Spring 2020 City Of Geneva Newsletter

Tim Nelson
Mike Bruno
Tammy Chiovari

Geneva Women's Club
Judy & Wm Anderson
AT Cord & Co. Jay Moffat
Jack & Janice Lucchetti

Lorraine Kautz
Damian & Julie Brown
Ken & Kay Yotz

Donations are as of March 24, 2020. For more information on the Beautification Committee, visit the City's website.

Mayor's Message

Dear Neighbors,

Just 22 days ago - Tuesday, March 10 to be exact - I delivered an abbreviated "State of the City" address to members of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

My remarks touched on the financial strength of the City in general, the reduction in property taxes for the City's portion of your tax bill, the retirement of all general obligations bonds by the end of 2021, the building of the City's reserve fund, the quality and breadth of the services we offer, and the excitement of new businesses opening up throughout Geneva.

In the words of American writer Susan Eloise Hinton, "That Was Then, This Is Now."

While our focus on the future must remain true, the contemporary impact of the novel coronavirus makes our near-term vision a little less clear.

The most deafening noise is often the total absence of sound we have come to expect and, in a strange kind of way, comforted by; school buses navigating our streets in the morning and afternoon, parks coming alive in spring with families playing, the whirr of our business districts, and even the purr of cars making their way through and around our community.

This year marks Geneva's 185th birthday. And, while we may not feel like celebrating all that much, it is instructive to remember that throughout Geneva's nine-score and five-years, we have been beset by a myriad of interruptions, shocks, dislocations and disasters. In fact, following each experience - whether it lasted a few days, weeks, months or years - Geneva regained its footing and began the uneasy, but necessary, trek toward new opportunities and new beginnings. And, we will again.

In due time, we will be back as busy as ever and perhaps even wishing for a little peace-and-quiet. Until then, stay well, stay safe and please stay at home.

My best,

Kevin Burns

Mayor

City Responds To Coronavirus Pandemic

Given the unprecedented nature of the coronavirus outbreak, Geneva residents can stay connected with the latest information provided on the City's website.

The web page is updated frequently, including details on:

The Governor's "stay at home" order;
Refuse program service changes;
How to pay your utility bills and estimated readings;
Contacting City staff while offices are closed;
Submitting building permits; and
Resident resources;
Temporary business accommodations and small business assistance programs.

The City also has provided links to find the latest health alerts issued by the Centers For Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Kane County Health Department.

The City continues to provide public safety and essential services to the community. However, due to reduced staffing levels with some employees working from home, there may be a delay in responding to non-emergency inquiries.

Resources & Information For Businesses During COVID-19

West State Street (Route 38) in downtown Geneva after IDOT resurfacing completed in July 2015.

The State of Illinois and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have launched emergency assistance programs for small businesses. In addition, the State and the City have postponed due dates, suspended penalties and relaxed regulations to assist our local business community during these challenging times.

The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with immediate needs. According to the SBA, when implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses as well as certain non-profits and other employers. To keep up to date on when these programs become available, entrepreneurs can contact their banker or stay in touch with the local Small Business Administration District office.

The State's Hospitality Emergency Grant Program is available to restaurants/bars with a valid food or liquor license and that generated revenue of less than $1 million in 2019. Hotels with a valid license that produced revenue of less than $8 million in 2019 also are eligible. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes to provide working capital. For hotels, funds can be dedicated to supporting the retention of employees. Applications for awards will be accepted until 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, and winners will be chosen via a lottery.

The Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund offers small businesses low-interest loans of up to $50,000. Businesses located outside of the City of Chicago with fewer than 50 workers and less than $3 million in revenue in 2019 will be eligible to apply. Successful applicants will owe nothing for six months and then begin fixed payments at a below-market interest rate for the remainder of a five-year loan term.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Illinois small businesses suffering substantial economic injury. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster's impact. Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on financial impact.

The City of Geneva has relaxed parking and temporary signage regulations to facilitate curbside service. Keeping with guidance from the Illinois Liquor Commission, the City has eased regulations for certain liquor license holders. Additionally, the City has postponed due dates and deadlines to assist business operations.

Visit the City's summary of resources and information for businesses online for links and the latest updates.

What Are Essential Businesses & Operations?

