Carbondale Reporter

City of Genoa City Council met Sept. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Brust called the meeting of the City Council to order at 6:31pm followed by roll call. Alderman Wesner, Pulley, Freund, Stage, Winter, Braheny, Hughes and Roca were present. Quorum present.

Mayor Brust led the pledge of allegiance.

GUEST SPEAKERS – None

PUBLIC COMMENT – None

OLD BUSINESS – None

CONSENT AGENDA

Alderman Roca made a motion to approve of items 1-3 within the consent agenda, seconded by Alderman Stage. No further discussion. Alderman Wesner, Pulley, Freund, Stage, Winter, Braheny, Hughes and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 4, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING

2. APPROVAL OF THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLES DATED SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

3. APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GENOA, DEKALB COUNTY ILLINOIS TO DECLARE CERTAIN PROPERTY AS SURPLUS AND APPROVING THE DISPOSAL OR SALE OF SAID PROPERTY

NEW BUSINESS:

APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF TWO 2025 FORD EXPLORER INTERCEPTORS TOTALING $157,694 FROM SUTTON FORD

Alderman Wesner made a motion to approve the purchase, seconded by Alderman Pulley. There was a brief discussion who would be outfitting the vehicles. No further discussion. Alderman Wesner, Pulley, Freund, Stage, Winter, Braheny, Hughes and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF ONE PETERBILT CAB AND CHASSIS THROUGH SOURCEWELL FROM JX TRUCK CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $156,066.53 AND APPROVING THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION THROUGH SOURCEWELL TO FABRICATE AND INSTALL A DUMP BOX, SNOWPLOW AND ANTI-ICING EQUIPMENT ON ONE TRUCK CHASSIS FROM MONROE IN THE AMOUNT OF $117,628

Alderman Pulley made a motion to approve the purchases, seconded by Alderman Roca. There was a discussion regarding where the funds for these purchases are coming from. Public Works

Director Smith explained this and informed the council that this truck will be replacing one of the current trucks at public works that needs a lot of work. No further discussion. Alderman Wesner, Pulley, Freund, Stage, Winter, Braheny, Hughes and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

APPROVE A MASTER CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GENOA AND ENGINEERING ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED (EEI) FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

Alderman Stage made a motion to approve a master contract between the city and EEI, seconded by Alderman Pulley. Mayor Brust explained that this master contract will help the city be more efficient when it comes to smaller engineering purposes. Although this master contract is only with EEI, it will serve as a basis to creating master contracts with all the engineering services the city works with. This contract will not supersede the purchasing policy that the city has in place.

DISCUSS A DRAFT ORDINANCE RELATED TO THE KEEPING OF CHICKENS

Mayor Brust explained that after looking at surrounding communities’ ordinances pertaining to the keeping of chickens, the city came up with a draft ordinance to serve as a discussion piece for the topic. The aldermen, Mayor, Public Works Director, and Sergeant Schuring had a long discussion on the various pros and cons relating to allowing residents to keep chickens and the limitations that should be put on them. Overall, the council was fairly divided on their opinions surrounding the idea, but the consensus seemed to be that if they are allowed, the ordinance needs to be restrictive on what properties should be able to have them, how many permits are allowed, how many chickens are allowed, and the placement/condition of the chicken coop on a property. Mayor Brust explained that over the next few weeks there will be another ordinance drafted and this will be discussed again at a future meeting. He urged the aldermen to talk with residents in their wards to get their opinions surrounding the topic.

FUTURE ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION – Alderman Hughes brought up the subject of EarthCam to the council, which is something that had been discussed before, and involves a camera being installed downtown to put out a 24/7 livestream that could be viewed by anyone around the world. He wanted to know if other aldermen had looked into it further and wanted to pursue it. The aldermen had a discussion on the topic, but it was decided that the cost of the program outweighed the benefit that it would bring to the city. There is potential to look into more cost-effective programs of similar nature that could be discussed at a future meeting.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

FINANCE:

Finance Director Tures announced that Sikich will be at the next council meeting to do the annual audit presentation.

PUBLIC WORKS:

Public Works Director Smith gave the council updates on the street projects happening within the city such as First, Prairie, Hickory and Evans, along with Sycamore and West Hill. He also mentioned that they anticipate the water project to begin next month for filter rehabilitations.

POLICE:

Sergeant Schuring told the council that training has been going well for new officers King and Gonzalez.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – None

Motion to adjourn the meeting of the City Council was made by Alderman Wesner, seconded by Alderman Roca. Voice vote was taken, all voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:10pm.

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