Geneseo city officials will hold both a Committee of the Whole Meeting and a Special City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 28, with discussions ranging from passenger rail and downtown improvements to a proposed amendment to the city's construction noise ordinance.
The Committee of the Whole begins at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers and will be followed immediately by a Special City Council Meeting to consider action on the proposed noise ordinance before moving into executive session.
Unlike regular City Council meetings, the Committee of the Whole is primarily intended for discussion and information gathering. While one item is expected to move forward with a recommendation for approval, most of the evening's agenda is scheduled for discussion only.
Passenger Rail Project Update
One of the evening's most anticipated discussions will focus on the Chicago-to-Quad Cities passenger rail project and the proposed Geneseo station.
City Administrator Brandon Maeglin's report says the discussion is intended to provide council members with a comprehensive historical overview of Geneseo's involvement before any future decisions are made regarding city-owned property or participation in the project. Denise Bulat, Executive Director of the Bi-State Regional Commission, is expected to provide the presentation.
The report outlines several milestones in the project:
The City formally endorsed passenger rail service in 2009.
Geneseo purchased the proposed station property in 2017 for $260,000.
The Spring Street railroad crossing closed in 2021 as part of corridor planning.
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has indicated Geneseo would have design input on a future station and would oversee construction contracting before being reimbursed by the state. Long-term maintenance, however, would become a municipal responsibility under a future intergovernmental agreement.
The report also provides an update on the federal funding situation.
According to city documents, IDOT recently met with the Federal Railroad Administration seeking an extension on the remaining $78 million balance of the original $177 million federal rail grant, which expires July 31. The report states the remaining funds continue to include the proposed Geneseo station within the project's scope.
Because that extension request remains pending, IDOT officials will not attend Tuesday's meeting. The agency has committed to presenting publicly after the federal decision is finalized.
No action is scheduled on the rail discussion.
Wind Turbine No. 1
The Committee will also begin discussing options for Wind Turbine No. 1 following the failure of one of its generators.
According to the agenda, Electric Director Rowold will begin outlining potential options for the City Council regarding how to address the failed generator. No vote is scheduled.
Katsch Boutique Façade Grant
Council members are expected to consider recommending approval of a façade improvement grant for Katsch Boutique, located at 113 N. State Street.
The application seeks up to $5,468.88 in 50/50 matching funds through the City's façade improvement program.
According to the application, the project includes:
Repairing deteriorated façade boards
Repainting the storefront
Replacing a worn striped awning
Repairing deteriorating wood
Updating front window vinyl lettering
The total project is estimated at $10,937.75, with the goal of creating "a new, vibrant and attractive exterior."
Special Meeting to Consider Construction Noise Ordinance
Immediately following the Committee of the Whole meeting, the City Council will convene a Special City Council Meeting to consider Ordinance O-26-13, which would amend the City's loud and unnecessary noise ordinance.
Currently, construction work and the operation of loud machinery in residential areas are prohibited between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The proposed amendment would keep the 7 a.m. start time as the standard, but create an exception allowing construction associated with city-issued building permits to begin at 6 a.m. between June 1 and September 30 in residential areas.
According to the agenda report, the proposal follows recent complaints about early morning construction activity. City staff note that 6 a.m. starts have historically been common during the summer months, allowing construction crews to avoid extreme afternoon heat while improving worker safety and productivity. Staff said the amendment is intended to balance those operational needs with the peace and quiet of residential neighborhoods.
Following consideration of the ordinance, the Council is scheduled to enter executive session to discuss pending or probable litigation before returning to open session and adjourning.
Bills Total More Than $233,000
Council members are also scheduled to review and approve approximately $233,236.70 in city and utility bills.
The largest category is Electric at $157,830.60, followed by Public Safety at $23,599.60, Health Insurance at $9,846.02, and Streets at $8,941.84.
Public comment will be accepted at both meetings for agenda items, with additional public comment available near the end of the Committee of the Whole meeting. Under City ordinance, speakers are limited to three minutes.