City of Geneva Committee of the Whole met Nov. 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Present: Mayor Kevin Burns, Ald. Mike Bruno, Ald. Tara Burghart, Ald. Becky Hruby, Ald. Gabe Kaven, Ald. Dean Kilburg, Ald. Brad Kosirog, Ald. Craig Maladra, Ald. Rich Marks, Ald. Jeanne McGowan, Ald. Robert Swanson
Also Present: Strategic Planning Advisory Committee Chair Jill Johnson, City Admin. Stephanie Dawkins, Assistant City Admin. Ben McCready, Dir. Rich Babica, Dir. Cathleen Tymoszenko, Dir. David DeGroot, Dir. Rita Kruse, Police Chief Eric Passarelli, Fire Chief Mike Antenore, Exec. Asst. Jeanne Fornari
Mayor Burns called the meeting to order at 8:20am noting all council members were present. On a motion by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Swanson, Roberts Rules of Order were waived.
Dawkins began the meeting with an overview of the plans for the day including a financial update and a review of the Strategic Plan. Dir. Kruse then gave a budget update regarding the current fiscal year and impacts related to the Covid‐19 pandemic. She noted that the General Fund currently had a 44% fund balance as a percentage of expenditures as of April 30, 2020. She also noted that as of October 31, 2020 57% of budgeted revenues have been realized with 44% of budgeted items expensed. While state shared taxes were under budget, she did take note of the “use” tax revenues, which were above budget due to increased online purchases. Kruse also acknowledged the CARES Act funding allocation in the amount of $1.28 million is expected to be received. She then briefly reviewed the Electric, Water, and Tourism fund balances. Council members discussed how lost revenues would impact future budgets. Kruse noted that the Tourism fund had the biggest hit to its revenues of all. A broader discussion on tourism funding mechanisms and how best to employ them were heard.
After the financial report discussions, Dawkins then began the process of the current Strategic Plan review for purposes of drafting the FY2021‐2022 budget.
Economic Vitality
Discussion centered around further defining “affordable housing”, ways to achieve population growth, the process of creating incentive agreements and communication techniques between staff and elected officials regarding these agreements.
Excellent Municipal Services
Questions on employee health benefits were heard; as well as ways to reduce workplace accidents.
Environmental Stewardship
Dir. DeGroot provided an update on the status of the tree preservation program. Dir. Babica provided information on the city’s energy portfolio and the challenges it offers in relation to solar energy opportunities. Ald. Hruby and Ald. Kosirog presented their interest in retaining recycling bins for the downtown corridor; also noting the recent information presented to Council by the Natural Resources Committee. Discussion focused on consumer habits, and costs of the bins. Dir. Babica would look at other cities’ abilities for this service and report findings.
McGowan expressed interest in adding residential storm water management education within Objective 3.
Quality of Life
Topics addressed included the sidewalks, the status of the French Market pavilion, and SPAC’s goal of creating a Diversity/Inclusivity Task Force. SPAC Chair Johnson was hopeful that process would begin in early 2021.
With the conclusion of the plan review, Admin. Dawkins stated that most priorities from the current fiscal year are in line with the information SPAC had recently gathered with their community survey. Dawkins indicated if there was consensus the same priorities along with two additional priorities identified by SPAC would guide the creation of next year’s budget. Lastly, noted that discussion would need to be forthcoming regarding re‐establishing SSA #1 that is set to expire in 2023.
On a motion by Ald. Swanson, the meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote at 3:26pm.
https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11062020-1673
Alerts Sign-up