Kane County Reporter

City of Geneva Bike and Pedestrian Committee met Aug. 13

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

Chair Schoedel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Members and attendees did self-introductions. The following BPAC members were present: Sam Kraft, Michael Krass, Andrew Lee, Mary Carol MacDonald, Maxwell Schmitz, Carl Schoedel and Jennifer Siegele.

The following BPAC members were absent: Megan Brandstetter, Alex Garbe and Rachel Schreiber.

A quorum was present.

Others present included City of Geneva staff Brian Davids and Matthew Buesing and James Kafer of SPAC. Resident Joe Baribek attended the meeting and offered public comment.

3. Amendments to the Agenda

No amendments to the agenda were proposed.

4. Approval of Minutes: May 14, 2025 & June 11, 2025

Schmitz moved and Kraft seconded approval of the minutes from May 14 and June 11. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Bike and Pedestrian Committee

a. Appointment of Officers: Secretary

Schmitz moved and Krass seconded installation of Rachel Schrieber as the Secretary of the committee. Motion carried unanimously.

b. Bicycle Friendly Community Application

Brian Davids reviewed the City’s Bicycle Friendly Community application to the League of American Bicyclists which was made last year. We received an honorable mention on our first application and we plan to reapply in a future year as we make progress on the written feedback that we received. Davids also noted that he is keeping a log of what bicycle accommodations have been completed as part of the infrastructure program.

Chair Schoedel asked that we keep this item as a standing agenda item moving forward since this effort will likely guide our activities for several years to come.

c. Bicycle Plan Update (City Comprehensive Plan)

Buesing reported that the City recently appointed a new City Administrator, Alex Voigt. Ms. Voigt has been briefed on the Comprehensive Plan update.

An RFP (Request for Proposal) has been drafted which includes the Comprehensive Plan update as well as updates to several of the Ordinances that are designed to implement the plan. These include the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, for example. The RFP is anticipated to be issued by the end of August and that a consultant should be selected by November 2025.

Chair Schoedel asked that we keep this item as a standing agenda item moving forward since this effort will also guide our activities during the update process.

d. Streets Program Update

Brian Davids reported on the infrastructure program which included resurfacing on Lewis, Fargo, Northhampton, River/Hamilton, and patching on 7th Street. Pavement markings, including bike sharrows were included as part of the resurfacing in many locations and along Western Avenue.

Other construction included watermain installation at Delnor and on Division Street and the Nicor Gas main upgrades along Stevens and 2nd Street, Route 25 and Woodward Avenue.

The East State Street project is underway with utility relocations starting in 2025. Utilities relocations are expected to start on the south side first, then utilities on the north side will follow. These include AT&T, Nicor, Metronet, and City water and storm sewer. Construction is anticipated to continue through November 2027.

Chair Schoedel asked that we keep this item as a standing agenda update; he suggested developing a written report that could be included with the agenda.

e. E-Bike & Scooter Regulations

Chair Schoedel noted that he had been approached by members of the community who were interested in revisiting City policy in light of increased use of E-Bikes and scooters on streets, sidewalks, and paths. Jen Siegele showed an example of an infographic produced by the City of Aurora showing the legal uses of various modes of transportation.

After some discussion, the committee appointed a subcommittee of Siegele, Krass, and Schmitz to work on researching best practices. The subcommittee will look at existing State Statute, current City Ordinances, examples from other communities, and guidance from organizations such as Ride Illinois.

No particular deadlines were established, but Chair Schoedel asked for a monthly update on this project.

f. Events

The committee discussed recent past events including the Bike Rodeo, Concert in the Park, and National Night Out. Feedback on all events was positive; the committee intends to participate in these events annually. The committee discussed the need for some signage to identify our group at these types of events.

Jim Kafer gave a report on the recent SPAC Community Update. Feedback on this event was also positive. More than 70 people attended and it was an opportunity for the community to engage and provide input.

The committee discussed involvement in other future events including the Concours d’Elegance, the Fox Valley Marathon, Festival of the Vine, Thriller on 38, various parades, as well as Bike to School and Walk to School days. For Festival of the Vine, the biking / walking route map from 2024 will be updated and republished through City communications channels.

g. Communications

Most of the communications-related discussion had already occurred in relation to various events. Schoedel also reminded the newer committee members to complete their Open Meetings Act training.

h. Bylaws

Carl will re-send the bylaws to the Committee, asking for review and any necessary update.

6. Public Comment

Resident Joe Baribek offered comments on several topics. He suggested the committee focus our efforts on things that will help people, including the provision of protected bike lanes. He noted that the State bike laws are outdated and cautioned against further regulation of E-Bikes. Mr. Baribek is interested in getting more involved; Chair Schoedel referred him to the “Residents: Volunteer Opportunities” portion of the City website.

7. New Business

None.

8. Adjournment

Our next scheduled meeting date is September 10, 2025. The committee adjourned by consensus at 7:58 p.m.

https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08132025-2579