The Geneseo City Council met Tuesday, June 9, with updates ranging from infrastructure projects and utility improvements to the status of one of the city's wind turbines.
Wind Turbine Suffers Major Generator Failure
One of Geneseo's wind turbines has been offline since April 30 after a generator fault caused the turbine to shut down.
Utility Director Eric Rowold said city staff discovered the generator windings had shorted out, likely caused by permanent magnets inside the generator breaking loose and damaging internal components. The generator will need to be replaced.
The city has submitted a claim through its mechanical breakdown insurance policy. Officials estimate repair costs will exceed the city's $100,000 deductible. Replacement equipment would likely need to come from Germany and could take six to nine months to obtain.
Council members were told the city is evaluating three possible paths forward:
Replace the generator
Decommission the turbine
Repower the site with a newer turbine system
Staff expect to return later this summer with recommendations and cost information.
Infrastructure Projects Continue Moving Forward
Representatives from IMEG Engineering, the city's engineering consultant, provided updates on several ongoing infrastructure projects.
Construction on the North State Street project remains on schedule. Water main work is complete in Phase 2, and water service installations are complete in Phase 1. Contractors continue coordinating water, storm sewer, and roadway improvements while working around weather conditions.
Council members also received updates on drainage improvements within the Route 6 TIF district and other capital projects currently in various stages of planning and construction.
Water System and Utility Projects Advance
Several utility-related projects continue to move forward throughout the city.
A preliminary engineering report is being prepared for future improvements to the city's water system. A pre-construction meeting for the Chicago Street Lift Station project is underway, and the Ford Road sanitary sewer project has been submitted to the Illinois EPA for review.
Additional testing and source water protection planning for Well 33 are also continuing as the city works toward securing an operating permit.
Public Works staff reported that planning and design work for future phosphorus removal requirements at the wastewater treatment plant is progressing as the city prepares for future regulatory deadlines.
North Water Tower Nearing Completion
Work continues on the rehabilitation of the North Water Tower.
The tower has been out of service for more than a month while crews complete exterior painting and maintenance. City officials expect work to wrap up around June 20 or 21 pending contractor schedules and weather conditions.
Once completed, the tower will feature larger "Geneseo" lettering and a significantly larger city seal than the current design. The project marks the first major exterior rehabilitation since the tower was originally constructed.
Budget and Financial Reports Remain Strong
Finance Director Jamie Schweickhardt presented monthly financial reports and told council members revenues and expenditures are tracking as expected for this point in the fiscal year.
Council members reviewed several city funds, including Social Security, IMRF, workers compensation, and revolving loan accounts. Staff noted that some funds are awaiting annual tax distributions from Henry County that are expected later this month.
The city currently has five active revolving loans outstanding.
City Receives Clean Audit
Representatives from Lauterbach & Amen presented the city's annual audit and reported that Geneseo received an unmodified audit opinion, commonly referred to as a "clean audit."
Auditors reported no significant deficiencies in internal controls and no findings related to financial reporting.
The city's General Fund increased by approximately $1.4 million during the fiscal year, ending with a fund balance of roughly $11.4 million.
The audit remains in draft form pending final pension information, but auditors indicated they do not anticipate material changes to the final report.
Summer Events Approaching
City Administrator Brandon Maeglin highlighted several upcoming community events.
The annual Thrill on the Hill celebration returns July 3 and will feature live music from The Collective, a band known for performing popular hits from the 1970s and 1980s.
The popular Shoot the Loop cruise nights are scheduled for June 13, July 11, and August 8.
Council members were also informed that Senator Arellano will host a legislative update session June 30 at the Geneseo Public Library.
Additional Updates
Several other community and equipment updates were discussed during the meeting.
Landscaping and fountain improvements continue outside City Hall, while the recently completed Richmond Hill stage project was officially celebrated with a ribbon cutting recognizing Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Hannah for her work on the project.
The city has also received new park maintenance equipment, including mowers, while a new street sweeper is expected to arrive later this month.
Two new police vehicles have been manufactured and are currently awaiting final outfitting before being placed into service.
Looking Ahead
Council members are expected to revisit options for the damaged turbine later this summer as repair estimates and insurance information become available, while infrastructure projects across the city continue moving forward through the construction season.