City Council

GENEVA CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 5, 2013 CALL TO ORDER The August 5, 2013 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. Aldermen present: Chuck Brown, Mike Bruno, Don Cummings, Dean Kilburg, Craig Maladra, Tom Simonian, Ron Singer, Dawn Vogelsberg (via teleconference). Aldermen absent: Dorothy Flanagan, Richard Marks. Also attending: City Atty. Charles Radovich, City Administrator Mary McKittrick, Asst. City Administrator/Dir. of Administrative Services Stephanie Dawkins, Public Works Director Dan Dinges, Economic Development Director Ellen Divita, Community Development Director Dick Untch, Electric Division Superintendent Michael Buffington, Building Commissioner Dustin Schultze, Communications Coordinator Kevin Stahr. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MOMENT OF SILENCE Mayor Burns requested a moment of silence for Susan Tegeler, daughter of Pat and Sharon Brazill, and Joshua Sweet, GHS student. Mayor Burns noted that both passed away at a young age. Geneva city flags are being flown at half-staff in their memory. PUBLIC HEARINGS, SPECIAL ITEMS AND PRESENTATIONS Recognize Jay Moffat for 22 Years of Service to Geneva City Boards & Commissions Mayor Burns invited Mr. Moffat to come forward. Mr. Moffat recalled his years of service to the City. He paid tribute to the many volunteers who also serve on City boards and commissions. Mayor Burns presented Mr. Moffat with a Certificate of Appreciation. Mr. Moffat received round of applause. Approve Mayor’s Appointment of Cathy Charhut to Economic Development Commission Moved by Ald. Maladra, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Cathy Charhut to the Economic Development Commission. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED Ms. Charhut provided background on herself. She received a round of applause. Approve Mayor’s Appointment of Ellen Divita as City Liaison to the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Board Moved by Ald. Brown, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Ellen Divita as the City liaison to the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Board. Carried unanimously by Voice vote. MOTION CARRIED Introduce Kevin Stahr, City Communications Coordinator Mayor Burns introduced Kevin Stahr, the City’s new communications coordinator. He previously worked in the public information office for the City of Aurora. He provided some information on his background. Department Report Presentation: Community Development Building Commissioner Dustin Schultze discussed the City’s building plan review and inspection process for residential and commercial construction. He went over the permitting process, then provided an overview of the inspection process for the various components of residential and commercial construction. He addressed requirements regarding foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing, and insulation. He noted that in 1218 Geneva City Council Meeting August 5, 2013 2002 the Building Dept. issued 1,275 permits and issued 1,500 permits in 2012, but for smaller projects such as remodels. He added that he is seeing an increase in construction activity. AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA Mayor Burns noted that item 12a (Consideration of Res. 2013-79 opposing any unfunded mandate due to the adoption of the 2012 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code) has been removed from the agenda since the state fire marshal chose not to pursue this matter. OMNIBUS AGENDA All items listed on the Omnibus Agenda are considered to be routine by the Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council member or citizen so requests in which event the item will be removed from the Omnibus (Consent) Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented. Roll call: AYES: 8 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Kilburg, Maladra, Simonian, Singer, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED APPROVE MINUTES OF THE LAST REGULAR MEETING HELD JULY 15, 2013 AND SPECIAL MEETING HELD JULY 22, 2013 Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED APPROVE REPORTS Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED COUNCIL COMMITTEES Committee of the Whole August 12, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. OTHER ITEMS AND CORRESPONDENCE Accept First Quarter FY2013-14 Goals Status Report Moved by Ald. Brown, seconded by Ald. Singer to accept the First Quarter FY2013-14 Goals Status Report. