Carbondale Reporter

City of Genoa City Council met Aug. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Pro Tem Pulley called the meeting of the City Council to order at 6:30pm followed by roll call. Aldermen Pulley, Stage, Winter, Gudeman and Roca were present. Alderman Wesner, Braheny and Mayor Brust were absent. Quorum present.

Mayor Pro Tem Pulley led the pledge of allegiance.

GUEST SPEAKERS – None

PUBLIC COMMENT – None

OLD BUSINESS – None

CONSENT AGENDA

Alderman Stage made a motion to approve of items 1-9 within the consent agenda, seconded by Alderman Winter. No further discussion. Aldermen Pulley, Stage, Winter, Gudeman and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JULY 16 , 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING

2. APPROVAL OF THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLES DATED JULY 31, 2025

3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 6, 2024, EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING

4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 5, 2025, EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING

5. APPROVE THE USE OF CENTRAL PARK FOR A CELEBRATION OF LIFE ON AUGUST 9TH FROM 12PM TO 7PM

6. APPROVE THE USE OF THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT BY PRAIRIE STATE WINERY ON AUGUST 22, 2025, FROM 7AM-10PM

7. APPROVE THE EXPENSE OF AN NPDES PERMIT FROM THE USEPA, NOT TO EXCEED $10,500

8. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO PURCHASE CHEMICAL TANKS AND RADARS FOR THE IRON FILTRATION FACILITY FROM HAWKINS CHEMICAL GROUP, NOT TO EXCEED $11, 452.24

9. APPROVE A STIPULATED AGREEMENT 2382 WITH THE STATE OF ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION AND CANADIAN PACIFIC FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CANADIAN PACIFIC RAIL LINE AT BROWN STREET

NEW BUSINESS:

UPDATE ON 2025 STREET FUNDING PRESENTATION AND SURVEY

Public Works Director Smith gave the council an update on the 2025 Street Funding Presentation and Survey. There was information on how the survey was put out to residents, when they responded, how many responses were received and what their responses were. Smith explained that overall, the results so far have been very positive, and residents have shown appreciation for the city’s efforts.

APPROVE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING VARIATIONS FROM THE CITY OF GENOA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 365 SOUTH HADSALL STREET (JURSICH APPLICATION)

Alderman Winter made a motion to approve an ordinance approving variations from the City of Genoa UDO, seconded by Alderman Gudeman. City Administrator Seguss explained a little more about variance request and let the council know that the Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval along with neighbors of the property. No further discussion. Aldermen Pulley, Stage, Winter, Gudeman and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING MAY 1, 2024, AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2025, FOR THE CITY OF GENOA, DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Alderman Stage made a motion to approve the ordinance amending the annual budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2024, and ending April 30, 2025, seconded by Alderman Winter. No further discussion. Aldermen Pulley, Stage, Winter, Gudeman and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

APPROVE A RESOLUTION OBJECTING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO SUNVEST SOLAR, LLC TO ALLOW A 5-MEGAWATT COMMERCIAL SOLAR FACILITY AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF STATE ROUTE 72 AND PLEASANT HILL ROAD

Alderman Winter made a motion to approve a resolution objecting to the issuance of a special use permit to Sunvest Solar, LLC, seconded by Alderman Gudeman. City Administrator Seguss explained that despite this property being outside of the city’s jurisdiction, it falls under the city’s Land Use Map that was created due to its close proximity to city limits. According to the Land Use Map that was created alongside the Comprehensive Plan in 2023, community stakeholders had wished that the area become residential versus commercial. Because of the solar farm not fitting that mold, and the special use permit being potentially issued for a property within 1.5 miles of the city, the city has the option to object to the issuance of the permit. City Administrator Seguss did explain to the council that even if the council objects to the issuance, there is a very small chance that it would actually stop the permit from being issued. A representative from Sunvest Solar, LLC, also came before the council to answer some questions they had. No further discussion. Aldermen Winter, Stage and Pulley voted yes. Alderman Roca abstained. Alderman Gudeman voted no. Motion carried.

