City Council

MINUTES City of Geneva Council Meeting July 14, 2025 6:05 p.m. President John Barbo opened the Council meeting at 6:05 p.m. Roll Call: John Barbo, Jeffrey Griffiths, William Baker, James Baehr, John Travis, Dana Schenk Absent: Robert Rosebrugh Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was said and prayer was offered by Pastor Harry Pishcura, New Life Assembly of God. Motion was made by James Baehr to approve the minutes of the June 9, 2025, regular council meeting, seconded by Jeffrey Griffiths. Roll call, 6 yeas, (Barbo, Griffiths, Baker, Baehr, Schenk, Travis). Motion duly passed. Motion was made by Dana Schenk to approve the minutes of the June 23, 2025, special council meeting, seconded by Jeffrey Griffiths. Roll call, 6 yeas, (Barbo, Griffiths, Baker, Baehr, Schenk, Travis). Motion duly passed. Presentations – Geneva School Superintendent – Dr. Paul Lombardo Mr. Lombardo is the new superintendent for the Geneva Area School District. Mr. Lombardo currently lives in Concord, has thirty (30) years’ experience in education and provided a brief background of that experience. Mr. Lombardo’s vision for the district is to be the number one district in the area, State. Citizens – None. City Manager Report: West Main Street The City’s ODOT Small Cities application has been submitted. The presentation of the City’s project is scheduled for July 17, 2025. Phase 2 of the West Main Street project is estimated at $3.7 million. The City’s application requested $2 million. Funding announcements are anticipated in September/October with funding available in the Spring of 2028 if awarded. The City’s application for Community Project Funding through the Congressional Appropriation Request for the West Main Phase 2 project was not selected. Phase 1 of West Main Street project is moving along. The Construction Manager will update Council in September. The project is anticipated to be completed at the end of September. Housing Technical Assistance Program (HTAP) Grant Update: The grant agreement is fully executed and a kick-off meeting was held with our Planners for the City’s Comprehensive Plan Update last week. The planning schedule for this project runs from July, 2025 through May 2026 and consists of 4 stages, 3 moths each. The City is in the process of establishing an Advisory Committee of 1 approximately fifteen people. The first meeting is targeted for the end of August. The total project cost is $74,000 with $66,000 being provided by the grant. USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Update The grant agreement has been fully executed with Federal Highway. This project will prepare a Comprehensive Roadway Safety Plan in collaboration with Geneva and Harpersfield Townships. The City is administering the funding working with our partners. The City is working on establishing a Memorandum of Understanding with our partners, preparing a Request for Proposal to seek planners to undertake the plan as well as establishing an Advisory Committee. The City is contemplating utilizing the same Advisory Committee for both projects with the addition of Police, Fire and Street Department representatives for the SS4A. General Park Improvements Plan An initial meeting was held with Behnke Architects to review the concept design. Comments were offered by Mr. Varckette, Myke Anderson, Mr. Griffiths and Kiwanis. Councilman Griffiths attended the last Kiwanis meeting. Behnke is making some adjustments based on that input. Behnke would like to make a presentation to Council on the progress of the plan. Behnke will provide cost estimates; however, it will be up to the City to prioritize projects. August 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. was suggested and approved as the date for the presentation. Appalachian Community Grant Program (ACGP) Streetscape, Phase 1 Phase 1 of the ACGP Streetscape portion will be advertised July 25 and August 1st with the bid opening scheduled for August 8, 2025. Phase 2 will follow the stormwater project along Depot Street. The ACGP project is coordinating Behnke and with the Arborist as well. County’s Decision on the Consolidated County Court Location The City made an offer to the County to retain the court in the City of Geneva. Mr. Pasqualone and Mr. Varckette have had numerous discussions with the County; however, the decision was made to move the court to Jefferson. The building will be vacated in September of 2026. With the City’s offer, over six years, the County would have saved $174,000. The offer and the response are included in the packet as well as the Prosecutor’s letter regarding the lease. As part of the Comprehensive Plan the City will look at the best use of the building whether that is a city function or to market the building. The City originally took over the building in 1999. Grape Jamboree 2025 Letter Seeking City Support The City has received the Grape Jamboree Committee’s request for City Support for the 60th Annual Geneva Grape Jamboree. This year’s event is scheduled for September 27th and 28th. The request included a suspension of the DORA during the event. The City had previously agreed to do so. Council agreed to support the Annual Grape Jamboree. Mr. Pasqualone stated that a vote was not required. Items for Consideration of Council Ordinance No. 3386 – First Reading. An Ordinance to Approve the Editing and Inclusion of Certain Ordinances as Parts of the Various Component Codes of the Codified Ordinances; to Provide for the Adoption of New Matter 2 in the Updated and Revised Codified Ordinances; to Provide for the Publication of Such New Matter; to Repeal Ordinances and Resolutions in Conflict therewith; and to declare an emergency. Resolution No. 3636. A Resolution Adopting the Tax Budget of the City of Geneva for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026 and submitting the same to the County Auditor and declaring an emergency. Motion by Jeffrey Griffiths, seconded by John Travis that the rule of law requiring certain resolutions be read at three separate meetings be waived and suspended and Resolution No. 3636 be on final roll for passage. Roll call, 6 yeas, (Barbo, Griffiths, Baker, Baehr, Travis, Schenk). Motion by James Baehr to declare and pass Resolution No. 3636 as an emergency measure, seconded by Jeffrey Griffiths. Roll call, 6 yeas (Barbo, Griffiths, Baker, Baehr, Travis, Schenk). Roll call on passage, 6 yeas (Barbo, Griffiths, Baker, Baehr, Travis, Schenk). Resolution No. 3636 duly passed Unfinished Business: The County Auditor will attend the September 8th council meeting to talk about the different mechanisms the City has available for assessments and levies. New Business: Councilwoman Schenk stated that she was contacted about vehicles running the stop sign at Eastwood and Centennial. A flashing stop sign was requested. Chief Camper stated that he would station someone there. Payment of Bills – none. Committee Reports – None. Citizen: Councilman Baker stated that the bike racks are impressive. Councilman Griffiths noted that the city has a long history of partnering with the school district. William Baker made a motion to adjourn. John Travis seconded the motion. Council meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m. Recorded by: Phyllis Dunlap Clerk of Council _______________________________ President of Council __________________________________ Clerk of Council 3