Winter 2023
Mayor's Letter
Christmas Tree Collection Scheduled For January
Geneva residents will have several opportunities to dispose of their live Christmas trees during January.

Trees will be picked up for free on residents’ garbage days during the weeks of Jan. 2 and Jan. 9 by LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems), the City’s waste hauler. No refuse stickers will be required during this timeframe.

Trees discarded after the first two weeks of January will require one Geneva refuse sticker.

People must place their live trees out with their garbage no later than 7 a.m. on their scheduled day. Ornaments, hooks, nails, tinsel, garland, tree stands, and other hard materials should be removed from the trees prior to disposal. Trees placed in bags will not be accepted.

All wreaths and roping must be discarded with regular trash.

For more information about Geneva’s refuse services, call the City’s Public Works Department at 630-232-1501 or visit the City's website.
Union Pacific Third Main Line Project Underway
Be Ready To Move Parked Cars Off The Street This Winter
The best present you can give the City of Geneva's Public Works Department this winter is moving your parked cars off the street during snow events.

Besides the snow amounts listed on the graphic, the City also can restrict parking based on the forecast from the National Weather Service or other weather agencies for snow, sleet or freezing rain. If weather conditions are predicted to be hazardous to motorists, a parking ban may be put into effect to promote public safety and welfare on the roadways. Access to snow routes and residential streets is important in providing emergency services to the community.

With cooperation from residents and visitors, Public Works crews will be able to maximize the effectiveness of their snow removal operations. Cars left on the street during a parking ban risk being ticketed or towed.

When road conditions become hazardous, “Snow Routes” are cleared of snow and ice first before crews will transition to residential neighborhoods. Parking is not permitted on residential streets at any time within 12 hours following a snowfall of 3 inches or more or until a street has been plowed to the curb. During a major snowstorm, residential streets will receive one pass in each direction to provide access for motorists and emergency vehicles. After the snowfall has ended, all streets will be plowed curb-to-curb.
Candidates File To Run For Geneva City Council
Another election is on the horizon, but this time residents will be voting for candidates running for the Geneva City Council.

One seat in each of the City's five wards is up for election, which will take place Tuesday, April 4. Each position carries a four-year term.

Candidates who filed petitions with the City in December include (in ballot order):
Ward 1
Anais Bowring

Ward 2
Brad Kosirog

Ward 3
Dean Kilburg

Ward 4
Martha Paschke
Gabriel Kaven

Ward 5
Craig Maladra

Geneva residents can find a ward map on the City's website. Voters seeking to register or looking for more election information can visit the Kane County Clerk's website.
Geneva's Green Corner
Environmental stewardship is one of Geneva's top priorities in our strategic plan.
 
The City practices sustainability to meet the needs of today, tomorrow and future generations to come.
 
As a proud member of the Greenest Region Compact (GRC), we are working toward realizing our values of environmental stewardship and preserving the natural environment.
 
Geneva's Green Corner highlights some of the City's sustainability efforts.
Geneva To Participate In Electric Vehicle Readiness Program
The City of Geneva was selected to participate in the EV Readiness program, a unique initiative launched last year to help local governments prepare to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd announced 16 Illinois communities will receive training and assistance to move forward in this inaugural endeavor. Funded in part with a $225,000 commitment from ComEd, the EV Readiness program will help municipalities streamline policies and implement best practices for safe and effective regional transportation electrification. Electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity and are expected to account for 50% of auto sales by 2030.

During the coming months, Geneva will be working on a number of objectives, including:

  • Reviewing zoning requirements and acting to remove barriers to electric vehicle charging infrastructure development;

  • Creating and distributing a checklist detailing the steps in the City's permitting process for charging stations;

  • Participating in staff training for permitting employees, inspectors, and first responders;

  • Educating the community about electric vehicles and charging stations; and

  • Measuring progress by tracking key metrics such as the number of electric vehicles in the community (data available on the Secretary of State's website) and locations of publicly accessible charging stations.

“Our aim is to advance transportation electrification in the region to make it faster, easier and more affordable for residents and businesses to install EV charging stations in our community," said Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, Caucus Environment Committee and Energy Subcommittee Chairman.

In addition to working with EV Readiness, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus has led the SolSmart program to encourage the growth of solar energy and the Greenest Region Compact, the largest regional sustainability collaborative for municipalities in the country. Geneva earned a bronze-level SolSmart designation in 2022, is a member of the Compact, and passed a resolution supporting the Chicago region’s Climate Action Plan.
NRC's Jay Womack Named Chamber's Wood Award Winner
The Geneva Chamber of Commerce Wood Award recipient for 2022 was Jay Womack, who serves as the City's Natural Resources Committee chair.

The Chamber honored Womack at its annual awards dinner Nov. 16. A video highlighting Womack’s accomplishments was shown prior to the announcement.

Over time, he has contributed to many organizations such as the Geneva Park District Foundation, Western Avenue School, Kane County Forest Preserve District, the City's Natural Resources Committee (NRC), Kane/DuPage Water Conservation District, Conservation Foundation of Kane County, the Rain Barrels on Parade campaign, Tree Hab USA, Friends of the Chicago River, Chicago Wilderness, and the Morton Arboretum. Womack’s passion for the environment is unrelenting, as is his energy.