CITY OF GENOA

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-

Resolution Objecting to the Issuance of a Special Use Permit to SunVest Solar, LLC to Allow a 5-Megawatt Commercial Solar Facility at the Southeast Corner of State Route 72 and Pleasant Hill Road

WHEREAS, SunVest Solar LLC, has filed an application for issuance of a special use permit from the County of DeKalb (“County”) to allow the establishment and operation of a 5-megawatt commercial solar facility under the DeKalb County Code(“Code”); and

WHEREAS, the property in question consists of one parcel totaling 43.25 acres located at the southeast corner of State Route 72 and Pleasant Hill Road, in Kingston Township (the “Property”); and

WHEREAS, this property is currently zoned A-1; and

WHEREAS, the Property is located within the City of Genoa’s facilities planning area and is within the 1½ mile planning jurisdiction of the City of Genoa, an Illinois municipal corporation and is subject to the City of Genoa’s Land Use Map.

WHEREAS, the City of Genoa adopted a Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Map in early 2024; and

WHEREAS, residents, business owners, and community leaders carefully considered land use designations for the Land Use Map; and

WHEREAS, the Property is labeled “Estate Density Residential” within the 2023 Land Use Map; and

WHEREAS, approval of a Special Use Permit for a 43-acre commercial solar farm conflicts with the City’s Land Use Map;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Genoa, DeKalb County, that the application by SunVest Solar, LLC for a special use permit is inconsistent with the City of Genoa’s Comprehensive Land Use Map, and as follows:

Now Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the CITY OF GENOA, DeKalb County, Illinois, that City of Genoa formally objects to the proposed special use permit request as it is inconsistent with the City of Genoa’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Map.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk file a copy of this Resolution with the DeKalb County Clerk and send a copy, by certified mail, to the Petitioner and the Petitioner’s Attorney.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk spread these Resolutions upon the minutes of the August 6, 2025, meeting of the City Council.

FUTURE ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION – Alderman Gudeman brought up a potential parking violation in the Oak Creek subdivision that has caused safety issues for residents. Chief Hathcoat explained that he will have Auxiliary Officer Sunderlage look into it as she has been working on code enforcement. Alderman Stage also brought up an ordinance violation of extremely tall weeds/grass. City Administrator Seguss and Public Works Director Smith explained that the property has since been mowed by Public Works and there is an open property maintenance case for the property as well.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

FINANCE:

Finance Director Tures gave an update on the current fiscal year’s budget. She explained that although it is early in the fiscal year everything is trending correctly.

PUBLIC WORKS:

Public Works Director Smith let the council know that year one of the Trip Hazard Removal Plan has been completed with 152 trip hazards being removed in the Riverbend and Willow Glen subdivisions. He explained that in previous years there were about 30 trip hazards removed per year. They were able to do this successfully due to the sidewalk inventory that was done last year along with getting more competitive pricing so that more hazards could be repaired at one time. They will also be focusing on deteriorating sidewalks starting near Chamberlain and working their way out. Additionally, Smith gave an update on the Lead Service Line Replacement Project.

POLICE:

Chief Hathcoat gave an overview of calls, arrests, citations and traffic stops for the month of July highlighting some of the bigger reports taken. He told the council about recent and upcoming training that officers will be partaking in as well such as Rapid Response Deployment and Taser 10 Certification. Chief Hathcoat also talked about the first annual National Night Out that the department held on August 5th at Chamberlain Park.

ADMINISTRATION:

City Administrator Seguss let the council know that the general fund (operational fund of the city) is almost completely balanced for the upcoming fiscal year. She also gave updates on upcoming meetings including the Economic Development Committee and the Public Forum for street improvements.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – None

CLOSED SESSION

Alderman Roca made a motion to enter into closed session for the purpose of reviewing the minutes of the previous closed session and for the purpose of discussing pending litigation, seconded by Alderman Stage. No further discussion. Aldermen Pulley, Stage, Winter, Gudeman and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

RECONVENE REGULAR SESSION

Alderman Winter made a motion to reconvene the meeting of the city council, seconded by Alderman Roca. No further discussion. Aldermen Pulley, Stage, Winter, Gudeman and Roca voted yes. Motion carried.

Motion to adjourn the meeting of the City Council was made by Alderman Winter, seconded by Alderman Roca. Voice vote was taken, all voted yes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:49pm.

https://www.genoa-il.com/media/4306