In consideration of the State's Executive Order, the City has received numerous questions about what constitutes an essential business.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has published guidelines and has established a hotline to help answer these questions.

The City encourages voluntary compliance. For more information, visit the DCEO website to view the Essential Business FAQs or call the Essential Business Determination Hotline at 800-252-2923.

Supporting Local Businesses While Staying At Home

Geneva businesses support a variety of community events and organizations. Now they need our help to sustain current challenges resulting from the coronavirus outbreak.

Many local businesses have made operational accommodations to provide curbside or delivery services to their customers. As we all work to comply with the Governor's Executive Order to stay at home and not gather in groups, please support local businesses to the best of your ability.

Visit the City of Geneva's online business directory to access a list of all of the businesses. Search by business category, name, or location.

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce is also maintaining online lists of restaurants and stores offering curbside and delivery service.

Make Sure You Are Counted As Part Of The 2020 U.S. Census

2020 Census PSA: Census Made Simple

Have you participated in the 2020 U.S. Census? Make sure to do your part to be counted Geneva!

Residents should have received notices in the mail in March with instructions on how to self-respond online, by phone or U.S. Mail.

The City is working to help inform, educate, and encourage residents to do their part to participate. The City's website contains information to help answer many common questions and connect residents with additional resources to help ensure an accurate population count.

Remember the census is safe, simple, and secure.

For full details, check out the 2020 Census website.

South Street Bridge Replacement Wins APWA Chapter 'Project Of The Year'

Geneva's South Street bridge replacement has garnered its second "Project of the Year" award, this time coming from the American Public Works Association Chicago Metro Chapter (APWA).

The South Street bridge replacement took top honors in the Disaster or Emergency Repairs less than $5 million category. The APWA award was judged on safety performance, environmental impact, project management, community relations, accomplishments under adverse conditions, and quality control/construction innovations brought to the projects.

The bridge replacement unexpectedly materialized last fall after City staff discovered the South Street crossing was damaged by a sinkhole. The roadway was closed immediately for safety reasons. Following the securement of project funding and engineering, demolition and construction took a month to complete before the bridge was reopened in November.

The Chapter will be submitting Geneva's project for review at the APWA national competition.

The City has previously been awarded the APWA Chicago Metro Chapter's "Projects of the Year" for the Third Street Commuter Parking Deck expansion (2016), Third Street improvements (2002) and State Street improvements (1995).

In January, both the South Street bridge replacement and the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade (Environment category projects between $5 million to $25 million) won "Projects of the Year" at the APWA Fox Valley Branch level. Both entries then moved to the Chicago Metro Chapter level for consideration with the South Street bridge earning recognition.

The APWA is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies and individuals dedicated to providing quality public works goods and services. The Chicago Chapter is comprised of 1,500 members in five branches throughout the region.

Once Again, Geneva Named 'The Best Of The West" In Reader Survey

Readers of "West Suburban Living" Magazine once again ranked Geneva as the premier community for dining, shopping and festivals as part of its 2020 "Best of the West" contest.

Geneva was named the top city readers would most like to live (other than choosing their hometown). No other municipality has earned that distinction as many times as Geneva during the magazine's two-plus decades of competition. Geneva also garnered second and third-place honors respectively for the best downtown for shopping and "Best Mall/Shopping Center" with Geneva Commons.

Swedish Days was chosen "Best Festival" by readers while Festival of the Vine was recognized with an honorable mention. The Geneva Arts Fair was ranked the second "Best Craft or Art Show," and the Geneva French Market took second place for "Best Farmers Market."

Numerous restaurants, stores, attractions and more were recognized as some of the best in the western suburbs. You can view the entire "West Suburban Living" Magazine voter survey online.

Thank you to the residents, merchants, Geneva Chamber of Commerce and countless stakeholders who all work hard to make Geneva a great place to live and visit.

Citywide Garage Sale, Earth Day Celebration & French Market Postponed

Due to coronavirus pandemic, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce has postponed the spring Citywide Garage Sale until Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8. Registration remains open and more details can be found on the Chamber's website.

The April 25 Earth Day Celebration sponsored by the City's Natural Resources Committee and Geneva Park District has been cancelled. The event may be rescheduled in the future.

The opening of the Geneva French Market has been pushed back to at least mid-May. Stay tuned to the City's website or GenevaMail email blasts for updates.

