City of Geneva City Council met April 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
The April 3, 2023 meeting of the Geneva City Council was called to order at 7:08 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall by Mayor Kevin Burns.
Elected Officials present:
Alderpersons: Mike Bruno, Tara Burghart*, Becky Hruby, Gabriel Kaven, Dean Kilburg, Brad Kosirog, Craig Maladra, Richard Marks, Amy Mayer, Robert Swanson.
Mayor Kevin Burns, City Clerk Vicki Kellick.
Elected Officials attending by video or teleconference: None.
Elected Officials absent: None.(*Ald. Burghart left the meeting before voting on items 12b and 12c.)
Others Present: City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins, Assistant City Administrator Ben McCready, City Attorney Ron Sandack, Director of Public Works Rich Babica, Economic Development Director Cathleen Tymoszenko.
Others attending by video or teleconference: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge was led by GHS students Mia Kellen and Brandon Cowhey.
Before continuing with the meeting, Mayor Burns welcomed International Cultural Exchange Committee Board President Cynthia Albright, as well as several members of ICEC. Ms. Albright then spoke and noted the passing of Brigitte Garner of Croissy-sur-Seine, France on March 14. Ms. Garner visited Geneva once and fell in love with the City. Ms. Garner was Ms. Albright’s counterpart in France, and she noted that many ICEC delegates were able to stay with Ms. Garner and her husband Jony while visiting France. Ms. Albright commented that Jony and Brigitte were the ties that bind the two towns together. Mayor Burns noted that the City of Geneva flag had been lowered on that day in memory of Ms. Garner, and a moment of silence was observed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS, SPECIAL ITEMS AND PRESENTATIONS
Proclaim April 28, 2023 as Arbor Day in the City of Geneva.
Moved by Ald. Bruno, Seconded by Ald. Swanson.
Motion carried by unanimous voice vote of those present.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor Burns welcomed the students who led the Pledge of Allegiance to speak about the citywide Student Art Program. Ms. Kellen and Mr. Cowhey are both seniors and are members of the Student Government Committee. They spoke about an art project for students in grades 1-5 to raise awareness of the City’s parkway tree program. Students will be asked to submit artwork of a tree and the winning submissions will be placed into a calendar by the end of summer. They provided a flyer to the City Council members to share. Mr. Cowhey noted that they will also be collecting in-person submissions at the Geneva Park District’s Earth Day celebration at Peck Farm Park. Mayor Burns noted that the project information would also be shared at the Art for All program at City Hall on April 4 and 5. Submissions are due by April 17.
On a question from Ald. Kilburg, Ms. Kellen and Mr. Cowhey explained that the program was intended for elementary school-aged children only. Because the middle schools and high school have an abundance of clubs and programs, this allows younger students to be involved in the project. Additionally, this reaches all the elementary schools and therefore all of the areas of the City.
Mayor Burns then welcomed Scott Schirmir and Nancy Johnson of the Illinois Department of Agriculture who spoke regarding the upcoming spongy moth aerial spraying. Mr. Schirmir and Ms. Johnson explained that the spongy moth was historically known as the gypsy moth, an invasive species that has been present in the United States for 150 years. The treatments used to control the moths have been developed and utilized for decades. The treatment is a nontoxic pheromone that disrupts the spongy moths’ mating behavior, leading to a collapse in the population.
On a question from Ald. Marks, Ms. Johnson explained that there are 5,000-6,000 pheromone-bated traps on a grid system across 31 northern Illinois counties. The traps showed that the areas to be treated had high counts of the moth.
On a question from Ald. Bruno, Mr. Schirmir explained that the pheromones would be applied using traditional crop duster aircraft flying at a low altitude. Ms. Johnson noted that the applications will be conducted on either June 21 or 22, depending on weather conditions. Applications will be made at sunrise so as not to disturb the Swedish Days festivities.
On a question from Ald. Kilburg, Ms. Johnson explained that they have been working with the Kane County Forest Preserve for several years and the Forest Preserve District is aware of the treatments. They also work with golfers who may be out at that time.
