City of Geneva City Council met March 20.
Here is the minutes as provided by the Council:
CALL TO ORDER
The March 20, 2017 meeting of the Geneva City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall by Mayor Kevin Burns. Aldermen present: Mike Bruno, Tara Burghart, Don Cummings, Dean Kilburg, Craig Maladra (via teleconference), Richard Marks, Jim Radecki, Mary Seno, Tom Simonian, Ron Singer. Aldermen absent: None. Also attending: City Atty. Charles Radovich, City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins, Public Works Director Richard Babica, Economic Development Director Cathleen Tymoszenko, Community Development Director David DeGroot, Police Chief Eric Passarelli, Police Cmdr. Julie Nash, Fire Chief Mike Antenore, Water & Sewer Division Superintendent Bob VanGyseghem, Finance Manager Rita Kruse, Administrative Intern Chris Ranney.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Cub Scout Pack 111 Webelos Den.
PUBLIC HEARINGS, SPECIAL ITEMS AND PRESENTATIONS
Presentation by Mr. Brian Caputo representing the Government Finance Officers Association Recognizing the City for the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) and Receipt of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for FY 16
Mgr. Kruse introduced Brian Caputo, who provided background on the two awards and how the recipients are selected. He presented the CAFR award to Mgr. Kruse and the PAFR award to Admin. Intern Ranney.
FY2017-18 Budget Presentation
Admin. Dawkins presented a visual overview of the budget, beginning with the current and possible future challenges in preparing the budget, owing largely to lack of state fiscal support. She then covered the various budget components, including the 37 individual funds, and the process by which the overall budget is developed. Budgetary goals were discussed, as were highlights of the General Fund, Electric Fund and Water/Wastewater Fund. Also, capital investment of all funds and capital trends were covered.
Finally, she noted the presence of city staff to take questions, but also suggested having special meetings in the future to discuss elements of the budget in detail. She sought input on how and when to have future budget discussions. She then took questions or comments.
Several Council members had questions on budgetary procedures. Ald. Simonian felt that the budget should conform to a calendar year rather than a fiscal year to better coordinate with major contractual durations. Regarding future budget meetings, consensus was to schedule separate special COW meetings, dates to be determined, with each meeting to focus on a element of the overall budget. Less lengthy special meetings could be held in conjunction with regularly scheduled meetings. Mayor Burns suggested Council members be contacted electronically to determine a preference.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
OMNIBUS AGENDA
All items listed on the Omnibus Agenda are considered to be routine by the Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council member or citizen so requests in which event the item will be removed from the Omnibus (Consent) Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented. Roll call:
AYES: 10 (Ald. Bruno, Burghart, Cummings, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Radecki, Seno, Simonian, Singer)
NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED
APPROVE MINUTES OF THE LAST REGULAR MEETING HELD MARCH 6, 2017
Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
APPROVE REPORTS
Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Committee of the Whole March 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
OTHER ITEMS AND CORRESPONDENCE
Approve Setting the FY2017-18 Budget Hearing for Monday, April 17, 2017
Moved by Ald. Kilburg, seconded by Ald. Marks to set the FY2017-18 Budget Hearing for Monday, April 17, 2017. Roll call:
AYES: 10 (Ald. Bruno, Burghart, Cummings, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Radecki, Seno, Simonian, Singer)
NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED
MUNICIPAL BILLS FOR PAYMENT
The following bills were presented for payment:
General Fund $77,698.06 Cultural Arts Fund 338.10 SPAC Fund 290.93 Tourism Fund 446.56 Restricted Police Fines 87.50 Tri‐Com Fund 13,292.05 SSA #1 27.99 SSA #16 916.66 Debt Service Fund 450.00 General Capital Projects 36,685.00 Infrastructure Capital Projects 13,847.50 TIF #3 40.00 Electric 2,275,688.86 Water/Wastewater 68,214.66 Refuse 1,657.01 Cemetery 1,730.81 Commuter Parking 1,321.50 Group Dental 8,065.00 Utility Refunds 3,440.48 ____________ Total Funds $2,504,238.67
Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Marks that the bills be approved and vouchers prepared. Roll call:
AYES: 10 (Ald. Bruno, Burghart, Cummings, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Radecki, Seno, Simonian, Singer)
NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Consider Ordinance 2017-05 Repealing Ordinance 2016-36, [An Ordinance Amending Title 1 (Administration), Chapter 9 (Municipal Taxes) of the Geneva City Code of Ordinances] and Ordinance 2016-66 [An Ordinance Amending Title 1 (Administration), Chapter 9 (Municipal Taxes), Article D (Places For Eating Tax) of the Geneva City Code of Ordinances]
Moved by Ald. Seno, seconded by Ald. Marks to approve Ord. 2017-05 repealing Ord. 2016-36, an ordinance amending Title 1 (Administration), Chapter 9 (Municipal Taxes) of the Geneva City Code of Ordinances, and Ord. 2016-66, an ordinance amending Title 1 (Administration), Chapter 9 (Municipal Taxes), Article D (Places For Eating Tax) of the Geneva City Code of Ordinances.
