GENEVA — Geneva City Council met August 11 to review a comprehensive parks master plan and approve several ordinances, including a street lighting assessment that will increase costs for residents.
Parks Vision Unveiled
Architects from Behnke Architects presented an ambitious master plan for Geneva’s park system, revealing the city falls below national standards for parkland. Geneva currently maintains 26 acres across four parks, well below the recommended 36-75 acres for a community of 6,000 residents.
The plan focuses on three city-owned parks: Memorial Park, Eagle Street Park, and Rotary Pavilion Park. Key proposals include transforming Memorial Park from primarily athletic fields to a more diverse recreational space, adding splash pads, expanded playgrounds, and improved walking trails.
“We’d like to see Memorial Park become less of an athletic field and more of a park,” said Jeff from Behnke Architects during the presentation.
The architects also proposed connecting Geneva’s parks through a trail system linking Memorial Park, the high school, and other community assets. However, this would require acquiring privately-owned parcels currently undeveloped along the proposed route.
Street Lighting Costs Rise
Council approved Ordinance 3387, implementing a street lighting assessment that will increase costs for property owners. Finance Director Traci Welch explained the 1.34% assessment rate represents an increase from the previous year due to rising electricity costs and infrastructure needs.
The assessment covers street lighting maintenance, LED conversions, and traffic light operations. Despite questions from council members about the carryover fund requirements, the ordinance passed as an emergency measure.
Water Tower Project Update
City Manager Joseph Varckette provided positive news on the long-debated water tower project. The total $3.5 million project now has $1.728 million in federal grants plus $250,000 in state funding, reducing Geneva’s obligation to just over $500,000.
“Our position improved significantly over the last six months on this project,” Varckette said. The city’s share dropped from 50% to 35% under a renegotiated agreement with the county.
Ongoing Construction Updates
Varckette reported the West Main Street project, now in its 17th month, is nearing completion with the sanitary line work nearly finished. Additional crews have been brought in to accelerate service connections, though this requires continued road closures near Lockwood Avenue.
The ACGP streetscape project phase one bidding was extended to attract more contractors, with completion dates adjusted to November 2025 for park and parking lot work.
Budget Amendments Approved
Council passed Ordinance 3388, amending the 2025 budget through various appropriations and fund transfers. The routine budget adjustment allows for necessary year-end financial management.
Other Business
City Solicitor Gary L. Pasqualone reported primarily handling traffic cases and tax collection matters, with zoning violations down due to improved compliance. He highlighted successful resolution of worker compensation cases and ongoing collaboration with the city manager on various legal matters.
Council also approved renewal of retail liquor permits for local establishments, with objections due by September 2.
Looking Ahead
Next month’s agenda will include presentations from Spire Institute on their revised community park project using $250,000 in redirected capital budget funding, recreation director updates, and police department discussions about canine programs.
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