On another question from Ald. Kilburg, Mr. Schirmir noted that downed trees from storm damage or aged timber do not affect the treatments. The moths overwinter as egg masses and lay their eggs on nearly any surface. Kane County and seven other northern Illinois counties are under quarantine for moving wood as a result.
On a question from Ald. Burghart, Mr. Schirmir noted that both larvicide and the mating disruption applications are effective with high success rates. After treating an area, there is no need to return to an area for treatment for at least ten years.
On a question from Ald. Bruno, Ms. Johnson explained that there are only six grams of active product used per acre. The treatment settles quickly and does not remain airborne.
On a question from Ald. Kosirog, Mr. Johnson noted that this treatment is a food-grade wax oil product. However, if citizens are concerned about the treatment, they should go inside during spraying.
Consider Resolution No. 2023-30 Authorizing Use of Public Right of Way and City Services for 2023 Festivals and Large-Scale Events in Geneva, IL.
Moved by Ald. Kosirog, Seconded by Ald. Mayer.
On a question from Ald. Bruno, Admin. Dawkins explained that when the City Council approves special event applications, it is really approving the dates for the events, in addition to the use of City services and rights-of -way for the festivals identified in the City Code, plus the Memorial Day Parade and Fox Valley Marathon. The City Council is not approving all the details within the applications. This resolution will allow City Staff, which is made up of a team of reviewers from various departments, to approve the details within those events. She noted that the City Council would still be required to approve any special liquor licenses associated with those events, as well as any major changes to the events.
On a question from Ald. Kaven, Admin. Dawkins noted that when an applicant disagrees with the City on an item regarding the event application, the applicant has the right to present the item to the City Council for resolution. She noted that there could be items contained within an event application that are best kept from public view and as a result, this resolution would prevent the entire application from coming before the City Council.
On a question from Ald. Kilburg, Admin. Dawkins stated that this did not go before the Committee of the Whole because the special event process goes right to the City Council. On another question from Ald. Kilburg, Admin. Dawkins noted and Dir. Tymoszenko confirmed that the omission of the Festival of the Vine from the list of events was an oversight.
Ald. Kilburg moved to amend the resolution to include the Festival of the Vine, and to include that any unresolved disputes that might surface with the applicant could be brought before the City Council for resolution.Seconded by Ald. Kaven.
Ald. Bruno noted that while he did not have a problem voting for the amendment, it states what is already an option for petitioners.
Ald. Kosirog commented that is not opposed to the amendment but noted that he does not want to encourage applicants to view the City Council as an escape route when disagreeing with City Staff. Ald. Kilburg noted that the recourse of bringing event disputes to the City Council should be more clearly defined.
On the amendment:
Roll call:
AYES: 9 (Bruno, Burghart, Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Swanson)
ABSENT: 0
NAYS: 1 (Kosirog)
MOTION CARRIED
On a question from Ald. Kosirog, Admin. Dawkins noted that the application already asks applicants whether they would like to come before the Council to promote the event.
On the main motion:
Roll call:
AYES: 10 (Bruno, Burghart, Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Swanson)
ABSENT: 0
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Consider Resolution No. 2023-31 Requesting IDOT Approval of IL Route 38 Road Closure for American Legion Memorial Day Parade May 29, 2023.Moved by Ald. Bruno, Seconded by Ald. Kilburg.
Roll call:
AYES: 10 (Bruno, Burghart, Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Swanson)
ABSENT: 0
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Consider Resolution No. 2023-32 Requesting IDOT Approval of IL Route 38 Road Closure for Swedish Days Parade June 25, 2023.Moved by Ald. Mayer, Seconded by Ald. Bruno.
Roll call:
AYES: 10 (Bruno, Burghart, Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Swanson)
ABSENT: 0
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Consider Resolution NO. 2023-33 Requesting IDOT Approval of IL Route 38 and IL Route 31 Road Closures for Fox Valley Marathon September 17, 2023.Moved by Ald. Bruno, Seconded by Ald. Mayer.
