Summer 2018 City Of Geneva Newsletter

Since 2017, nearly 100 events have been hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and City together, retailers, restaurants, external event organizers and multiple non-profit organizations. The City of Geneva has proven time and time again that our community is a place to have fun, celebrate and do good.

This week is no different as the 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Theatre on Ice National Championships are being held Wednesday to Saturday, June 27-30 at the Fox Valley Ice Arena. More than 1,500 athletes representing more than 80 teams from nearly every corner of the country are competing to earn the honor of representing the United States at the 2018 World Nations Cup Theatre on Ice competition in Marseilles, France.

A blend of artistry and athleticism, Theatre on Ice is a unique demonstration of talent and dedication by athletes of all ages. So, as the weather heats up, may you find the cool confines of the Fox Valley Ice Arena for the hottest ticket in town!

Geneva is proud to be the host community for this extraordinary event, and I personally invite you to join me in cheering on all the competitors this week. You can find a schedule of events for the 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Theatre on Ice National Championships online. Hope to see you there.

My best,

Kevin Burns
Mayor

Geneva's New Garbage Provider Lakeshore Recycling Starts Next Week

Lakeshore Recycling Systems trucks are prepared to roll into Geneva starting in July to haul away garbage as part of a new five-year contract with the City.

Residents will still have the option to "pay-as-you-throw" using one refuse sticker per bag/32-gallon can or can opt to use a garbage cart that carries a monthly fee. Garbage pickup will remain on the same Thursday-Friday schedule, although Lakeshore Recycling's first collection will take place one day later than normal due to the Independence Day holiday.

Full program details about garbage, recycling and more can be found on the City's website. Residents who have questions also can contact Lakeshore's customer service department by calling 630-581-8650 or sending them an email.

TRANSITION PLAN
All homes serviced by the Lakeshore contract will be receiving a free 65-gallon recycling cart this week.

Lakeshore's light blue refuse stickers are now available to purchase at Geneva City Hall, 22 S. First St.; the City's Finance Division, 15 S. First St.; and participating retail locations. Lakeshore also will be honoring the yellow Advanced Disposal stickers through the end of July.

Residents who currently are utilizing a garbage cart with Advanced Disposal will be receiving the same size model from Lakeshore. People desiring a new recycling or garbage cart size can do so for free by contacting Lakeshore's customer service department prior to Friday, Aug. 31.

Beginning in July, prices for both stickers (which will now be $2.60) and monthly subscription cart fees will be lower than they were in 2013. The cost of 20-gallon bags also will be dropping by 21 cents per bag. Full pricing for the duration of the Lakeshore contract is available on the City's website.

New Garbage Contract Offers New Services For Geneva Residents

Geneva residents will save money and see several new service enhancements as the City transitions its refuse program to Lakeshore Recycling Systems.

Yard waste will be picked up on a weekly basis on people's normal garbage collection day beginning with the third full week of March through November. For the first two weeks of the program, residents will be able to dispose of yard waste for free each year. Stickers will need to be affixed to the Kraft brown paper bags for the remainder of the season. Yard waste carts also are available for an additional cost.

Lakeshore will be providing curbside electronics recycling pickup on a weekly basis for residents. Refuse stickers will need to be attached to recycle the following items:

Item	Size	Required Stickers
Televisions & monitors	Any size	15 stickers
Large bundles	Small box under 50 pounds	5 stickers
Single item/small bundles	Shoe box	1 sticker

Geneva residents still can use Kane County's weekday electronics recycling drop-off site and monthly collection events to safety recycle old or unwanted devices.

Another new option is the food scrap program. Residents will be able to dispose of certain food and other permitted items in their yard waste bags (with a refuse sticker) filled with grass, leaves and other garden materials. A list of accepted items has been posted to the City's website. People also can use their yard waste cart to dispose of eligible food scraps.

Christmas tree collection, household hazardous materials, curbside leaf collection and brush programs all will remain the same. The City has contracts with different vendors for the latter three services.

Advanced Disposal Removing Carts After Pickup This Week

As Geneva's garbage contract with Advanced Disposal winds down to a close this month, residents should place their Advanced Disposal garbage and recycling carts - full or empty - at the curb on their normal garbage day the week of June 25.

All Advanced Disposal carts will be removed following the final trash pickup. Residents should leave the carts at the curb and not bring them back into their garage since a separate truck will be collecting them once they are emptied.

For residents who may be on vacation and cannot arrange for a neighbor to put the carts out at the curb, contact Advanced Disposal's customer service department via email or by calling 630-587-8282.

