Committee of the Whole
Regular MeetingGeneva, IL · May 18, 2015
Minutes
Special Committee of the Whole Minutes
May 18, 2015
Present: Mayor Burns, Ald. Bruno, Burghart, Cummings, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Radecki,
Simonian, Singer
Absent: Seno
Also Present: McKittrick, Dawkins, Radovich, Babica, Tymoszenko, Mexin, Olson
1. Call to Order
Mayor Burns called the meeting to order at 8:41pm
2. Items of Business
a. Consider Request from Onesti Entertainment for City Contribution Related to Costs
for City Services Including But Not Limited to: Police and Fire Services for Proposed
Outdoor Concerts July 17, 18 and 19, 2015 at the Kane County Government Center.
Moved by Ald. Simonian, second by Ald. Maladra
Ald. Simonian provided a brief overview of the proposed event and how it came about and
his desire to bring entertainment options to the downtown. He then introduced Ron Onesti
to come forward and provide the details on what they were requesting of the City for the
event proposed for July 17‐19, 2015. Onesti was requesting in‐kind services for police and fire
in the estimated amount of $10,700. Onesti, through Stockholm’s, was also applying for a
special event liquor license for the duration of the music festival. Onesti stated that he had
been meeting with all of the affected agencies to get approvals. Onesti provided additional
background on his experience in putting on events of this nature and his desire to do so in
Geneva.
While she supported the event in general, Admin. McKittrick explained the reasons that she
was not recommending approval of the in‐kind services, noting that the City did not have
funds budgeted for this and that it was the City’s policy to secure payment for these services
for other groups who require city services whether they are for profit or not‐for‐profit.
Aldermen discussed options on where the funds could come from such as hotel/motel tax.
Tim Vetang and Victor Portincaso, representing the Cultural Arts Commission, stated that
they were concerned initially about the concert taking place the same evening as
“Shakespeare in the Park” but had worked out some of those issues with Mr. Onesti.
Portincaso asked that the council keep the Commission at the forefront of their arts and
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES – MAY 18, 2015 1
culture funding. Additional discussion on the late hours and liquor sales, as well as commuter
train availability that late in the evening to get concert‐goers back home was heard.
Discussion on the possibility of providing the in‐kind services in the following years once it is
determined that it is worthwhile and successful was also brought forward for discussion.
Roll Call: Ayes: 3 Nays: 6 Motion defeated.
3. New Business
McKittrick provided an update on the Route 38 road construction project and the Mayor
provided some information on the format for the upcoming May 26th Special COW.
4. Upcoming Meetings:
Regular Committee of the Whole on Tues., May 26, 2015 at 7pm
5. Closed Session on Collective Negotiating Matters Between Public Employees and Their
Employers.
*CANCELLED*
6. Adjourn
On a motion by Ald. Marks, second by Ald. Simonian, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous
voice vote at 10:42pm.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES – MAY 18, 2015 2
Agenda
SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Monday, May 18, 2015
immediately following
City Council Meeting at 7pm
City Hall Council Chamber
109 James Street
Geneva, IL 60134
1. Call to Order
2. Items of Business
a. Consider Request from Ron Onesti Enterprises for City Contribution Related to Costs
for City Services Including but not Limited to: Police and Fire for Proposed Concerts
July 17, 18 and 19, 2015.
3. New Business
4. Upcoming Meetings:
Regular Committee of the Whole on Tues., May 26, 2015 at 7pm
5. Closed Session on Collective Negotiating Matters Between Public Employees and Their
Employers.
6. Adjourn
AGENDA ITEM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Onesti Proposed Concert Event at Kane County Government Center/Gunnar
Agenda Item:
Anderson Forest Preserve July 17, 18, & 19, 2015 (MIGFest)
Mary McKittrick, City Administrator
Presenter & Title:
Cathleen Tymoszenko, Economic Development Director
Date: May 14, 2015
Please Check Appropriate Box:
Committee of the Whole Meeting X Special Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Council Meeting Special City Council Meeting
Public Hearing Other -
YES
Estimated Cost: ~$10,700 Budgeted?
X NO
If NO, please explain how the item will be funded:
See staff recommendation below.
Executive Summary:
Attached is a timeline of contact information and supporting documentation relative to the event
application from Ron Onesti Entertainment for a three (3) day concert series proposed for July 17, 18, &
19, 2015 to be held at the Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve adjacent to the Kane County Government
Center. Mr. Onesti is requesting financial relief for an estimated cost of $10,700 for public safety (fire
and police) services. The City Administrator/Budget Officer does not support public funds being used for
this purpose based on the following:
The Governor has indicated that the State will take General Fund revenues from municipalities in the
near future. We do not know how much or how soon but the current recommendation would be the
equivalent of ~$1 million, thus affecting our General Fund reserves and/or expenditures.
The FY15-16 budget has reserves that are slightly less (23% or 84 operating days) than City Council
policy of 25% or 90 operating days. A donation to the event would come from General Fund reserves.
The City has not contributed in kind services to special events except for the four (4) Chamber (not for
profit) sponsored festivals (Swedish Days, Art Fair, Festival of the Vine, Christmas Walk). The
Concours d’Elegance is a not for profit but DOES pay for City services associated with that festival.
The MIGFest concert event is for profit. As such this action sets precedent for future requests from all
for profit and not for profit organizers for City funding.
Further, Mr. Onesti is requesting a temporary liquor license from the City. An application has been
received from Michael Oleson of Stockholm’s. The liquor license is administered by the Liquor
Commissioner. This is informational only and not part of the business item for the COW agenda.
Attachments: (please list)
Timeline of contacts/ activities
Various correspondence
Event applications
Miscellaneous documentation regarding the event
Recommendation / Suggested Action: (briefly explain)
Staff recommends denial of the request for financial assistance for the Onesti Concerts/MIGFest
proposed to be held on July 17, 18 & 19, 2015 at Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve/Kane County
Government Center.
Onesti Special Event City Staff Review Timeline
February 5, 2015
Mayor Burns asked CA McKittrick to contact the Forest Preserve to discuss a proposal from Onesti
Entertainment for a concert at Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve behind the KC Government Center.
February 18, 2015
City, County and Forest Preserve staff met to discuss jurisdiction questions pertaining to use of public
property, liquor licensing and ticket sales. Jurisdictions were determined.
February 19, 2015
City staff forwarded special event application to Onesti Entertainment.
March 2, 2015
Onesti met with City staff to complete special event application form. Form was distributed to all
departments for review and comment the following day.
March 11, 2015
Staff review comments were sent to Onesti Entertainment.
April 10, 2015
Mr. Onesti called CA McKittrick to discuss staff review comments and provide more information.
April 17, 2015
Mr. Onesti was sent an email to inform him of the date conflict with GCA Shakespeare in the Park.
April 20, 2015
City received Onesti response letter.
April 22, 2014
City staff participated in a phone conference with county and Forest preserve to discuss status. County
advised that event would not be recommended by staff to Administrative Committee.
April 24, 2015
City met with Onesti to discuss outstanding issues.
May 6, 2015
Mr. Onesti met with Police and Fire Chief to overview public safety needs.
May 11, 2015
Alderman Simonian discussed event at COW
May 13, 2015
Use of County Parking lot approved by Kane County administrative committee. City provided with a
revised event detail sheet. City sent a letter outlining next steps.
May 15, 2015
City received a revised event application and a request for consideration of City participation.