Roll call:
AYES: 10 (Bruno, Burghart, Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks,Mayer, Swanson)
ABSENT: 0
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
OMNIBUS AGENDA
All Items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a council member so requests in which event the item will be removed from the Omnibus (Consent) Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda. All items on the Omnibus Agenda require a simple majority vote unless otherwise indicated.
*APPROVE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FROM MARCH 20, 2023*REPORTS*COUNCIL COMMITTEES*APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2023-04 AMENDING TITLE 9 (MUNICIPAL UTILITIES) OF THE GENEVA CITY CODE.
Moved by Ald. Bruno, Seconded by Ald. Marks
Roll call:
AYES: 10 (Bruno, Burghart, Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Swanson)
ABSENT: 0
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
OTHER ITEMS AND CORRESPONDENCE
None.
MUNICIPAL BILLS FOR PAYMENT: $1,587,981.47
Moved by Ald. Bruno, Seconded by Ald. Burghart.
Roll call:
AYES: 10 (Bruno, Burghart, Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Swanson)
ABSENT: 0
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ITEMS OF BUSINESS
None.
PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Consider Resolution No. 2023-34 Authorizing the Issuance of a Certificate of Acceptance for “Fritz Lane” Subdivision.Moved by Ald. Mayer, Seconded by Ald. Kaven.
Roll call:
AYES: 10 (Bruno, Burghart, Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Swanson)
ABSENT: 0
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Consider Resolution No. 2023-35 Supporting Restoration of Local Government Distributive Fund Revenues.
Moved by Ald. Marks, Seconded by Ald. Kosirog.
On a question from Ald. Kilburg, Admin. Dawkins noted that in 2020 the effective rate was 5.75%, and in both 2021 and 2022 the rate was 6.06%. Mayor Burns noted that of all the bills introduced in the State Senate and House, only four bills regard the restoration of LGDF revenues. Ald. Kilburg asked that a staff member draft a letter and forward that plus the state house and senate contact information to the City Council members to put additional pressure on legislators.
Roll call:
AYES: 9 (Bruno, Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Swanson)
ABSENT: 1 (Burghart)
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Consider Resolution No. 2023-36 Authorizing Execution of the Spongy Moth Aerial Spraying Acknowledgement Letter to the Federal Aviation Agency.Moved by Ald. Kosirog, Seconded by Ald. Mayer.
Roll call:
AYES: 9 (Bruno, Hruby, Kaven, Kilburg, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Swanson)
ABSENT: 1 (Burghart)
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS / PUBLIC COMMENT
Geneva Township residents Brian and June commented on the MIF project on the northeast side of Kirk and Fabyan Roads. Brian noted that there are numerous pre-settlement oaks as well as other species on the property which would be destroyed with the construction of proposed building number five. June also read about the White Oak and Bur Oak from a book written by Dick Young. Brian asked that this area be a tree preservation zone to preserve these trees.
William Koehl then spoke about House Bill 3119 which concerns carbon capture sequestration and transport. Mr. Koehl sent an email with information and supporting links to the City Council earlier in the day and suggested that this be an item for discussion at the next Committee of the Whole meeting on April 17. A recent CO2 pipeline explosion in Mississippi caused FHMSA to issue notice of new rulemaking to be completed within the next two years. Mr. Koehl explained that current pipeline regulations primarily concern oil or natural gas. However, carbon dioxide travels as a liquid like oil but is released as a gas. Larger CO2 pipelines with several connections have replaced the smaller pipelines with a single connection at each end that have been utilized since the 1950s. Such pipelines are leading from surrounding states toward Illinois. Mr. Koehl noted that House Bill 2202 is a competing bill to HB 3119 and is meant to focus more on industry and less on the environment. He noted that these are the only two bills regarding carbon capture in Illinois. The bills do not stop CO2 sequestration but are only concerned with safety and regulation. Mr. Koehl encouraged further discussion on the subject.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, moved by Ald. Marks to adjourn the Geneva City Council meeting.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous voice vote of those present.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04032023-2122
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