City Council

MINUTES City of Geneva Council Meeting October 10, 2022 6:00 p.m. Mr. Butera opened the Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call – Mario Butera, Robert Rosebrugh, James Baehr, and John Barbo Jeffrey Griffiths arrived at 6:30 p.m. Absent – Philip Cordova, William Baker, Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said and prayer was offered by Clerk of Council, Phyllis Dunlap. Motion was made by James Baehr to approve the minutes of the September 26, 2022 council meeting, seconded by John Barbo. Roll call, 3 yeas, (Butera, Rosebrugh, Baehr), 1 abstention (Barbo). Motion duly passed. Presentation – Zoning Department, Noell Sivertsen Presenting. The City will be meeting with CT Consultants regarding the rewriting of the zoning code. The City is working with residents on code violations, public works department has been assisting. Ms. Sivertsen noted that she will be making a list of all available spaces that are for rent to try to get some of the vacant properties occupied. Mr. Rosebrugh noted that the Geneva Downtown Business Association Economic Development Committee has been compiling a list. Mr. Varckette stated that the issues are numerous and the goal is compliance. Citizens – None. City Manager Report: The West Main Street project did not receive a successful bid. The project rebid is scheduled for October 18, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. The estimated construction cost has been increased to $7million. Factors affecting the cost include market volatility, challenges related to supply. An Ordinance to extend the term of the WPCLF loan will be needed once a successful bid is obtained. A Finance Committee to review the project and financing was scheduled for October 24, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. The revised Gardiner Conservation Project proposal is $605,000. As previously discussed, there is $105,000 that is ARPA eligible; however, it is anticipated that the ARPA funds may be needed for West Main Street project. The Gardiner project is eligible for NOPEC funds of $45,000. The $200,000 in street lighting can be paid from the Street Lighting Fund. The financing needed after the reduction of $245,000 is $360,000. With price volatility Mr. Varckette requested locking in the Gardiner proposal. The debt will be deferred to 2023. There are 800 street lights. 1 Mr. Barbo made a motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Gardiner to proceed with the project. James Baehr seconded the motion. Roll call on passage. 3 yeas (Butera, Barbo, Baehr), 1 nay (Rosebrugh). Per Mr. Pasqualone, the motion duly passed. Mr. Varckette continues to work with department heads on the 2023 budget. The Finance Committee to review the Operating Budget was scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. The Civil Service Commission will be meeting on December 4th at 1:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Items for Consideration of Council: Resolution No. 3552 – Second Reading. A Resolution Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission and Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying them to the County Auditor. Unfinished Business – None. New Business – None. Payment of Bills – None. Committee Reports: Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for October 24, 2022. Finance Committee meeting to discuss the operating budget is scheduled for November 7, 2022. Citizen: Mr. Carpenter Owner of Property on Woodlawn Mr. Carpenter inquired regarding the status of cleaning out the creek and tributaries. Mr. Varckette provided an update. Jeffrey Griffiths made a motion to adjourn. John Barbo seconded the motion Council meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m. Recorded by: Phyllis Dunlap Clerk of Council ___________________________________ President of Council ________________________________ Clerk of Council 2