City Council

GENEVA CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 7, 2014 CALL TO ORDER The April 7, 2014 meeting of the Geneva City Council was called to order at 7:06 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall by Mayor Kevin Burns. Aldermen present: Chuck Brown, Mike Bruno, Don Cummings, Dorothy Flanagan, Dean Kilburg, Craig Maladra, Richard Marks, Mary Seno, Tom Simonian, Ron Singer. Aldermen absent: None. 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, Police Chief Steve Mexin, Fire Chief Steve Olson. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MOMENT OF SILENCE Mayor Burns requested a moment of silence to honor Julie Brady, who passed away on Friday, April 4. He noted that Ms. Brady, her husband, Pat, and their children lived in Geneva for a number years and that Ms. Brady was responsible for starting the annual pet parade in Geneva. PUBLIC HEARINGS, SPECIAL ITEMS AND PRESENTATIONS Public Hearing - FY2014-15 Budget Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Singer to open the Public Hearing. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED The Public Hearing was opened at 7:09 p.m. Mayor Kevin Burns called for comments from the public or from the Council. Hearing no comments from the Council or audience, Mayor Burns called for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Singer to close the Public Hearing. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED The Public Hearing was closed at 7:10 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Real Estate Exchange by and between the City of Geneva and State Bank of Geneva (Herrington Plaza) Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Cummings to open the Public Hearing. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED The Public Hearing was opened at 7:11 p.m. Mayor Kevin Burns called for comments from the public or from the Council. Hearing no comments from the Council or audience, Mayor Burns called for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Simonian to close the Public Hearing. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED The Public Hearing was closed at 7:12 p.m. 1288 Geneva City Council Meeting April 7, 2014 Approve Mayor’s Appointment of Eleanor Hamilton, Connie Wagner and Margo Goc to the Mental Health Board Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Eleanor Hamilton, Connie Wagner and Margo Goc to the Mental Health Board. Mental Health Board Chairman John Ford noted that all three appointees have medical backgrounds. He spoke to the services provided by the Mental Health Board. He then introduced Ms. Hamilton and Ms. Goc, Ms. Wagner being unable to attend. Each expressed appreciation for being appointed. Roll call: AYES: 10 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Seno, Simonian, Singer) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED The appointees were given a round of applause. Police Dept. Awards Presentation Chief Mexin recognized three Geneva police officers for extraordinary service. He first introduced Patrol Officer Charles Parisi, who arrived first on the scene of a medical emergency, where he successfully defibrillated and performed CPR on the victim until paramedics arrived. For his lifesaving efforts, Officer Parisi was awarded the Department’s Lifesaving Medal. Chief Mexin then introduced Police Sgt. Tim Baker, who has given a great deal of his time to the Greater Fox Valley Chapter of Operation Snowball, a community-based program dedicated to the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among area youth. For his efforts, he was presented with the Exceptional Duty Award. Also presented the Exceptional Duty Award was Sgt. Dan Kott, who has provided much time and effort outside of his regular duties to the Illinois Special Olympics, and is responsible for other Geneva police officers becoming involved in the Special Olympics program. Mayor Burns presented the three recipients with their awards. They received a standing ovation. 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. Ald. Cummings requested that the March 17 minutes be removed for separate consideration. Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve the Omnibus Agenda as amended. Roll call: AYES: 10 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Seno, Simonian, Singer) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED APPROVE MINUTES OF THE LAST REGULAR MEETING HELD MARCH 17, 2014 Having removed this item from the Omnibus Agenda for separate consideration, Ald. Cummings wished to correct the record to indicate that he opposed the Kramer Tree Specialist contract for brush and leaf removal because it was not bid despite its nearly $2 million amount. The correction was so noted. 1289 Geneva City Council Meeting April 7, 2014 Moved by Ald. Brown, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve the minutes of the last regular meeting held March 17, 2014 as corrected. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED APPROVE REPORTS Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED COUNCIL COMMITTEES Committee of the Whole April 14, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. City Council April 21, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. MUNICIPAL BILLS FOR PAYMENT The following bills were presented for payment: General Fund $135,487.67 Cultural Arts Fund 2,219.13 Beautification Fund 195.00 Tourism Fund 240.33 Tri-Com Fund 25,960.95 Mental Health Fund 157.50 SSA #1 3,723.84 General Capital Projects 77,745.58 Infrastructure Capital Projects 193,922.87 TIF #2 135.20 Electric 494,363.26 Water/Wastewater 96,187.13 Refuse 2,331.43 Cemetery 171.06 Commuter Parking 30,689.59 Group Dental 8,800.40 Utility Refunds 99.65 ____________ Total Funds $1,072,430.59 Moved by Ald. Brown, seconded by Ald. Flanagan that the bills be approved and vouchers prepared. Roll call: AYES: 10 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Seno, Simonian, Singer) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ITEMS OF BUSINESS Approve Resolution 2014-14 Approving FY2014-15 City Budget Moved by Ald. Maladra, seconded by Ald. Singer to approve Res. 2014-14 approving FY2014-15 City Budget. Roll call: AYES: 10 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Seno, Simonian, Singer) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED 1290 Geneva City Council Meeting April 7, 2014 Approve Resolution 2014-16 Authorizing Execution of Two Sales Agreements for the Sale of the Herrington Plaza and the Purchase of the Unimproved Real Estate Commonly Known as 530 S. 4th Street, Geneva, Ill. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Cummings to Approve Res. 2014-16 authorizing execution of two sales agreements for the sale of the Herrington Plaza and the purchase of the unimproved real estate commonly known as 530 S. 4th St., Geneva, Ill. Atty. Radovich noted that this vote requires three-fourths, or nine members, of the corporate authority voting in the affirmative to approve. The Mayor also votes. Roll call: AYES: 11 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Seno, Simonian, Singer, Mayor Burns) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED Accept FY2014-15 Strategic Plan Document Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve FY2014-15 Department Goals Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2014-10 Authorizing Execution of Contract with SB Friedman for Consulting Services Related to Eligibility and Redevelopment Plan and Program for a TIF #3 in the City of Geneva, Ill. Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2014-11 Authorizing Execution of 2014 Geotechnical Services and Construction Material Testing Contract with Rubino Engineering Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2014-12 Authorizing Execution of Grant of Public Utility Easements from Simon & Sohn Series, LLC Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2014-13 Authorizing Execution of Construction Contract with Martam Construction for 2014 Third Street Pedestrian Mall Project Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Ordinance 2014-09 Amending Title 4, Chapter 2 (Liquor Control), Section 4-2-13 (License Fees and Number) Adding Two (2) Class B-3 Liquor Licenses (Patten House Restaurant at 124 S. Second and Nobel House Restaurant at 305 W. State) Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED 1291 Geneva City Council Meeting April 7, 2014 Approve Ordinance 2014-10 Amending Title 7, Schedule VIII H, Ch. 4 (Traffic Schedules), Section 7 (No Parking Places), and Section 8 (Limited Parking Zones) Moved by Ald. Flanagan, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED PRESENTATION OF ORDINANCES, PETITIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND BID AWARDS Summary on City of Geneva Assessment of Financial Internal Controls Nick Cavaliere, with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, explained that the City engaged his firm in Oct. 2012 to perform an internal control study within the Financial Dept., which included the areas of expenditures and cash disbursements, payroll, revenue and cash receipts, utility billing, cash and investments, financial close and reporting. Purpose of the project was to identify potential financial risks and improve internal controls overall. Mr. Cavaliere discussed the procedures used in the evaluation. He stated that the project did not identify any activities that did not conform to policies and procedures in place, nor did it detect any activity that was suspect. Mr. Cavaliere spoke to segregation of duties whereby one individual performs a transaction from start to finish without review, but said these situations have been largely remedied with the new software application and duty reassignments within the Finance Dept. Questions were then taken. Ald. Kilburg asked about the level of City credit card distribution and inconsistencies. Mr. Cavaliere said that the City’s layer of review is very good. Admin. McKittrick invited Council members with specific questions to meet with her. Ald. Simonian asked if any issues remain regarding segregation of duties. Mr. Cavaliere felt that the Finance Dept. has done a good job in this respect without having to add additional positions. Citing instances where smaller communities have concentrated staff duties leading to criminal activity, Ald. Simonian asked if consideration of additional staff would be prudent. Mr. Cavaliere responded that he felt the City had an adequate internal control process in place. Ald. Kilburg asked how often a review of this nature should take place. Mr. Cavaliere suggested every three to five years. Ald. Marks asked if Council members would receive a full copy of the report. Admin. McKittrick said that copies would not be distributed because of security reasons, but that she would walk interested Council members through the report if requested. Approve Resolution 2014-15 Authorizing Execution of Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Geneva and the Geneva Park District for Use of City-Owned Lewis Road Property Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve Res. 2014-15 authorizing execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Geneva and the Geneva Park Dist. for use of city-owned Lewis Rd. property. Ald. Singer asked as to the nature and extent of the field’s usage, citing potential congestion and parking issues. Admin. McKittrick said the field would only be used in conjunction with Park Dist. activities, specifically lacrosse games. Ald. Kilburg expressed concern over the condition of the field and the City’s subsequent liability. Admin. McKittrick noted that the Park Dist. as well as the City is insured, and that the Park Dist. has inspected the field. At Ald. Kilburg’s request, Atty. Radovich stated that the Park Dist. and City have arrangements at other sites, most notably the 1292 Geneva City Council Meeting April 7, 2014 skateboard facility, and that the Park Dist. has adopted an assumed-risk policy regarding leased property. Roll call: AYES: 10 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Seno, Simonian, Singer) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED NEW BUSINESS Resident concerns over higher electric rates Bill Scown, 860 N. Bennett St., expressed concern over rising electric bills as a result of Geneva’s participation in the Prairie State Energy Campus. He urged the City to address the problem, hold public discussions and start working on options to mitigate any issues caused by higher electric rates. Liona Steele, 100 N. River Ln., also expressed concern with increasing electric bills. She thanked State Rep. Tim Schmitz for requesting an investigation of Prairie State. She read the letter sent by Rep. Schmitz to the attorney general. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Singer to adjourn the Geneva City Council meeting. Carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. ________________________ Lynn P. Landberg, City Clerk 1293