City of Geneva Committee of the Whole met Sept. 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Elected Officials Present: Mayor Burns, Ald. Bowring, Ald. Bruno, Ald. Hruby, Ald. Kilburg, Ald. Kosirog, Ald. Maladra, Ald. Marks, Ald. Mayer, Ald. Paschke, Clerk Kellick.
Elected Officials Attending by Teleconference: None.
Elected Officials Absent: Ald. Swanson.
Others Present: City Admin. Dawkins, Asst. City Admin. Ben McCready, City Attny. Sandack, Dir. Babica.
Others attending by video or teleconference: None.
Call to Order
Council member Amy Mayer, serving as chair, called the meeting to order at 8:18 PM noting all council members were present save for Ald. Swanson.
Approve Committee of the Whole Minutes from July 3, 2023 and August 21, 2023
Moved by Ald. Bowring, seconded by Ald. Kosirog.
MOTION CARRIED by voice vote of those present 9-0.
Items of Business
Consider Draft Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a License Agreement with MCImetro Access Transmission Services, LLC.
Moved by Ald. Kosirog, seconded by Ald. Paschke.
On a question from Ald. Kosirog, Dir. Babica noted that this is not a franchise agreement but a license agreement to access a specific portion of the public utility easement. There will be underground boring of that public utility easement and the public right of way on Route 38. If granted by the City Council, the City cannot stipulate the means and methods used.
MOTION CARRIED by voice vote of those present 9-0.
Consider Draft Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Proposal from Berglund Construction to Perform Repairs to the South First Street Retaining Wall in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $74,250.
Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Maladra.
On a question by Ald. Kilburg, Dir. Babica stated that the damaged retaining wall is a historical remnant of the estate that stood on that block. The RFP packet was geared specifically toward those with expertise in historical work. The proposal and the contractor were reviewed to ensure that the contractor had the technical background to complete the repairs. When only one bid was received, Admin. McCready worked with the insurance company seeking a supplemental claim. Two bins of debris were collected at the scene and are being stored for future use at the site. Work is also being done to ensure that new materials used to repair the wall will be correct and historically accurate. Ald. Kilburg stated that this seems like a lot of money to spend for the degree of work needed to be done for repairs.
Admin. Dawkins stated that the insurance company requires the City to take all action possible to prevent further damage to the property. She noted that the wall is on a City easement and not a City right-of-way and as such, there is an agreement that this wall is the City’s responsibility.
Ald. Bowring commented that the Historic Preservation Committee tries to be consistent with its standards which come from the Department of the Interior. She stated that it is most appropriate for all community members to be held accountable in the same way and it is the City’s responsibility to do the right thing.
Ald. Maladra stated that City staff has determined the most cost-effective and the most historically accurate way to repair the wall. He noted that the City needs to be held to the same standards as any resident of the Historic District.
On a question from Ald. Hruby, Admin. McCready noted that the insurance company received police reports and pictures after the initial assessment of the wall. He noted that an adjustor reviews what was provided and that superficial damage can appear to be minor while there may be additional costs involved. He commented that the insurance company’s initial assessment was based on material estimates for a generic retaining wall. The insurance company is now reviewing the proposal for work and the bid. He noted that he expects to hear something soon.
Ald. Bruno stated that the City must hold itself to at least the standards asked of residents in the Historic District.
On a question from Ald. Marks, Admin. Dawkins noted that while the City received a $7,000 payment from the insurance company, the deductible of $5,000 was considered and the estimate was based on both amounts.
Ald. Mayer stated that retaining walls fail often and the listing of a retaining wall such as Ald. Kilburg noted happens often. She commented that the wall may have to be considered to relieve the overburden. She noted that the wall is historic and that such items should be included in the facilities maintenance program so that upkeep can be done.
Roll call:
AYES: 8 (Bowring, Bruno, Hruby, Kosirog, Maladra, Marks, Mayer, Paschke,)
ABSENT: 1 (Swanson)
NAYS: 1 (Kilburg)
MOTION CARRIED
Consider Draft Ordinance Amending Title 1 (Administrative), Chapter 8 (Municipal Finances), Article A (Bidding and Contract Procedures) of the Geneva City Code.
Moved by Ald. Bowring, seconded by Ald. Kosirog.
MOTION CARRIED by voice vote of those present 9-0.
Public Comment
None.
New Business
None.
Adjournment
On a motion by Ald. Marks, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote at 8:52 PM.
https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09052023-2213
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