Refuse Stickers Now Required For Geneva's Yard Waste Program

Did You Know?

Geneva residents can combine food scraps with their yard waste. Visit the City's website for more information.

Geneva residents will now need to apply a refuse sticker to each bag disposed of as part of the City's regular yard waste program, which runs weekly through November.

The City offered two free weeks of yard waste collection March 16 and 23, but stickers will be required starting with pickup Thursday and Friday, April 2-3.

Yard waste can be placed in Kraft brown paper bags, which should not weigh more than 50 pounds, and set out with garbage on residents' regular collection day. Lakeshore Recycling Systems, the City's waste hauler, also offers an optional 65-gallon yard waste cart to residents for a monthly fee.

Accepted yard waste items include grass clippings, vines, weeds, leaves, plants, pinecones, small branches and garden waste.

Tree limbs exceeding 1 inch in diameter should be disposed of as part of the City's monthly brush collection that is scheduled to start in April.

More information about Geneva's refuse and recycling services can be found on the City's website.

City's Brush Pickup Begins In April

As Geneva's brush program prepares to get underway in April, residents will once again be able to track the City contractor's progress with an online map.

Brush pickup 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. Kramer Tree Specialists will not collect material produced by a private contractor.

The brush program divides the City into two zones. A schedule, regulations and a collection progress map that will be updated weekday mornings can be found on the City's website.

Since collection days can vary, residents should place brush and limbs on the parkway by 7 a.m. Monday on their scheduled week. Crews will not return to a neighborhood until the next scheduled pickup.

Tree branches must be stacked with the cut ends facing in one direction toward the curb or edge of the pavement - not in the street. Branches and stumps cannot exceed 12 inches in diameter, and tree limbs should be less than 12 feet in length.

Residents should not tie bundles of branches with rope or wire. No foreign materials, such as construction debris, fencing, lumber, wire, grass, flowers, and garden waste will be collected.

For more information about Geneva's refuse and recycling services, visit the City's website or call the Public Works Department at 630-232-1501.

Kane County: Road Construction Season Has Arrived With Several Geneva-Related Projects

The Kane County Division of Transportation (KDOT) is ready to begin road construction season after announcing several projects that will have impacts in Geneva in the coming months.

Fabyan Parkway Bridge

The Fabyan Parkway bridge construction operations will resume the week of March 30, according to KDOT.

The bridge will remain in the current two-lane configuration. The project is expected to be finished in mid-June, weather permitting. The County provided more details in a March 25 news release.

Yellow Flashing Traffic Light Installation

KDOT will be making traffic signal and intersection improvements at 29 locations throughout Kane County, including the entire stretch of Fabyan Parkway running through Geneva.

The second phase of the project includes removing existing traffic signal mast arms and installing yellow arrow flashing phase signal heads. More details are available on KDOT's March 26 news release.

Work on the overall project begins the week of March 30 and is anticipated to be completed by mid-May 2021.

Kirk & Fabyan Intersection

Traffic was scheduled to be shifted to the temporary pavement along the Kirk Road and Fabyan Parkway intersection the week of March 23, according to KDOT.

The shift pushed traffic west on Kirk Road and south on Fabyan Parkway. The lane shift is part of the County's ongoing intersection improvement project. The County provided more details in a March 23 news release. The project is expected to be finished by late September, weather permitting.

Ride In Kane Fares Increasing By $1 Starting April 1

Ride in Kane is raising the price of a one-way fare within 10 miles by $1, bringing the cost to $5 per ride effective Wednesday, April 1. The fare change is a result of the increased fuel tax, cab service agreements and uptick in the minimum wage.

Ride in Kane is a public transportation service providing curb-to-curb bus or taxi service to seniors 65 and older, disabled individuals and those with low income who qualify for the service in Kane County.

Ride in Kane operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is administered by the Association for Individual Development in partnership with Pace Suburban Bus, Kane County and local government agencies, which serve as local sponsors.

Geneva residents interested in registering for the program can find an application form on the City's website. For additional information, visit Ride in Kane's website.

Police News: Spring Into Safety This Year

Happy spring Geneva. While Geneva is an extremely safe community, we are not immune to those who utilize warmer weather to look for crimes of opportunity.