Although Lakeshore Recycling will be delivering their own carts this week, residents should be using Advanced Disposal carts and garbage stickers through the end of June. Many retail locations have stopped selling Advanced Disposal stickers given the upcoming vendor transition, but people can purchase them at City Hall, 22 S. First St., or at the City's Finance Division, 15 S. First St.

The vast majority of Advanced Disposal customers received their last quarterly bill that paid for service through the end of June several months ago. However, there are some residents on a separate billing cycle that was invoiced for services through August. For these affected customers, Advanced Disposal will be closing their accounts at the end of June and issuing refunds for the remaining two months. Customers who have not received a refund by Wednesday, Aug. 1 should contact Advanced Disposal's customer service department.

New Utility Bills To Debut In Mid-July; Online Account Security Upgrade Coming Soon

The City will release two utility account upgrades to customers that will provide a greater understanding of their bill and more secure access via the online account portal.

The City is switching to a new utility bill printing vendor in mid-July which will reduce our production costs by 43 percent going forward. The change also presents an opportunity to take a fresh look at the current bill layout. The redesigned look will feature graphs of historic electric and water usage, a section showing summary transactions on the account and a more visually appealing format. The last utility bill redesign took place in 2012.

In an effort to improve security, the City also will be updating its online utility bill portal. The portal will now require customers to enter a username and password to login to their account. Instructions on how to create the new login information will be posted on the City's Pay My Utility Bill webpage in the coming weeks. Once a customer has accessed their account, there will be a few notable changes including: the top of the page displaying the total amount due and the monthly utility bill message will be on the account summary page.

The online upgrade will be extremely beneficial to customers with multiple properties in Geneva who now will be able to add all their utility bill accounts under one login. Stay tuned for details in GenevaMail, the City's website and social media accounts.

For more information, call the City of Geneva Finance Division at 630-232-0854.

Mike Clements Appointed New 2nd Ward Alderman

The Geneva City Council approved Mayor Kevin Burns' appointment of Mike Clements to fill the vacant 2nd Ward alderman seat at a special meeting June 25.

Alderman Clements is vice-president of research and development for Meyer Capital Management in Barrington and has worked in the finance industry for the past 15 years developing, implementing and executing quantitative trading strategies. Previously, he was a research associate on the DZero particle physics experiment at Fermilab.

"Alderman Clements and his family have long invested their time and talent to serve Geneva," Mayor Burns said. "I'm honored that the City Council recognizes Mike's record of service by welcoming him to the City Council by a unanimous vote of confidence."

Alderman Clements and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Geneva in 2013 after the birth of their son. He has acted as a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GAL) advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children since 2015. Alderman Clements also serves on the CASA Kane County's Chairman Advisory Panel. The active Western Avenue School volunteer had expressed interest in the Geneva City Council when he ran for a seat in the 2017 election.

"Geneva is a distinct community filled with a rich history, wonderful people, fantastic businesses and many special traditions," Alderman Clements said. "I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve our City and look forward to building upon its strengths while also laying new foundations to support a vibrant future."

Aldermen Clements appointment carries through next year, and he will have the option to run in the April 2, 2019 election for a four-year term. He is replacing former 2nd Ward Alderman Don Cummings, who announced his resignation June 18 after serving seven years on the City Council. The former alderman is moving out of his ward.

Residents can contact Alderman Clements by calling 630-232-0000, Ext. 4004 or sending him an email.

Development Map, New Project Webpages Promote Transparency

Last year, the City created an interactive Development Map in response to residents seeking more advanced notice about potential projects in their neighborhood. With the map proving popular, the City has taken the initiative to promote even greater transparency to the Geneva community.

The interactive map continues to provide basic overview of proposed residential, commercial and industrial development applications submitted to the City requiring a public hearing. For those seeking more comprehensive details, proposals posted in June (starting with Dunkin Donuts) going forward will now include a link with "more information" taking website visitors to new individual development project pages. The webpages will house documents including:

*   Project scope;
*   Architectural renderings;
*   Engineering and landscaping plans; and
*   Community Development Department contact information

The map and project pages will be updated as a submitted application moves through the development review process starting with City staff; followed by the advisory board public hearing and concluding with the Geneva City Council.

Project plans also are posted in the City's online " Agenda Center" a few days prior to meetings, which are open to the public, broadcast on Geneva Broadcast Network and available to watch On Demand on the City's YouTube channel.

