Kane County Reporter

City of Geneva Committee of the Whole met June 7

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Mayor Burns, Ald. Bowring (arr. at 9:05am), Malecki, Kosirog, (arr. At 9:04am), Kilburg, Furnish, Paschke, Mayer, Reinecke, Palmquist

Absent: Ald. Marks

Staff Present: City Admin. Dawkins, Asst. City Admin./Dir. Admin. Svcs. McCready, Chief Antenore, Chief Passarelli, Dir. Babica, Dir. DeGroot, Dir. Milewski, Dir. Tymoszenko, Exec. Asst./Dep. Clerk Fornari, City Attorney Radovich

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 9:00am by Mayor Burns, noting those present and absent. Burns stated that while no action would be taken at the meeting, staff would be looking for consensus on topics that would be coming to a regular meeting in the near future.

2. Summary of Topics for Discussion

City Attorney Radovich reviewed the role of the city attorney, gave a basic overview of the Open Meetings Act, definitions of corporate authorities as it related to the council, and when the Mayor is required to vote on an item. A brief discussion on recusing and abstaining from votes was heard.

A presentation and legislative update was then given by consultant John D’Alessandro of JLD Consulting. He summarized the recent budget bill and what remains to be approved, namely the transportation bill. He also highlighted upcoming debate related to public utility legislation and how that could affect municipal operations.Burns also commented on language in the transportation bill that could limit local control of zoning around transportation facilities within the municipality. Lastly, D’Alessandro reminded all about LGDF and its constant threat of diminished revenues.

Each of the department directors provided an overview of their departments’ roles and responsibilities. On a question from Ald. Kilburg, Burns stated that the finance director is permitted by law to serve as both director and treasurer until such time a new treasurer is appointed.

Dir. Tymoszenko then presented information on the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and how they are already assisting the city in bringing in visitors. Information on their board, how they are funded, and what programs the city will be utilizing were addressed. 

Dir. Milewski then provided and update and overview on a proposal to implement a local grocery tax. Milewski provided data showing demographics on who shops at the major grocerychains in Geneva, noting approximately 60% of sales come from outside of Geneva. She gave a timeline of when the ordinance to implement the tax would be filed with the State and looked for feedback to bring a draft ordinance to an upcoming Committee meeting for formal discussion. After a brief discussion, there was consensus to draft an ordinance for consideration.

Admin. Dawkins then presented updates on the Facilities Master Plan and current schedule. The architect and construction firms will be presenting their updates and encouraging dialogue at a special Committee meeting on June 23 to garner a better understanding of the desire of the new makeup of the council.

Mayor Burns then brought up the topic of the recruitment for a new city administrator, stating that he has asked for input from the council to help him formulate interview questions. On a question from Ald. Kosirog, Burns stated that the search is being conducted ‘in house’ with no search firm engaged.

3. Public Comment

None

4. New Business

None

5. Adjournment

On a motion by Ald. Kosirog, the meeting was adjourned at 11:43am.

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06072025-2541