The Geneseo City Council received updates on a growing issue involving the city’s wind turbines, discussed concerns surrounding automated license plate reader cameras and reviewed the progress of several infrastructure projects during its latest meeting.
Wind Turbine No. 1 was already out of service following a generator failure. City staff reported that Wind Turbine No. 2 has since experienced a separate problem. After a generator speed sensor was replaced and crews attempted to return the turbine to service, its generator breaker tripped. Testing indicated the generator windings appear to be shorted. The generator was sent for further analysis, and the city plans to submit an insurance claim.
The situation has financial implications because the turbines normally provide approximately 11% to 12% of the city’s electricity usage. When that generation is unavailable, the city must purchase replacement electricity through the MISO market at day-ahead or real-time prices. Staff said purchased power associated with one turbine has added roughly $130,000 to $150,000 in costs, with both turbines being offline potentially increasing that figure substantially.
The city is now gathering pricing for a more comprehensive repair project that could include both generators, all six blade bearings, brakes and blade maintenance. Completing the work together could reduce costs by requiring only one crane mobilization. Staff said discussions with the manufacturer indicate parts remain available and that there is still significant useful life remaining in the turbines themselves.
No decision on the repairs was made during the meeting.
State Street Work Nears Completion
Engineering staff reported continued progress on the State Street reconstruction project, with the street and driveways poured and remaining sidewalk work nearing completion. Final cleanup, topsoil and seeding will follow.
Officials credited the contractor for working through recent poor weather as the city approaches the beginning of the school year. During the discussion, officials noted that work originally anticipated to span approximately two construction seasons has largely been completed within one.
The city is also awaiting an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency permit for Well 33. Once that approval is received, the new well can be placed into service.
Meanwhile, engineers continue working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on plans for the Oakwood Landing pedestrian bridge. A 3D rendering showing the proposed bridge and ADA ramps was recently submitted to help clarify elements of the design.
The Ford Road sanitary sewer project has been released to contractors, with bids scheduled to be opened Aug. 19.
Chicago Street Water Main Work Ahead
City crews are preparing to retire an existing four-inch water main along Chicago Street.
Staff explained that crews first need to verify valve locations because existing maps may not precisely reflect conditions underground. Approximately 15 homes could initially be affected during the process of shutting down and confirming the old main.
Once affected properties are identified, crews will install new curb stops and service connections. The city hopes to complete the work this year ahead of additional improvements in the Ford Road area and a planned overlay of Chicago Street next year.
Other upcoming work includes resurfacing the Richmond Hill pickleball courts beginning Aug. 17 and anticipated railroad crossing work on Chicago Street. The city’s new street sweeper is currently expected to arrive Aug. 24.
Flock Cameras Prompt Council Discussion
Council members also discussed concerns residents have raised about the city’s use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras.
The discussion addressed both the law-enforcement benefits of the technology and questions surrounding privacy and access to information collected by the cameras.
City legal counsel discussed Illinois laws governing surveillance and data sharing and acknowledged that there are legitimate concerns surrounding how such systems can be used. The conversation also touched on the broader legal question of whether combining information from numerous public and private cameras over time can amount to an unreasonable search.
Later in the meeting, counsel clarified comments concerning a case involving Texas authorities seeking Illinois Flock data. According to the explanation provided during the meeting, a Texas law enforcement officer misrepresented the reason the information was being requested. Illinois subsequently blocked outside-state access, and Flock entered into an agreement preventing other states from accessing Illinois Flock data.
Officials discussed providing additional information to residents about how Geneseo’s cameras operate and the safeguards surrounding their use.
Budget Discussions Begin Next Month
The council will get its first look at the city’s proposed 2027 budget and capital projects during its Sept. 22 meeting. Water-related rate planning is also expected to be part of that discussion.
Mayor Sean Johnson told council members the meeting will begin a period of significant financial and capital planning decisions for the city.
Katsch Boutique Façade Grant Approved
The council unanimously approved a façade grant application for Katsch Boutique, 113 N. State St., as part of its consent agenda. Previous council meeting minutes were also approved.
Council members also unanimously approved Resolution R-26-15, reappointing Dan Chaff to the Police Pension Board and Jeff Lang to the Police Commission Board.
City Recognizes K9 Kazzy
The meeting also included recognition of the unexpected death of Geneseo Police K9 Kauzi.
Officials acknowledged Kauzi’s handler, Sgt. Jamison Weisser, along with the impact of the loss on the police department and Weisser’s family. Police officials described Kauzi as both a working partner and an important connection between the department and the community.
Kauzi’s appearance at the recent National Night Out event was his final public event for the city.
Johnson also shared an email from a resident praising city employees for their response to storm damage, highlighting coordination among departments following downed trees and branches.
The council concluded the public portion of the meeting by entering executive session to discuss specific personnel. Officials said no action would be taken on the personnel matter that evening.