The map can be found on the City's website. People also can subscribe to receive Development Project Map updates by clicking the "Notify Me" button.

The City takes pride in the Development Project Map enhancements, which exemplifies Geneva's commitment to be an open and transparent government.

New Library, Cetron Place Development Updates

The Geneva Public Library notified residents surrounding the new library site at Seventh and James streets that the park will be closed as construction is expected to begin this summer. The Library has been working with the City to obtain a construction permit.

The Cetron Place mixed-use development at Seventh & State streets also could be taking another step forward in the development process.

The City and developer are negotiating a deal for a small parcel of City-owned land near the site. If an agreement is reached, the City Council is expected to vote on preliminary approval of the project's zoning map amendments and planned unit development in July.

The development proposal consists of demolition of the existing structures and construction of:

16 single-family homes with a shared courtyard area;
Six townhomes with a shared courtyard area;
Three-story mixed-use building containing 5,450 square feet of retail space and 20 apartments; and
A bike path connecting State Street (Route 38) to Peyton Street.

If granted preliminary approval, the developer would need to come back to the Plan Commission and City Council in the months ahead for final approval. Stay tuned to the City's Development Projects Map for more details.

Geneva Offers Amnesty Program To Settle Debt

People who have an outstanding balance on certain bills, fines or fees owed to the City of Geneva can take advantage of a one-time amnesty program during the month of July.

Debtors who have a move out-final utility bill, parking tickets, code compliance violations or false alarm fees incurred prior to March 1, 2018 can receive a 25 percent discount to settle their payment. The City sent letters in mid-June to eligible participants notifying them of the program.

The amnesty program is providing debtors one final chance to pay before the City seeks stronger enforcement. If payment is not received prior to Tuesday, July 31, the City may take further action by sending the debts to a collections agency or the Illinois Local Debt Recovery Program. Another option involves placing a lien on the property, which would not be applicable for those with unpaid parking tickets.

For questions or more information, call the Finance Division at 630-232-0854.

Mark Your Calendar For Fun This Summer

Residents can find more information about upcoming events in Geneva this spring - and beyond - on the City's website.

MyPlace Map Offers Plenty Of Information About Your Home

Curious to know a zoning district regarding a particular property or what ward do you live in? There is a map for that.

The City's MyPlace Map provides one-stop shopping for information about a resident's home and other parcels throughout the City. Simply type an address in the search bar or zoom in and click a particular property on the map to find details about pin numbers, taxing bodies, wards, tax bill, zoning, garbage collection, plats of subdivisions and more.

Residents looking for additional Geneva maps can find them posted on the City's website.

MetroNet Construction Continues This Summer

MetroNet has provided the City with an update on its construction progress in Geneva to date.

Construction Underway

Zone GE011

Subdivisions: Pepper Valley, Geneva Manor, Dover Ridge subdivisions among others in the area.
General Boundary Area: Randall Road, Williamsburg Avenue, State Street, the Geneva Golf Club, Western Avenue and the Union Pacific railroad tracks.

Zone GE047

Subdivisions: Geneva East and Geneva Knolls
General Boundary Area: East Side Drive, Division Street, Kirk Road and Geneva Drive.

Zone GE046

Subdivisions: Geneva East and Chesapeake Commons Townhomes
General Boundary Area: East Side Drive, Geneva Drive, Kirk Road and the Illinois Prairie Path.

Next Up

Zone GE023

Subdivisions: Williamsburg and others surrounding Geneva High School
General Boundary Area: State Street (Route 38), Anderson Boulevard and the City's northern boundary limit.

Status: MetroNet will be notifying residents that construction will be starting in their neighborhood in the coming weeks.

Completed

Zone GE020

Subdivisions: Williamsburg, Blackberry and Stonebridge subdivisions
General Boundary Area: Bricher Road, State Street (Route 38), Williamsburg Avenue, and Randall Road.

Zone GE015

Subdivisions: Fisher Farms, Crossing at Geneva, Prairie Ridge Townhomes and Prairieview Estates
General Boundary Area: Peck Road, Bricher Road, Geneva Commons, Williamsburg Avenue (with a small deviation south), Fisher Driver, Border Road and the southern border of PrairieView Estates subdivision.

Zone GE016

Subdivisions: Fisher Farms and Westhaven Of Geneva subdivisions
General Boundary Area: Peck Road, Keslinger Road, Fisher Drive, and the combination of Williamsburg Avenue/FAA property and the northern boundary of the Westhaven subdivision.

