Geneseo City Council members acted Tuesday, Sept. 22, on several projects and proposals previously discussed during the Committee of the Whole meeting.
$8 million US 6 project moves forward
Council members moved forward with the city's agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the approximately $8.05 million US 6/West Main Street improvement project planned for 2027.
The project includes resurfacing, ADA improvements, traffic signal upgrades, parking improvements, and utility work.
City supports another Oakwood bridge application
Council also approved moving forward with another Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant application for the proposed Oakwood pedestrian bridge.
During the discussion, council member Keith Kennett raised the bridge as a life-safety issue, while council member Martin Rothschild said the city was being proactive rather than reactive in pursuing the project.
City Administrator Brandon Maeglin expressed hope that the application would demonstrate the city's commitment to completing the bridge and help secure funding during this grant cycle. Maeglin also continued encouraging residents and businesses in the affected area to complete the city's survey.
E-bike discussion focuses on enforcement
Council members continued reviewing proposed changes to Geneseo's rules for e-bikes, electric scooters, and other electric micromobility devices ahead of changes in state law taking effect Jan. 1.
Much of Tuesday's discussion focused on how some of the requirements would work in practice.
Council member Craig Arnold raised concerns about how minimum-age requirements could be monitored and enforced. City Attorney Derke Price discussed requirements established under state law as well as parental responsibility when parents facilitate violations.
The ordinance remains under development and was not adopted Tuesday.
Capital plan reviewed
Council members also reviewed the city's multi-year capital improvement plan and Waterworth modeling. Waterworth is financial modeling software used to anticipate future utility costs and rate needs.
The discussion provided council members with a look at anticipated projects, equipment purchases, and other needs across city departments in 2027 and future years. The capital plan serves as a planning document rather than authorization for every expenditure included in it.
Swanson encourages residents to follow council discussions
Council member Kent Swanson encouraged more residents to attend council meetings and hear the discussion behind city decisions.
Swanson said issues such as rate increases can look different when residents see only the final number rather than hearing the reasoning behind it. He acknowledged that residents also watch meetings from home but said he wished more people would follow the discussions to better understand the city's goals and the circumstances council members are working with.
The comments echoed the discussion surrounding Monday night's Oakwood bridge meeting, where city officials heard directly from residents and provided additional information about the proposed project.
Tuesday's meeting can be viewed through the City of Geneseo's YouTube channel.
Watch for more information on Geneseo’s Five-Year Capital Plan, New E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulations, and Major US 6 Improvements. Coming this week on The Geneseo Current.