Womack has been the chair of the City of Geneva's Natural Resources Committee since 2007. During this time, he has donated thousands of hours to various causes including Earth Day; Fox River Clean Up; and the Wine, Cheese & Trees fundraiser, which he created and continues to chair to raise money to assist in replacing trees in Geneva that were lost to disease such as the Emerald Ash Borer.
Geneva's Anti-Icing Program Helps Protect The Environment
In addition to plowing, the Geneva Public Works Department uses an anti-icing program that includes different applications of a liquid mixture of salt brine, calcium chloride, and an agricultural byproduct (typically beet juice). Crews can custom blend the mixture for each snow event based on pavement/air temperatures and wind speeds to efficiently slow roadway icing.

The mixture can be applied directly to the street (white lines may be noticeable on the pavement) up to 48 hours before a snow event, or added to the salt to jumpstart the activation process in cold weather (as seen in the photo on Route 31 and Fargo Boulevard).

Anti-icing has several benefits. Most importantly, it helps crews remove snow and ice from the pavement faster. It also reduces the average amount of salt applied during snow events by 15 to 20% – saving money and helping protect the environment.
There Is Still Time To Place Your Parkway Tree Order For 2023
Geneva NRC Suggests To Leave The Leaves
Editor's Note
The City’s leaf and yard waste collection programs remain the same, but the Geneva Natural Resources Committee is offering an optional alternative for residents.
Leave the leaves. The City’s Natural Resources Committee encourages Geneva residents to follow this motto each spring and fall to promote a healthier landscape for their home, our community, and the environment as a whole.

Dropped leaves in the fall insulate roots from cold temperatures, conserve moisture, and provide a habitat for a variety of insects that are essential food sources for many species of wildlife, including birds.

While snow might be falling now, warmer months – and spring cleaning – will be upon us before we know it. Geneva offers yard waste collection in the spring, but the committee suggests residents wait until daytime temperatures are consistently in the 50s (historically, the month of May) before disposing of leaves.

For those concerned about smothering their lawn, rake leaves onto mulched areas or garden beds to prevent weeds in the spring. People should avoid piling leaves on spots where plants may grow.

Thanks to everyone who does their part to help Mother Nature. Geneva residents who have questions or would like to help volunteer with the Natural Resources Committee, please email Jay Womack.
How To Recycle Those Old Electronics
Did you get a new tech gift for the holidays, but not sure what to do with those old devices? There are two convenient ways to recycle them.
Curbside

Geneva residents can recycle unwanted electronics during their normal garbage day. Each item or bundle of devices must be tagged with the appropriate number of refuse stickers (see the City's website for more details).
Drop Off

People also can utilize the Kane County Recycling Center in Batavia, which is open on weekdays at 517 E. Fabyan Parkway. A list of accepted items and hours of operation can be found on Kane County's website.
Save The Date: Geneva Restaurant Week; Wine, Cheese & Trees
Geneva Restaurant Week

Monday to Sunday, Jan. 23-29
Wine, Cheese & Trees

Saturday, Feb. 25
City Honors 'Art On Fire' Hydrant Design Participants
The Geneva City Council recognized talented artists who showcased their creativity in the City's 2022 "Art on Fire" hydrant design competition.

Kristine Metoyer won first place for "Flowers In Bloom" located on Sixth and Franklin streets (pictured). Louisa, Lianna, and Chiara Surtz's "Floating On Flowers" hydrant on Fourth and Franklin Streets; and Carole and Ethan Ellermeir's "Boba Frett, Litterbug Bounty Hunter" on Second and Hamilton streets earned second and third place honors respectively.

Emilia Amaya's "The Great Getaway" hydrant at Brigham Way and Fargo Boulevard was the International Cultural Exchange Committee category winner.

The City of Geneva, in collaboration with the Cultural Arts Commission, has sought artists to adopt and paint fire hydrants throughout the community. Since 2013, 120 hydrants have been transformed into public art.

You can watch the "Art on Fire" recognition ceremony during the Dec. 5 City Council meeting or take a virtual tour of all our painted hydrants.

Thank you to all the artists who participated in this year's contest.
ComEd Tree Trimming Scheduled For January
Commonwealth Edison will be trimming trees in January along the east bank of the Fox River in Geneva.

While the City of Geneva owns and operates its own electric utility, ComEd runs 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.
City Administrator's Office: Budget Public Hearing Scheduled
As Geneva rung in the new year last weekend, the City's budget planning process for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25 is well underway.

The City Council kicked off the budget process in November during a strategic planning workshop with the City staff's senior management team and the chair of the Strategic Plan Advisory Committee. During a day-long workshop, goals were prioritized from the strategic plan that provide the roadmap to the budget development process.

The 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal year budgets will be presented to the City Council Tuesday, Jan. 17 for initial review and discussion. Following the meeting, the draft budget will be available for review on the City's website and at City Hall, 22 S. First St. The community will be able to weigh in on the budget during a public hearing, which is scheduled for the Monday, Feb. 6 City Council meeting.