For more information, including a larger version of the map, visit MetroNet's construction webpage. Residents can ask questions online or call MetroNet at 877-386-3876.

The City also has created a MetroNet construction page with additional background.

Spread The Geneva Spirit Far & Wide

This summer take a bit of Geneva with you on your vacation, family reunion or trip to the lake.

Stop by City Hall and borrow or purchase a City of Geneva Flag to take with you on your travels. Chronicle your adventures by taking a photo of you, your friends and family members with the Geneva Flag at your vacation destination. Post your picture to your social media account and tag us; or send an email to the City of Geneva with details so we can post it online.

How far can we spread the Geneva spirit? What will be the highest elevation the Geneva flag will travel? (City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins set the bar high on her recent vacation, pictured above). How many other Genevas will the flag travel to, maybe even Geneva, Switzerland? When school begins in the fall we will recap the results!

Attention Apple Users: Changes To City's Mobile App

For those looking to bring Geneva on the go, the City's mobile app has been a good option. However, the City wanted to alert iPhone users about an important change.

Apple is requiring CivicPlus (our website vendor) to modify the architecture of the app. This new rule means that CivicPlus is no longer able to develop and deploy customized, single apps for individual locations or entities.

The "Go Geneva" app on Apple devices still is working (for now) but will no longer be updated. To obtain the most recent version, visit the App Store and download the "CivicMobile" app designed by CivicPlus. After opening the app for the first time, users will be asked to choose their preferred destination. Choose "Geneva, IL" and the choice will be permanently saved going forward. The app will then operate as normal.

If you have an Android phone or tablet, no need to worry. Google has not required any changes.

Looking for other ways to stay connected with Geneva? Check out our communication platforms to choose the best option to receive news and information from your favorite City. We also redesigned our website in fall 2017 to provide a better mobile experience for the community.

Administrative Services Department News & Notes: New Assistant City Administrator

Geneva named Benjamin McCready as its new Assistant City Administrator and Director of Administrative Services after the position was reinstated into the City's budget last fiscal year.

McCready manages the City's Administrative Services Department, which includes the Administration, Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology divisions. His job duties involve serving as Risk Manager as well as the City's chief negotiator for collective bargaining agreements; assisting with the City's budget and strategic planning processes; and handling a variety of special and capital projects. He also serves as acting city administrator when City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins is out of the office.

McCready joins Geneva from the Town of Normal, where he worked as the Assistant to the City Manager starting in 2016. In addition to being a member of the Town's senior management team, he assisted with developing the municipality's budget and strategic plan, managed a multimodal transportation center, and coordinated a number of joint programs with intergovernmental partners and community organizations.

While working for Normal, McCready led the effort to implement a railroad quiet zone, revived the Town's Citizen Academy and was a leadership member for both the Illinois City Council Management Association and Engaging Local Government Leaders group.

McCready's first day at Geneva was May 14.

"I'm honored to have joined the team at the City of Geneva," McCready said. "The community has a terrific reputation as a place to live and work. The City is a well-managed organization with numerous strengths and tremendous opportunities."

McCready previously worked as the Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Rock Island from 2012-16 and was a Management Analyst II for the City of Salem, Ore. from 2010-12. He holds a master's degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor's degree in political science from Augustana College.

Customers Can Start, Stop Utility Services Online

New to Geneva or moving out of town? People can now start or stop utility services from the convenience of the City's website.

The online forms for both residential and commercial utility customers can be found by visiting the utility billing webpage. Both forms are mobile-friendly.

Customers who submit an electronic form to the City also have the option to receive an email copy for their records. The move to a digital format helps the City reduce the use of paper.

Starting Monday, July 2, the City's Finance Division will no longer be accepting start/stop utility service requests over the phone. Customers will be directed to the City's website, or they can visit the Finance office at 15 S. First St. Normal business hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Police Department News & Notes: Make Summer Safety A Priority

The kids are out of school, the pools are open, and special event season in Geneva is in full swing. With so much activity taking place in our outstanding community, it is a good time for a reminder regarding bicycle, pedestrian and summer safety.

When you are driving through Geneva, be aware of pedestrians using crosswalks. To simplify the law, which can be somewhat confusing, motorists are required to yield for pedestrians entering or in a crosswalk. Pedestrians should make every effort to assure motorists see them prior to stepping into a crosswalk since drivers need ample stopping distance.

Bicyclists are required to abide by many of the same traffic laws required for cars. They are obligated to obey stop signs and should utilize hand signals to indicate their turning movements. In addition, if a bicycle is utilized at night, it should have working front and rear lights along with reflectors.