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED MUNICIPAL BILLS FOR PAYMENT The following bills were presented for payment: General Fund $99,655.19 Cultural Arts Fund 3,215.98 Tourism Fund 2,920.75 Tri-Com Fund 28,825.20 SSA #1 229.19 SSA #16 16,353.00 General Capital Projects 32,400.66 Infrastructure Capital Projects 1,242.00 TIF #2 12,203.43 Electric 321,617.53 1219 Geneva City Council Meeting August 5, 2013 Water/Wastewater 357,509.88 Refuse 25,079.15 Cemetery 20.77 Commuter Parking 371.66 Group Dental 8,285.20 __________ Total Funds $909,929.59 Moved by Ald. Brown, seconded by Ald. Kilburg that the bills be approved and vouchers prepared. Roll call: AYES: 8 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Kilburg, Maladra, Simonian, Singer, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ITEMS OF BUSINESS Defeat Resolution 2013-80 Authorizing Execution of Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Solar Grant in the Amount of $246,184.00 Moved by Ald. Maladra, seconded by Ald. Cummings to approve Res. 2013-80 authorizing execution of the Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Solar Grant in the amount of $246,184.00. Ald. Singer had several questions, some supplied by his constituents. His questions dealt with ongoing costs relative to operation and maintenance of the solar panels. Dir. Dinges and Supt. Buffington addressed his and other questions. Dir. Dinges explained that the state grant was for approximately $246,000, with the City’s share being approximately $370,000 relating to design and installation, adding that long-term maintenance would be low. Ald. Singer expressed concern with securing the solar site from vandalism. Dir. Dinges said that if the panels are located at the Prairie Green Preserve as suggested, they would be isolated from foot traffic, but still vulnerable. Ald. Singer also said concerns had been expressed regarding the use of Prairie Green for this project, the site having been designated an open nature and recreation area. Dir. Untch said that Staff felt one acre of the Prairie Green site could be used for the solar panels. Ald. Singer questioned the cost-benefit of the project, saying he will vote against it. Ald. Simonian presented his analysis of the costs vs. the benefits of the project. Noting that the panels are expected to produce 142,000 kW per year with the $370,000 City investment coming from rate payers, he presented comparative figures showing that the solar panel provided minimal cost saving over current energy sources. He concluded that the only reason to invest in solar energy at this time would be to reduce the carbon footprint vs. fossil fuels; however, he then presented his findings showing that the carbon footprint reduction would be rather insignificant given the cost. He felt that the City should seek more cost effective ways to approach alternative energy issues. While agreeing that investment in green energy today seems to yield limited benefit, Ald. Maladra felt that investment in new energy sources now will lead to further alternative energy development in the future, and that to not diversify energy resources leads to an energy portfolio dependent on diminishing fossil fuel resources. He asked if Geneva’s proposed solar energy plan is similar to other communities’ solar power installations in terms of cost-output, with Dir. Dinges saying he felt it was, but added that other factors entered in. Ald. Maladra also felt that a solar facility at Prairie Green would be conspicuous. When evaluating green energy, he cautioned against being short-sighted, instead considering its effect in the future. Ald. Kilburg felt that the City has already heavily committed to lessening the carbon footprint by working with Waste Management in the installation of the Settlers Hill 1220 Geneva City Council Meeting August 5, 2013 electric generation facility as well as the commitment to the Prairie State clean coal generation facility. He asked as to the City’s future obligation to the State in accepting the grant, citing the possibility of this solar facility becoming obsolete in light of possible future development of more efficient solar-power generation technology. He also asked as to any future solar energy expansion plans. Dir. Dinges answered that the Strategic Plan calls for investigation of all future avenues regarding diversification of energy resources. Ald. Kilburg pointed out that solar power stocks have performed poorly, which he said indicated a lack of confidence in solar energy’s future. He also said that solar energy development seems dependent on government subsidies. Ald. Bruno asked if the City plans to pursue alternative energy sources and if solar energy is the most practical option. Dir. Dinges said that there is a demand for solar energy, but added that obstacles still remain. While recognizing that the solar project is not cost efficient, Ald. Bruno said that those residents with whom he has talked generally support it. He also felt that one needs to look beyond the cost when examining the desirability of alternative energy