Kane County Reporter

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

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Mayor Burns, Ald. Burghart, Bruno, Kosirog, Marks, Kilburg, Hruby, Kaven, Mayer, Swanson, Maladra

Absent: None

Staff Attending: City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins, Finance Director Rita Kruse, Assistant City Administrator Ben McCready, Economic Development Director Cathleen Tymoszenko

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Burns called the special meeting to order at 7:00pm noting all were present either in-person or via teleconference.

2. ITEMS OF BUSINESS

a. Policy Discussion Regarding FY2023 Budget and FY2024 Budget Projections

Discussion centered on allowing the Geneva History Museum to receive tax funding through the hotel/motel revenue fund. Dawkins provided state law specific on the powers and regulations on this type of funding and the mechanisms by which funding could be provided. The alderpersons discussed factors including the amount to be funded, the current needs of the Museum, and whether the current request was driven by the Museum’s current financial situation. While there was some hesitancy by a few aldermen to provide the funding at this time, there was consensus to have staff plug in a number equal to 20% of the hotel/motel projected revenues. Burns stated that the Geneva Arts Center had recently contacted the City to ask how they could also receive tax-supported funding from the City. Some alderpersons expressed caution in providing funding to such a new organization and needed more time to assess the value of the organization to the community.

Museum Director Terry Emma provided information on how funds might be used and thanked the committee for considering the funding in the budget.

On a question from Ald. Marks, Dawkins confirmed that some funding for the facilities assessment project will be included in the budget to move some projects forward while more research in bonding mechanisms were evaluated.

3. NEW BUSINESS

No discussion

4. CLOSED SESSION ON COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS BETWEEN THE PUBLIC BODY AND ITS EMPLOYEES OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

On a motion by Marks, seconded by Swanson, the committee adjourned to closed session at 9:14pm. Roll: Ayes: 10 Nays: 0 Motion carried

On a motion by Ald. Swanson, seconded by Ald. Kosirog, the Special Committee of the Whole meeting was called back to open session at 9:28pm.

Roll: Ayes: 10 Nays: 0 Motion carried.

5. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Ald. Kosirog, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote at 9:29pm.

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01102022-1887