Between Jan. 17 and Feb. 6, questions/responses regarding the budget posed by aldermen will be posted to the City's website.

The property tax rate will see a slight change during the next budget year from 0.509323 to an estimated 0.512324, an overall tax rate increase of 0.59%. What does this mean for homeowners? A home valued at $350,000 will see an approximate $3.32 increase in the City's portion of their next property tax bill.

The City's budget is actually a combination of 37 individual budgets, all having different purposes and different legal restrictions. Elected officials and City staff are committed to a balanced and fiscally sound budget plan that will continue to provide high-quality public services, support the vision as outlined in the strategic plan, and manage the challenges that each new year brings.
Administrative Services News: Come Join Team Geneva
Looking for a new job in 2023? Come be part of Team Geneva. The City currently has openings for certified police officers - lateral entry and a fleet maintenance supervisor in our Public Works Department. Visit the City's website for more details.
Economic Development News: Geneva Is A Dining Destination
Geneva is an exciting destination for foodies, people who seek new food experiences as a hobby rather than simply eating out of convenience or hunger.

With more than 65 independent restaurants and gourmet food establishments in the downtown alone, an avid foodie could easily order a different cuisine in Geneva every night of the month.

Given Geneva's vibrant dining scene, your first challenge will be deciding where to eat. The Geneva Downtown Map sorts restaurants by categories and even has a section for places to drink. Our Business Directory lists every option throughout the City, sorted by breweries and wineries, coffee and sweets, and restaurants.

It is difficult to highlight a single Geneva restaurant to foodies because there are many enticing options that truly raise the dining-out bar. If you appreciate fresh, conscientiously sourced ingredients, Niche Restaurant has a menu of American contemporary cuisine that is sure to satisfy. Niche is recognized nationally for its coveted wine list. The bar also is stocked with local beers and nearly 500 whiskies.

For a taste of locally crafted beer, stop at Penrose Brewing Company or Art History Brewing. Art History Brewing is passionate about its beer styles and ensures they are poured with the appropriate amount of foam into the correct glassware. Art History has an evolving tap list from Czech Pilsner to a Juicy, Hazy IPA.

Your second challenge is to decide where to shop for packaged gourmet food to bring home. Downtown Geneva has independent shops with fresh artisan olive oils, balsamic vinegar, spices, and hot sauce such as The Olive Mill, Galena Garlic Company, and Urban Artisan. All Chocolate Kitchen Chef Alain Roby, an award-winning local chocolatier, makes handmade truffles that will delight your senses. Each edible piece is a work of art. Foodies will be enchanted by their crepes, gelato and coffee. Geneva has many amazing small businesses with desserts and fabulous coffee. Any foodie with a sweet tooth will have to make more than a few stops.

Your third Geneva challenge will be to find that perfect item to enhance your kitchen or dining room table. You can conveniently visit popular national stores along Randall Road, such as Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, and HomeGoods. Unique and functional kitchen gear is available at The Little Traveler for foodies who love to cook. The Royal Wren's Nest is a new independent store with beautiful items for your tabletop. A sister shop, The Royal Wren, will delight you with their selection of gourmet food and wine.

So much culinary happiness is waiting for foodies in Geneva. If you have a keen interest in food that tastes good and is thoughtfully prepared, we got you covered.
Check Out Geneva's Newest Businesses
Check out all the new businesses that now call Geneva home or take time to visit one of your favorite stores and restaurants. We hope to see you soon.
Police News: Winter Driving Safety
Happy New Year! January is generally one of the colder and snowier months of the year. Each winter, we respond to numerous traffic crashes that occur on snow and/or ice-covered roadways.

I wanted to take a few minutes of your time to provide some basic winter driving reminders. Following these simple steps may reduce the chances you are involved in an accident this winter:

  • Leave plenty of time to reach your destination;
  • Reduce your speed;
  • If you do not have to travel in inclement weather, stay home;
  • Wear your seatbelt;
  • Turn your headlights on;
  • Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles, including snowplows to give them enough room to operate; and
  • Watch out for ice, especially on the bridges throughout our community.

Last but not least, while we all prefer to get into a warm car, warming up your unattended vehicle is an opportunity for someone to steal it. Each winter, police agencies throughout the Fox Valley respond to vehicles stolen in this manner. If you are going to warm up your car, it is recommended that you utilize a remote starter.

The Geneva Police Department hopes that you have a safe winter season.

Eric Passarelli
Police Chief
Community Dev. News: Our Project Map Keeps You Connected
Fire Department News: We Need Your Help This Winter
When winter weather arrives, the Geneva Fire Department reminds residents to clear out the closest fire hydrant to their house.

The City's Public Works Department is aware of the hydrants and tries very hard to avoid covering them with plowed snow. However, the situation can be unavoidable on some streets, such as cul-de-sacs, where there is not much space to pile the snow between the driveways, mailboxes and hydrants.

Residents fortunate enough to have a hydrant in front of their house can do the Fire Department and themselves a huge favor by clearing snow around the hydrant to make them visible and accessible from the street.
About Geneva
Located 40 miles west of Chicago along the Fox River, Geneva is home to 21,393 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.