Deputy chief selection update and several major infrastructure projects are also on the agenda
The Geneseo City Council will meet Tuesday, August 11, with a downtown façade improvement grant, police board appointments and an update on the selection of a new deputy police chief among the items scheduled for consideration.
The regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Katsch Boutique Façade Grant
Council members are scheduled to consider final approval of a façade improvement grant for Katsch Boutique, 113 N. State St.
The project carries an estimated total cost of $10,937.75 and is intended to address deteriorating façade boards, peeling paint and a torn awning. Plans include exterior painting, wood repairs and replacement of the awning.
The Committee of the Whole unanimously recommended the application at its July 28 meeting, with the City providing up to $5,468.88 through its 50/50 matching façade improvement program. The application now appears on Tuesday's consent agenda.
Deputy Police Chief Selection
Police Chief Casey Disterhoft is also scheduled to provide an update on the City's deputy chief selection process.
The update comes as the Police Department continues to work through staffing and recruitment efforts. At the July 14 meeting, Disterhoft and Mayor Sean Johnson discussed the nationwide shortage of law enforcement officers and the City's efforts to recruit qualified candidates.
Police Board Reappointments
Council will also consider Resolution R-26-15, which would reappoint two members to City police-related boards.
Jeffrey Lang is proposed for a three-year term on the Police Commission, running through August 11, 2029. Dan Schaaf is proposed for a two-year term on the Police Pension Board, running through August 11, 2028.
Two Wind Turbines Now Have Generator Problems
The City's regular project report contains a notable new development: both of Geneseo's wind turbines are now dealing with generator issues.
Wind Turbine #1 has been out of service since a generator failure April 30. The City submitted an insurance claim, and according to the latest report, Chubb has issued $855,151 toward generator replacement along with another $50,000 for lost revenue. The City has also received a quote to decommission the tower.
At the July 28 meeting, council members discussed whether to repair or decommission the 17-year-old turbine.
Since that discussion, Wind Turbine #2 experienced a generator failure July 30. City power plant staff testing indicated a short in the generator windings, with results sent to Vensys for analysis. An insurance claim is expected once those findings are verified.
No formal decision on either turbine appears on Tuesday's agenda.
Other City Projects Moving Forward
Council will receive updates on a number of ongoing infrastructure projects.
Among them, the City's North State Street reconstruction has reached another milestone. Road pavement is complete, while seven driveways, the remaining half of the sidewalks and landscaping were still outstanding as of August 7.
Work is also approaching on several other projects, including resurfacing of the City's pickleball courts during the week of August 17 and Chicago Street concrete patching, which has been delayed by weather.
The Ford Road sanitary sewer extension and lift station is moving toward construction as well. Bid documents have been released, with bids scheduled to open August 19 and council consideration of a contract anticipated at a special meeting August 25.
The City also continues to await Illinois Department of Natural Resources approval for the proposed pedestrian bridge at Oakwood Landing. The project is designed to provide a pedestrian crossing over Geneseo Creek near State Street and Oakwood Avenue.
Water System Planning Continues
Planning for Geneseo's future water supply also remains underway.
IMEG is developing three alternatives for a preliminary engineering report associated with the City's proposed sixth well and future water treatment facilities. Meanwhile, documents for Well #33 — the City's fifth well — are complete, with the project awaiting an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency permit.
Meeting Information
The Geneseo City Council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 11, in the Council Chambers at 115 S. Oakwood Ave.
The meeting includes two opportunities for public comment. Under City ordinance, speakers may provide comments for up to three minutes, although the comment periods are not interactive question-and-answer sessions with council members or staff.
Also on the agenda: the Chamber of Commerce and engineering reports, election packet information from the City Clerk, the Treasurer's Report, Budget Book and capital asset presentations, and approval of approximately $561,335 in City and utility bills.