sources. Ald. Brown saw both pros and cons regarding solar energy. He felt that solar energy should be considered as a supplemental power source rather than a baseline power source, adding that it appears as if the efficiency of solar power is leveling off. He concluded by saying that it is still too early to be investing in an energy source that seems to not be competitive with Geneva’s other successful efforts to produce green energy. He suggested using solar energy on smaller projects at this point. Ald. Cummings reminded the Council that previous City bond issues for open areas stated that funds are to be used for parks and open spaces and other compatible municipal uses. He felt the solar panels would not be compatible with the stated uses for Prairie Green. He said that while he likes the idea of the solar panels, he opposes locating them in Prairie Green. Admin. McKittrick asked the Council to clarify its position on investigating renewable energy, which is currently a goal in the Strategic Plan. From the audience, several residents who live on Peck Rd. near the Prairie Green site spoke against locating the solar panels at that location. Those speaking were Matt Meiners, Brenda Holmes, Carmella Velisek, and Donna Frangul. Richard Mikelsen, 1027 Brentwood Pl., felt that a location for the solar panels should be determined before finalizing application for a state grant. Ald. Vogelsberg said that the City has received numerous citizens’ requests for green energy, and that green energy sources will probably not come down in price in the foreseeable future. Since the City now has the opportunity to obtain a grant, she felt that this is the time to move forward with this program. Motion to amend Moved by Ald. Maladra, seconded by Ald. Cummings to exclude inclusion of the one- acre site at Prairie Green currently designated in the grant application process, with a new site to be determined. Ald. Brown suggested that excluding any site at this time would restrict the efforts of any consultant that the City might retain. Roll call: AYES: 3 (Ald. Cummings, Maladra, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 5 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Kilburg, Simonian, Singer) MOTION DEFEATED There being no further discussion, Roll call on the original motion: AYES: 2 (Ald. Bruno, Vogelsberg) 1221 Geneva City Council Meeting August 5, 2013 NAYS: 6 (Ald. Brown, Cummings, Kilburg, Maladra, Simonian, Singer) MOTION DEFEATED Approve Ordinance 2013-26 Amending Title 4, Ch. 2 (Liquor Control) Related to Outdoor Seating Fencing Requirements Moved by Ald. Simonian, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve Ord. 2013-26 amending Title 4, Ch. 2 (Liquor Control) related to outdoor seating fencing requirements. Roll call: AYES: 7 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Maladra, Simonian, Singer, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 1 (Ald. Kilburg) MOTION CARRIED Approve Request by Geneva Lions for Use of Parking Spaces September 9-10, 2013 for Hearing Screen Bus Event Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Request by Knights of Columbus for Use of Right-of-Ways for Donation Solicitation September 20-22, 2013 Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Ordinance 2013-27 Amending Nicolaou PUD Postponing Demolition and Reduced Parking Spaces at Me & Dad’s Toys – 700 & 720 E. State Street Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Ordinance 2013-28 Amending Title 12 (Subdivision Ordinance) Related to Application Fees and Deposit Requirements for Plan Commission Reviews Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED NEW BUSINESS No new business was heard. CLOSED SESSION ON THE SETTING OF A PRICE FOR SALE OR LEASE OF PROPERTY OWNED BY THE PUBLIC BODY; AND PURCHASE OR LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR USE OF THE PUBLIC BODY Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown that the Council adjourn to Closed Session. Roll call: AYES: 8 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Kilburg, Maladra, Simonian, Singer, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED The Council adjourned to Closed Session at 9:22 p.m. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown that the Council return to Open Session. Roll call: 1222 Geneva City Council Meeting August 5, 2013 AYES: 8 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Kilburg, Maladra, Simonian, Singer, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED The Council returned to Open Session at 10:01p.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, moved by Ald. Cummings, seconded by Ald. Singer to adjourn the Geneva City Council meeting. Carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m. ________________________ Lynn P. Landberg, City Clerk 1223