Each summer we read about the tragic stories of children left inside hot vehicles. The National Safety Council advises that on average, 37 children die each year due to heat stroke caused by being left in a parked vehicle. We all live hectic lives and frequently operate on auto pilot. It is strongly encouraged that you "look before you lock" each time you leave your car.

It is not just children who can suffer a heat-related emergency if left in a vehicle. If you are bringing your dog with you while you run errands, eat, etc. keep in mind that a dog can overheat very quickly when left in a car. Even if windows are left slightly open, the heat inside a vehicle can rise rapidly. Some experts state with the windows down slightly in 70-degree weather, the temperature inside the car can reach 104 degrees within 30 minutes and 113 degrees after an hour. This is too hot and will likely result in a serious health emergency or death for your dog.

The vast majority of us look forward to celebrating Independence Day. While fireworks are enjoyable, they are illegal in Illinois with the exception of sparklers and similar items. Fireworks should be left to the experts. Between June 23 and July 20 last year, there were 204 fireworks injuries, including one fatality. These injuries are preventable by following fireworks laws.

Nothing beats going to the swimming pool on a warm summer day. By following some simple safety guidelines, residents can reduce the risk of a tragic pool-related incident occurring. Never leave a child alone in or near the water and teach your children how to swim. For those that own a pool, make sure the proper barriers are installed to prevent access to the pool. Finally, learn CPR and know what to do in a water-related emergency.

We hope that you have a safe and enjoyable summer. You can find other great tips and information from the Police Department by subscribing to the City's Safety First blog.

Eric Passarelli
Geneva Police Chief

Economic Development Department News & Notes: 'Gimmie Shelter' Bus Stop Art

The City's Cultural Arts Commission recently completed two new installations of bus shelter art as part of the "Gimme Shelter" program initiated in 2015. Gimme Shelter brings the original artwork of Geneva students to public spaces as displays in PACE bus shelters.

This year's additions are:


Name: ChiTown	Name: The Colors of Rain
Students: JW McCay & Sophie Coronado	Student: Olivia Reich
School: Geneva Middle School North	School: Geneva Middle School North
Location: Randall Road north of Christina Lane	Location: Randall Road north of Fargo Blvd.

Teachers for both projects were Nicole Yingst, substitute instructor; and Katie Bradac, instructor. There are now six "Gimme Shelter" bus art displays on exhibit along Randall Road. For more information about the Cultural Arts Commission, visit the City's website.

Check Out Geneva Commons New Courtyard During Summer Concert Season

Outdoor concert season is upon us in Geneva with plenty of performances taking place along the beautiful Fox River and also at Geneva Commons.

Geneva Commons cut the ribbon June 22 on a remodeled central courtyard space to create a park-like setting for their 11-show Summer Concert Series. This gorgeous new hang out spot features a pergola, fireplace, life-size chessboard, grassy expanses and comfortable seating. Stay tuned because Geneva Commons is planning to fill the space with movie nights, fitness seminars, ice skating and more.

As highlighted previously in this newsletter, the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission has expanded the RiverPark Summer Concert Series from three to four free shows Sunday nights in July. The Geneva Park District's Concerts In the Park Series will take place Wednesday nights starting July 11.

Residents can read more about Geneva's outdoor summer concert scene in the Shop, Dine, Experience Geneva blog and can subscribe to receive future blog entries via the City's website.

Check Out New Geneva Businesses

Find the latest businesses that have decided to call Geneva home with our interactive New Business Map. Thank you for supporting our local merchants and commercial outlets.

Community Development News & Notes: Historic Preservation Awards

Several Geneva couples were recognized by the City this spring as the City presented them with Historic Preservation Awards for excellence in exterior restoration and renovation.

Award winners included Mark & Kathleen Francis, 22 Campbell St.; Paul and Donna Fenske, 401 Ford St.; and Chris and Brannon Anderson, 328 N. Second St. People can view photos of the respective home projects or watch the awards recognition at the May 22 City Council meeting.

Thank you to all the homeowners for their commitment and investment to preserving windows to Geneva's past.

Fire Department News & Notes: Fireworks Safety

Public Works Department News & Notes: Road Construction Updates

Summer has officially arrived, and that means road construction season is upon us as well. However, subscribing to the City's road construction updates will provide you with the latest information on projects through the community.

The City posts regular updates regarding the annual residential street improvement program and other City-related projects. When the Illinois Department of Transportation or Kane County shares information about road work on Geneva's main thoroughfares, subscribers will be the first to know.