I would like to take a moment to provide you some basic tips to assist you in not becoming the victim of a crime of opportunity. We count on our engaged community to be an extra set of eyes and ears for the Geneva Police Department. If you see something that simply does not seem right, say something. We would much rather respond and determine nothing was occurring as compared to responding after a crime has occurred.

We encourage our residents to practice the 9 p.m. routine, which offers a list of priority items citizens should ensure they complete before going to bed.

The routine includes removing valuables and garage door openers from cars, locking vehicles, closing overhead garage doors, locking the door from the garage to the house, closing all exterior doors, ensuring windows are closed and locked, and turning on an exterior light. Following the 9 p.m. routine limits those opportunities for our residents to fall victim to a crime.

When life returns to normal following the coronavirus pandemic, warm weather also means more drivers on the road and more pedestrians out and about enjoying the community. It is very important to limit the distractions that many of us face each day as we drive. Taking your eyes off of the road, even for a split second, can result in a serious traffic crash. The most common distraction is the use of cell phones. It is illegal to text and drive and also against the law to utilize your phone while driving unless it is used "hands free."

Drivers also tend to increase their speeds as both the weather and road conditions improve. Speed is a common factor in many traffic crashes and is completely within our control.

We hope that you find this information helpful and that you have a safe and enjoyable spring.

Eric Passarelli

Police Chief

Community Development News: City Adopts Housing Incentives

The Geneva City Council adopted an inclusionary housing ordinance in January that provides incentives for the creation of affordable housing within the community.

The adoption of the ordinance supports the City's stated goal to provide a balanced mix of housing that serves current and future residents across the entire age and income spectrum.

To be eligible for the incentives, at least 15% of the total number of residential units constructed must be considered affordable, and the development must comply with other requirements related to affordability, location, phasing of construction, exterior appearance, and interior appearance/finishes.

For more information regarding Geneva's affordable housing incentives, visit the City's website.

Public Works News: Do Not Flush Disposable Wipes

Everyone is doing extra cleaning these days to do their part in the fight against the coronavirus. However, with news reports of cleaning wipes clogging sewer systems, the City of Geneva has an important public service announcement for the community:

Disinfecting wipes, regular wipes, baby wipes, paper towels and like items are not to be flushed down the toilet. Around the country, sewer systems are getting clogged and causing major problems. These wipes must be disposed of in the garbage because they do not break down in the sewer system. Let us all work together to make sure our municipal service continues to operate efficiently.

Dodson Street Water Tower Painting On Tap This Spring

Stay Connected
Residents can subscribe for construction project updates by following the City's "Pardon The Progress" blog.

The Dodson Street water tower will be getting a fresh coat of paint with work scheduled to get underway Wednesday, April 1.

The tower, located behind Geneva's Fire Department headquarters, 200 East Side Drive, was last painted in 1996. The City has contracted with Jetco to complete the project.

Crews typically will be painting from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, although hours may be extended to 8 p.m. some nights if the project falls behind schedule due to inclement weather. Work also is expected to take place on some Saturdays. The project, which should be finished by August, is not expected to create any closures or disruptions for adjacent neighbors.

Next Phase Of Underground Cable Replacement To Begin This Spring

The City announced the Geneva East subdivision will be the focal point for the next phase of Geneva's underground cable replacement program beginning this spring.

Work is scheduled for May to November 2020, weather permitting. Impacted streets include:

Britta Lane,
Manchester Course,
Geneva Drive,
East Side Drive from Division Street south of Woodward Avenue to the City's substation.

Scheduled power outages will be required during construction, and impacted residents will receive notification two days in advance. Crews will be working in either the public right-of-way or in utility easements. Final landscaping restoration will be finished by May 2021.

For the latest project information and updates, visit the City's "Pardon The Progress" blog.

Replacing underground electric cable enhances the City's service reliability. Questions can be directed to the City's Public Works Department Electric Division by calling 630-232-1503.

For those residents impacted by the underground cable replacement in 2019, landscape restoration is expected to start in May. For more information, visit the construction project web page.

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. The City's character is found in its distinct architecture, historic buildings and picturesque natural areas. With festivals and events year-round, Geneva is a special destination for unique and award-winning shopping, restaurants, galleries and more. Home to excellent schools, library, parks and a vibrant cultural arts scene, 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.