Kane County Reporter

City of Geneva Bike and Pedestrian Committee met Dec. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order 

Chairman Schmitz called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.  

2. Roll Call  

The following BPAC members were present: Greg Bobeczko, Alex Garbe, Sam Kraft,  Max Schmitz, Carl Schoedel, Jennifer Siegele, and Mary Carol MacDonald. A quorum was present. 

The following BPAC members were absent: Caleb Anderson, Declan Cook, Carrie  Homewood. 

Others present included City of Geneva staff liaisons Matthew Buesing and Brian Davids, as well as James Kafer of SPAC. 

3. Amendments to the Agenda  

No amendments to the Agenda were proposed. 

4. Approval of Minutes: November 15, 2023  

On a motion by Schoedel, second by Garbe, the minutes were approved as presented. Motion passed unanimously. 

5. Bike and Pedestrian Committee  

a. Infrastructure 

The committee discussed enhancing bike parking in the parking deck including new rack(s) and an additional location.  

Brian indicated that he proposed additional $45,000 in the FY 2024 budget anticipating  the results of the bike lane classification study. Follow up item: Brian develops specifications for the study, targeting competitive selection in February 2024. 

Alex reiterated that the Metra project includes additional bike racks south of the tracks and no changes north. Brian displayed the plans for the committee. 

Mary Carol inquired about the disposal of clearly abandoned bikes especially for the Metra station bike racks.

Matt reported on an internal conversation about adding new bike parking at City facilities, including City Hall (buildout) and a rack at the Public Works facility. Adding a “bike  repair” station was also discussed. 

The committee discussed the “Priority Routes” which were listed on page 29 of the SPAC “Biking in Geneva” presentation to City Council. These will be given to the selected consultant for the Bike Lane Classication study that would target completion in May  2024. Recommendations will focus on improving connectivity (filling in gaps) and  emphasizing projects or elements that are already included in the 2005 Bike Plan. 

b. Communications 

Matt reported that the City Communications Staff is supportive of a website update. He suggested we aim for a spring newsletter message that could be supplemented by social media posts for special events like the scavenger hunt. Sam suggested targeting regular updates, perhaps at 2 month intervals. 

Max read an e-mail from Caleb which included a report on contact with Laura Rush, Chamber of Commerce who would connect us to the downtown businesses. There is a Geneva resident, Jessica Shockey, who owns a scavenger hunt business and would be willing to assist with that event. Caleb also reached BicycleBenefits.org by phone. 

Jen has been in contact with Mill Race Cyclery; they are very interested in the Committee’s work and supporting the scavenger hunt. She is still working on connecting with Cykel Cycles in Geneva 

Sam discussed an idea for a “Top 10 Most Bikeable Streets” article that could be used to raise awareness. 

c. Partnerships 

Jen reported on an upcoming meeting of all the local bike committees in the area, Friday December 15, 2023 at Two Brothers, Warrenville. Jen and Max plan to attend representing Geneva BPAC. 

d. Activities 

The committee briefly discussed the planned scavenger hunt, existing routes map, and updates to parking maps as well as a group ride as a possible summer event. No immediate action items were identified. 

e. Budget 

There was a brief discussion of the City’s budget cycle and current budget needs. Brian reiterated the capital items that he has included in the proposed budget. 

6. Public Comment 

No public comment.

7. New Business 

No new business. 

8. Adjournment 

The Committee reached consensus to adjourn at 7:00 p.m.

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12132023-2267