City of Geneva City Council met May 15.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
The May 15, 2023 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.
Elected Officials present:
Alderpersons: Anais Bowring, Mike Bruno, Becky Hruby, Dean Kilburg, Craig Maladra, Richard Marks, Amy Mayer, Martha Paschke, Robert Swanson.
Mayor Kevin Burns, City Clerk Vicki Kellick.
Elected Officials attending by video or teleconference: None.
Elected Officials absent: Brad Kosirog.
Others Present: City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins, City Attorney Ron Sandack.
Others attending by video or teleconference: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge was led by Alderperson Mike Bruno.
Before continuing with the meeting, Mayor Burns asked each of the alderpersons what title they prefer. Each commented that they wish to be addressed as “alderperson”.
PUBLIC HEARINGS, SPECIAL ITEMS AND PRESENTATIONS
Proclaim Safe Boating Week in the City of Geneva
Moved by Ald. Marks, Seconded by Ald. Mayer.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Commander DiMartelli appeared before the Council and spoke about “Safe Boating Week” which is designated as the last week in May when boating season begins. The Commander noted that safe boating begins with preparation. The Coast Guard estimated that human error is the main reason for boating fatalities. The Coast Guard teaches safe boating classes and conducts boat checks, including checks of 88 rental boats at Lake Shabbona this past Friday. The Commander stated that Safe Boating Week is observed to bring lifesaving tips to boaters.
Motion carried by unanimous voice vote of those present.
Proclaim June 2, 2023 as Gun Violence Awareness Day in the City of Geneva
Moved by Ald. Bruno, Seconded by Ald. Bowring.
A spokesperson from Kane & Kendall Counties Moms Demand Action spoke to the Council. She noted that every day, 120 people are killed with guns. Additionally, guns are the leading cause of death of children and teens. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote of those present.
The Mayor then introduced Rachel to speak. She shared that in 2020 and 2021, the American gun industry saw its highest sales ever. She noted that the gun industry has been glamorizing guns and marketing guns toward youth. She stated that 1 in 18 high school students brings a gun to school. She also stated that it is time to take thoughts and prayers and turn them into action.
Proclaim June 2023 as Pride Month in the City of Geneva
Moved by Ald. Paschke, Seconded by Ald. Bowring.
A speaker from Belong: Fox Valley spoke to the Council. He noted that it is important for queer youth to see that their communities support them and create a safe space for them, especially when they may not have that support at home or when they see the political climate reported on the news. He thanked the Mayor for his support, as well.
Ald. Hruby commented that these topics are so overwhelming. She read a Forbes article from June 19, 2019, which advocated the importance of including pronouns in email signatures and on social media. She noted that this is something simple and easy that every person can do, and she asked that council members do the same.
Motion carried by unanimous voice vote of those present.
Consider Mayor’s Appointments and Reappointments to City Boards & Commission
Moved by Ald. Marks, Seconded by Ald. Mayer.
Roll call:
AYES: 9 (Bowring, Bruno, Hruby, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Paschke, Swanson)
ABSENT: 1 (Kosirog)
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None.
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 CITY COUNCIL NEW AND OLD BUSINESS MINUTES FROM MAY 1, 2023
*REPORTS
A. MAY REVENUE REPORT
*COUNCIL COMMITTEES
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
*Approve Resolution No. 2023-53 Authorizing the Execution of a Sales Quotation with Tyler Technologies in the Estimated Amount of $275,000.00 for Conversion to Tyler Payments Platform.
*b. Approve Ordinance No. 2023-08A Authorizing Execution of a First Amendment to Communication Facility Ground Lease By and Between the City of Geneva and Crown Castle GT Company, LLC.
Moved by Ald. Marks, Seconded by Ald. Swanson.
Roll call:
AYES: 9 (Bowring, Bruno, Hruby, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Paschke, Swanson)
ABSENT: 1 (Kosirog)
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
OTHER ITEMS AND CORRESPONDENCE
None.
MUNICIPAL BILLS FOR PAYMENT: $4,971,202.03
Moved by Ald. Bruno, Seconded by Ald. Mayer.
Roll call:
AYES: 9 (Bowring, Bruno, Hruby, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Paschke, Swanson)
ABSENT: 1 (Kosirog)
NAYS: 0
MOTION CARRIED
PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, PETITIONS, BIDS None.
NEW BUSINESS / PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident Jay Ruhl spoke regarding a 40-year-old diseased tree that broke and fell on his house on November 5, 2022. Although this was a Saturday, 80% of the tree was cleaned by public works and the rest was finished the following Monday. He noted that the City asked him to complete an incident report n November 13. He turned that in with a repair quote two weeks later. The claim was denied because it was an act of God and a windy day that caused the tree to break. He noted that the City claimed that the tree was in good condition based on a survey done in the previous five years. He stated that no one saw the tree in person or came to the house. On February 10 of this year, he contacted the City regarding residual and broken branches which remained in a tree on the property. Nate Landers said that the City would come by to clean out the branches and trim the tree so that the branches would heal properly but that Mr. Ruhl would have to sign a waiver beforehand which he would not do. Both sides agreed that a contractor would do the work instead and be compensated by the City.
Mr. Ruhl commented that the City would pay a contractor to clean up the tree but not pay to fix his house. He requested a sit-down meeting with a City official who can negotiate a settlement. Mayor Burns said that they would consult with the City Attorney and City Administrator and that someone would be in touch with him soon.
Geneva City Council Meeting May 15, 2023 2312
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, moved by Ald. Bowring to adjourn the Geneva City Council meeting.
MOTION CARRIED by unanimous voice vote of those present. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.
https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05152023-2153
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