City Council

MINUTES City of Geneva Council Meeting February 24, 2025 6:01 p.m. President John Barbo opened the Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call – John Barbo, Robert Rosebrugh, Jeffrey Griffiths, James Baehr, William Baker, John Travis Absent: Dana Schenk Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was said, followed with prayer by Pastor Raymond Baker. Minutes: None. Presentations – Finance Department, Traci Welch Presenting. Ms. Welch presented council with a spreadsheet, reviewing the 2023-2024 revenue (not including carryover) and expenses (including encumbrances) and explaining the larger increases and decreases in revenue and expenses. With no questions from council Ms. Welch concluded her presentation. Citizens: Jim Cowan 407 W. Main Street, Geneva Mr. Cowan stated that he was here to get an update on the wood burner at 393 W. Main Street Mr. Barbo stated the zoning inspector was evaluating and compiling information from other communities. Solicitor Pasqualone stated he has a call in to the county Health Department, saying even if there was legislation put in place, it’s a possibility that the wood burners already in place would be grandfathered in. City Manager Report: 1 Main Street (WMS) Project update: a. Progress Meeting #11 Minutes have been emailed to Council members b. Progress Meeting #12 is scheduled for March 12, 2025 at 10 AM in Council Chambers 2. ODNR Div. of Forestry Notice: FYI- We are in receipt of a letter from the ODNR (copy enclosed} basically putting us on notice that the funding we were awarded through the Division of Forestry "might be impacted by the review of programs as part of federal Executive Orders...". The letter goes on to state, "I want you to make informed decisions regarding continued grant expenditures, because I cannot guarantee reimbursement of those expenditures if the status of the grant changes". Please know we have reached out to our Arborist (who's being funded under this grant} and asked him to pause all new activities until further notice. It is our intent to pay him for services rendered to date, but until we know the status of the grant going forward, no additional expenditures will be accepted. 3. Appalachian Community Grant Program (ACGP) Facade Project: There was a kickoff meeting held last 1  Thursday with the newly procured Construction Management team LDA Architects, and several Applicants of the Storefront Improvement (Facade} Project. Also in attendance were representatives of the county Landbank, Eastgate (grant administrator} and the County 503 Corp. The applicants had an opportunity to hear from LDA about the process going forward and set up meeting times when the applicant and LDA can get together to start looking at their projects. We will be reaching out to anyone who was not at the kickoff meeting so we can start talking about next steps. As a reminder, The Facade budget is $583,000 and the construction services fee for LDA is covered by the Landbank. 4. Dispatch Services Agreement Renew al , GOTL: The three (3) year Dispatch Services Agreement with the Village of GOTL is expiring at the end of April, 2025. Both parties are in agreement that the services provided are mutually beneficial and would like to extend the agreement an additional three (3) years. The total annual fee for service in 2024 was $36,500. As in the previous agreement, there will be a slight fee increase each of the three years through 2028.Without objection, I would like to add a Resolution seeking Authorization to enter into the Agreement on the next council agenda. 5. Ashtabula County EMA Hazard Mitigation Plan Update: FYI- As I am part of the Hazard Mitigation Plan- Update Planning Committee, I will be participating in the update process, which is now under way. In accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, an update is required every five (5} years if covered communities are to remain eligible to receive funding under, FEMA’S mitigation-related grant programs. Our goal throughout this process is to start updating the status of mitigation projects and strategies contained in the current plan. I was also part of the update process five years ago, when the committee last convened. I will keep council apprised of the progress as we move forward. Items For Consideration of Council: None presented Unfinished Business: None New Business: Mr. Rosebrugh as the Chair of the Finance Committee moved that Ordinances #3381 and 3382 be added to the agenda for the next meeting. Mr. Griffiths presented a Proclamation declaring the month of February in 2025 Black History Month. Payment of Bills: Committee Reports: None Citizens: Lowell Beaudoin 160 Raymond Drive and Janice Cook 129 Raymond Drive. Both have complaints of cars turning in their driveway due to Raymond being a dead-end street. Mr. Beaudoin stated he has asked for the signs to be moved closer to Rt. 534 so cars know there is no 2 exit and was told the signs can’t be moved. Mr. Varckette stated he will check on the No Exit signs. Mr. Beaudoin also asked about the aged signs that were removed. Mr. Varckette stated it is being reviewed with hopes of finding answers concerning the signs. William Baker made a motion to adjourn. John Travis seconded the motion. Council meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Recorded by: Ella Stanton Acting Clerk of Council President of Council Clerk of Council 3