Kane County Reporter

City of Geneva Committee of the Whole met Feb. 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Burns (via telephone), Bruno, Burghart, Clements (via telephone), Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, McGowan, Swanson, City Attorney Fintzen

Absent: none

Staff Present: Fire Chief Antenore, City Admin. Dawkins, Dir. Comm. Dev. DeGroot, Asst. City Admin. McCready, Bldg. Comm. Nelson, Fire Marshall Schultze, Dir. Econ. Dev. Tymoszenko

1. Call to Order

Mayor Pro Tem Maladra called the meeting to order at 7pm and Recording Secretary Fornari took the roll.

2. New Business / Public Comment

None

3. Items of Business

a. Presentation Regarding Building and Fire Codes

City Attorney Fintzen provided information on the research he and the Building and Fire staff have been conducting on proposing a process for updating the City’s building and fire codes. He provided historical perspective on past amendments. The goal of updating these codes included addressing concerns of overly‐restrictive requirements in the downtown, eliminating outdated code provisions, expansion of minimum code requirements, and adoption of the international building code language.

Fintzen also stated that the City would have a link to the international code language on its website to enhance customer service. Staff was hopeful that amendments would be forthcoming in late spring with the intention to update every 3 years.

Questions regarding current sprinkler requirements, differences in ADA vs. State accessibility laws, the current appeal process most recently used by The Beer Cellar and the owners of the Erday building, and state oversight were heard. Fintzen thanked Chief Antenore, Fire Marshall Schultze and Building Commissioner Nelson for their many months of hard work to make these needed improvements.

2. Closed Session on the Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body

Moved by McGowan, seconded by Swanson to move to closed session.

Roll Call: Ayes: 10 Nays: 0 Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned to closed session at 8:17pm. At 8:59pm, Ald. Bruno made a motion, seconded by Ald. Swanson to bring the regular meeting back to open session.

Roll Call: Ayes: 10 Nays: 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Ald. Marks, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote at 9:00pm.

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02102020-1572