To receive road construction updates, visit the City's website "Notify Me" feature.

Subscribe For Alerts For Summer Mosquito Spraying

Geneva residents can get advanced notice regarding upcoming mosquito spraying this summer via the City's website's "Notify Me" feature. Simply subscribe to "Community Alerts."

Clarke Environmental will be using a synthetic treatment that is safe for humans and pets, although people with asthma and other respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors with their windows closed during the misting application and one hour afterward.

Updates also will be posted to the City's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

According to the Kane County Health Department, the best way to prevent West Nile or any other mosquito-borne illness to take the following precautions:

* Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. Use prevention methods whenever mosquitoes are present.

* When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.

* Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.

* Change water in birdbaths weekly. Stock ornamental ponds with fish. Cover rain barrels with 16-mesh wire screen.

* Discard old tires, buckets, drums or any containers in a yard.

* Keep roof gutters and downspouts clear of debris and fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water.

To learn more about the Geneva's comprehensive mosquito management program, visit the City's website.

City's Brush Collection Continues This Summer

The City's monthly brush collection program will continue throughout the summer and fall months. As a reminder, take note of the new collection zones implemented earlier this spring.

Brush collection rules will remain the same as in years past. The program is intended for the disposal of tree limbs and branches that are removed by the property owner for normal maintenance and upkeep, not for lot clearing. The City's vendor will not collect material produced by a private contractor.

For full program rules, visit the City's website.

During Summer's Warmest Days, Take Note Of The City's:

Geneva residents can provide some relief to the City's electric operations - and their own utility bills - during the summer by reducing their power consumption for a few hours in the afternoon.

The City offers a voluntary electric load reduction program to all customers by alerting them via Twitter and our website to cut down power usage during peak hours of the day.

The program is strictly voluntary, has no penalties and requires no reporting or tracking of usage. The benefits of reducing energy are making Geneva a greener community and keeping future electric costs down. The Geneva electric system has plenty of capacity and reserve to serve all its customers.

People wanting timely updates of when to reduce electricity consumption in a home or business during peak power days can:

* Follow the City on Twitter
* Subscribe for "Peak Power Day Alerts" on the City's website

After an alert has been issued, the easiest ways customers can reduce electric use is by adjusting their thermostats a few degrees, running major appliances later in the evening and turning off lights in empty rooms.

During an average summer, the City will issue about 20 alerts to customers.

For more information, visit the City's website or call the Public Works Department Electric Division at 630-232-1503.

Take Note Of City's Lawn Watering Hours This Summer

As Geneva residents plan their summer watering schedules, please take note of the City's sprinkler regulations.

Water sprinklers are permitted between 6 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on designated days. Residents with an even-numbered street address can water their lawns on even-numbered days and vice-versa for odd-numbered addresses.

People are allowed to use a hand-held hose at any time to water flowers, gardens, trees, shrubs, cars, lawns and wading pools that are 50 gallons or less.

For those placing down sod or watering seed, a $25 permit is required through the Public Works Department, 1800 South St. Sod and seed lawns can be watered for the first day for a maximum of eight hours.

During the next nine consecutive days, the lawn can be watered from 6 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Afterward, the property owner must abide by the City's regular lawn watering schedule.

For more information, including water conservation tips, visit the City's website or call the Geneva Public Works Department Water Division at 630-232-1551.

ComEd Tree Trimming Scheduled For July & August

Commonwealth Edison has informed the City about tree trimming operations scheduled to take place in July and August on the City's west side.

While the City of Geneva owns and operates its own electric utility, ComEd does run power lines through the community to our substations as well as neighboring municipalities. The company states its vegetation management program helps ensure electrical reliability since tree branch contact with power lines is a leading cause of outages.

ComEd will be notifying affected residents about tree trimming taking place in their neighborhood. Maps and more information also can be found on the City's website.

Residents who have questions or concerns with ComEd's program can call the company at 800-334-7661.

About Geneva

Located 40 miles west of Chicago along the Fox River, Geneva is home to 21,495 residents and serves as the seat of Kane County government. Geneva's character is found in its historic architecture, adaptive re-use of historic buildings, mature landscapes and open space with more than 700 acres of park land. With festivals and events year-round, Geneva is a place to connect with others for shopping, dining or browsing art galleries. Home to excellent schools, library and parks, Geneva continues to be one of the premier cities in the Chicago area to live, work, play and raise a family. For the latest news, visit the City's website.