pursuing action.
Pastor Palm then asked whether the City could specify what business will be moving into the old City Hall building.
5 MAYOR'S COMMENTS
None.
6 CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
None.
7 CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS
None.
8 ADMINISTRATION
8.1. PRESENTATION: INTRODUCTION TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PLANNING & WATERWORTH UTILITY RATE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
City Administrator Maeglin reported that the City has begun its Capital Improvement Planning earlier than usual, as it is important for the Council to see the proposed projects now and ask questions, as the projects will have a direct impact on utility rate discussion with the Waterworth rate study process.
Each Department Head presented their proposed Capital Improvement Projects for 2026 - 2030, followed by a Q&A session between Council and City Staff.
After the departmental presentations, Aryan Chawla from Waterworth provided Council with a presentation on how the Waterworth platform works, its intended purpose, and how to utilize it effectively. In the next meeting of the council Waterworth and staff will begin to present utility rate concepts and proposals.
8.2. PRESENTATION: 2024 CRIME REPORT COMPARISON - DEPUTY CHIEF GENE KARZIN
Mayor Johnson said this will be moved to the next meeting.
8.3. FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION - STATE STREET
DEVELOPMENT LLC
City Administrator Maeglin explained that the Façade Grant request is for the old City Hall building. The first floor will be occupied by a bridal shop, while the upper floor will be used as an Airbnb. The grant will specifically cover the cost of new windows for the 2nd floors, along with he painting of window trim across the entire facade of the building.
Brett Barnhart moved, seconded by Kent Swanson, Motion to recommend to the City Council Meeting approval of the Facade Improvement Grant Application for 101 S State Street, in an amount up to $10,000.00, and to place on the consent agenda.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Brett Barnhart SECONDER: Kent Swanson AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Craig Arnold |
Chief Disterhoft presented a request to Council to surplus 17 outdated radios and 7 tasers, with the intent to sell them to interested partnering agencies.
Martin Rothschild moved, seconded by Bob James, Motion to recommend approval of R-25-11 to the City Council Meeting and to place on the consent agenda.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Martin Rothschild SECONDER: Bob James AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Craig Arnold |
To reappoint Joe Bedford, Julia McAvoy, and Gary Bell to the Plan/Zoning Board of Commissioners, and to reappoint Chris Endress to the Police Commission Board.
Bob James moved, seconded by Martin Rothschild, Motion to recommend approval of R-25-12 to the City Council Meeting and to place on the consent agenda.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Bob James SECONDER: Martin Rothschild AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Craig Arnold |
9.1. PAYMENT OF THE BILLS
No discussion was had.
Kent Swanson moved, seconded by Paula Simosky, Motion to pay the bills as presented.
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Kent Swanson SECONDER: Paula Simosky AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Craig Arnold |
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.
Anne H. asked where renters of the new Airbnb at the old City Hall will park. It was explained that they will be able to use public parking.
She also inquired about the possibility of adding a bicycle rack in front of City Hall. Staff advised this is a strong possibility, as improvements to the front of City Hall are included in the 2026 Capital Improvement Projects budget.
11 ADJOURNMENT
11.1. MOVE TO CLOSE THE MEETING
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM
Martin Rothschild moved, seconded by Bob James, Motion to Adjourn
| RESULT: Carried
MOVER: Martin Rothschild SECONDER: Bob James AYES: Bob James, Brett Barnhart, Martin Rothschild, Paula Simosky, Keith Kennett, Kent Swanson, and James Roodhouse ABSENT: Craig Arnold |
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