Ald. Radecki said that since last Monday he has been in contact with most of the aldermen, city staff, and several Geneva restaurateurs to discuss the Places for Eating Tax (PET). He has concluded that the 2 percent tax is incorrect, but that a lesser compromise figure might be acceptable. He also feels that the PET should not be repealed at this time or until budget issues are resolved and it is determined if revenue from the PET tax is needed to balance the budget. He felt that action on the PET should be delayed to a date certain pending better determination of the budgetary revenue streams and their impact. Ald. Bruno, Maladra and Kilburg expressed agreement.
Moved by Ald. Radecki, seconded by Ald. Singer to table this matter. No debate is permitted. Roll call:
AYES: 6 (Ald. Bruno, Burghart, Kilburg, Maladra, Radecki, Singer)
NAYS: 4 (Ald. Cummings, Marks, Seno, Simonian) MOTION CARRIED
Approve Ordinance 2017-06 Amending Title 4, Chapter 2 (Liquor Control), Section 4-2- 13 (License Fees and Number of Licenses) Adding One (1) Class B-3 Liquor License for Livia Italian Eatery at 207 S. Third Street
Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
Approve Resolution 2017-26 Approving Site Plan (with Conditions) for ALDI, Inc. to Construct a 1,404 Square-Foot Building Addition at 975 E. State Street
Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
Approve Resolution 2017-27 Authorizing Waiver of Bidding Process and Execution of a Contract with Centrisys Centrifuge Systems in the Amount Not-toExceed $52,275 for Repairs to Dewatering Centrifuge at Wastewater Plant
Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
Approve Resolution 2017-28 Authorizing Waiver of Bidding Process and Execution of an Agreement with Huddleston McBride Drainage Company in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $34,044.60 for Maintenance Activities Within the Prairie
Green Natural Areas
Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Seno to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED
PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, PETITIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND BID AWARDS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Additional Discussion on Places for Eating Tax (PET)
Ald. Simonian stated his position that the PET is unfair in that it requires the restaurateurs to carry the financial burden for the community as a whole. He argued that the PET should be rescinded, discussions then being held to determine revenue need and to consider other revenue options. He called the delay a disgrace.
Ald. Bruno said that he was in Springfield this past week with Metro West, spoke with some of the legislators, and received the first signs of support to remove a sunset clause that limits how local sales tax revenues could be spent. He said that if the clause was lifted it would go a long way in making a sales tax referendum more attractive than the PET.
Patrick Neary, Wildwood Restaurant, expressed his disappointment in having the PET tabled instead of being rescinded. He said the PET is unfair and disproportionate to the restaurant owners, that it puts them at a competitive disadvantage with restaurants in neighboring communities, and will negatively affect their businesses. He added that the restaurateurs remain willing to do their fair share, suggesting a .5 percent sales tax.
Ald. Radecki reiterated his position of the need for time to determine if the budget will require the funding and then explore all options. Ald. Cummings said he had been excited about working with the restaurateurs in establishing a sales tax, but is now disappointed that a rift has again arisen between the restaurateurs and the City. Ald. Maladra hoped that a compromise could still be reached regarding the PET.
Mike Olesen, Stockholm’s, referenced a 2013 study by the University of Kentucky that concluded that even a small tax increase triggers a drop in restaurant purchases. He felt that a solution could be found with additional study and discussion.
Nancy Luyten, Patten House, gave Council members copies of a petition signed by 41 persons involved in Geneva’s restaurant business. The petition calls for the rescinding of the 2 percent Places for Eating Tax.
Ald. Cumming’s Comments on Budget Increases vs. Population Growth
Ald. Cummings noted that Geneva’s population has remained relatively static over the past seven years while the budget has gone from approximately $66 million in 2010 to a proposed budget of approximately $96 million this year. He expressed concern over rising budgets despite population remaining the same. Mayor Burns addressed Ald. Cumming’s comments.
Birthday Greeting for Ald. Singer
Ald. Radecki wished Ald. Singer a belated happy birthday.
Concern over Some Council Members’ Apparent Lack of Budget Study
Brian Nord, 122 N. Fourth St., requested a copy of the previously distributed petition to rescind the PET. He also asked how many Council members have met with the city administrator to discuss the budget in detail. He expressed disappointment in that it appears some Council members have yet to fully study the proposed budget.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, moved by Ald. Simonian, seconded by Ald. Marks to adjourn the Geneva City Council meeting. Carried unanimously by voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
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